Les & I had the opportunity to enjoy a very nice afternoon out without the children during one of his last days off in 2010. The first Monday after Christmas I traditionally lose my husband to deer hunting, as it's the first day of muzzleloader season...This year, fate was on my side...Or rather, the wind. It was too windy for Les to be out messing with gunpowder and lead balls (think Revolutionary-style muskets almost -- and if I err, they just remind me of that...). So he decided we would spend a day together, doing something I wanted to do. Wow! I was excited! But...to come up with spur-of-the-moment plans at, well, the spur-of-the-moment?Something that would be entertaining, relaxing, not put my husband to sleep?? I had been browsing some shops in downtown Lititz prior to Christmas, and I thought that might be a nice place to start.
When we drove down East Main Street, I was pleasantly surprised to find that parking was still a gift to visitors from the little borough -- no need to dig out quarters at least! We found a spot right along the first block and proceeded to the Bulls Head Public House. If you want pub fare -- and a huge list of beverages too -- you absolutely MUST try this place! The ambiance made it seem like we were indeed seated in a traditional British pub. The hard cider was delicious, and the IPA Les drank had a nice, clean finish (he let me have a taste!). For lunch I chose the traditional Steak & Ale Pie, mmmmmm...Savory bits of meat were hidden by a flaky, tender crust and drenched with a rich gravy. It was nice and piping hot -- the perfect thing to warm me on such a chilly December day. Les had Bangers & Mash. The sausages were plump, the potatoes done to perfection. We really enjoyed the cozy quiet of the pub during our luncheon, but I am sure it might get a little more crowded and loud at night!
After our lunch, we strolled down some of Main Street before the cold did us in, stopping at last at my favorite culinary store, Zest. The owners are friendly and helpful and we chit-chatted as I made my purchases (I always have to buy something!). Next we peeked in a few of the quaint shops offering furnishings and home decor such as The Lily Pad, The Curiosity Shoppe and The Sassy Tassel. Because of the bitter wind, we soon called it a day, which meant we did not have opportunity to walk to Wilbur Chocolate (I love the chocolate covered candied orange slices -- HINT HINT!!!), Sturgis Pretzel or the Savory Gourmet (where I had purchased Reindeer Sausage for Les for a Christmas stocking stuffer). I do miss the tea shop that closed last April, but I have found Cafe Chocolate to offer enjoyable beverages, especially the Chocolate Strawberry Lush, which is like an icy chocolate-covered strawberry in a glass! I think we need to plan a return trip in the spring once the weather has made walking more pleasurable. You definitely need to stroll so you don't miss a thing!
