You don’t see any advertising for Hickory Bridge Farm, but somehow everybody knows about it. This is the place you go for wedding banquets, anniversary celebrations, special family reunions and that very special evening out. It is located eight miles west of Gettysburg at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and I highly recommend that you get a map before heading out. Driving through winding country roads, past massive apple orchards and wondering, "where is the world are we" was half the fun of getting there.
The restaurant is open to individual diners Friday and Saturday 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. and reservations are highly recommended for this is a popular place. During the week, they cater to bus tours and large groups. The farm itself dates back to the 1700’s and is still a working farm today, and guests enjoy the harvested farm-fresh veggies. Dining is in a large 150-year-old barn that was made of large chestnut beams and board, some measuring at least 18 inches wide creating the floor of the barn.
We were directed to an antique sleigh in the center of the large dining area and offered cold apple cider and cheese and crackers while our table was being readied, elegantly set with linen tablecloth and fresh flowers. The meals are served family style and it is basically "all you can eat". We started with green salad with a warm bacon dressing, homemade-spiced peaches and fresh potato bread. The main course consisted of Crab Imperial (my favorite), boneless chicken breast in a tarragon sauce over wild rice, baked ham with a honey mustard glaze, fresh green beans, delicious carrots, corn fritters and stewed apples. And then the desserts!!! Oh- My- Goodness!! Apple pie ala’mode, ice cream with hot fudge on a chocolate brownie and several choices. This is "country dining " at its very best.
The atmosphere was elegant yet relaxed and the best part was that we never felt rushed. We were able to enjoy each course and then visit over coffee. The unique serving procedures took away any anxiety of what to order and allowed us to just sit back and be pampered.
The menu changes each week and a few other main courses include roast pork tenderloin with an amaretto glaze, over-fried chicken, country steak with fresh mushrooms, roast beef with dressing and country style barbequed ribs. The one constant is the Crab Imperial, and after taking the first bit, you will know why.
Following dinner, guests are invited to stroll around the grounds and gardens and to visit the Country Store. Yes, a real honest-to-goodness country store.
www.hickorybridgefarm.com
email: hickory@innbook.com