2008 Fall Chocolate and Covered Bridge Tour

ssr71 · 08-23-2008, 03:38 PM

It's here!
Updated Sunday 10/12

The second C/CB tour will be on Columbus Day weekend again - October 11th and 12th.

Plan of events are much like last year. Meet & greet on Friday, Chocolate/candy cruise on Saturday, and bridge cruise on Sunday. Doug and Margo (RaticalSSR) have arranged rooms at Doneckers again. We have 13 rooms reserved.

Doneckers, Guesthouse & Inn
318 N State St
Ephrata, Pa 17522
717-738-9502
rooms held under SSRfanatic name

Alternate accomodations (Doneckers is now booked)
Rodeway Inn
116 S. 7th St.
Akron, Pa 17501
1-877-274-6009

Rooms are $70 a night.

So, here's the plan of events.

Friday October 10
Nothing official - I figure people will be coming into town and we can do a meet & greet dinner.

Saturday October 11
4th Annual Chocolate and Candy Run (4th year - wow!)
The previous choices seemed to be well accepted so I'll staying with them. Hershey being open the latest is last on the list, but might be skipped depending on time available. Last year, the place was mobbed. I'd like to avoid that if possible.

1. Stauffer's Cookie Factory Outlet - York Pa (meeting place for others coming in just for the day)
2. Wolfgang Candies - York Pa
3. Wilbur Chocolate Factory - Lititz Pa
4. Sturgis Pretzel House - Lititz Pa
5. Wertz Candies - Lebanon Pa
6. Hershey Chocolate World - Hershey Pa (option to skip if we get too late)

Saturday the 11th is also the annual Lititz Chocolate Walk. Chocolate Walk buttons are sold ($15 each through 9/30/08 - $20 after that) so that the wearer of the button can receive a free sample at each of the stops along the route! I just found out that they limit the number to 2000 and that they've sold out the past 2 years. I also doubt that we would have time as a group to complete it.

Lititz Chocolate Walk home page

As I was also just informed by Blue 06, the 11th is the last day of the AACA car show at Hershey. There is a chance that if we still decide to go to Chocolate World that parking may be impossible for our group.

Dinner to be hosted at Doug & Margo's place after the tour.

Sunday October 12
Fall Covered Bridge Tour

I'll be reprising the Spring '07 bridge tour for all of those that didn't make it last year (plus it's shorter and easier to drive). Full list of bridges and driving directions will be posted as soon as I recompile them. One of the bridges and another scenic bridge are no more

and will be pulled from the route.

Here are the bridges we will be touring on Sunday:

Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge
Pinetown Bushong Covered Bridge
Bitzer's Mill Covered Bridge
Weaver's Mill Covered Bridge
Poole Forge Covered Bridge

Lunch break at Pool Forge. I'm providing a picnic lunch in their pavilion (I didn't realize it was there, but it's tucked towards the back).

Red Run Covered Bridge (poor thing was looking really bad! )
Bucher's Mill Covered Bridge
Erb's Covered Bridge
Shearer's Covered Bridge (may skip if time runs short)
Kauffman's Distillery Covered Bridge
Shenk's Mill Covered Bridge
Seigrists' Mill Covered Bridge
Forry's Mill Covered Bridge

Driving Directions from Google Maps.

I realize that a lot of people will be heading home right after the tour (we'll be conveniently located close to either PA 283 or US rt 30 depending on which way people want to go, so I decided to move the group meal to lunch instead of waiting until we were done.

Optional Monday October 13

Last year, I went down to Strasburg to tour the Railroad Museum of PA. For anyone wanting to hang out (Monday's a holiday to many), we can travel down there for a visit to the museum and possibly ride the Strasburg RR too.

In the past, I have been asked many times if we could do the bridges on Saturday and the chocolate run on Sunday. The answer to that, sadly, is no. None of the shops are open on Sunday except for Hershey Chocolate world. That would make for a rather short and disappointing run to say the least.

As things develop, I'll update this post. Meanwhile, please "sign" up to let us know if you're coming.

Hope to see you there!

Attendees:

SSR71 (Kevin) - room reserved
Midnightrider (Brian) - room reserved
Big Jim (Jim & Patrice) - room reserved
RaticalSSR (Doug & Margo) (local - no room needed)
hog2030 (Wild Bill & Red) - room reserved
Jewlz965 and NauticalDave (Julie and Dave) - room reserved
SloeRyder (Claudia & Ed ) - room reserved
cancam (Cam and Lisa) - room reserved
MT Pockets (Gary and Janet) - room reserved
RoadsterJeff (Jeff and Debbie) - room reserved
Savilloc (Carl and Debbie) - cancelled
jonsuz1771 (John and Suzie) - room reserved
thatrhinoguy (Dana and Sharon ) Saturday, possibly Sunday
David Chewning (David and Cheryle) - room reserved
Bob & Judy (no screen name) (local)
Photoblur (John & Kathy) - local, no room needed
Super Dave & An SSR's Wife (David and Tanja) - Saturday only
Dutch (Dutch & Linda) - local (Saturday only?)
WOW_FCTR & Son - Saturday only
Bludragon - definitely Saturday, maybe Sunday
CQQL_SSR (Charlie & Jonathan) - Saturday only

MidnightRider · 08-23-2008, 05:36 PM

Count me in.

