View Our Upcoming Events In Pennsylvania
French Cooking Classes
The Mercersburg Inn is proud to partner with the acclaimed L' Academie de Cuisine of Bethesda, MD to present a series of culinary weekends offering French cooking classes throughout the year.
The Class
The weekend includes two classes. You arrive Friday afternoon/evening and the first class starts directly after breakfast on Saturday morning. The second class starts after breakfast on Sunday. These are two intensive (hands-on) cooking classes and (of course) fabulous meals for you to enjoy are the results. Saturday night's Chef's Dinner, prepared by the Inn's Chef de Cuisine Dan Nowalk, is an elegant gala event.
This is not a class where you sit and someone teaches. This is a hands-on, fun weekend. Chef Francois will do a demonstration and then discuss the menu and recipes. Then the group splits into teams and each prepares one course of the lunch. This is for all skill levels. Got a question, want to know how to do something, Chef Francois is right there.
Your Instructor
Chef Francois Dionot is the founder and director of L'Academie de Cuisine and has over 30 years of experience in the food service industry. A native of Reims, France, Mr. Dionot was educated at L'Ecole Hoteliere de la Societe Suisse de Hoteliers in Lausanne, Switzerland, where he earned a diploma in hotel and restaurant service management and all phases of food preparation. Mr. Dionot worked at various highly acclaimed kitchens in Switzerland, France, Washington DC, and New York.
Mr. Dionot remains an integral part of L'Academie de Cuisine, handling day-to-day operations as School Director and Instructor for the theoretical portions of the school's professional programs. He also teaches vocational French cuisine classes, conducts master classes on specialized food subjects around the country, and acts as a food consultant for various professional groups. A founding member and past President of the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP), he also is a Chef Rotisseur member of the Chaine des Rotisseurs and a member of the Vatel Club.
Weekend Schedule
Friday
Arrive at the Inn
Saturday
8:00am-9:30pm - Breakfast
10:00am - Cooking class Starts
12:30pm - Lunch with wine
7:00pm - Cocktails in the Tile Room (not included in the the course fee)
8:00pm - 5 course French Chef's Dinner with wine (optional not included in the course fee)
Sunday
8:00am-9:30pm - Breakfast
10:00am - Cooking class Starts
12:30pm - Lunch with wine
Prices, Provisions & Policies
Classes: $185 per person
Optional Chef's Dinner: $85 per person (includes wine, gratuity and taxes)
Call early (717) 328-5231 for your chance to cook in the country with Chef Dionot - these weekends fill up fast!
Requires a minimum 2-night stay - Friday arrival
Upcoming Dates
January 25th - 27th, 2019 - Friday arrival for 2 nights stay required
<< Menu >>
Saturday:
Salmon and Bay Scallops Cake with Watercress Vinaigrette
Split Pea Soup with Chicken and Bacon Sausage
Braised Beef with Tomatoes and Black Olives
Mashed Potatoes
Caramelized Apple Charlotte with Caramel Sauce
Sunday:
French Onion Bisque with Cheese Souffle
Filet of Flounder with White Wine, Mushrooms, and Mussels in a Saffron Sauce
Chicken Basquaise with Potato Risotto
Kiwi and Orange Salad with Red Wine, Vanilla Sauce
March 8th - 10th, 2019 - Friday arrival for 2 nights stay required
September 13th -15th, 2019 - Friday arrival for 2 nights stay required
November 15th - 17th, 2019 - Friday arrival for 2 nights stay required
Quilting Weekends
If you are reading this then we both know you cannot get enough of it! Exercise your obsession with everything quilting at an unforgettable weekend getaway in a turn-of-the-century Georgian Mansion.
Your Instructor
Bring your enthusiasm and your supplies to a quilting retreat** and we will have for you a well-lit room, plenty of space, and a great instructor. Frankie resides in Adams County, Pennsylvania. She belongs to Everybody’s Quilt Guild in nearby Westminster, MD. She has had a lifelong love of quilting. Her expertise includes paper piecing, appliquéing by machine, machine quilting and hand dyeing her own fabric. She has been the quilting instructor at the Inn for over six years. If you have enjoyed any of Jennifer Chiaverini's novels and you are searching for your own Elm Creek Manor, you have found it.
Schedule
Friday
- 5 pm - Social hour and Show and Tell. Meet Frankie and the owners, Steven and Tomi. Enjoy a glass of wine, beverages, and snacks.
- 6:30 pm - Dinner in Byron's Dining Room. Chef Dan Nowalk will prepare special menu for the group. We have a full bar with a selection of wine, beer, and liquor.
Saturday
- 8 am - Our delicious breakfast is served.
- 9 am to 12 pm - Quilting Session. The Great Room of the Inn will be prepared for the classes. The room is bright, big, and beautiful. Beverages are served during all sessions.
