Home Care In Erwinna, PA

Heading south along the Pennsylvania side of the river are many recreation areas, beauty spots, historic sites and communities to visit and enjoy within the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. One of them is the canalside village of Erwinna in Tinicum Township, Bucks County.

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In a previous “Fun Day Trips” post we told readers about the Nockamixon Cliffs, a natural wonder along the Delaware River just south of Kintnersville, Bucks County.

Heading further south along the Pennsylvania side of the river are many other recreation areas, beauty spots, historic sites and communities to visit and enjoy within the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.

One of them is the village of Erwinna, which is located just off River Road and Headquarters Road along the D&L canal in Tinicum Township.

Today the village is little more than a cluster of well-maintained homes and a post office, however in the 19th century it was a center of industry, as signs along the canal explain.

Erwinna was so named in honor of Arthur Erwin, who founded the settlement after serving heroically in the Revolutionary War, according to a canal trail marker provided by the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, the Tinicum Civic Association and other groups associated with historic preservation in the area.

The History of Erwinna

The marker notes that Erwinna was visited by the founder of the Du Pont chemical dynasty in 1801. Although Victor Du Pont ultimately established his gunpowder manufacturing operation near Wilmington, Del., it explains that “the town might have become a manufacturing center” had Erwin known what he was planning to develop.

In the 1830s, following the construction of the Delaware Canal, Erwinna became “an important boat building yard,” the marker states. Later, “as canal commerce slowed, wealthy, prominent residents of New York and Philadelphia chose to relocate to the quaint village, which offered an increasingly rare, small town atmosphere,” it states.

Today, Erwinna retains that atmosphere, and remains a popular location for trail users to stop and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

Nearby are several other points of interest along or near the river, including Tinicum Park, the village of Frenchtown, N.J., and Sand Castle Winery, to name just a few.

Note: Some sections of the D&L Canal in Bucks County are currently undergoing rehabilitation. For updates about trail obstructions and construction-related closures, visit DelawareAndLehigh.org.

Pictured above, the D&L Canal in Erwinna is part of a transportation network that was developed in the 1830s, at the start of the Industrial Revolution in the United States. Today, the canal links together 165 miles of scenic countryside, historic sites and river towns between Bristol, Bucks County and Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County. The canal tow path provides recreational opportunities for visitors to the areas that are preserved as part of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.

Perched on the edge of Bucks County, just across the river from New Jersey, the Delaware Valley Volunteer Fire Company's headquarters in Erwinna, where the population is under 500, doesn't see a lot of action when it comes to fighting fires.

But the firehouse is busy most days, the air filled with the smell of raspberries or peppers simmering on the stove and the fragrance of fresh herbs, the clatter of pots and pans that Gino De Schrijver uses not for chili, but for making huge batches of sweet and savory jams to be sold everywhere from Di Bruno Bros. to Wegmans to cheese shops in Brooklyn to stores in Japan.

In addition to housing the fire engine and other rescue equipment, the firehouse is the headquarters of Eat This Yum, the company De Schrijver started in 2011 as a hobby and which has since grown into a full-time business that has spread to stores in more than 25 states, Canada, and Asia. Eat This Yum has also been featured by Oprah Winfrey's magazine, and on the Food Network.

"It really took off after that," said De Schrijver. "There was a point when we were making 2,000 jars a day for two months straight. Our friends were volunteering to help."

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As the company has grown, so have its contributions to the fire company. From the beginning, Eat This Yum has given 5 percent of its sales to the firehouse, as well as invested in its infrastructure and facilities.

A native of Belgium who moved to the States in 1989, De Schrijver worked in restaurants, bars, and as a private chef before starting a business in Reno, Nev., that sold fresh meals to go. After the financial crisis hit in 2008, he and his now-husband, David Borgert, moved to Erwinna with dreams of living in a farmhouse, and De Schrijver started a corporate job with Sodexo, an international food services company.

Seeking a creative outlet, De Schrijver began experimenting with making tomato marmalade from fresh local produce. In 2010, he took it to the Stockton Farmers' Market, across the river in New Jersey. After selling out on his first try, he started developing new recipes.