HotRodGirl · 08-23-2008, 05:43 PM

Bad timing for some of our Michigan Group we have a Fall Run Scheduled for the 11th of October

This is a great run for those of you whom have not attended it...the best chocolate in the World.........YUM YUM YUM

Doug and Margo graciously put on a nice spread at their home and Kevin SSR 71 does a fantastic job being the tour guide.

The hotel is very story book like...takes you back to days gone by

1 out of 10
A 10 rating!!!!!

BIG JIM · 08-23-2008, 07:00 PM

Patrice and I will be there...

BTW the 11th is my Birthday!

XSELER8 · 08-23-2008, 08:04 PM

Not sure if I can make it this weekend also.
To the Fanatics that haven't been there. This is a 10. This is a great weekend. GO...be there.

ssr71 · 08-23-2008, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG JIM

Patrice and I will be there...

BTW the 11th is my Birthday!

I'll make sure all the candy shops are well stocked just for you!

BIG JIM · 08-24-2008, 08:15 AM

Just Reserved the "Gettysburg Room" 10,11 & 12th

abadssr · 08-24-2008, 12:57 PM

cool anothe covered bridge video I cant wait they are very good you know

XSELER8 · 08-24-2008, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abadssr

cool anothe covered bridge video I cant wait they are very good you know

featuring Lancasters Best fresh road stuff

RaticalSSR · 08-24-2008, 05:05 PM

Put us on the list for sure.

Notes for the tour weekend.
Breakfast is included with your room each morning.
I will probably set up the meet & greet again at Piero's Restuarant here in
town for 8:00 pm Friday.
Also will host dinner at our house again on Saturday after the choc. tour.

All these locations are within 3 miles of each other. Will post addresses at a later date. Let hope for great weather like we had last year. Mid 80 and no clouds. Permasmiles

Any questions you can call my cell at 717-9515159
Doug

BSTPAPA · 08-24-2008, 05:54 PM

Shelly and I will check our schedule and hopefully we will make it.
For anyone who has not done this tour, I recommend it, its a lot of fun.
Bob

REBEL · 08-24-2008, 06:01 PM

RaticalSSR writes "Also will host dinner at our house on Saturday after the choc. tour."

cool!

ssr71 · 08-24-2008, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REBEL

RaticalSSR writes "Also will host dinner at our house on Saturday after the choc. tour."

cool!

So... does this mean you're coming or do you plan to hang with the Michigan crowd that weekend?

REBEL · 08-24-2008, 08:02 PM

I can go to the highest bider

downshifter · 08-24-2008, 08:06 PM

Rebel is going on the C/CB run and Brenda is coming to Michigan!!!!!!!! There that is settled!!:

Judy

BIG JIM · 08-24-2008, 08:07 PM

Ed I will fill your truck up when you get here!

RaticalSSR · 08-24-2008, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG JIM

Ed I will fill your truck up when you get here!

What with? chocolate and road apples!

kflick54 · 08-24-2008, 08:46 PM

Hope you have an even better time then last year. Unfortuntely I work that weekend and won't be able to join you.

downshifter · 08-24-2008, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaticalSSR

What with? chocolate and road apples!

I remember those road apples!!

Judy

BIG JIM · 08-24-2008, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kflick54

Hope you have an even better time then last year. Unfortuntely I work that weekend and won't be able to join you.

Keep us informed and we will cruise by!

downshifter · 08-25-2008, 07:30 AM

Kevin and the crew.
I have to say that we can't go this year and I am really disappointed.

It was so much fun last year and the bridges, chocolate factorys, and the Bed and Breakfast were all hi-lites of the Fall!! Any of you that have not gone, Please go and you will so enjoy the area and the beautiful old home that is the B and B.
Will really miss this!
Judy
PS. Doug and Margo, we will sure miss going to your house and seeing you. Sorry.

WILDBILLandRED · 08-25-2008, 07:55 AM

Hello Fellow Fanatics,

I reserved the Folton SWEET ... (spelling is in tune with the run).

This is going to be a surprise for Red !!!! If you see her on the Berkshire run, please dont tell her about this event.

