The holidays are upon us! The hustle and bustle is in the air. There is so much planning, so many parties, family gatherings, work functions, shopping, meal planning and on and on. Even though the one you love most will be at many of the parties and events, there seems to be no time to celebrate and connect with that special person.
Give yourself the gift of romance. Pre-purchase all of the ingredients for that very special weekend and wrap it all up as a gift certificate. What better way to say I love you. Rather than the hassle of shopping for that special gift – give the gift of experience – give your true love a weekend away, time they can share with you, dates to be determined, filled with luxury accommodations, world class dining, and experiences that you can share.
Romance that you can enjoy in the New Year when the holiday rush has settled, the kids are back a school and you can take a few days away. Just the two of you, getting away for a weekend or a long weekend, to somewhere you’ve never been, so that you can both explore and be intrigued by new things, giving you a lot to talk about over great dinners, and savored lunches.
What better place for that getaway than Pennsylvania’s Americana Region with opportunities for made to order moments and memories all over the region.
Start with the luxury of a Bed and Breakfast
Stay in one of the last great residences in Berks County, one of the finest examples of Chateauesque style architecture in Eastern Pennsylvania. One in the far suburbs of Reading, with expansive views over the countryside, Stirling was named after the original Stirling Castle in Scotland, reflecting the splendid view it commanded. Stirling Guest House was occupied by the same family that built it for over 100 years, who left all of the opulent original detailing in place, until it was purchase by an experience hotelier who transformed it into a 15 suite guest house.
Escape to the countryside, bring in the morning with one of Donna’s fabulous country breakfasts in a restored 1870s general store, located in the tiny Pennsylvania village of Huff’s Church. Ed and Donna transformed the store into a five room bed and breakfast and lavished special attention on bathrooms, equipping each bedroom with a unique specialty bath. They know the area really well and can get you on your way to any activity that interests you. Have them pack you a picnic lunch and head out for some real relaxation in one of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region’s historical landscapes.
Surround yourself with magnificent architecture at the Wilhelm Mansion, now the Inn at Centre Park, where beautifully detailed architecture featuring ornate molded plaster ceilings in high relief, art glass panels, a ballroom with two bay windows, an oak paneled dining room, and many fireplaces, surrounded a Reading industrial magnate for 50 years. It is one of the few single dwellings of the Gothic Revival style in Reading, with a unique level of craftsmanship seldom seen in contemporary times, recognized by the Pennsylvania Comprehensive Historical Survey.
Dine in style
You cannot go wrong dining at any of the top 3 Trip Advisor ranked restaurants in Reading: Judy’s on Cherry, Stokesay Castle Lords Dining Room and Dan’s of Green Hills. Expect spectacular food and service at all the locations.
One afternoon before dinner, taste and savor at one or more, of the more than 20 wineries that make up the Berks County Wine Trail. For a truly unqiue sipping experiene, stop in at the Distilled Whiskey Room of the Winedown Café in West Reading. Pair a light meal with savoring the spirits.
Take a class together or stroll through our museums
Enjoy creating a colorful glass plate, platter or bowl at the Goggleworks and don’t miss exploring the 34 artists studios that make up two floors of the Goggleworks Center for the Arts. Take some time to chat with the artists, learn their stories and enjoy their work.
You can also take private art lessons at Studio B in Boyertown, scheduled in the medium you would most enjoy and at the time of your convenience, or improve your cooking skills at The Culinary Classroom in downtown Reading.
If you have not already visited the Reading Public Museum, be sure to do so. The collection, that began with Old Masters and natural artifacts has expanded greatly to include Tiffany glass objects, an authentic Egyptian mummy, Asian porcelains and a room filled with Pennsylvania Dutch treasures.
Enjoy a scenic drive over snow covered hills and valleys
Astoundingly, Berks County has nearly 30 historic farms that have been designated their own historic districts scattered throughout the county. The state routes that connect these specially preserved places are some of the most beautiful in Eastern Pennsylvania. Turn off the cell phones, catch the trail and give yourselves some time to truly enjoy the ride and the beautiful countryside views.