Friday, October 30, 2015

Culinary Tour of Adams County--Final Day

On the third and last day of our culinary tour of Adams County, we visited Cornerstone Farm, a beautiful old home once owned by Isaac M. Bucher and now operating as a Bed and Breakfast.

According to historical records, the Confederate troops occupied both this and neighboring properties from June 19 through July 10, 1863. Christian Shank, Bishop of the Mummasburg Mennonite Church, was Bucher's closest neighbor and his barn and house were commandeered by the Confederates as a field hospital during that time.

Records show that Bucher filed a claim with the Auditor General requesting reimbursement for "two horses and cattle taken by the 'dirty Rebs' July 1-3 from my fields."

Today, guests who stay at the property can choose from among five unique rooms, each with its own gas fireplace. Visitors wake up every morning to a delectable breakfast and a bucolic view.

A view of the horses from the breakfast table at Cornerstone Farm in Gettysburg
Front view of Cornerstone Farm in October

During our visit, we were treated to a breakfast which included homemade English muffins, granola, a rustic apple tart with walnuts and cranberries, a light, spinach/mushroom/leek frittata and an asparagus squash pancetta medley, expertly prepared by culinary student extraordinaire Taylor Bevard.

Squash, asparagus, pancetta medley, spinach, mushroom, leek frittata and rustic apple tart.



One unique, noteworthy aspect of the "Cornerstone Farm" is that it also operates as a non-profit organization called "Patriots Place," where veterans, their spouses and family caregivers can stay free of charge for relaxation, equine activities and more.

Off to Hollabaugh Bros.
Family owned and operated, Hollebaugh Bros., Inc., located in Biglerville, is a favorite stop for locals seeking a variety of products fresh from the onsite fruit and vegetable farm.

During our visit, we tried our hand at apple dumplings while visiting their on-site kitchen, then toured the farm via hayride while they baked. During the ride, we learned all about what it takes to keep four generations motivated to maintain a thriving family business. 

Apples at Hollabaugh Bros., Inc.

They even carry apple candles

Learning to make apple dumplings at Hollabaugh Bros., Inc.
Before heading back to the hotel, we stopped at  Mr. Ed's Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium, a perennial favorite of children all around the region. 

A giant elephant at Mr. Ed's Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium

Mr. Ed made national news one holiday season when his hot-air balloon took an unfortunate detour and became stuck in the trees above Caledonia State Park
Be sure to visit Mr. Ed's website to learn more about the colorful entrepreneur. His family owned and operated business is located on the historic Lincoln Highway, otherwise known as Rt. 30.

Now that Adam's County is a wrap, it on to more about Try the World," an update I promised before and failed to deliver--my apologies. 
The food box subscription service features a different country each month. Stay tuned for more on the Spain and Paris boxes and instructions on how to make a dish with one of the ingredients contained therein.