Eat This Yum now sells 13 flavors of jam, marmalade, and preserves, including blackberry-raspberry, balsamic caramelized onion, orange saffron cardamom, and bacon — tastes that can pair with anything from cheeses to charcuterie to seafood and sandwiches. The company uses as many local ingredients  and produce as possible, and also offers some limited varieties based on seasonal produce, such as one made from heirloom cranberries.

"I just wanted to create flavors that were something more than what you'd put on toast," De Schrijver said.

De Schrijver joined the volunteer fire department when he and  Borgert moved to Erwinna, and as sales continued to grow, he needed a commercial kitchen. So he asked the Fire Chief Rick Armitage for permission to use the station in exchange for a portion of sales. A year later, he hired Armitage's son,  Evan, as a full-time employee. He quit his job and brought on Borgert full-time as well.

In 2014, after they took the jams to a New York trade show, Whole Foods picked it up for stores in its Mid-Atlantic region. In 2014, Winfrey featured it in her magazine as one of her "favorite things" that year. In 2015, local food experts Adam and Andrew Erace spotlighted the bacon marmalade on their Food Network show Great American Food Finds.

"The orders started coming in after it aired, and then it aired again,"  De Schrijver said. "It was odd ordering I don't know how many pounds of bacon, then calling them back and saying I needed more."

Eat This Yum now has four full-time employees, including De Schrijver and Borgert, as well as two part-time sales representatives. The company produces between 2,000 and 3,000 jars at the height of the busy holiday season. Sales have increased by 30 percent over the years, said sales manager Natalie Rockwell, and so have contributions to the firehouse. This year, the company ordered a new engine, and the firehouse is planning an expansion.

As satisfying as it is to have the jams carried in large stores, specialty shops remain the company's bread and butter, Borgert said, because those businesses pay the closest attention to how to market the jams and promote them to regular customers.

De Schrijver said they might miss out on some large sales opportunities by prioritizing seasonal ingredients, but he prefers to focus on making the best-tasting product.

"We didn't start this so we could grow it and sell it," De Schrijver said. "We really just want a nice life. And we want to be able to keep giving back."

This article has been updated  to correct the name of the company.

Winter isn’t just for snow lovers.

The Bucks County Wine Trail includes eight vineyards and wineries spread throughout the county. This map pinpoints their locations.

It’s also a sparkling season for wine lovers, particularly along the Bucks County Wine Trail, where the trail’s member vineyards have a number of seasonal events planned that will both warm and entertain you.

The Bucks County Wine Trail includes eight unique family-owned and operated wineries which offer tastings and in many cases tours and special events during the winter months.

Listed below is information about each winery, along with a sampling of what is planned at some of them this winter. For more information about these events, click on the name of the winery to visit their website and/or call the phone number listed.

Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery

Located near Perkasie and open since October 2017, Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery is a newer addition to the Bucks County Wine Trail.

Bishop Estate is proud to offer 17 unique varieties of wine, including bestseller Dark Bishop Cabernet Sauvignon, a cabernet aged in a rye whiskey barrel. The winery this month is offering a daily Wisconsin Cheese & Wine Pairing featuring six cheese samples and six wine tastings for just $10 per person. In February they will offer a chocolate and wine pairing in celebration of Valentine’s Day.

Upcoming special events this season include:

Jan. 25: Wine and Live Music with John McDevitt, 6 to 9 p.m. John plays hits from ’60s and ’70s, including classics by the Eagles, CSN, Tom Petty, Beatles, the Rolling Stones and many more. Bring your own food and snacks or enjoy Keystone Cheese and crackers. Food can also be ordered from local eateries for delivery to the winery. Enjoy Bishop Estate’s January Wisconsin Cheese & Wine Pairing (see above for information), with 17 wines to choose from, available by the glass, flight or bottle. Look for a Blue Bishop Release, strawberry wine and their new Winter Sangria as well. No cover charge.

To Know Before You Go:

Wycombe Vineyards

Located in Buckingham Township, Wycombe Vineyards estate has been in the same family since 1925 and consists of about 65 acres of fertile soils. Vitis vinifera and French hybrid grape vines have been grown on 10 acres for the past two decades. The winery’s goal is to make the finest wines from the freshest, hand-picked grapes.

Upcoming special events this season include:

Feb. 1: Vertical Wine Tasting, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Winemaker Rich Fraser will guide the tasting and provide details of each growing season and tasting notes for five vintages of Chambourcin (2013 to 2017). There will also be a tank pull tasting of a 2018 vintage Chambourcin, which has not yet been bottled. Cheese, olive oils, balsamic and olive dip with be provided as a light snack during the tasting. Cost: $20 per person.

