Our Past Interest Trips

Interest Trip to Spring Outing to Fonthill Castle 2024

The Art Club visited Fonthill Castle in Doylestown. Fonthill Castel was the home of Henry Chapman Mercer (1856-1930). He was an archaeologist, anthropologist, ceramist, scholar, and antiquarian. Mercer built Fonthill Castle as his home to showcase his collection of tiles, prints, and artifacts from around the world. All who toured the castle stood in awe of the extraordinary features of the castle, the beautiful tile designs as well as the Mercer’s collection of books, pottery, and photographs.

June Interest Trip 2023

Lavender Farms

In June some of the Art Club members visited the Lavender Farms in Bucks County.  The fields of lavender spread like a carpet of purple and smelled heavenly too.  Did you know about the power of lavender?  For example, lavender is known to stimulate and supplement the body’s healing forces and kill pathogens in the air, nasal sinuses, and respiratory airways.  While visiting, the ladies picked their own lavender bouquets and shopped purchasing lavender scented gifts.  On the way home, lunch was served by the historic Crossroads Tavern.  Everyone enjoyed the outing.  Thank you, Kelly.

May Interest Trip 2023

Maple Springs Vineyard Estates

Recently, the women from the Woman’s Club of Royersford visited Maple Springs Vineyard Estates in Bechtelsville. The beautiful scenery, stimulating conversation, and delicious wines produced a delightful afternoon gathering for all.

October Interest Trip 2022

Stone Barn Cellars

A recent interest took club members to Stone Barn Cellars Winery in Spring City. It is a hidden treasure.

April Interest Trip 2022

Terrain Cafe

On Thursday, April 28 Katharine, Lorraine, Rita W., Dolores, and Louise visited Terrain Cafe for lunch featuring a seasonal menu with hand-selected local produce, meats, and dairy.  In addition, the cafe utilizes a curated beverage program from near and far.  Interestingly, the restaurant setting is deliberately designed to blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces.  After lunch, the ladies tour the outdoor garden center and gift shop.  This leisurely outing was both delicious and relaxing.

March Interest Trip 2022

Phoenixville Foundry

March’s interest trip to the Phoenixville Foundry fascinated us with its rich history. Our docent, Barbara Cohen, shared her passion for preserving the historical artifacts and stories from our area’s past. She played an integral part in resurrecting the past and the metamorphosis of the foundry. Her knowledge of the Phoenixville Foundry and surrounding area astounded us as she easily recalled facts, dates, and past events. Barbara shared that the Phoenixville Foundry, built in 1882, was an architectural gem that once covered 130 acres along the French Creek and the Schuylkill River. Starting in the 1800’s, Barbara took us on a journey back in time when the foundry manufactured nails, fabricated railroad rails, and the Phoenix Column. The Phoenix Column was used in the building bridges, many which are still in use, and the Washington Monument. Part of the foundry houses a catering service for wedding and other special events. Everyone agreed that today’s interest trip was the best because Barbara was an excellent guide. The Phoenixville Foundry is part of the non-profit, Schuylkill River Heritage Center and donations are welcomed.

February Interest Trip 2022

Vintner's Table, a Winery in Phoenixville

February's interest trip to Vintner's Table, a winery in Phoenixville, provided the perfect atmosphere for an afternoon of wine tasting and stimulating conversation along with oodles of laughter. The Italian-style cafe offers an authentic Italian experience in a sophisticated and elegant setting. Along with the wine flights several ladies order charcuterie boards, toasty flatbreads, and salads. As everyone left we all agreed that it was an excellent way to spend an afternoon.

January Interest Trip 2022

Pennypacker Mills in Schwenksville

During our tour of former Pennsylvania Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker mansion, we saw what it was like to live in the early 1900s.  During the tour, history came to life.   We saw the “modern” i.e., 1900s kitchen, indoor laundry, cooks’ bedroom and work room.  In addition, we learned how technology of the day changed the lives of everyone who lived and worked at the mansion 120 years ago.   The mansion is fully furnished with antiques collected and documented by Governor Pennypacker.  Our tour guide shared many interesting stories about the governor’s life, his family and staff, and the mansion.  The original mansion was built in 1720 and when Pennypacker acquired it in 1901, he built a large addition.  We visited the bedroom where George Washington slept as his 10,000 soldiers camped out on the vast 170 acres during the British occupation of Philadelphia.  After the tour our group dined at the Farm House Restaurant in Skippack.   All in all, it was the perfect afternoon.