Oh what a tempting outing. I checked the directions but it's about 75 miles from me so I don't think it's feasible. The thought of driving the turnpike and then the 'Surekil' on the way home near rush hour is daunting. But I'll keep checking this post just in case.

Monica, sent you a message through your page!

Lynda

I think I could make it! I work about 6 miles and live about 3 miles from Shady Maple.
Keep the details coming...Lunch right? I don't think I can make supper.

Got your email, Lynda
Sal...lunch.

I would think maybe noonish?

I would love to join everyone but unfortunately I am having
back surgery that day. I hope everyone has a great time and share pics.
Deb

ttt

Boo hoo. I really, really wish I could come now. Bad enough I was missing the company but I've been dying to try that buffet (and their gift shop!)

That's not far from me, I'd love to come!

mom24 - send me an email.

Sounds like fun, but I have to work that day, and my calendar is already full of meetings. It's only about 1 3/4 hours from me, and I would driven down to meet all of you!

Enjoy!
Dee

If I lived closer I'd come, only 9 hours away from me. But I have to work the next day.

Oooooh! Shady Maple! I was there a couple years ago when I was visiting PA. That trip was my first opportunity to meet a woman I got to know through GardenWeb. (She no longer posts.) Here we are at Shady Maple:

{{!gwi}}

(I'm the one in the off-white shorts.)

I can probably use my sister's car to get to Shady Maple. I think it's about an hour from Reading? Is that right?

But, I'm wondering...if those of us who are getting together are all in Berks, Montgomery, or other southeast counties, maybe someplace closer to King of Prussia would be better? I'm not familiar with that part of PA, as I grew up in Bucks county, so someone else should choose the location.

I'm fine with Shady Maple though, if that's central to all. I'll start dieting now! :-P

monica--just emailed you!

Wish I could come for lunch but google maps tells me it's 1620 miles from my house. Hey Nita, want to make a roadtrip? LOL jk of course.

For those of you that can make it and are into crafting and such, I would recommend making time to visit the Flower and Craft Warehouse. It is about a mile from Shady Maple. 135,000 sq ft of everything you can imagine.
Scrapbooking, fabrics, frames, soapmaking, candles, needlework, dried flowers, Christmas decorations, home decor, bath and body. And so much more I've never even considered I'm sure. Lots of childrens crafts too. It really is huge. (good excercise after eating at the Smorgasboard!)

Here is a link that might be useful: Flower and Craft Warehouse

For those of you who are curious about Shady Maple.

It's a large Amish smorgasbord that is very well known. Busloads of people come to this place, with it's gigantic gift shop downstairs.

I thought of it because:
I haven't been there for months
It's central to more people who expressed a wish to meet
Easier to get to than KOP
It's more than a restaurant...it's a destination, with the farmer's market, etc.

Take a look at the link below.

I finally broke the news to Tom that I was going to Shady Maple - without him :)
He took the news well.

Here is a link that might be useful: Shady Maple

I just talked to my sister, and she said I can use her car. So I'll be at Shady Maple on the 18th. She starts work at 10:00, so I can either go right to Shady Maple and be there by 10:30 or 11:00, or I can go back to her house and kill some time. Whatever the rest of you decide. I just need to be back in Reading by about 5:00 to go out to dinner with my brother (*burp* guess I'll just have a cup of broth at dinner).

salgal, Lynda---are you going to join monica and me?

Can't wait to meet you all!

maybe I'll see if my friend from Lancaster can join us...

It looks like I may be able to join you. I travel a lot for my job, but am arranging my schedule to be home that day!

Yep, I am game. I am leaving IL on the 17th and plan to drive straight through. I should be at my DD's in Morgantown late Wed night.

I am very familar with Shady and will be glad to enjoy it again. I haven't been home in 2 years and have a long list of things to do and stuff to stock up on :)

I can 2nd the Flower and Craft Warehouse recommendation.

Lynda

Lynda,

Doesn't next week mark the 7th anniversary at your place?

Could be Monica. I will have to dig through some photos and see if I can find the date. I will be so happy to be home!

I found it...it was in July, 2002.
I think of you every time we go by your old home.

I have not thought of Shady Maple in years. Their food was SO good..all home cooked. The desserts were to die for. It must be at least 15 years since I last was there.

So, Lily....can you make it? Would love to meet you.

My friend (Susan) might be able to make it, too. I won't know until the day before though. (She has another event to attend that may conflict, and that event depends on the weather.)

Are we meeting at noon or earlier? I can kill time in the gift shop...heh heh.

How about 11:30?
Anyone have a problem with this time? Because i'm very flexible.

The more the merrier.

Thanks Monica. Unfortunately I can't make it but I will be thinking of all of you consuming the delicious food. Make sure to wear elastic waist band pants..lol

I would love to come, I am about an hour away from Shady Maple. I have a very close friend who lives a mile from there. Maybe, I could go to lunch and then go to see my friend. I have to check to see how busy I am at work first.