To Know Before You Go:

Rose Bank Winery

Rose Bank Winery is located in Newtown on a tract of land originally deeded centuries ago by William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, to his daughters. Today it is a peaceful oasis of rustic elegance in the heart of historic lower Bucks County.

Wines are estate-bottled on-site, where they are made from the French-American hybrid and viniferous grape varieties Rose Bank Winery grows. These grapes make for crisp, fruity, French-style wines that appeal to just about every palate. In addition to red, white and award-winning American fruit wines–including unusual varieties such as acai and pomegranate–gourmet cheeses and other specialty food items are available.

Rose Bank Winery hosts special events and private parties at three venues on the estate.

During the winter months, Rose Bank offers a spiced apple wine, which is especially delicious when enjoyed warm. The winery is now also serving Hard Apple Cider made from locally grown Solebury Orchard apples.

Upcoming special events this season include:

Feb. 3: ValenWINE Tasting & Painting, 1 to 4 p.m. The event includes a complimentary wine glass, all supplies, hands-on instruction and multiple wine tastings with appetizer pairings, as well as door prizes. Couples are welcome or bring a friend. Cost: $46 per person.

Feb. 10: Alcohol Ink Art, 1 to 4 p.m. Attend an ink art event where all tools, materials and instructions are provided. Attendees will receive a brief tutorial covering different techniques. The Craft Squad will then answer questions and share tips and tricks while artists work at their own pace. Enjoy six-plus wine tastings along with six snack pairings. No experience is required. You must be 21 to attend this event. Cost: $49 per person.

Feb. 23: Monte Carlo Night at the Races, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Enjoy an exciting, fun charity event including great food, adult beverages and games of chance at Rose Bank Winery. All proceeds will go to The Luke Tynan Medical Fund. Cost: $35/$40 per person, plus any applicable fees. Tickets may be purchased online.

To Know Before You Go:

Crossing Vineyards and Winery

Crossing Vineyards and Winery was founded in 2000 by the Carroll family and is located on a 200-year-old estate less than a mile from where George Washington famously crossed the Delaware River in 1776. Tom Carroll Jr.’s dream was to create a vineyard on the historic property where he spent his childhood and he partnered with his parents, Tom Sr. and Christine, in order to do that. Crossing Vineyards and Winery offered its first vintage in 2002.

Upcoming special events this season include:

Feb. 3: Super Bowl Pre-Game Party, noon to 6 p.m. Get pumped for the Super Bowl at McAvoy’s Wine Bar at Crossing Vineyards. Watch the pre-game shows and then the big game while enjoying craft beers, hard cider, cocktails, and of course Crossing Vineyards’ award-winning wines with snack pairings and more. No reservations necessary.

Feb. 7: Wine & Wellness Workshop-Making Scents of It All, 7 p.m. Discover how therapeutic-grade essential oils can benefit health and well-being. Local wellness practitioner and yoga guru Katie Yev will lead the discussion, alongside tastings of award-winning wines and gourmet cheeses. Cost: $35 per person, which includes instruction, wine, cheese and a sample roller bottle to take home.

Feb. 9: Bubbles for Beginners, 2 p.m. Learn about champagne and other types of sparkling wine in an informative, fun class. Cost: $35 per person, which includes instruction, wine tasting and learning materials.

To Know Before You Go:

Buckingham Valley Vineyards

Family-owned Buckingham Valley Vineyards was founded in 1966 as one of Pennsylvania’s first farm wineries, and today is one of the largest in the Commonwealth, producing wine made from grapes that are grown using old world methods and harvested with aid from modern technology.

For the month of January, Buckingham Valley Vineyards is offering their usual hospitality and complimentary warm spice wine on weekends.

Looking ahead to February and March, the vineyard will feature a Thirsty Thursday promotion. Every Thursday shoppers will receive 20 percent off case purchases and $1 off bottle purchases. Buckingham Valley Vineyards is the only producer of champagne on the wine trail, with five varieties from dry to sweet available.

