Glasbern Inn Evaluation: A Historic Getaway in Lehigh Valley

On the lookout for a peaceable escape that mixes genuine historical past with fashionable luxurious? On this Glasbern Inn assessment, I’ll share how this exceptional property in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley stunned us with a really particular getaway.

This 150-acre property delivers an genuine countryside expertise that feels worlds away from typical lodge stays. At Glasbern, you’ll uncover farm-to-table eating that includes elements grown proper on the grounds, expertly restored 18th-century buildings brimming with character, and and among the most pristine countryside you’ll discover within the Mid-Atlantic.

However what actually units Glasbern Inn aside is how genuine it feels. This isn’t a themed lodge making an attempt to look historic.

Each constructing, each path, and each meal displays the spirit of the working farm it as soon as was. It’s a spot the place chipmunks greet you on forest trails, and the bread pudding is so legendary the chef received’t surrender the recipe.

And belief me, when you expertise it, you’ll perceive why we’re already planning our return visits for fall foliage and winter hearth eating.

Glasbern Inn Evaluation: Our Keep in Lehigh Valley

After listening to a lot about this excellent property in Fogelsville, PA, we lastly skilled it for ourselves, and it greater than lived as much as the hype.

Whether or not you’re in search of a romantic weekend, a comfy countryside retreat, or simply distinctive farm to desk eating, Glasbern delivers.

Right here’s all the pieces we beloved about Glasbern (and suppose you’ll love too).

Get to Glasbern Inn

The drive from the Philadelphia space to Glasbern Inn is easy and stress-free. It’s a direct shot up I-476 North from Philly (or I-78 from New York), lower than two hours via Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley.

Arriving on the Foremost Home instantly units Glasbern aside from commonplace check-in experiences. The workers greets you warmly on the entrance desk and takes time to personally orient you to the property with an in depth map, declaring all the pieces out of your room location to the very best trails. You’ll get a reservation for breakfast and so they’ll additionally present you precisely which parking space is closest to your room.

And right here’s a pleasant contact: Espresso, tea, water, and recent pastries can be found within the Foremost Home all day till dinner, so that you by no means have to fret about getting hungry between meals.

First Impressions at Glasbern Inn

When you’re settled in on Glasbern’s sprawling property, you’ll really feel a direct sense of peace.

For this Glasbern Inn assessment, we visited on a sunny summer season day and the luxurious grounds have been so expansive and vibrant that we discovered ourselves slowing down simply to take all of it in.

Courting again to 1787, Glasbern showcases masterfully preserved buildings that every inform their very own story: the Foremost Barn from 1870, historic Stables with their unimaginable genuine craftsmanship, and charming cottages that remind you of easier instances.

What strikes you most is how this seems like your individual non-public village fairly than a standard lodge.

We had deliberate to discover the encompassing Lehigh Valley, however actually, we didn’t wish to depart Glasbern. We spent our two days fully relaxed, exploring the paths, and having fun with the property.

A Legacy of Imaginative and prescient and Preservation

As a member of Historic Accommodations of America, Glasbern Inn represents one of many nation’s most genuine preservation success tales, and belief me, you possibly can really feel that authenticity the second you arrive.

The Glasbern historical past is absolutely attention-grabbing too. In January 2024, the David Jaindl Household grew to become the brand new homeowners, buying it from longtime steward Al Granger and persevering with a exceptional journey that started in 1985.

Right here’s the story. Al and his late spouse Beth found this uncared for farm within the coronary heart of the Lehigh Valley after it had been sitting vacant for 13 years. The place others noticed decay, Beth envisioned a spot the place friends may take pleasure in heat hospitality and recent meals grown proper on the land. Al spent practically 4 a long time bringing that imaginative and prescient to life and remained lively on the property into his nineties, even tending to the grounds himself.

