Any trip to Pennsylvania is an eye-opening experience. But I've never taken one through a 60-acre working Beet Farm before. The Schrutes, the family hosting us, clearly appreciated us putting up with the smell of wet beets and hemp ashes to enjoy their cooking and hospitality. Similar to our agriturismo trip to Italy a few years back, we were spared the annoyances of modern day burdens such as running water or electricity.
Driving through the rustic entrance, we were mesmerized with its intoxicating chaos. Our stay began with lunch at the family-run hotel and wandering through a charming antique barn during our complimentary five hour tour about the history of beets. (Surprisingly, our guide Dwight was also familiar with the history of paper and well educated about Grizzly Bears, as well)! I can feel the depth of the love of the beet through Dwight’s words as well as through wide-eyed look on his cousin Mose.

The Schrute's are proud of their family history. They recall quaint family traditions, such as getting married in their own graves.
After our tour we were able to check into our room, one of several in the 9-bedroom farmhouse. From our room we could see a lovely crossbow range. We also saw a large number of teenagers wandering the property near the hemp for some reason. Although additional bathrooms would have been nice, we were eager to wash up and enjoy more of the property (they just have the one…and that’s out under the porch).
The bottom line for travelers, according to Dwight, “Carrots and peas are old news, and locals — so reliant on imported vegetables — need the beet”. With time to catch our breath, we enjoyed a hot cup of beet tea and a backgammon lesson from Mose. This was followed by a delightful karate demonstration by Dwight.

This visit to Pennsylvania has reminded me that travel isn't just a getaway — it's getting in touch with the world as it is. This trip has been as enjoyable as any, but with added layers of meaning that I'll never forget.