To Know Before You Go:

Sand Castle Winery

Sand Castle Winery is located in a picturesque setting near the Delaware River. Spread across 72 acres in Erwinna, the winery’s castle and estate are reminiscent of a European-style vineyard. Guests enjoy a magnificent view of the river and surrounding woods while enjoying wines that are produced on site. Sand Castle prides itself on counting itself among the five percent of wineries nationwide that grow, produce and sell their own wines on site.

Throughout the winter the winery is open daily for tours and tastings. Guests are given the opportunity to taste 13 of Sand Castle’s wines, and tastings last about an hour. A special offering during the winter months is Alpine Spice wine, which is a Chardonnay-Riesling mulled with a secret blend of spices.

From January through March Sand Castle is featuring a monthly wine special. January is cabernet, and guests can receive 30 percent off regular price. February’s featured wine (just in time for Valentine’s Day) is dry rose. Buy two bottles, get one free. March’s featured wine is chardonnay, and guests can receive 30 percent off. (Offers cannot be combined with other offers and are only valid at the winery.)

Upcoming special events this season include:

Jan. 26: Archive Wine Tasting, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy a special educational tasting of nine exquisite wines from the 1980s through the 2000s presented by wine master Chad Sletten. Learn about the secrets of winemaking and suggested food pairings for each wine. Light hor d’oeuvres will be served. Cost: $40 per person.

Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day “Sweatheart Wine Pairing Dinner.” Celebrate the month of love with Sand Castle’s annual food and wine pairing experience. Enjoy a five-course meal paired with five Sand Castle wines.

March 2: Wine Master’s “Fat Tuesday” Wine Pairing Dinner catered by Farmer’s Keep of Philadelphia.

March 17: St. Patrick’s Day Wine Tasting/Luncheon/Terrarium Workshop.

To Know Before You Go:

Unami Ridge Winery

Planted in 2005 with a tasting room that opened in 2009, Unami Ridge is located near Quakertown and is the youngest vineyard on the Bucks County Wine Trail. Owners Jim and Kathy Jenks invite you to visit their beautifully-maintained grounds, to taste all of their estate-grown and bottled varieties in their intimate tasting room and to experience the results of what they affectionately refer to as their “hobby gone amok.”

To Know Before You Go:

Rushland Ridge Vineyards

Rushland Ridge Vineyards was founded in 1986 by the Ullman family. Its six acres of vineyards are located on a 22-acre farm in Rushland, Bucks County. The 18 varieties of grapes that are grown at Rushland Ridge are used to make more than 20 different wines annually. Please note: The winery is closed in January and February. The Ullmans look forward to welcoming you to their tasting room, which opens for the season March 3.

To Know Before You Go:

Philadelphia, PA - Whether you're visiting the state for business or pleasure, there's a wide variety of restaurants. If you're looking for something to eat while you're in Bucks County, PA, you've come to the right place.

1. The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm in Holicong

Located on a 200-acre rural property in Holicong, Pennsylvania, The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm is a quaint bed and breakfast with a history. Once home to Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright George Kauffman, this is one of the best places to stay in the area. The Inn at Barley Sheaf boasts 16 luxury suites and a lovely manor house and cottage. Various facilities and services are available for guests, including an outdoor pool, fire pit, game room, and even a barn. The Inn at Barley Sheaf also offers gourmet dining for your guests and breakfast, lunch, and dinner services. 5281 York Rd., Holicong, PA 18928

2. Black Bass Hotel in Lumberville

Experience fine dining in our dining room, tavern fare in our two historic bars, or dinner with a view on our river deck. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner or a family outing, you'll find it here at the Black Bass Restaurant. The town of Lumberville is known for its beautiful countryside and quaint shops. It's also just an hour's drive from Philadelphia, making it a perfect destination for travelers and diners. 3774 River Rd, Lumberville, PA 18933

3. NaBrasa Brazilian Steakhouse in Horsham

Located in the quaint burg of Horsham, the NaBrasa is an upscale steakhouse that serves up some of the finest cuts of beef. The menu offers a decent number of dishes, including obligatory steak and fries. They also have a full bar and offer takeout and delivery, making them a good choice for a quick and casual night out with the family. Their happy hour specials offer some of the best deals in town. Having tried the menu several times, I can attest that their meat is of the highest quality. The best part about this place is its staff. They are courteous and friendly and will go out of their way to accommodate your needs. The NaBrasa is worth checking out if you haven't tried it yet. 680 Easton Rd, Horsham, PA 19044