- 12:30 pm - Lunch is Served.
- 2 pm to 5 pm - Quilting Session
- 6:30 pm - Dinner is Served.
- Optional - "work alone time" is available until 11:30 PM. If instead you decide to relax for the rest of the night, you may enjoy the game room with pool table, air-hockey, and other games and puzzles.
Sunday
- 8 am - Another delicious breakfast is served.
- 9 am to 12 pm - Quilting Session
- 12:30 pm - Lunch is Served.
- 2 pm to 3:30 pm - Last Quilting Session.
Guest Rooms
Let's talk comfort. Our beds are fantastic! Every room is unique like your quilts are - take your pick. The best linens you can imagine, down pillows and comforters to embrace you, the softest robe and towels to ever touch you! Every room has a queen or king bed with a private bathroom.
Prices, Provisions & Policies
The price for this weekend is $499 per person and worth every penny!
Add a 2nd quilter in room with meals - $395
Add a Non-quilter in room with meals - $295
For the non-quilters - discounted golf at Whitetail - Shopping at Prime Outlets, Swimming at Cowan's Gap and more!
Includes room for 2 nights single occupancy, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, beverages, gratuities - single occupancy - excluding taxes, wines, beer, and spirits. One type of lunch is for everyone.
For this event only, all rooms will be sold at the same discounted price on a first-come first-pick basis.
**We provide tables, ironing boards, and irons. You bring the sewing machine and the rest of your tools. Frankie will email you a list of required materials.
There must be at least one person per room participating in the quilting class retreats. Full regular room rates will apply if there is not at least one person per room participating in the quilting class. The class and dining package are not available unless there is one participant per room.
***Shopping Bonus***
Several wonderful quilt shops in the area have offered us discounts! Shop Hop anyone?
Upcoming Dates
March 29th - 31st, 2019
Pattern: Tweet, Tweet…
Use a wonderful new curve-creating ruler to make your own springtime wall hanging.
Pieced units are perfect every time. Great weekend project!
Quilt Size: 32” X 63”
Skill Level: Confident beginner and beyond
March 29th - 31st, 2019
July 5th - 7th, 2019
November 8th - 10th, 2019
Cheese Making
Cheese Making Weekends in Pennsylvania -- with Three Shepherd's Cheese
Your Instructors
Join Dr. Larry and Linda Faillace of Vermont's Three Shepherds Cheese at The Mercersburg Inn for a weekend of fun and informative cheesemaking!
Linda and Larry, along with their three children, Francis, Heather, and Jackie, began a family farm enterprise located in the heart of Vermont's beautiful Green Mountains in 1993. They are committed to sustainable practices and quality artisanal products with a focus on cheese.
Larry and Linda are passionate cheeseophiles and food enthusiasts. Over the past eighteen years they have taught the art and science of cheesemaking to nearly 3000 students from around the world. Three Shepherds' cheeses and cheesemaking classes have been featured in numerous publications and television shows including: "Food Finds” on the Food Network, Martha Stewart Television, "Gourmet," "Cooking Light," "Ski Magazine," "Elle," and "Travel and Leisure," to name a few. Linda and Larry’s cheesemaking adventures have taken them across the United States, and they were the first to teach traditional artisan cheesemaking techniques in Bermuda and Belize.
Schedule
Friday
Cheese students arrive for a weekend of fun and delicious activities. Included in the course is the "Three Shepherds Artisanal Cheesemaking Manual" complete with lots of fascinating cheese information and all the necessary recipes for the weekend. During the evening hours, Larry and Linda will lead a short introductory discussion followed by the starting of two cheeses. These cheeses require a full night of incubation and transformation into curds and whey.
Saturday
Class begins after breakfast and includes a full day of hands-on cheesemaking along with discussions of the history and discovery of cheesemaking, the principles of artisan cheesemaking, the types of milk needed for cheesemaking (as well as those to be avoided), and the tools and ingredients required for the foolproof creation of delicious cheeses at home. We will complete the soft-ripened cheese and Quark begun on Friday evening, make a batch of Feta, as well as some whole milk Ricotta.
The Faillaces will also work with the class to make their signature lunch, based on the morning’s activities.
The class will also provide cheese to the Inn’s chef, to be incorporated into the optional Saturday evening meal.
Saturday Night
Optional 4 course dinner with wine using some of the cheeses made during the Saturday Class. $50 -includes tax and gratuity.
Sunday
Another day of cheesemaking begins after Sunday breakfast. Students will complete the cheeses made on Saturday, including a discussion and demonstration of salting and brining. The class will also make the always popular fresh Mozzarella, as well as whey Ricotta. The highlight of Sunday is Linda’s cheese tasting and wine pairing lunch. Lunch is like a class of its own in cheese appreciation, pairing, and serving, and includes a wonderful array of select cheeses. Upon completion of the class, students will have the opportunity to take several cheeses home with them and the knowledge and skill to make them at home.
