Gerry Michaels

Hauser Estate Winery in Adams County Pa-Make It Your Destination

Nestled on a hill top in the heart of Adams County Pa apple county sits one of the area's newest and best gems. Hauser Estate Winery sits on ground that for many previous generations produced some of the finest Pennsylvania apples. The switch producing grapes for wine was a big win for the people of Adams County, as well as the many tourist who come out each year to visit the Gettysburg Battlefield and surrounding area.

The views from the 360 glass enclosed tasting room are magnificent, encompassing the orchards, the town of Gettysburg, surrounding forests, and the historic round barn. The wine making facility is conveniently located right below the tasting room and tours are available at different times. Besides producing a nice variety of both red and white wines, Hauser Estate Winery also produces a fine collection of Hard Ciders. My personal favorite is the Rome, made from local (you guessed it) Rome apples, it's delicious.

Hauser Estate Winery has become somewhat of a local hot spot, sponsoring weekend events (Hauser After Hours) with live music, dinners with food catered by some of the local eateries in the area, as well as being a great place for your wedding, rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, or engagement party. There have even been a few bachelorette parties at Hauser After Hours events.

All in all, if you are heading the Adams County, Gettysburg, Pa area Hauser Estate Winery is a must visit. The ambiance combined the professional and friendly staff, as well the wonder wines and ciders makes for an enjoyable in Adams County apple country. More information can be gotten by visiting their website.

When leaving the winery, it would be worth a stop at the Historic Round Barn as well.

Dogs, You Will Live Longer and Better

Dogs, You Will Live Longer and Better

Yeah that's him, my big guy, my go to guy, my best friend, that's for sure. This is him before we both retired from re-enacting here in Gettysburg, Pa. He was the unit's loyal and trusted mascot. In fact one of the unit's artillery pieces was named after him, so he can still be heard barking during re-enactments.

Studies have shown that owning and caring for a dog increases our age, and our quality of life. While I am fortunate to have a home and yard large enough to accommodate my big lug, what about those that think that their home is too small to get a dog. Let's concentrate on the positive, and leave the negative for someone else to dwell on. Consider a smaller dog; small dogs have their own personalities, with unmatched levels of energy. Many smaller dogs retain that energy level and puppy innocence into later life. Small dogs love to cuddle, and they don't take over the entire couch. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't give up my "big guy" for anything, but if it is a choice between small and no dog, small dog wins every time. Small dogs may be small in stature, but small dogs are huge in personality. Small dogs can easily adapt to any environment, making dog ownership a reality for many in apartments or small homes. Believe me, whether your dog is large or small, the relationship is the same. Dogs have that wonderful trait of unconditional love, trust, and acceptance of YOU and the people that are important in your life.

I can't stress enough the positives that dog ownership brings to your life. Experiencing the love and companionship that lies in the big hearts of all of our 4 legged friends will greatly improve your quality of life.

Are You a "Blooming" Agent, Or a "Bloomin Agent"?

I think as Realtors we need to take stock of what we are doing to be a Realtor whose business is Blooming as opposed to the agent who is just another Bloomin agent. What are you doing to stand out from the crowd? Why would a potential client choose you above another Realtor? Is there something that you are doing that makes clients think, now there's an agent that is thinking out of the box, a Realtor that will get my house sold! Are you going to dazzle them with brilliance, or baffle them with BS? Realtors need to remember that whether we are with a small independent company, or one of the industry giants, we represent ourselves, we are independent contractors. If we don't make our business happen by our own means, our business won't happen, period.

I have read so many creative, thinking out of the box, set me apart blog posts from the members here at AR that those of us who are AR members have no excuse for not being a "Blooming" Realtor!

Let's network, share, and help each other to make our businesses grow in Full Bloom.

Garryowen Pub in Gettysburg-Pa

Adams County Pa has it's share of Pubs, but none are quite the same as Gettyysburgs Garryowen Pub. Located on Chambersburg St just 1 1/2 blocks from the Gettysburg town square. Owners Kevin & Joann McCready have brought a little bit of Ireland to the Gettysburg area. The interior holds an Irish feel, and the Celtic art is wonderful. Having spent time in Ireland myself I can say that it truley is like walking into a neigborhood pub in Ireland.

The menu is truley a trip back to the emerald Isle itself. Black & white pudding, Guiness beef stew (a personal favorite) as well as shepperds pie, fish and chips, and even Irish bacon. The quality of the food is excellent and the service is prompt and freindly. Garryowen also offers a wide variety of local and imported brews, as well as a full bar with a nice wine list.

There isn't another place like it in Gettysburg, and well worth the visit. Stop by and say hello to any one of the freindly staff, Josh, Ann, Shannon and Kevin can be found walking the "plank" on most days. All are professional and take the time to get know thier customers. Garryowen is a favorite amoung locals, and I am sure once you make a visit it won't be your last. So belly up to the bar and tell em Gerry from Community Benefits Real Estate sent you.

More info can be found at their website.

Create Family Traditions at Thanksgiving

Now that my children are adults our family traditions are becoming more prominent to me, things that we do as a family that truly ours. With life becoming faster and faster, and families living further and further apart it is important that we hold to some family traditions. Traditions are activities that we do time and again that as a family we value doing. Things that we feel are important enough, and our own, to continue doing each year again and again.

I believe that our traditions were started mostly by accident, we didn't plan it, it just happened. For example it is just not Thanksgiving until we as family have sat down in front of the TV and watched "A Christmas Story". I know that it is a Christmas theme, but for us it means Thanksgiving. I never said a tradition has to make sense. It's amazing to me that we could not be together for Thanksgiving, watching that show made me feel just a little better about being apart.

I've compiled a list of traditions from friends and colleagues feel free to steal and share.

•v Grandmas for dinner, this one pretty standard

•v Serving meals as a family at a homeless shelter

•v Inviting a needy family to your own Thanksgiving table

•v Visit a senior facility to spend time with the residents

•v Visit a hospital to spend time with patients

•v Deliver all the fixing's to needy family in your town

Personally I believe that our holidays are becoming so commercial that we as a country have lost the true meaning of our holidays. Our children are growing up with the impression that holidays are all about "things", when they should be all about values, and support, and love, and caring about others.

I can't of a time when this country could use a step back in time to reflect on creating caring, thoughtful traditions again.