Mt Gretna = Jigger Shop! Ice Cream Sundaes!!

. . . but we had to eat dinner first!

Jigger Shop, Mt Gretna, a summer tradition

It’s a summer tradition in mid-state Pennsylvania, when you think ice cream, you think Jigger Shop! We try to make it here at least one time during the summer. Since the Jigger Shop is only open from Memorial Day thru Labor Day, time is limited for a trip to one of Mt Gretna’s main attractions! Dining is either inside or outside on the deck surrounded by tall pines. There was no choice, we opted for the deck!

Outdoor dining in Mt. Gretna

Jim had a huge Fish Sandwich with a cup of Boston Clam Chowder and Linda had a Pork BBQ sandwich with a side of coleslaw. We finished that only so we could have dessert (like our parents were watching or something!!) and ordered our ice cream! What you see in front of Jim is a small Hot Fudge Sundae!  Yummy!  Linda’s was The Jigger Shop speciality. . . “The Jigger.”  This is served in a tall soda glass with scoops of ice cream, chocolate sauce, and “sawdust,” topped with a marshmallow topping and sprinkled with more “sawdust.”  It is a “To Die For” Sundae!

Mt. Gretna, Pennsylvania Chautauqua

Next door to The Jigger Shop is the Pennsylvania Chautauqua Community Building. In 1892, the Pennsylvania Chautauqua was chartered and was devoted to “The advancement of literary and scientific attainment among the people, and the promotion of popular culture in the interest of Christianity.” Linda’s great-great-grandfather, Rev. Jeremiah Mark Carvell, was one of the people that was instrumental in the creation of it’s organization.

Each summer there are a number of cultural activities taking place in Mt. Gretna. The Organ recitals we attended in July (see my earlier post) is just one of them. There is a huge art show each August, Jazz Concerts, Chamber Music, Theatre events, Fireworks, Lectures, Travelogues, Book Reviews and the list goes on and on. If you have a home in Mt. Gretna and are bored, you have nobody to blame but yourself!

Serenity in the Woods

Since we both were “feeling the effects” of a sinful dinner we took a walk through the beautiful, mountain community of Mt. Gretna. The area was once a Camp Meeting site with cottages sitting in close proximity to their neighbors for the most part. Most have been added on to, expanded and upgraded. They are each individually landscaped and decorated. It is a beautiful walk through the narrow streets looking at everybody’s ideas for a mountain get-away home.

We walked past the Mt. Gretna Playhouse (actually we were strolling, not walking. . ) and on up the hill. On the way up, Linda pointed out the cottage (and the term is used loosely!) belonging to a friend. Coming down the home, Sally and her husband were on the porch and invited us to sit a spell and we did! After a tour through the 4 bedroom cottage, we sat and talked for over an hour. Their home sits on several lots, with a wrap-around porch, water fountain and screened in dining room. It is updated and lovely!

Train through the Thicket in Mt Gretna

This train winds through the yards of two different cottages.  If you look hard, you will see the little chairs for the children to sit and watch it as it goes by.  What an ideal setting for a Big People’s toy!

Our wonderful summer evening stroll through the delightful lanes of Mt. Gretna had to come to a close.  As dusk set it, we bid farewell to our host and hostess and strolled on back to our car which took us back to the reality that is home!

A relaxing respite in the woods had come to a close.

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Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)

• If it’s Thursday and It’s July. . . it’s up to Mt Gretna
• Ice Cream 101 with Gabrielle Carbone of the Bent Spoon