Prices, Provisions & Policies
$395 per person plus room - Requires 2 night stay.
Former Cooking Class guests - 10% discount on class fee.
This will be a popular weekend, so be sure to make your reservation now.
Call us at (717) 328-5231 or 1-866-628-7401 to make your reservation.
Art Retreat
If you are reading this, then we both know you can’t get enough of creating art! Exercise your obsession with a group of creating and like-minded people at an unforgettable weekend getaway in a turn-of-the-century Georgian Mansion.
<< March 15th - 17th, 2019 >>
Batik Watercolor
What a glorious way to spend a weekend, painting three stunning pieces of art at the gorgeous Mercersburg Inn!
Friday night we will begin our art retreat with a meet and create, dinner together and a little bit of inking in preparation for Saturday morning.
Saturday and Sunday we will be working on two paintings and a silk scarf. The paintings are created with a process of applying hot wax to reserve light values first, then watercolor paint, and then allow the painting to dry and start the process over again. Typically in a Batik watercolor class we use hair dryers to expedite drying time. In this weekend workshop, I plan to have you lay the first painting aside to dry while we start the next step on the second painting...allowing our paintings to dry naturally and making the most of our time painting. We will also work in a Batik Silk Scarf stamped with one of my lovely copper tjaps.
The first painting, Feeding Frenzy, is a painting I designed for myself. These gorgeous Koi fish belonged to my parents and I greatly enjoyed watching them. I love the orange, red orange, blue and blue violet colors, it is all so vibrant. The movement of the water demonstrates the frenzy of feeding time in the pond.
The second painting, Feed the Birds, is a portrait of a snowman created by a bird lover, the hat is used as a birdfeeder for seed, the eyes and mouth are nuts, all appealing to the birds.
The Batik Silk Scarf is a quick and lovely accessory any woman would love to wear.
Susan will provide all painting supplies. If you have your own watercolor brushes and paints feel free to bring your own but this is not required.
This class is open to beginners, no previous art experience is required. Susan will provide the drawing for the paintings too.
<< June 14th - 16th, 2019 >>
A Woman's Joyful Journey of Self-Discovery through Art
<< September 20th - 22nd, 2019 >>
Pet's Portrait
<< December 6-8, 2019 >>
A Holiday Painting Extravaganza, Ornaments, Christmas Cards, etc.
Your Instructor
Art instructor, Susan Shaffer, will lead you through painting your pet. Residing in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, Susan is the owner of Joyful Arts Studio in nearby Greencastle PA. She has a love for painting over 32 years and received her Bachelor's in Fine Art from Wilson College in 2010. Her expertise includes painting in acrylics, watercolor, watercolor Batiks, oils, Silk scarf painting, and much more. She has been a painting instructor in her studio for over 20 years.
Susan will do the drawing of your pet on the canvas and have it ready for you upon arrival. She will bring all your supplies needed, brushes, paints, and much more. You simply need to come excited and ready to paint your furry family member. Please be sure to submit an electronic or digital image of your pet by September 1 in order for Susan to complete your drawing in time for our retreat.
All supplies, paints and brushes will be provided, just pack your suitcase and come for a great weekend event!
Requires a Saturday night stay. Enjoy a 20% discount on your guest room when you book this retreat.
With a room: $210 per person – includes the Art Retreat, 2 breakfasts & 2 lunches. One type of lunch is for everyone.
Without a room: $260 per person - includes the Art Retreat & 2 lunches. One type of lunch is for everyone.
A $20 supply fee will be payable to Susan at the Art Retreat.
Dinner is optional.
Call us at (717) 328-5231 to make your reservation or Book Online.
The schedule for this retreat is outlined below:
Friday
- Arrive by 6 pm. Meet & Greet, Dinner, A little work in the studio.
Saturday
- 9:30 am to 12:30 pm - Painting Session. The Great Room of the Inn will be prepared for the classes. The room is bright, big, and beautiful. Beverages are served during all sessions.
- 12:30 pm - Lunch is Served.
- 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm -Painting Session
- 6:30 pm - Dinner is Served.
Sunday
- 8 am - A delicious breakfast is served.
- 9:30 am to 12:30 pm - Painting Session
- 12:30 pm - Lunch is Served.
- 1:30 pm to 5 pm - Last Painting Session.
Upcoming Dates
March 15-17, 2019
Batik Watercolor
June 14-16, 2019
A Woman's Joyful Journey of Self-Discovery through Art
September 20-22, 2019
Pet's Portrait
December 6-8, 2019
A Holiday Painting Extravaganza, Ornaments, Christmas Cards, etc.