Genuine Reconstruction Over Fashionable Imitation

Each restoration alternative prioritized authenticity over comfort. The transformation started with the 1870 Foremost Barn, which initially served because the Grangers’ house, visitor lodge, restaurant, and reception space all rolled into one. The Stables weren’t even initially on this property. They have been dismantled from a close-by farm, transported beam by beam, and meticulously rebuilt right here. The Packhouse has an equally fascinating origin story, created by combining two rundown barns from one other farm into what’s now a spacious twelve-room visitor constructing. And The Dairy, which as soon as housed precise cattle producing cheese and yogurt on the market, now serves as a six-bedroom luxurious visitor home that blends rustic appeal with fashionable consolation.

A Property That Retains Evolving

What I like about Glasbern is the way it continues evolving whereas staying true to its roots. The Glasloft remodeled from an open-air patio to an enclosed house with these gorgeous pond views we couldn’t cease photographing. The Grand Lodge advanced from a easy tented occasion house to an impressive venue with twenty-foot ceilings and uncovered beams that take your breath away. Even the marriage pavilion has an surprising origin: it was initially constructed for the earlier proprietor’s spouse to take pleasure in pickleball.

Carrying the Glasbern Legacy Ahead

The Jaindl Firms, with hospitality administration by TKo, have embraced the spirit of preservation and care that Al and Beth Granger began practically 4 a long time in the past.

The place We Stayed: The Stables Deluxe Suite

When reserving at Glasbern, friends can select from lodging unfold throughout a number of buildings, every with its personal character. We opted for the Stables Deluxe Suite, and it completely embodies these luxurious rustic Pocono vibes that we’re fully right here for.

A spotlight of our suite was the spiral staircase resulting in a loft sizzling tub positioned dramatically above the king mattress. Surrounded by uncovered Amish framing, this was each a pleasant shock and a romantic contact. The mixture of genuine 18th-century craftsmanship with fashionable luxurious facilities creates an environment that you just can’t discover wherever else.

The plush king mattress, preferrred temperature, and quiet room gave us two nice nights of sleep. After exploring all day, we’d settle in for film nights within the spacious dwelling space. There’s additionally a fuel hearth and a non-public outside deck that make this suite a real retreat.

We have been additionally greeted with a shocking charcuterie platter that was subsequent stage. Artisanal meats, cheeses, recent fruits, spreads, and veggies organized so artfully and generously that we didn’t want to go away for lunch. I’d undoubtedly recommend ordering this for precisely that cause, it’s a meal unto itself.

The situation of the Stables could be very handy. It’s secluded with woodland views, however nonetheless solely a brief stroll to the Foremost Barn for eating and different facilities. With parking proper outdoors and no steps, bringing in baggage was easy. However the coolest characteristic was undoubtedly the woodwork all through the constructing, including old-world appeal that connects you on to Pennsylvania’s heritage.

Glasbern’s Farm-to-Desk Eating Expertise

Glasbern elevates Pennsylvania countryside eating with distinctive farm-to-table delicacies that showcases the perfect of native and on-property sourcing. The Glasbern restaurant, housed within the Foremost Barn delivers an unforgettable eating expertise that feels each elegant and authentically rustic.

Dinner within the Historic Nice Room

Govt Chef Christopher Feraudo brings over 25 years of culinary expertise and up to date recognition as a winner of the 2023 Landry’s Iron Chef competitors to Glasbern. His ardour for creating experiences via meals is clear in each single dish. The restaurant sources the vast majority of its elements domestically, with a lot coming straight from Glasbern’s personal backyard.

Our favourite dishes included the French Onion Soup. It’s an enormous portion with wealthy, deeply developed flavors topped with that stability of crispy and melted cheese that hits good. The Braised Quick Ribs served over mashed potatoes with carrots and purple wine demi-glace have been tremendous tender and expertly ready. The Poached Maine Lobster Risotto that includes asparagus and sun-dried tomatoes was cooked to perfection with beneficiant parts of lobster that made each chunk really feel luxurious.

However right here’s the place Chef Christopher works his magic. The Bread Pudding was merely the very best we’ve ever had. This dessert one way or the other manages to be wealthy, tremendous gentle, and creamy all on the identical time. We tried to guess the method and elements however once we requested Chef Christopher how he did it, he simply smiled and wouldn’t inform us how he achieved this culinary miracle.

