The Beauty of Fall: A Walk with Oliver and a stay at the Inn at Leola Village
- Caroline Ranoia
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
He's not much different than his owner. Little, feisty, a bit persnickety, calm most of the time, loving but not on command; definitely on his terms, guarded with his acceptance of who he lets in, protective of his people and funny. Our walks together are always special and just us - exploring, Oliver sniffing, me noticing everything.
This week we were able to sneak away for a few days to Lancaster PA and our favorite hotel The Inn at Leola Village. After a perfect nights sleep in the most comfortable bed with all the best
amenities we took an early morning walk. The crisp fall morning that beckons you to step outside and embrace the season. As I leash up Oliver and step out the door, I'm greeted by a cool breeze that carries the earthy scent of fallen leaves and a hint of wood smoke from nearby chimneys. The world feels alive and vibrant, wrapped in a tapestry of warm hues — golden yellows, fiery oranges, and deep reds.
With each step, the crunch of leaves underfoot adds a delightful rhythm to our walk. Oliver bounds ahead, chasing after the rustling sounds of nature awakening and the clip clop of a horse and buggy riding by us - this is Lancaster County and oh how beautiful it is. Our first stop is the cafe La Mattia on the property where Barista Deb mixes up the best cappuccino, now we are truly ready for our walk with coffee in hand. It's in these moments that I pause, taking in the intricate textures around me: the rough bark of trees, the delicate lacing of spiderwebs glistening with morning dew, and the soft, velvety petals of late-blooming flowers.
As we stroll through the gorgeous gardens at the Inn, I can't help but think of the impending hibernation season. Winter may be on the horizon, but for now, fall offers a reminder to savor the present. The early morning light casts a gentle glow on everything it touches, illuminating the beauty of nature and inviting reflection.
These walks become a ritual when I am here and I know for a fact that Oliver loves it. For me it is a way to capture the fleeting moments of beauty before the world settles into its winter slumber. Each breath of cool air feels refreshing, a promise of new beginnings. I find solace in knowing that even as the days grow shorter, the vibrant colors and the joy of these morning adventures will linger in my heart. We are ready for the day.
Next on the agenda is some well-deserved pampering at the spa. Oliver goes back to his cozy bed, while I'm off to meet my friend for a facial and massage. Upon our arrival, the check-in staff greets us at the door, asking if we need anything and guiding us to the changing room. There, we are shown where to store our belongings and how to operate the secure lockers. Our robes are warm, soft, and comfortable—everything is immaculate. As we relax for a moment in the tranquil sitting room, waiting for our facialist and masseuse, and sipping on chai tea, I realize I never want to leave this place. It feels like home, it's so peaceful, and sometimes it's just nice to pause and be still.
What follows is the best facial experience I've ever had. It seems like each visit brings new techniques, as they always keep up with the latest trends. Today, my facialist is using a new method called a stretching facial. The products and technique feel incredibly luxurious on my skin. If you haven't tried a facial before, I highly recommend it; you'll be amazed at how much it enhances your skin's texture and appearance. As James Brown sang, "I feel good..." I can't wait for the massage—after a hectic summer and a wild fall, this is exactly what I needed! As I spend most of my day standing and seldom sitting, I've observed over the past year that my spine feels compressed. I frequently experience severe spasms, and I've recently begun acupuncture, which has been extremely beneficial. Today's massage included manual manipulation of my muscles, tendons, and ligaments using techniques like kneading and applying pressure to alleviate stress, relieve pain, and enhance circulation. It was incredibly effective! After my facial and massage, I was offered a beautiful glass of water infused with herbs and fruit. It was so refreshing that I went back for another!
As lunchtime approached...
At that point, I understood it was time to gather my things, take Oliver for one last 2-mile walk around the property before our 3 hour drive home. My friend and I walked up the street to a favorite lunch spot famous for its bacon. It might not be the healthiest option, but a little comfort food is always welcome. The past two days couldn't have been better. I truly needed this break, and I cherished every moment from my arrival to my departure. We all need a bit of time to inhale and exhale, it makes moving on easier.
Whether you’re embarking on a journey of self-discovery or simply enjoying the changing seasons, take a moment to step outside. Let the crisp air fill your lungs, and allow the beauty of fall to inspire you. These little glimmers of light can illuminate your path, reminding you that every day holds the potential for joy, even as we prepare for the quiet of winter and go visit The Inn at Leola Village, tell them Caroline and Oliver sent you. You won't be disappointed.
The Inn at Leola Village is located at
Address: 38 Deborah Dr, Leola, PA 17540
Phone: (717) 656-7002
It is listed on the Historic Inns of America's registry and is also Forbes best of list and AAA.
You can follow them on Instagram, Tiktok and Facebook.
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