With Pinterest raising the bar for hosting a stunning shabby chic or elegant country event, having the sweetest bridal shower or an intimate country wedding is a feat becoming more and more coveted—and attainable.
Hosts want their event to be memorable and unique just as much as attendees want to feel pampered and relaxed. Luckily, because do-it-yourself entertaining is en vogue, that means that farms, gardens and wineries are an accessible and fun place to make memories and put to task those Pinterest boards in real life. With a little twine, burlap, wildflowers and vintage items, any natural space can be personalized.
Gettysburg’s historic properties offer perfect ambience, serenity and a throwback to simpler times, making them the “it” locations to host intimate gatherings and provide the backdrop to cherished memories.
Beech Springs Farm
Guests are swept away with the beauty in the manicured grounds, the shimmering pond and renovated barn full of history and character. Whether it’s a farm-to-table dinner or an intimate wedding, Beech Springs Farm has the rustic-yet-refined atmosphere to put all guests at ease. Wander the gardens, walk along the patios and pathways, enjoy a glass of wine in a rocking chair on the big barn porch. The idea is to feel at home. All feel welcome here—the former potting shed in the English garden is even used as a dressing room for groomsmen. Proudly using much of their own produce and flowers to adorn the food tables whether as decor or part of the menu, Beech Springs Farm has lots of wholesomeness to offer. Available for intimate parties, weddings, showers and dinners, Beech Springs Farm is located in Adams County outside of Gettysburg and in the heart of apple country. 784 Mt. Carmel Rd., Orrtanna, (717) 642-5695
Battlefield Bed and Breakfast Inn
Feel inspired and enjoy the quiet at Battlefield Bed and Breakfast Inn, a stone’s throw from Gettysburg’s most historic land and located on a 30-acre nature preserve. Host an intimate indoor gathering in the historic barn from May to October or enjoy the sunshine from inside the expansive (and temperature-controlled) solarium. From large to small, summer to winter, all events receive equal attention and charm—after all, what is an event at a B&B without feeling right at home? Guests can walk the paths of the Oak Grove, frog-watch around the pond, stroll along the creek or unwind at the outdoor fireplace. With many photo ops, your special event can be captured among the beauty of your natural surroundings. And don’t forget about breakfast, featuring locally grown produce. 2264 Emmitsburg Rd., Gettysburg, (717) 334-8804
Cross Creek Farm
Welcome to Cross Creek Farm, a property boasting a beautiful farmers’ market building housing gorgeous potted plants, starter plants, herbs—you name it! Although not currently holding events on their property, Cross Creek is the epitome of Pinterest-in-real life. Whether it’s mason jars or wine bottles, wildflowers or succulents, a handmade pergola or an arbor, owners Steve and Carolyn Bupp can do it. Shabby chic, elegant country, redneck country or any other category is completed with vintage furniture. How about a vintage centerpiece filled with wild berries and mint, an antique wheelbarrow and dude ranch lettering, a milled plank bench or a dresser turned chalkboard where you can write messages to your guests or leave place cards? Brides who might not know what florals they want are welcome to stop by and view photos or be inspired by the Cross Creek Farm surroundings. Carolyn meets with brides a year before the wedding so that the garden will be planted with their preferred flowers. Certain flowers are difficult to order and maintain quality, like zinnias or sunflowers. With a plant-to-order feature, two days before the wedding the bride can visit the farm and literally hand-pick her bouquet. If that doesn’t shout Pinterest (and awesomeness) I don’t know what does. 3921 Krebs Rd., Glen Rock, (717) 235-4702
Historic Round Barn & Farm Market
Built in 1914 and located eight miles west of Gettysburg, the Historic Round Barn is one of only a handful of round barns still around today. Nestled among the rolling hills of Adams County orchards, the Round Barn architecture, ambience and proximity to all things nature serve as huge inspiration. The barn is available for rent whether it’s for an indoor ceremony or housing a reception. With its barnwood floor and cathedral ceiling, it provides the perfect backdrop for a party. With the farmers’ market housed in the same location, decorating with fruits and vegetables and other natural items could be a fun endeavor. Booking with the Round Barn, a full-service operation, reduces your stress while still letting you be in control of just how you want the special day to go. 298 Cashtown Rd., Biglerville, (717) 334-1984
Mary-Penn Bed and Breakfast
Follow the one-mile lane and you will find, nestled along Marsh Creek amid 90 acres, the Waybright family farm, home to the Mary-Penn Bed and Breakfast. No stranger to hosting special events, owner Bea and David Waybright offer their property for weddings, family reunions, birthday parties, company retreats and more. Listed as a five-star B&B on bedandbreakfast.com, the Mary-Penn B&B is quite a find. Bea is full of historical knowledge about the property, built in 1743 with the home literally on the Mason Dixon Line (hence the name “Mary-Penn’). There are even two mile markers on the property. When hosting an event at the B&B, feel free to choose whether guests sleep in Pennsylvania or Maryland … and what a fun photo op to stand on either side of the state line! With the original wood staircase from the 1700s, original floors, hand-hewn beams and deep wood cabinets, the Mary-Penn is full of character. Add some personal inspiring touches, utilize Bea as an amazing resource and your favorite Pinterest ideas will come alive. 716 Mason Dixon Rd., Gettysburg, (717) 334-5055
- Top photo and Cross Creek Farm photo: Cross Creek Farm
- Beech Springs Farm photo: Beech Springs Farm
- Mary-Penn Bed and Breakfast photo: Mary-Penn Bed and Breakfast
- Battlefield Bed and Breakfast: Battlefield Bed and Breakfast
