RESTAURANTS, RECEPTIONS

 A “◊” indicates the restaurant is located in an historic building.

Pennsylvania

Avondale
◊The Farmhouse Restaurant, 514 McCue Rd. 610-268-2235. A jewel in the country, where foods of rare excellence are served in country elegance in a renovated 17th-century farmhouse with Oriental rugs, crackling fireplaces, soft candlelit rooms and local art. For casual fare and Sunday brunch, visit The Greathouse.Open 7 days. Best of the Best ‘05 — ‘08, County Lines.

Bryn Mawr
Yangming, 1051 Conestoga Rd., Haverford & Conestoga Rds. 610-527-3200. Contemporary dining with innovative Chinese-International cuisine, along with classic dishes. Yangming has won multiple regional awards of excellence for their cuisine and wine. Best of the Best ‘05­ — ‘09, County Lines.

Glen Mills
Mile High Steak and Seafood, 1102 Baltimore Pk. 610-361-0855. Savor high-end cuisine ranging from thick, juicy USDA Black Angus beef tenderloin and USDA prime steaks to seared sea scallops and pan roasted filet of salmon. Unwind in the warm atmosphere of their dazzling dining area or the relaxed elegance of the adjacent bar and enjoy impeccable service and pampering from their friendly, professional staff.

Exton
◊Duling-Kurtz House & Country Inn, 146 S. Whitford Blvd. 610-524-1830. Romantic candlelit dining in an old charming country inn. Continental and American cuisine featuring fresh seafood and veal specialties. Extensive wine list. Banquets up to 90. Best of the Best ‘05 — ‘09, County Lines.

◊Ship Inn, 693 E. Lincoln Hwy. 610-363-7200. This area landmark is under the proprietorship of Michael and Gertie Person, with a menu that changes monthly and always features fresh seafood and steak entrées. Choose between an intimate formal atmosphere or casual dining in the Grill. Live music on Friday evenings. Best of the Best ‘05 — ‘09 County Lines.

Kennett Square
Half Moon Restaurant & Saloon, 108 W. State St. 610-444-7232. New American cuisine in a relaxed, casual setting with restored tin ceilings, porcelain tile and mahogany through- out. Serving wild game, Belgian beers, (27 taps), seafood, steaks, sandwiches and vegetarian fare. Glass enclosed year round indoor-outdoor roof top. They have an extensive wine list, two bars, live music Sat. nights. Mon-Sat lunch & dinner. “...a menu not soon forgotten...” twice in the New York Times. A 2009 Travel Channel Feature. Best of the Best ‘05 — ‘09 County Lines.

◊The Stone Barn, 550 Upland Rd. 610-347-2414. Enjoy Sunday Brunch in the rustic elegance of this restored historic barn, 10 to 3. Spacious banquet rooms overlook the scenic countryside, accommodating groups up to 250 for every special occasion. The garden setting is a favorite for outdoor weddings. BYO. Best of the Best ‘08, County Lines.

Lancaster
◊Stockyard Inn, 1147 Lititz Pk. 717-394-7975. Built in 1750, serving the finest steaks, chops, prime rib, fresh seafood and chef’s daily specials. They’re well known for their warm spirit of generous hospitality, combining old world charm with contemporary American cuisine. Best of the Best ‘05 — ‘09, County Lines.

Leola
Restaurant Mazzi, The Inn at Leola Village, 38 Deborah Dr. 717-656-8983. Retreat into a dining experience, with the atmosphere of a European-style restaurant, and savor rustic Italian and French influenced cuisine. This is Lancaster County’s only restaurant to receive the coveted AAA’s 4 Diamond Award.

Media
Riddle Ale House, 1037 W. Baltimore Pk. 610-566-9984. A new look and feel at this restaurant, which serves casual American food including hand-carved roast beef sandwiches (a specialty). Casual. Open 7 days for lunch and dinner.

Philadelphia
Lovash Indian Cuisine, 236 South St. 215-925-3881; lovashindiancuisine.com. Fine, authentic Indian cuisine in a warm and vibrant atmosphere. Their dedication and pride in the food served is hard to match. They offer a special lunch platter that is truly more like a buffet served at your table. BYOB. Open 7 days. Major cards accepted.

Phoenixville
◊Columbia Bar & Grille, 148 Bridge St. 610-983-0300. Located in the heart of the historic Phoenixville renaissance, this restaurant has been a consistent favorite with discriminating locals since 1893. The stylishly renovated Victorian building has a congenial, relaxed atmosphere and offers innovative American fare including the freshest soups, salads, seafood and prime meats. Extensive bar menu, live music, a popular Weekend Brunch and Sunday Evening Dinner. Private party rooms area available and they are open 7 days. On-site parking; elevators. Best of the Best ‘08, 09, County Lines.