Maintain your secrets and techniques, Chef. It simply offers us one more reason to return!

Breakfast: Neglect Every part You Know About B&B Breakfasts

Neglect all the pieces you understand about typical B&B breakfast choices as a result of Glasbern’s complimentary nation model breakfast is phenomenal and operates like a full restaurant expertise.

There’s a whole menu of expertly ready dishes you possibly can select from, plus a powerful collection of fresh-baked items prepared for grabbing together with your espresso.

The breakfast unfold consists of Danish, scones, cinnamon buns, and croissants, together with recent fruit, yogurt, and juices, all with full desk service that we seemed ahead to every morning.

Our breakfast highlights included the Baked Vegetable Frittata. It’s a colourful presentation, loaded with tomato, purple peppers, spinach, onions, mushrooms, and goat cheese. The Crème Brûlée French Toast with vanilla bean battered brioche and powdered sugar is unquestionably dessert for breakfast… and we remorse nothing.

The breakfast expertise grew to become a real spotlight of our keep and made us wish to linger on the property even longer every morning. The standard and presentation rival any upscale restaurant, proving that Glasbern doesn’t minimize corners wherever.

The Pub: A Hidden Gem You Would possibly Miss

Tucked simply off the principle entrance is The Pub, and to be trustworthy, it’s simple to overlook should you’re not paying consideration. However skipping it might be a mistake. This cozy spot opens at 4 PM and works nicely for a late lunch or drinks earlier than dinner.

We kicked issues off with Nashville Sizzling Wings that nailed the stability between candy and spicy, adopted by Turkey Meatball Parmesan that was comforting and filled with taste. Our server Bria was implausible. She was heat, attentive, and made us really feel like regulars from the second we arrived.

There’s an ideal drink menu right here too. We had a refreshing strawberry margarita, a Paloma, and a basic pint of Yuengling that went nicely with our apps. The pub affords a extra informal different to the principle eating room whereas sustaining the identical dedication to high quality and real hospitality that defines Glasbern.

Exploring Glasbern The place Each Nook Holds a Shock

Whereas Glasbern’s distinctive eating would possibly tempt you to by no means depart the restaurant, the property affords countless alternatives for exploration and leisure throughout its pristine 150 acres which can be impeccably maintained.

Wildlife Encounters That Turned Each day Highlights

Throughout our hikes across the property, we have been delighted by frequent wildlife encounters that grew to become one thing we seemed ahead to every day. Chipmunks would come out and shock us all through our walks, child rabbits have been munching on grass, big koi may be discovered within the ponds, and loads of native birds added to the magical feeling of being actually related to nature.

Scenic Trails and Image-Excellent Moments

Glasbern’s wooded trails wind via flower-filled meadows, previous tranquil ponds, and round historic farm buildings. The paths vary in size, with the longest slightly below two miles, making them preferrred for dawn walks, nature pictures, or just discovering a quiet spot to calm down.

Photogenic moments current themselves at each flip. There’s one thing fantastic to seize round each nook, from climbing the brand new stone steps on the hillsides that provide wonderful views of your complete property, to the enjoyable fountains and streams the place yow will discover a shady spot to take heed to the water and watch the wildlife.

The meticulously manicured grounds are largely the work of Kenny, the devoted groundskeeper who maintains this huge property practically single-handedly. Kenny was on the market working your complete time we have been visiting, and his tales concerning the property are as entertaining as they’re informative. His dedication reveals in each element, from the pristine strolling paths to the rigorously tended gardens.

The property transforms dramatically with the seasons. When the leaves change in fall, it turns into extremely gorgeous, whereas winter brings cozy hearth eating and quick access to close by snowboarding.

Wellness and Rest in Historic Settings

The Spa at Glasbern affords a serene escape with a number of therapy rooms and a leisure space the place you possibly can unwind surrounded by genuine barn wooden and uncovered beams. You possibly can select from Swedish, deep-tissue, or hot-stone massages, all delivered by licensed professionals in settings that really feel like stepping again in time.

