It’s New to Us by Jean Stratton

“GRAND CAROUSEL”: This fabulous carousel, which is known as the “Grand Carousel”, was built in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. It was fully restored and now delights children and adults alike at Peddler’s Village in Lashed, Pa. 46 handcarved figures in bass wood include horses, lion, giraffe, goat, spotted pig, rooster, and rabbits. The outer row of horses have as many as 50 glass jewels inlaid in their trappings. 950 light bulbs create 10,450 watts of glittering illumination, and 36 scenery panels have been restored in oil-painted landscapes and scenes of children and animals. More than 3000 hours of handpainting were required to return this work of art to its original grandeur.

Country Hospitality and Specialty Shopping Are Highlights at Popular Peddler’s Village

Country Hospitality and Specialty Shopping Are Highlights at Popular Peddler’s Village

Peddler’s Village offers a very special shopping experience. Located at Routes 202 and 263 midway between New Hope and Doylestown, Pa. in Lahaska, Buck County, this unique “village” is a favorite of visitors from all over the area.

More than 25 million guests have visited Peddler’s Village in the past five decades, and today the Village attracts 1.6 million annual visitors.

“We are the third most visited location in the greater Philadelphia area,” says Eve Gelman, Public Relations and Digital Communications Manager.

Founded in 1962 by the late Earl Jamison, the Village opened with 14 shops and the Cock ’n Bull Restaurant on a six-acre parcel of land. The Village now covers 42 acres and features 65-70 specialty shops, six restaurants, Giggleberry Fair family entertainment center, the Golden Plough Inn, and 12 major festivals and events.

The buildings, grouped amidst winding brick pathways and award-winning gardens reflect the architectural style of Colonial America, a style Mr. Jamison consistently maintained.

“A special feature of Peddler’s Village is the beautiful landscaping and ambiance,” points out Ms. Gelman. “This sets us apart. The Village has something for everyone. It spans ages and interests; spans all kinds of markets with shops for everyone, and with a wide range of price points.”

One-Stop Shopping

Indeed, the Village offers one-stop shopping for customers, who can enjoy a delightful day’s outing at the same time.

There is a shop for almost every category: art galleries and gifts, international favorites from Ireland, Italy, and Germany, clothing and accessories for men, women, and children, jewelry and leather, fashion footwear and furniture, cookware and carved wood, decorative hardware, wine and cheese, candy, nuts, baked goods, ice cream, and coffee (from all over the world, roasted daily on the premises), toys and books, day spa — to indicate just a sample of what is “in store” at Peddler’s Village.

Then, there are the dining opportunities. Formal to casual fare is offered in the six restaurants. The signature Cock ‘n Bull, featuring traditional American classics, also offers Sunday brunch and the weekly King Henry’s Feast on Thursday. Contemporary cuisine, using the best seasonal ingredients, is highlighted at Earl’s Bucks County.

The more informal Hart’s Tavern, Sweet Lorraine’s Cafe, and Nancy’s Village Cafe are favorites, and Peddler’s Pub, in the style of an old English country tavern, features Peddler’s Village Murder Mystery Dinner Theater on Friday nights.

The Painted Pony Cafe offers fun food for kids and parents at the Giggleberry Fair. This popular entertainment center for ages two to 14 (or anyone young at heart) not only offers the extraordinary “Grand Carousel”, but Giggleberry Mountain, the area’s largest indoor colorful 3-story, 6-level obstacle course. Thousands of foam berries fill the 60 by 30 foot building and the obstacle course’s colorful obstructions of netting mazes. Coiling down all three stories is a custom-designed enclosed slide.

The game room offers a variety of vintage-type arcade games, rated “green” or suitable for all ages.

Special Opportunities

Other Giggleberry features include “Comfyland”, an educational-oriented play area for toddlers and pre-school children, which offers a balance of technological and physical interaction and cognitive activity. Fire Station, Lightspace Play, and The Waterway offer special opportunities for kids to play and interact.

The Golden Plough Inn is another favorite at Peddler’s Village. With 70 rooms and first class amenities, the inn has guests from around the world, notes Ms. Gelman. “They come throughout the year, and there are many return guests. It can also host wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, and special parties.”

Peddler’s Village is also known for its ongoing events throughout the year. In the fall, Scarecrow and Apple Festivals highlight the activities, and Friday, November 18 marks the beginning of several important seasonal events.

The Gingerbread House Competition and Display will get underway, as will the Merchants Open House weekend, and the Grand Illumination Celebration. The Grand Illumination is always held the Friday before Thanksgiving, explains Ms. Gelman. “It’s an old-fashioned party. Santa switches on the Village outdoor holiday light display, featuring over one million lights. Santa also begins his weekend visits with Children at Giggleberry Fair.”

Grand Illumination

This is a wonderful occasion, she adds. “During the Grand Illumination, the Village is aglow with lights, and people come over to me — multi-generational families — and say ‘thank you so much for bringing the special feeling of the holidays to everyone.’ I really enjoy our guests. They are so grateful for the beauty and joy we bring to them. They can create precious family memories here.”

The Village is enthusiastically anticipating next year’s 50th Anniversary. Many events are planned to mark the occasion starting in January 2012. A special “50 Weeks of Shopping” begins January 1. In addition, several contests are planned, including cake recipes, cupcake decorating, drawing, as well as the Peddler’s Village Civil War Re-enactment.

“We are really looking forward to our 50th Anniversary,” says Ms. Gelman. “This is a very special, wonderful place with extraordinary shopping for the holidays, and any time. You can come here and really enjoy shopping. Make a day of it.”

In addition, she notes that while the colonial atmosphere pervades the Village, the operation is very much in the 21st century. “We may have an 18th century ambiance, but we have 21st century amenities. The communications are completely 21st century, including Twitter and Facebook. We have a beautiful extensive website. Check it to find special coupons and our newsletter.”

Also, adds Ms. Gelman, the work of many people goes into making sure the Village offers the outstanding shopping experience to visitors that it does. “A lot goes on behind the scenes at Peddler’s Village. I am honored and proud to work with the outstanding staff here.”

Free parking is another highlight, and the Village is open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 9, Sunday 11 to 6. Hours will be extended for holiday shopping. (215) 794-4000. Website: www.peddlersvillage.com.

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