Brookmere Winery & Vineyard Inn
Today was a much-needed catch-up day—one of those slow, grounding pauses filled with little essentials: sleep, a long warm shower, grocery shopping, correspondence, some digital housekeeping, and of course, blog writing. I had stayed in a quiet church parking lot overnight, undisturbed until 10 a.m., when the custodial crew arrived to mow the large fields nearby. Even their presence felt gentle—the hum of the mower oddly meditative in the morning stillness.
By midday, I had checked a few things off my list and started thinking ahead to where I might spend the night. I aimed for one of the many beautiful Central Pennsylvania state parks, but the reservation system wouldn’t allow bookings within a three-day window. I’ve encountered same-day restrictions in other states before—but three days? That was new. I gave up for the moment and went shopping instead.
Just down the road, I found a Giant Food store and stocked up on a few essentials. I also took the opportunity to toss some trash and cardboard—van life has a way of accumulating little piles of both.
Next stop was Planet Fitness in Shippensburg—not for a workout, but for a long overdue shower. It might be the smallest Planet Fitness in the country: just two tightly packed rows of machines and more staff than members. Normally, PF is known for sparkling-clean facilities, but today the showers were... well, less than ideal. I always wear foot thongs, and even they seemed reluctant to make contact with the floor. Still, the hot water made up for it.
While dressing, two guys entered the locker room. One nodded and said, “Bro.” The other returned with a quiet, “Hey.” That was the full extent of their exchange, and somehow, it summed up the moment perfectly. I packed up and headed back to the van.
I spent some time searching for a place to stay and landed on something intriguing through the Harvest Hosts app: Brookmere Winery & Vineyard, about 90 minutes away via scenic backroads. I sent a request—there was availability—and started driving without a full confirmation, figuring I could find a spot when I arrived. The winery closed at 5 p.m., and I wasn’t sure I’d make it in time, but I took the chance.
The drive was stunning. I passed through the Seven Mountains region—steep, winding switchbacks and sweeping farmland vistas. About 20 minutes from the winery, I pulled off at the top of a ridge where a family was taking photos. I hopped out to do the same, unable to resist the view.
Seven Mountains View East
As I climbed back into the van, my phone rang. It was Catherine from Brookmere. Her voice was warm, friendly, and full of excitement that I was on my way. I told her I was still about 20 minutes out—Google had severely underestimated the backroad delays. “Don’t worry,” she said. “I’ll keep the tasting room open for you.”
For the final 20 minutes of the drive, I kept wanting to pull over and take photos. This was Amish and Mennonite farm country—rolling fields, enormous barns, and some of the most beautifully maintained land I’ve ever seen. At one point, I passed a man mowing his field with a small horse-drawn cutter, the rhythmic swish of the side blade slicing through the grass. A bit farther on, I pulled over to let a massive tractor approach from behind. As it rumbled closer, the farmer at the wheel gave me a firm, somewhat agitated wave—urging me to move along quickly. As I eased past, I looked up and saw his young daughter—maybe eight years old—seated high in the cab beside him, watching my van and all the gear on top with wide-eyed fascination.
I arrived about 15 minutes after closing, but true to her word, Catherine was waiting—radiating energy and charm. “I’ve been reading your blog,” she said with a big smile. “I love it!”
Originally from West Virginia, Catherine has fully embraced central Pennsylvania as home. She and her husband are avid anglers, and she shared excitedly about an upcoming trip to Connecticut and bass fishing near Nantucket. When I mentioned the Farmington River in New Hartford, she lit up. “That’s where we’re staying!” I told her they had to stop at UpCountry Sportfishing, and she made a note of it instantly.
We stepped into the cozy tasting room for what felt like a private dégustation. Catherine guided me through their wines, and I ultimately chose the Brookmere Carmine, a dry red she had recommended at the start. As we talked, the conversation flowed easily—from travel to fishing, from wine to local must-sees. She was smart, warm, and endlessly curious, with the kind of presence that makes time disappear.
Paradise for a Night
After a while, I realized we had been talking for quite a while—I realized she still had an evening ahead. The owner had called and suggested I park behind the bed & breakfast on the property. Catherine walked me over to a spot tucked beside a gently running stream. “We have weddings here,” she explained. “You’re welcome to plug in at the venue for power, and the restrooms are always open.”.
We chatted about the wedding business and all the planning that goes into it. Then she said something that struck me: “We love love.” At first, it caught me off guard. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense—emotionally, spiritually, and yes, even economically. Love is a big business, and they embrace it fully here.
As we strolled back to the van, Catherine mentioned she had emailed me a list of things to do nearby. She also recommended visiting East End Coffee Company, just five miles away, which she also manages. Before parting, she smiled warmly and opened her arms wide. “Enjoy your stay,” she said, giving me a hug that felt genuine and grounding.
Catherine is a force—a blend of kindness, intelligence, and joyful energy. She has the rare gift of making people feel instantly welcome and effortlessly seen. A visit to Brookmere Winery & Vineyard isn’t just about the wine (though that alone is worth it)—it’s about the people who bring it to life.
The overnight stay by the stream, by open fields, under a moonlit sky, was peaceful and perfect. I couldn’t have asked for a better end to the day.