Editor Picks: Bed & Breakfasts in Lancaster

The grand Cameron Estate Inn is well known to both tourists and county residents as the attached restaurant is one of the premiere fine dining restaurants in Lancaster County. Drawing on its rich agricultural surrounding, the restaurant’s menu focuses on eclectic farm-to-table dining. Those enjoying breakfast after an overnight stay may choose from three options ranging from light to hearty. Accommodations focus on timeless elegance. Named for former owner Simon Cameron, U.S. Senator and Secretary of War under President Abraham Lincoln’s who purchased circa-1805 estate post-Civil War, the estate sits on five acres of lawn, woods, and rose gardens; contains 18 air-conditioned rooms with private baths; and 11 fireplaces. The largest room at Cameron Estate is the Green Drawing Room, which features Federal-style wallpaper with an original interior featuring wood shutters and woodwork; a private bath with tub and shower highlights the spectacular 1880 French bedroom suite. Conveniently located a short drive from Route 283, the estate is nearly equidistant to day trip destinations Hershey, Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York.

For a room closer to the city life Innkeepers Brad Loman and Keith Jenkins invite guests to the Dutch Colonial-style B&B Lancaster Bed & Breakfast. Built in 1912 the house served as residence to members of the Armstrong family (of the locally operated Armstrong World Industries) and became a B&B in 1987. The most spacious room at The Lancaster, The Hawthorn Suite, features a queen-size bed, a comfortable seating area, and electric fireplace. The Hawthorn has a separate dressing room and large en-suite bathroom with a tiled walk-in shower, oversized pedestal sink, and a large soaking tub. Across a small garden from the main building stands a modern cottage with two spacious second floor bedrooms, the Saffron and the Fennel. These modern, rural-themed rooms offer full amenities including mini-fridges and coffee machines; bot have a fireplace, satellite television, and Wi-Fi access. The Lancaster’s gift shop offers add-ons like macarons and chocolate covered strawberries for special stays.

Explore Lancaster County’s blend of rural living, vibrant villages, and rich cultural lifestyles with a stay package from The E. J. Bowman House. Owners Diane and Scott O’Donnell create packages to meet specific tastes, distinct interests, or offer a truly memorable and unique Lancaster experience. The Sight & Sound package offers discounted tickets to a local theatre. The Thank You for Your Service package offers active military, law enforcement, and fire fighters a ten percent discount. The historic 1860 Italianate building is centrally located. Luxury abounds in the Bowman Suite, which emphasizes the building’s architecture. The two-room, private suite features a maxi-king bed, a sitting room with day bed and accoutrements like a coffee maker and refrigerator for added convenience. A Tuscan mural surrounds the Jacuzzi tub. Common rooms at The E. J. Bowman House include an elegant parlor with gas fireplace, a spacious dining room, comfortable den, and a kitchenette filled with daily treats.

Part of what makes Lancaster County so special is its fertile farmland. The countryside is dotted with farms and homes still owned by the families named on the original charter from founder William Penn, like the Hertzog Homestead Bed & Breakfast. Scott and Kristen Hertzog have welcomed visitors to the homestead since 2003, but Scott’s family history dates back to the land long before then. His family represents the eighth generation of Hertzog’s to live on the quaint stretch of scenery in northern Lancaster County. The Mennonite church, the one room Amish schoolhouse, and the road on the homestead bear the name of the original landowner and relative, Jacob N. Metzler. The namesake Metzler Suite features original hardwood floors; antique built-in, German Bible closet; and corner cupboard with original, aged glass. The Hertzog Suite is the most romantic room and features a private garden Jacuzzi and queen sized sleigh bed.

Bed, breakfast, and … beer? That is what the 1777 Americana Inn Bed and Breakfast offers above any other stay in Lancaster County. Husband and wife owners Bob and Denise Harter decided to add a small brewery to their stopover after falling in love with the craft beer movement. In a detached building on the Bed and Breakfast property located near downtown Ephrata, Black Forest Brewery takes its name from the 42-mile Black Forest Trail in Pennsylvania’s Tiadaghton State Forest and serves what it calls “traditional ales.” The sandstone and stucco B&B is the former residence and workshop of Jacob Gorgas, a master tall case clockmaker and over its 250 year history served as a millinery shop, stagecoach stop, hotel, restaurant, and a doctors’ office. The culinary additions spring from Denise’s experience as a Family & Consumer Sciences Educator. The menu at the brewery ranges from traditional PA Dutch fare to globally-inspired entrees and small plates.