Pine Forge
◊Gracie’s, 1534 Manatawny Dr. 610-323-4004. Wonderfully imaginative, organic, European-style dining amidst out-of-this-world ambiance. Best of the Best ‘08-’09, County Lines.

Radnor
333 Belrose Bar and Grill, 333 Belrose La. 610-293-1000. Sophisticated American cuisine in an upscale, contemporary atmosphere, with four dining areas including an enclosed heated patio in the winter, open-air patio in spring and summer and a large, active bar area. Daily specials for lunch and dinner reflect seasonal items. Open for lunch, Mon-Fri; serving dinner six days, Mon-Sat. Best of the Best ‘05 — ‘09, County Lines.

Reading
◊Green Hills Inn, 2444 Morgantown Rd. 610-777-9611. The special charm of this rural family inn is heightened by extraordinary cuisine that has always received top ratings. Best Country French cuisine in County Lines. Best of the Best, ‘05 — ‘08, County Lines.

Strasburg
◊Iron Horse Inn, 135 E. Main St. 717-687-6362, 866-666-6362. Fine dining in a casual atmosphere (outdoor dining available) featuring homemade soups, “world famous” crabcake and, recently added, German fare. Open for lunch and dinner, Mon, Wed, 12 to 9; Thurs-Sat, 12 to 10. Sun, 12 to 7. Closed Tues. All major credit cards.

Wayne
Hana, 387 W. Lancaster Ave. (across from entrance of Strafford Farmers Market). 610-687-3320. Traditional favorites for lunch and dinner at the Main Line’s original Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar, now celebrating their 25th anniversary. Sashimi and Sushi, prepared by a Tokyo-trained chef, are served in an intimate dining room or at the Sushi bar. BYO. Reservations suggested. Lunch, Thurs-Fri, dinner, Tues-Sun. Best of the Best ‘06 — ‘09, County Lines.

West Grove
◊Twelves Grill & Cafe, 10 Exchange Place. 610-869-4020. Unique New American cuisine is served here, in an 1885 building that was once a bank, a post office, a library, a power station and a jail to name a few past lives. They combine modern dishes with local flare and feature fresh, local and organic ingredients. The cafe offers a variety of espresso drinks and housemade baked goods. Special offerings on the 12th of each month. Open Tues-Sat, café at 9 am; lunch, 11:30 to 2:30; dinner, 5 to 9.

Delaware

Wilmington
Krazy Kat’s Restaurant, 528 Montchanin Rd. 302-888-4200. More than a “celebration restaurant” Krazy Kat’s is known for the freshest ingredients served in a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere. Try their new luncheon menu as well as the innovative dinner offerings. Small plates is always an option. Best of the Best ‘05 — ‘09, County Lines.

Maryland

Chestertown
◊The Front Room at the Imperial Hotel, 208 High St. 410-778-5000. “Eclectic contemporary cuisine” drawing on a variety of culinary disciplines and focused on fresh regional ingredients. The dining rooms are dressed in linens but guests are free to be in casual attire. During the spring, summer and fall seasons the courtyard behind the hotel as well as the sidewalk tables and balcony in front of the hotel are set and ready for open air dining. Lunch, Mon-Fri, Brunch, Sat-Sun, dinner 7 nights.

Millington
Two Tree Restaurant, 401 Cypress St. 410-928-5887. Truly traditional fare at this epicurean treasure owned by Dennis Hager, former town mayor, local pharmacist, gardener and connoisseur of elegant edibles. Do try the Maryland “beaten biscuits” (traditionally beaten with an ax handle for 30 minutes), seared ahi tuna and mountaineer half-runner beans grown by the owner.

LODGING

A “◊” indicates an historic building.

Pennsylvania

Exton
◊Duling-Kurtz House &Country Inn, 146 S. Whitford Rd. 610-524-1830. Fifteen beautifully appointed rooms to let, each comfortably furnished with lovely period reproductions. Private baths and complimentary Continental breakfast.

Intercourse
The Inn & Spa at Intercourse Village, 342 Old Philadelphia Pk. 800-664-0949. Consider a getaway in Lancaster County, and stay at the AAA Four Diamond-awarded inn and spa in the heart of Amish Country rated one of 2009’s Top Ten Romantic Inns. King and Queen size beds, fireplaces, honeymoon, anniversary suites, 5-course gourmet candlelit breakfast awaits you. Gift certificates available.

