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Page 30 February 2018 The Catoctin Banner Newspaper www.TheCatoctinBanner.com Published by www.EPlusPromotes.com
A Trip Worth Taking

Daisy Field Farm & The Inn at

Adventures Hickory Ridge, Pocono Mts., White
from a Haven, PA
Traveler’s
Notebook These two separate
attractions are within minutes
by Lisa C. of one another and offer the
possibility of a romantic bed
Cantwell and breakfast, plus a sleigh
ride getaway, in the Poconos.
White Haven is within easy Photo by Charlene Browne
driving distance, approximately
157 miles, north of Thurmont.
Daisy Field Farm is a year-
round equine business and
With Valentine’s Day approaching and winter still upon us, I thought of a nature preserve, located in
trip we took a few years ago that fulfilled a life-long romantic dream: a stay in the western Poconos. For two
historic New England, complete with a horse-drawn sleigh ride. generations, the same family
So, in addition to highlighting that adventure in this month’s column, I’ve has provided horseback riding, Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride from this White Mountain
country lodge.
researched a couple of destinations that will enable you to experience the hay wagon rides, carriage rides,
tingling of harness bells, snuggled under a cozy blanket with your beloved, and sleigh rides to individuals, families, and groups. They will even arrange for
should you have a similar wish! a campfire and weenie roast for guests. Reservations must be made for a visit,
as it is a private farm. Snow falls in the Poconos from November until March,
Farm by the River Inn & Stables, so a horse-drawn sleigh ride across the fields and forest is a possibility. After
that invigorating sleigh ride, consider lodging at The Inn at Hickory Run, a
White Mts., North Conway, NH quiet stone and wood beauty, nestled on four acres and perched at 2,200-feet
elevation. There are beautiful views from the windows, balconies, and porches
of the 9,600 square-foot lodge. Choose from four spacious guest rooms,
I found this incredible inn complete with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. A hearty breakfast is served in the
by accident a few years main dining room on the weekends. During a weekday stay, help yourself to
ago, while doing a search Continental fare, stocked in the kitchen. Prices start at $155 per night with a
for a sleigh ride getaway. two-night minimum reservation. Two state parks and three downhill ski resorts
Photo by Jeff Akerson close to home, but realizing online at www.innathickoryrun.com or call 877-797-3618. For a sleigh ride at
Hoping to find a destination
are close by for winter fun. To plan your snowy getaway, make reservations
inns with horse-drawn
Daisy Field Farm, call 570-839-0925 or visit www.daisyfieldfarm.com.
sleigh rides were few in
our region, I yielded to the
North where such places
abound, especially in the Keystone Classic Carriages,
White Mountains. Up Mercersburg, PA
popped a beautiful inn,
built in 1771, and owned
Sleigh pulled by black Percherons at Farm by the River, No snow? No problem!
Bed and Breakfast. within the same family line Keystone Classic Carriages
for seven generations. The has sleighs with runners
70-acre place was home to twenty horses and numerous wagons, carriages, that hide wheels. Four-
and sleighs. In typical-New England-style architecture, the barn was attached to six-person carriages
to the house. That did it. Being a horse-crazed sort of gal, I booked a five- are pulled by a team of
night stay. My husband, weary from a tour in Afghanistan, did not protest. We beautiful Belgian horses.
flew into Portland, Maine, and rented a car. After a 62-mile drive, we arrived When there’s snow, the Photo by Lisa C. Cantwell
at a large, white-washed Cape Cod with a sprawling porch, surrounded by wheels can be removed for
an even whiter, snow laden landscape. Our hosts, Rick and Charlene, were a more authentic glide. This
most gracious and we immediately relaxed. The roaring fireplaces in our outfitter offers private or
room and in the common area only added to a complete feeling of “Ahhhhh, group sleigh rides on their
we’ve arrived!” The next several days were spent sleigh riding, hiking the property, located in the
farm, reading by the fire, horseback riding, downhill skiing, and, of course, shadows of the Bear Pond
enjoying the excellent dining and shopping establishments of North Conway. mountains. For a group of A Victorian sleigh ride for two.
A bountiful breakfast was served every morning. I’d never enjoyed French six persons, the average cost is
toast or baked oatmeal more than when prepared “a’ la Charlene style.” A full $125. They will even bring a horse-drawn sleigh to your door for an additional
staff of wranglers hitched and drove the horses for several hours of sleighing. charge, if the distance is beyond twenty-five miles of their farm. The family-
Gentle breeds of black and gray Percherons and russet-colored Belgians pulled owned business can also provide a bonfire for the sleigh ride outing on their
the wagons with ease. With the bells singing to every stride of the team and the farm. Catering is not available, however, so tuck a thermos of hot chocolate
White Mountains always in view, we were cozy for about two hours in that in your pack and any other goodies for the ride. Visit their website at www.
Victorian sleigh. The Saco river gurgled close by. My dream had more than keystoneclassiccarriages.com or call 717-658-9451 to make reservations. Find
come true. If this is a possibility for your bucket list, then call Charlene at them on Facebook: Keystone Classic Carriages.
(603) 356-2694 to reserve one of the nine rooms that Farm by the River offers.
Rates begin at $125 per night for a two-person, queen room. Many rooms
have jacuzzis and fireplaces. A Valentine “Sleigh Ride and Stay” package
is available and includes a sleigh ride for two, champagne or cider, box of We Invite You to Share Your Good News!
chocolates, fireside breakfast, and a snowshoeing outing. Visit their website at
www.farmbytheriver.com. news@thecatoctinbanner.com • Message Line 240-288-0108 • Publisher’s Line 301-271-1050 • Fax 301-447-2946