In addition to other blogposts, I’ve decided to start a Travel Series since true to my pseudo-name, I am constantly on the move — spending time exploring new places, soaking in nature and planning new escapades. And what better way to kick-off this series than my recent farm retreat to the Pennsylvanian countryside at Common Ground, Kempton. Nestled in the quiet town of Albany, Kempton boasts of beautiful landscapes and farms, the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, the Appalachian Trail and a thriving Austrian-German settlement with its market, wineries, breweries and restaurants.
My abode for this trip dated back to the 1700s and had been minimally refurbished in order to preserve most of the original construction and artifacts from its early days. There were four cabins to choose from; all of which had little to no cell signal and one of them not even electricity or running water!
Common Ground Farm & RetreatThe Cabin on the HillThe Barn Cottage
Some Antiquities in the Living Room
Preparing Quick Meals on a Portable Stove
The first morning was spent hiking up to Pinnacle Mountain — the Pennsylvanian stretch of the Appalachian trail, and infamous for being extremely rocky. We made it to the halfway point “Pulpit Rock” and decided that was enough hiking for the day! The second day was spent exploring the nearby villages and German neighborhood, which is a foodlover’s paradise! The quietude of the surroundings also offer perfect opportunities for reading, writing, painting, birdwatching or just daydreaming! If you need a break from the country life and are craving some city views — Allentown, Hershey and Harrisburg are all within an hour’s drive from Kempton.
View From the Top of Pulpit RockBeautiful Landscapes EverywhereA Historic Austrian-German Cemetery
The Marketplace and Restaurants Won’t Disappoint
So the next time you are looking to take a break from the daily hustle-bustle and are ready to unplug from all technology (quite literally!) and distractions, make sure you find your way to this gem hidden in the beautiful countryside of Pennsylvania — you’ll only be left asking for more.
