Our Peaceful Mt. Gretna Getaway

by Marion Lyttle | Lifestyle | 0 comments

Unwind in Mt. Gretna, a Charming Victorian Village

I wanted to find a peaceful getaway. If you are a gardener, you know that somewhere around July you are dreaming about a taking a break. This happened to me, so I started looking at places where we could go to relax in September or October. I dreamed of somewhere with comfortable weather, not too hot or cold. A place where we could relax with our feet up with an enjoyable book and recharge after a long season of gardening chores.

As I looked online, at all the island options, I realized that I really did not feel like packing for a week, having to wait 2 hours in an airport and spending hours on a plane and then repeat.

Choosing Mt. Gretna for Our Escape:

Somewhere amidst the online searches for island getaways a childhood memory surfaced. Dudley remembered a historic village with a lake, hiking trails, and a quaint ice cream shop. His cousin even owned a charming Arts and Craft cottage available to rent by family members and friends, making Mt Gretna the ideal off-season retreat.

Discovering Mt. Gretna’s Allure

During the summer, Mt Gretna transforms with a bustling playhouse, one of the oldest summer stock theaters in the country. Activities abound, from swimming to concerts, offering a plethora of options. Off-season, the cottage exudes tranquility, with a vast wraparound porch inviting relaxation and exploration.

Exterior of a yellow, vintage theater in the round. The large round roof is complimented by dormers. Nestled in a hillside surrounded by trees.

Journey to Mt Gretna:

Mt Gretna is located between Harrisburg and Lancaster, PA, nestled in the rolling hills of Lebanon County, about an hour and a half from Baltimore and Philadelphia. From our home on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, it was a beautiful 3-hour drive through charming shore villages turning into pristine Amish farmland the further north we traveled.

History of Mt Gretna:

Founded in the 1890s by the Pennsylvania Chautauqua Society, Mt Gretna has a rich history rooted in the Chatauqua movement, an adult education and social phenomenon of the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries.

Welcome to Mt Gretna Campmeeting signnext to a path that leads into the wooded community

To me, it is utopia. A quaint village of Victorian and Arts and Craft homes where you can be as involved as you want or not.

Gorgeous victorian house smothered in flowering vines set in the woods

Gorgeous victorian style house that is brown clapboard with red trim. A wraparound porch nestled istrees

Embracing Rainy Days:

Despite our chosen weekend being rainy, Mt. Gretna’s charm endured. Strolls between showers and leisurely afternoons on the expansive front porch with tea and the newspaper or an enjoyable book, created unforgettable memories.

Marion walking in the rain on a leaf covered path surrounded by mountain laurel.

Local Delights:

We also tried out the local restaurants such as the Porch and Pantry for an amazing breakfast…

Exterior of a craftsman house, used as a restaurant. with brown cedar shake siding and a. yellow porch.

…and enjoyed a sundae at the Jigger Shop celebrating their last day of the season.

Vintage ice cream parlor, painted yellow and called the Jigger Shop nestled in the woods of a victorian village.

Close up of an ice cream sundae smothered in whipped cream and adorned with 2 whole pretzels on a red table.

Note: You will often get pretzels stuck in your ice cream in parts of Pennsylvania. This is due to the influence of the Pennsylvania Dutch ancestors.

So if you are looking for a place to just get away or a place for the family to spend an active, enriching holiday, I would suggest that you consider Mt Gretna. There are plenty of short-term options, offered through Vrbo. Just be sure to choose one that is located within walking distance of all the amenities.

Hi! I'm Marion

…a wife, mom, spatial designer, vegan recipe developer, Bohemian spirit, and a Master Gardner in training. I’m on a journey to live an abundant life filled with joy and want to surround myself with the beauty of cottage gardens, to grow organic vegetables and fruits for the table, to prepare healthy, delicious meals for my family and to create a home that soothes us after a long day. I believe that anyone can find joy in their surroundings if given the right tools to envision their dreams. I hope that along our journey, you will find the skills to create the vision you want for your life.