Pennsylvania Pretzels

by Renee Dietz | More from this Blogger

17 Oct 2006 09:45 AM

Usually when you think of Pennsylvania, you think of chocolate but this state is also known for something else - pretzels. If you are planning a trip to Pennsylvania and want something unusual and fun for the entire family to enjoy, I highly recommend you add a trip to the Sturgis Pretzel House to your agenda. Located in Lititz, this was actually the first pretzel bakery in the United States.

Housed in a stone building, the Pretzel House was the creation of a bread maker and traveling laborer by the name of Julius Sturgis, thus the name. Using a pretzel recipe coming out of French monasteries, Sturgis began making delicious pretzels back in 1850. Today, you can take a tour of the Sturgis Pretzel House for just $2, having the opportunity of course to sample the goods.

Interestingly, the pretzels made here are still baked in authentic brick ovens. As a part of the tour, each member of the family will learn the secret to twisting or braiding pretzels. In fact, once you have accomplished this feat, you will be awarded with your own "Official Pretzel Twisters Certificate". The tour will also educate the kids, teaching them the history of pretzel making. The entire tour will take about 35 to 40 minutes, a great adventure for everyone.

Then of course, you want to spend some time in the gift shop where you will discover pretzels in every imaginable shape. In addition, pretzels come in a variety of flavors such as those made with Maryland crab, pretzels filled with gooey peanut butter, or my favorite, chocolate covered pretzels.

Another exciting aspect of visiting the Sturgis Pretzel House is that the Amish town is simply charming. If you like, you could stay at the Alden House, which is a wonderful bed and breakfast. In addition, during the day, you can walk a few blocks from the Pretzel House where you will find the Wilbur chocolate factory. This too offers tours and the opportunity to taste some of the most delicious chocolate in all of Pennsylvania.

Learn more about Renee Dietz

I have been a successful, published writer for the past 26 years, offering a writing style that is informative, creative, and reader-friendly.

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