4. The Yardley Inn Restaurant and Bar in Yardley

Located in Yardley, Pennsylvania, the Yardley Inn Restaurant and Bar is a fine dining restaurant with a warm and inviting ambiance. It offers a variety of classic American dishes and serves lunch and dinner. It is a full-service restaurant with two banquet rooms for more significant events. It also offers delivery, takeout, and reservations. Guests can also enjoy a relaxed and casual atmosphere in the lounge. Initially, the Yardley Inn was known as the White Swan Tavern. It closed in 1882 but re-opened in 1958 as a restaurant. The building has a Revolutionary era feel to it. The restaurant has a patio with a view of the Delaware River. The restaurant offers American dishes and an extensive wine list. It serves lunch, dinner, and brunch. It can be rented for weddings, showers, and other events. The restaurant offers several private dining rooms for up to 85 guests. The restaurant can also host high-level conferences. It also offers gift certificates and wine tastings. 82 E Afton Ave, Yardley, PA 19067

5. Golden Pheasant Inn in Erwinna

Known for its charming atmosphere, the Golden Pheasant Inn offers a relaxing setting for a romantic evening. The inn is on the Delaware River banks and registered on the National Registry of Historic Places. An inn is a beautiful place for weddings. The inn also features a farm-to-table restaurant. In addition to the inn's charming atmosphere, the Golden Pheasant restaurant is known for its farm-to-table cuisine. The inn's chef prepares a variety of delicious gluten-free dishes. All menu items are marked with a "gluten-free" label so guests can rest assured that they can enjoy their meals. A buffet is available on a limited basis, so make reservations in advance. 763 River Rd, Erwinna, PA 18920

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PA Covered Bridges by Region

are located in Bedford County and Huntingdon County. Huntingdon County is home to only one covered bridge, but it’s very beautiful. Bedford County is home to 14 of these great structures.

The covered bridges in the Great Lakes Region are located within two counties in the northwestern corner of PA. The region is home to three bridges, two in Erie County and one in Mercer County. The bridge in Mercer County uses a unique style of truss that is found no where else in the state.

The Laurel Highlands covered bridges are concentrated in Somerset County, one of my favorite counties for covered bridges in Pennsylvania. This includes Packsaddle Covered Bridge, the only covered bridge with a natural waterfall benethe it. There is also one historic covered bridge in Westmoreland County.

The covered bridges in the Lehigh Valley can be found in both counties in this eastern PA region. Lehigh County is home to six covered bridges, most located north of Allentown. There is also one historic covered bridge in Northampton County.

Northeastern Pennsylvania’s covered bridges can be found in two counties. Rural Sullivan County is home to three historic covered bridges located amidst the beautiful Loyalsock State Forest. There is also one covered bridge in Bradford County.

Covered Bridges in Pennsylvania Dutch Country are plentiful and make this one of the best areas in PA for covered bridge lovers. The region is home to Lancaster County, which has more covered bridges than any other county. There are also covered bridges in Adams County, Berks County, Cumberland County, Dauphin County, and Franklin County.

Covered Bridges in the Pennsylvania Wilds are sadly almost nonexistent. In fact, despite there being 10 counties in the region, there is only one historic covered bridge remaining here. Located in Clearfield County, this bridge is also the only covered bridge remaining across the Susquehanna River.

Covered Bridges in Philadelphia and its Suburbs can be found in three of the five counties in the region. While Bucks County and Chester County are home to more than a dozen bridges, Philadelphia is only home to one. However, it is the last historic covered bridge in a major city in the country.

Covered Bridges in Pittsburgh and its Suburbs can be found in three different counties. Washington County just south of Pittsburgh is home to the second-most covered bridges in the state, and Greene County even further south has seven more bridges. Lawrence County and Indiana County also have fantastic bridges worth seeing.

Covered Bridges in the Poconos can only be found in Carbon County. In this county, there are two fantastic covered bridges that are sure to delight anyone that loves these historic structures.

Covered Bridges in the Susquehanna Region are one of this area’s star attractions. Ten of the region’s 11 counties have covered bridges including Clinton County, Columbia County, Juniata County, Lycoming County, Montour County, Northumberland County, Perry County, Schuylkill County, Snyder County, and Union County.