sally's blog

Innkeeper Extraordinaire

Notoriously camera shy, you may find Sally in the kitchen custom blending teas, out in the garden cultivating herbs and flora, or galavanting around south central PA in search of the best farm-stand produce. She has also been known to dance in the eye of a hurricane, drive a race car, and keep a major cable network on-the-air.

Quiet Season

With the winter solstice, all 17 of our resident peace lilies, palms, and pothos retire to convalesce in radiator warmth on the sunny 2nd floor until our guests return in March. Our Colorado mint and lavender will endure the coldest Pennsylvania months while the bunnies feast on Rocky Mountain white clover cultivated throughout our gardens. The chipmunks have burrowed deep, and are guaranteed to be no-shows until the first purple crocus pop.

Micro-Wedding Weekend

Your wedding will be an amazing weekend to remember with our all-inclusive micro-wedding weekend package! Let us do all the work and relieve you of the stress and expense of a rented venue event. Create cherished memories with an intimate and private wedding weekend at our restored classic American Queen Anne home. Up to 6 people in wedding party for a flat rate of only $1,999 +applicable taxes. Celebrate your nuptials without rushing through everything in the whirl-wind of a few hours, and enjoy the luxury of time and space with your closest companions.

A Little Wild

If you’re passing by and thinking our grass could use a trim, that’s no accident. We like it a little wild. Intentionally not over-cut or chemical sprayed, our lawns are maintained to promote an optimal environment for flora and fauna. All that blooming white clover, the honey and bumble bees love those healthy clumps. Perhaps the hostas and day lilies are past their prime, we see firefly condos. Non-staked gladiolus with half-eaten leaves? You bet! Bunnies! Perhaps the baby bunns will chase each other through the carriage house during your morning yoga practice.

Fireflies & Lemon Balm

Although summer is winding down, we still have our share of fireflies in the garden at dusk and into the evening. The lemon balm really exploded this year and we continue to provide interested guests a takeaway bundle upon departure. We hope you will create something personal. Perhaps lemon balm cookies, hand soap, bath tea, or tincture to remind you of your stay at Himes House.

Gettysburg Campaign

As we approach July, attention turns to the event 157 years ago that put Adams County, PA on the national map, and has kept the area in the national consciousness since.

Most of the attention focuses, as it should, on the Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3 1863. The fight there took place across a front several miles long, centered about 10 miles (as the crow flies) from our fantastic house in New Oxford.

Spring Eases into Summer

The small eruptions of lilac, mock orange, and lilies of the valley gave way to an explosion of fragrance and color as the peonies took the stage for their annual performance. And since their exit, we have fully embraced summer with a plethora of orange and yellow day lilies, with each dusk bringing electric anticipation as fireflies become more plentiful in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, bunnies in the backyard are making regular appearances. Since they eat grass and wild strawberries, and stay away from the flowers, we are glad they feel welcome.