See you all there

Wild Bill & Red , Pittsfield MA

P.S. Thanks for keeping this event Rolling... looks like you all have a great time.

NauticalDave · 08-25-2008, 08:54 AM

Jewlz965 and co-pilot in....

NauticalDave · 08-25-2008, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssr71

It's coming up faster than you think!

The second C/CB tour will be on Columbus Day weekend again - October 11th and 12th.

Plan of events are much like last year. Meet & greet on Friday, Chocolate/candy cruise on Saturday, and bridge cruise on Sunday. Doug and Margo (RaticalSSR) have arranged rooms at Doneckers again. We have 13 rooms reserved.

Doneckers, Guesthouse & Inn
318 N State St
Ephrata, Pa 17522
717-738-9502
rooms held under SSRfanatic name

After the 13 are gone, I do not know if they'll still have any rooms available. Room rates at other hotels are pretty steep. (upwards of 150 a night!!!)

So, here's the plan of events.

Friday October 10
Nothing official - I figure people will be coming into town and we can do a meet & greet dinner.

Saturday October 11
3rd Annual Chocolate and Candy Run (4th year now!)
The previous choices seemed to be well accepted so I'll staying with them. Hershey being open the latest is last on the list, but might be skipped depending on time available. Last year, the place was mobbed. I'd like to avoid that if possible.

Driving Directions from Google Maps to be posted soon.

1. Stauffer's Cookie Factory Outlet - York Pa (meeting place for others coming in just for the day)
2. Wolfgang Candies - York Pa
3. Wilbur Chocolate Factory - Lititz Pa
4. Sturgis Pretzel House - Lititz Pa
5. Wertz Candies - Lebanon Pa
6. Hershey Chocolate World - Hershey Pa

Dinner to be hosted at Doug & Margo's place after the tour.

Sunday October 12
Fall Covered Bridge Tour

I'll be reprising the Spring '07 bridge tour for all of those that didn't make it last year (plus it's shorter and easier to drive). Full list of bridges and driving directions will be posted as soon as I recompile them. One of the bridges and another scenic bridge are no more

and will be pulled from the route.

Optional Monday October 13

Last year, I went down to Strasburg to tour the Railroad Museum of PA. For anyone wanting to hang out (Monday's a holiday to many), we can travel down there for a visit to the museum and possibly ride the Strasburg RR too.

As things develop, I'll update this post. Meanwhile, please "sign" up to let us know if you're coming.

Hope to see you there!

Attendees:

SSR71 (Kevin)
Midnightrider (Brian)
Big Jim (Jim & Patrice) - room reserved
RaticalSSR (Doug & Margo)
hog2030 (Wild Bill & Red) - room reserved
Jewlz965 and NauticalDave (Julie and Dave)

I am only a Co-pilot....nothing more....

ssr71 · 08-25-2008, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NauticalDave

I am only a Co-pilot....nothing more....

That's why you get second billing. Get that camera finger in shape!

Blue 06 · 08-25-2008, 08:52 PM

Sounds like fun but not sure you are aware the American Auto Club Fall Hershey event is 8-12 October so it will be crowded around there. We will be there because I am showing my restored 1932 Buick 4 dr Sedan for judging.

Hope you guys have a great time and I am envious because we don't have those wonderful covered bridges in Texas or the yummy chocolate of Hershey but we have other good stuff so come on down in June 09 for a great time !

ssr71 · 08-26-2008, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue 06

Sounds like fun but not sure you are aware the American Auto Club Fall Hershey event is 8-12 October so it will be crowded around there. We will be there because I am showing my restored 1932 Buick 4 dr Sedan for judging.

Hope you guys have a great time and I am envious because we don't have those wonderful covered bridges in Texas or the yummy chocolate of Hershey but we have other good stuff so come on down in June 09 for a great time !

Thanks for the heads up - that happened to us once before and I hadn't checked the Hershey calendar. The show is actually over on the 11th, but I would expect that a lot of people will still be hanging around at 4:30-5:30ish when we would be arriving. It's just another reason that Hershey will be an optional stop. Last year, the parking lot for chocolate world wasn't even full yet the place was mobbed!

But.... you'll be just a few hundred yards from chocolate world yourself... stock up while you're there!

ssr71 · 08-26-2008, 08:39 AM

Bump.

I've updated some of the information in the first post.

Sloe Ryder · 08-26-2008, 03:29 PM

Sloe Ryder is in. Where will you all meet on Saturday. We can't make it until Sat. morning. Looking forward to it.
Claudia and Ed

Booked the Calico room for Sat.
See you all then,
Claudia

cancam · 08-27-2008, 11:37 AM

OK we are locked and loaded !

cancam - Cam and Lisa
MT Pockets - Gary and Janet

in on friday - out on monday - 3 nights