The seasonal heated outside pool, situated behind the Carriage Home, grew to become considered one of our favourite spots throughout our summer season go to. This spacious pool space options loads of comfy lounge chairs and is surrounded by lush woodland. Whether or not you’re in search of a refreshing swim or simply wish to calm down poolside with a superb e-book, it’s but one more reason to remain on the property and soak within the countryside setting.

The Health Heart supplies 24/7 entry with treadmill and elliptical machines, free weights, energy coaching gear, plus yoga mats and house for stretching.

The Individuals Who Make Glasbern Particular

The workers at Glasbern is solely excellent, offering hospitality that makes each interplay memorable. From check-in to check-out, everybody goes above and past to make you’re feeling actually welcomed.

Beth, the innkeeper, has a wealth of data concerning the property’s fascinating historical past and loves sharing tales that convey the place to life. She instructed us how celebrities like Mr. T, Muhammad Ali, and Mario Andretti have stayed at Glasbern through the years, including to its wealthy legacy of internet hosting notable friends. And in case you’re questioning, she’ll be fast to inform you that the property just isn’t haunted, simply filled with character!

Kenny, the groundskeeper, is stuffed with entertaining tales concerning the property’s evolution and his years working alongside Al Granger. His story about having to take Al’s weedwacker away when he was in his 90s captures the hands-on spirit that also defines this place.

All the eating workforce was constantly wonderful, from the kitchen workers working arduous to create fantastically introduced, scrumptious dishes to the servers who offered attentive service that made each meal really feel particular.

Finest Issues to Do Close to Glasbern Inn

Whereas we barely needed to go away the property throughout our keep, Glasbern’s location supplies quick access to some implausible Lehigh Valley sights while you’re able to discover past these peaceable grounds.

See additionally

 💡 For much more concepts go to the Glasbern Issues To Do web page

Is Glasbern Inn Value It?

Is Glasbern price it? Undoubtedly.

Glasbern Inn is a uncommon discover and some of the distinctive Lehigh Valley boutique lodges. It stays true to its historic roots whereas providing heat hospitality, fantastically restored buildings, and distinctive farm-to-table eating from Chef Christopher. Whether or not you’re enjoyable hearth, soaking in a spiral-staircase sizzling tub, or exploring the wooded trails, the expertise is each peaceable and elevated.

What stood out most was how Glasbern works equally nicely whether or not you wish to keep on property and soak within the tranquil ambiance, or use it as a luxurious base for exploring the close by wineries, trails, and small cities of Lehigh Valley. There’s no stress both means, and the workers excels at serving to you create precisely the expertise you’re in search of.

I’d completely advocate it for vacationers who recognize genuine historical past, nice meals, and pure settings the place you possibly can actually unwind.

Planning Your Excellent Glasbern Getaway

Glasbern is well probably the greatest romantic getaways in Pennsylvania. It affords a quaint countryside setting, cozy suites with fireplaces, and gradual mornings over connoisseur breakfast. But it surely’s not only for {couples}. The inn additionally shines as a solo journey or for enterprise retreats, the place the pure environment encourage focus, connection, and creativity.

Should you’re looking for a historic countryside inn close to Philadelphia with appeal, privateness, and award-winning delicacies, Glasbern delivers all of that in a setting that feels quietly luxurious. It’s a spot that invitations you to decelerate, reconnect, and luxuriate in every second.

I hope this Glasbern Inn assessment helps you propose your individual unforgettable journey!

Finest time to go to: Fall for gorgeous foliage, winter for snowboarding, spring for blooming gardens, or summer season for mountain climbing and enjoyable poolside.

How lengthy to remain: Plan at the very least two nights to totally expertise the property. Three nights offers you time to discover close by Lehigh Valley sights with out feeling rushed.

What to e-book: The Stables Deluxe Suite for that distinctive spiral staircase sizzling tub, or The Dairy for bigger teams. Reserve dinner tables early, particularly on weekends.

Instructions to Glasbern