Leola
The Inn at Leola Village, 38 Deborah Dr. 717-656-7002. The Inn at Leola Village was the first Historic Hotel in Lancaster County to receive the coveted AAA’s Four Diamond Award. The Inn’s 64 guest rooms and suites feature all of today’s expected appointments, while still evoking a way of life long past but deeply cherished and lovingly preserved.

Maryland

Chestertown
◊The Imperial Hotel, 208 High St. 410-778-5000. For over a century The Imperial Hotel has been a gathering place for travelers and local patrons in Chestertown, offering comfortable accommodations, exceptional dining (The Front Room), and warm personalized service. Located in the heart of historic Chestertown, the hotel is convenient to shopping, sightseeing and Washington College.

◊The White Swan Tavern, 231 High St. 410-778-2300. An elegant, restored, colonial bed and breakfast nestled in Maryland’s Eastern Shore. This familiar Chestertown landmark since pre-Revolutionary war days offers exquisite accommodations. Each room has a full private bath, central heat, air conditioning and they offer free wireless broadband internet service.

Rock Hall
Spring Cove Manor, 21060 Spring Cove Rd. 410-639-2061. If you’re looking for that special place for an escape, you’ll find it here. Sitting on 8 wooded acres, this secluded and serene spot fronts on Spring Cove, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay less than a mile from the main street of Rock Hall. Bring your camera to photograph native waterfowl and, in the spring and fall, to catch magnificent sunsets. Spring Cove Manor invites you, in the words of Simon and Garfunkel to “Stroll around the grounds until you feel at home.”

RETIREMENT HOMES, ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES, ACUTE CARE CENTERS

Pennsylvania

Devon
Devon Manor Post Acute Care Canter and Residential Living, 235 W. Lancaster Ave. 610-688-8080. Short term medical and rehabilitation beds with comprehensive rehab services offered 7 days/week, as well as independent and assisted living in a hotel-like residence with flexible leasing options and all-inclusive rates.

Exton
Vantage Point Retirement Living, 707 Eagleview Blvd., Ste. 107. 610-321-1977. This company is committed to providing new alternatives for those seeking retirement living options. Whether it be active adult living (55+) or other senior living options, Vantage Point is an award-winning company based in your backyard. See Coldstream Crossing and Spring Mill Senior Living in Phoenixville.

Kennett Square
Kendal Crosslands, 1660 E. Street Rd. Kendal at Longwood, 1109 E. Baltimore Pk. 610-388-7001. Situated on 384 beautiful acres, these Quaker-related retirement communities offer a variety of opportunities that support residents’ individual needs and interests within a rich and stimulating community environment.

Philadelphia
Cathedral Village, 600 East Cathedral Rd. 215-984-8622. A nonprofit, nondenominational, six-time CCAC accredited continuing care retirement community. Cathedral Village is the community that provides stability along with exceptional care and services, assurance of physical and financial security and an excellent value for your monthly fee. Their Comparison Book will help you make a good decision when choosing a continuing care retirement community and understand why Cathedral Village has earned its fine reputation.

Phoenixville
Coldstream Crossing, 1144 Balvour Circle. 610-933-3493; vpretirement.com. See Vantage Point Retirement Living.

Spring Mill Senior Living, 3000 Balvour Circle. 610-933-7675; vpretirement.com. See Vantage Point Retirement Living.

West Chester
Barclay Friends, 700 N. Franklin St. 610-696-5211. Barclay Friends is an affiliate of The Kendal Corporation and has a 115-year reputation for excellent care. With five gardens surrounding the community, they “cultivate the arts and gardens” through music, visual arts and horticultural therapy. They offer short stay rehabilitation, nursing care, residential living, get-away stays and assisted living services.

Worcester
Meadowood, 3205 Skippack Pk. 610-584-1000. Meadowood is a desirable neighborhood, offering style with substance and a comprehensive continuum of care providing financial security.

Delaware

Lewes
Cadbury at Lewes, 17028 Cadbury Circle. 302-645-6400, 800-390-8298. A retirement community at the Delaware seashore offering a marvelous lifestyle where residents can optimize their retirement years with a wide variety of services and amenities. Cadbury at Lewes features a selection of spacious apartments, a duplex beach cottage or a free standing deluxe cottage, all on 35 acres with easy access to the small town and historic charm of Lewes. Ask them about their respite care.

Maryland

Chestertown
Heron Point of Chestertown, 501 E. Campus Ave. 800-327-9138. Lifecare community located on the beautiful Chester River in historic Chestertown. They offer cottages, apartments, assisted living and health services. Fully accredited, with several contract options and refundable entry fees. -CL-