Day in the Country

We just returned from a relaxing day outside of the city. I'm struck by how quickly and easily we can be in the real countryside here - motoring down shady, tree-lined lanes with rolling hills and historic farmhouses. Many of the small towns are still alive and well, and the even the stripmalls and Walmarts seem to be hidden from view. It's the most picturesque rural area I've seen in the United States; in fact, when we first drove into Pennsylvania from Ohio my first comment was "It looks like France!" and indeed, much of this area reminds us of the time we've spent driving throughout the French landscape.

Our first destination was, coincidentally, French Creek State Park near Elverson for a very green and quiet 3.7 mile hike along the "Turtle Trail." Afterward, we stopped at a great deli in Elverson for a hoagie and then headed back on scenic Conestoga Road. Along the way, we saw many typical Pennsylvania farmhouses, all beautifully maintained.

I had seen a place on our way out that caught my eye so on the return trip we stopped to explore. What a find! It was called The Mill at Anselma and it is a National Historic Landmark. The water-powered mill was constructed circa 1747 and served as a grist mill for the surrounding families. It is the most complete example of a custom grain mill in the country. We were able to take a tour of the mill, the spring house and other buildings and we walked around the mill pond, home to many sunning snapping turtles. We bought dark roasted cornmeal (which they still produce on the original mill equipment!) to take home along with some great recipes. The Pennsylvania countryside is dotted with many historic buildings and sites and they are such a treat to find and visit.

A little further down the road we stopped at a farm stand to buy a bouquet of late summer sunflowers which brighten our apartment nicely and, I think, go beautifully with Gauguin's Chair.