This is shorter than my regular blog entries, but this was a shorter and less busy trip than most, so I thought I would add it as an addendum to our trip several years ago exploring Pennsylvania. One reason is we stayed at the same place where we started our trip those years ago. The E.J. Bowan House B&B and its hosts Diane and Scott are still just as lovely. This trip had been pre-planned as a quick getaway a bit back and then I got a virus that knocked me down for several weeks. We almost canceled the trip but waited too long. This meant we did things a little differently than usual. We left after both finishing work on Thursday.
We had already asked for a late check-in, which Diane and Scott were very nice about, we also realized the nearby restaurant Rice and Noodles where we wanted to pick up dinner would be closing shortly after our arrival. We placed a phone order and picked up some vegan soups and spring rolls and brought them with us to the B&B. After checking in, including a tour, and reviewing our dietary needs and interests, we took our lovely dinner and sat out by the coy pond to enjoy.
The next morning, Steve had to work, and I wanted to do some exploring, though knew my energy would limit how much time I could wander around. I took most of my breakfast of blueberry pancakes and fruit back to the room to enjoy slowly as my appetite wasn’t normal either, but the food was so good and all gluten-free, dairy, and meat-free, though other guests got different variations. I headed over to the nearby town of Litiz to walk a little in the Litiz Spring Park and then I sat on one of the benches near the water and ducks, to do some writing. I walked in the park a bit more and moved my car into town to explore a little too. Then it was time to go back and rest and read until Steve finished work.
Our hosts had told us it was “First Friday” in downtown Lancaster, so we drove around trying to see if there was an area with a lot happening that might be fun to hang in. Honestly, there seemed really limited things happening, maybe due to the hot weather. Instead, we went and picked up dinner at Root, the same vegan restaurant we had first tried on our last trip. We got a few of the small dishes to take back to the garden at the B&B and try. We enjoyed the good food and the pleasant atmosphere of the garden again.
Saturday morning, another huge breakfast at the B&B and the pleasant company of the hosts and the other guests. Then we headed for the Lancaster Central Market to hit up some of our favorite stalls. We left with lots of organic produce and not only gluten-free bread but some amazing gluten and dairy-free treats. Of course, these were all coming home with us in our cooler, as we were still stuffed from breakfast.
We spent the next few hours driving in the countryside, a lot of the time going in circles. We were looking for some furniture for our new porch and although we got some ideas, mostly we just got turned around and looped around.
Before we headed home we were ready for some lupper and we discovered a great new eating place. I was specifically looking for some good soup, which was just what my body craved. My search lead me to Pho Life that had vegan options inside a building called the Southern Market. It’s best described as an upscale food court. I assume during the week it is busy with downtown workers. There is a large bar in the center and the walls are lined with all kinds of interesting places to choose food. Then you can take your selections to some of the comfy booths scattered around. My soup was SO good, and Steve got delicious sushi.
That was the end of our short adventure. I look forward to going back to Lancaster and the E.J. Bowen house when I’m feeling myself and I can enjoy every minute and every bite of good food.
