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
November 16th - 18th, 2018 - Friday arrival for 2 nights stay required
January 25th - 27th, 2019 - Friday arrival for 2 nights stay required
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
International Wines & Food Weekends
Join us for Wine Tasting Weekends in Pennsylvania with John Peters!
Your Host
John Peters joins to us with 27 years experience in the wine business. John’s long association with the wine industry has included owning and operating a wine shop and wine school in Washington, DC, working at the DeLoach vineyards in the Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, and managing several wine import companies. He has lectured on wine at the National Press Club, The Greenbriar Resort, The Homestead Resort, The French and Australian Embassies, The Decanter Club, Taste DC, and The Wine Tasting Association.
Event Schedules
There is a late afternoon wine tasting and educational session with John Peters. Then, he will join with our chef, Dan Nowalk, a charter member of the Pennsylvania Culinary Society, to delight us with a 5-course dinner with wine pairings.
Saturday
5:00 pm -Wine Tasting Session - featuring 6 wines.
8 pm – Five-course dinner with wine pairings selected by John, including a brief discussion of the wines chosen.
If you have been here for any of the above country/regional wine weekends -
the wines and dinner menu will not be the same.
Prices, Provisions & Policies
With a room : $130 per person
Repeat Wine and Food Guests $120
Without a room : $170 per person
Requires overnight stay.
This will be a popular weekend, so be sure to make your reservation now.
Call us at 717-328-5231 to make your reservation or click here to reserve online Wine and Food Weekend and scroll down to your selected event package
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.
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
November 2-4, 2018
Pattern: Summer’s End
The clean lines of these summer stars accentuate any fabric pairings you might choose. The large 8” squares make your quilt go together quickly, it’s the perfect weekend project!
Quilt Size: 80” X 92”
Skill Level: Confident beginner and beyond
click for a larger view
March 29th - 31th, 2019
July 5th - 7th, 2019
November 1st - 3rd, 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.
<< October 27th - 28th, 2018 >>
We will be painting your pet's portrait. Susan will have your drawing completed. We will be working on a 16x20 canvas in acrylic paints.
<< March 15th - 17th, 2019 >>
Batik Watercolor
<< June 14th - 16th, 2019 >>
Two Paintings and a Silk Scarf
<< 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.
Without a room: $260 per person - includes the Art Retreat & 2 lunches.
Dinner is optional.
Call us at (717) 328-5231 to make your reservation or Book Online.
The schedule for this retreat is outlined below:
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
October 27-28, 2018
Pet's Portrait
March 15-17, 2019
Batik Watercolor
June 14-16, 2019
Two Paintings and a Silk Scarf
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.
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: Love Links… a Studio 180 Design Pattern
Interlocking chevrons make a fun and unique looking quilt. A difficult looking design is made easy using flying geese, making this a quick and easy quilt to master. It comes in many different size options. Make it scrappy or create a color palette to your pleasing.
click for a larger view
click for a larger view
Pattern: Sugar and Spice
Another option for this retreat will be "Sugar and Spice". This sweet quilt design will show you everything nice about the Rapid Fire Lemoyne Star tool! This project is made using an on-point arrangement of Lemoyne Stars accented by half-square and quarter-square triangle units. You'll use Studio 180 Design's Rapid Fire Lemoyne Star and Tucker Trimmer I tools to construct this charming quilt. Project size : 45” x 62”
click for a larger view
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.
October 16 – 18, 2018
Book This Event
March 19 - 21st, 2019
August 6th - 8th, 2019
| Date(s) | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| September 14-16, 2018 | Cheese Making Weekend | Join us for this popular weekend with Vermont's Three Shepherds Cheese for fun and informative cheesemaking getaway! |
| October 16 – 18, 2018 | Quilting Midweek Getaway: Love Links | Exercise your obsession with everything quilting at an unforgettable mid-week getaway in a turn-of-the-century Georgian Mansion. |
| October 20, 2018 | International Wines & Food Weekend : International | Join us for a guided tour of international wines and foods with John Peters! |
| October 27-28, 2018 | Art Retreat | The weekend will be a time of fun, creating art, laughter, relaxation, great food, beautiful lodging and establishment of new friendships. Get ready for three art projects throughout the three days, where you'll learn and perfect your acrylic, watercolor, and intuitive painting techniques. |
| November 2-4, 2018 | Quilting Weekend Getaway: Summer’s End | Celebrate everything quilting during an unforgettable weekend getaway at our turn-of-the-century Georgian mansion bed and breakfast in Pennsylvania. |
| November 16 - 18, 2018 | French Cooking Classes | French Cooking Class with Chef Francois Dionot, founder and owner of L'Academie de Cuisine professional culinary school - Limited to 14 participants. |
| November 22, 2018 | Thanksgiving Special | Stay with us, let us do the cooking and enjoy Chef Dan Nowalk's traditional four-course Thanksgiving Dinner. |