Quilting Mid-Week
Exercise your obsession with everything quilting at an unforgettable mid-week getaway in a turn-of-the-century Georgian Mansion. Bring your enthusiasm and your supplies to a quilting retreat** and we will have for you a well-lit room, plenty of space, and a great instructor.
Your Instructor
Carol Gibson-Weik resides in Linden, VA, just outside of Winchester. She is a certified teacher for “Studio 180 Design” and “Quilt in a Day” and has traveled throughout the United States teaching classes at quilt shops, retreats, guilds, and several quilting cruises.
Carol has taken classes from some of the most innovative and renowned teachers in the industry. Carol’s mission is to create a fun, educational, and relaxing environment for all levels of quilters where they can meet new friends, improve their skills and enjoy the art of quilting.
Schedule
Tuesday
- 5 pm - Social hour and Show and Tell. Meet the instructor, Carol. Enjoy a glass of wine, beverages, and snacks.
- 6:30 pm - Dinner in Byron's Dining Room. Chef Dan Nowalk will prepare special menu for the group. We have a full bar with a selection of wine, beer, and liquor.
Wednesday
- 8 am - Our delicious breakfast is served.
- 9 am to 12 pm - Quilting Session. The Great Room of the Inn will be prepared for the classes. The room is bright, big, and beautiful. Beverages are served during all sessions.
- 12:30 pm - Lunch is Served.
- 2 pm to 5 pm - Quilting Session
- 6:30 pm - Dinner is Served.
- Optional - “Quilting in the Parlor” is available until Midnight! If, instead you decide to relax for the rest of the night, you may enjoy the ambiance and amenities of the beautiful historic Inn.
Thursday
- 8 am - Another delicious breakfast is served.
- 9 am to 12 pm - Quilting Session
- 12:30 pm - Lunch is Served.
- 2 pm to 3:30 pm - Last Quilting Session.
Guest Rooms
Let's talk comfort. Our beds are fantastic! Every room is unique like your quilts are - take your pick. The best linens you can imagine, down pillows and comforters to embrace you, the softest robe and towels to ever touch you! Every room has a queen or king bed with a private bathroom.
Prices, Provisions & Policies
The price for this mid-week getaway is $499 per person and worth every penny!
Add a 2nd quilter in room with meals - $395
Add a Non-quilter in room with meals - $295
For the non-quilters - discounted golf at Whitetail - Shopping at Prime Outlets, Swimming at Cowan's Gap and more!
Includes room for 2 nights single occupancy, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, beverages, gratuities - single occupancy - excluding taxes, wines, beer, and spirits. One type of lunch is for everyone.
For this event only, all rooms will be sold at the same discounted price on a first-come first-pick basis.
**We provide tables, ironing boards, and irons. You bring the sewing machine and the rest of your tools. Carol will email you a list of required materials.
There must be at least one person per room participating in the quilting class retreats. Full regular room rates will apply if there is not at least one person per room participating in the quilting class. The class and dining package are not available unless there is one participant per room.
Upcoming Dates
Pattern: "Dahlia"
Pattern: Crown Jewels...A Studio 180 Design Pattern
This difficult looking pattern is a cinch using Deb Tucker's Rapid Fire Lemoyne Star tool. The units are strip pieced and constructed so that there are no 'y" seams to stitch. The diamonds are trimmed to a perfect size before assembling so they match beautifully, and the block sections are oversized so they can be trimmed to exact measurements so everything fits together with ease! Give this stunning quilt a try and be amazed at how simple the project is to make and easy to finish during the retreat. The project size is 38" x 38".
And to put a different twist on this retreat, here is another option:
If you have any UFO’s of the Studio 180 Design patterns and would like to spend your time completing them, bring your Tucker Tools, pattern, and unfinished parts and I will guide you through the completion of your project.
March 19 - 21st, 2019
August 6th - 8th, 2019
Murder Mystery Weekend at the Mercersburg Inn
The Mercersburg Inn is proud to host an enchanting evening of mystery and murder at our historic mansion. Come join the fun and try to solve the murder by searching for clues and piecing together information from our cast of suspicious suspects.
The weekend will include an orientation on Friday evening, a clue search on the property Saturday morning/afternoon with lunch where additional clues will be provided. This will all accumulate with an all-out sleuth adventure/dinner on Saturday evening.
Let loose your inner Sherlock Holmes and be the first to reveal the murderer and his/her motives.
- Two-night stay
- Friday night meeting/dinner optional
- Saturday dinner and theater
- Breakfast on Saturday & Sunday
- Saturday lunch included
- Clue search on Saturday
This event requires a two night stay on the Friday and Saturday evening of the event weekend. There is also an additional $200 fee per person for all meals and performance activities.
Upcoming Dates
March 15th – 17th, 2019
Call 717-328-5231 to make reservations for a place in this experience!
