About the Spring-House

     Whenever I visit the Spring-House it reminds of Sunday dinners at Grandma's house and brings back memories of a small farm at the end of the road, where I spent many days at play as a child. When we needed to get refreshed from busy days of exploring the farm, we would head straight for the old spring-house to a get cold drink. I distinctly recall the crooked old brick building, usually surrounded by bees, where cold spring water ran into an old porcelain tub. The Spring-House in Eight-Four, PA is a working family owned farm, creamery, country gift shop, bakery and deli. Located just 10 minutes from the W&J campus, the Spring-House has plenty to offer from bonfire hayrides in October to a Valentine's dinner in February. The Spring-House is situated on a 420 acre working farm started by the Minor family in 1975 and it's a great place to bring your family and friends. Just like the iconic old spring-house from my youth, everything about the Spring-House is purely wholesome and refreshing.

     When you step into the family run restaurant and store, you'll be taken to a simpler time in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Antiques and crafts adorn the rustic walls. An old fashioned Coca-Cola cooler holds farm fresh, ice cold chocolate milk and other bottled beverages. Simple wooden table and chairs fill the restaurant and adjoining sun-porch adding to the welcoming country ambiance. You can purchase pottery, candles and crafts along with a huge array of goodies to make the perfect gift. On warm days guests can sit along the expansive wooden plank front porch while enjoying cool ice cream treats. As I sit talking to Marcia Opp, one of Sam and Bev's Minor's five children and manager of the country store, I can feel the pride and joy she holds for the thirty-five year old family business. "We milk the cows right here, it doesn't get any fresher than that" says, Marcia.

Authentic Homemade Country Food 

     In the buffet restaurant selections change daily with enticing offerings including; chicken pot pies, lasagna, roast turkey and dressing, real mashed potatoes, homemade rolls and so much more. You'll never have to worry about additives or preservatives coming out of the kitchen, because the Spring-House uses only the freshest ingredients. They also offer exceptional home-style catering for any event, in addition to party trays and carry home meals. Event catering from the Spring-House includes beautifully displayed meals with wooden buffets, wicker bread baskets and smiling servers to keep you happy and content. I often enjoy their self-serve prepared food to share at meetings and family celebrations. The catering department will make the perfect food for your wedding, reunion, outing or graduation party. They even do baking themed birthday parties. The Spring-House provides the opportunity to enjoy home cooking away from home.

     The bakery has a large assortment of “from scratch” baked goods to tempt every sweet tooth Including their delectable selection of pies. They really do roll out the pie dough, peel the apples, and make their own fillings. The Coconut Cream is absolutely the best I've eaten and I highly recommend that you give it a try. 

    Other baked goods include Jumbo Sticky or Cinnamon buns, a variety of cheesecakes, breads, cookies and much more. The aroma of the baked goods inside the store is just so appealing you won’t be able to resist them and make sure you bring your appetite because they don’t do anything small here. I'll make the short trip just to get my husband one of his favorites; apple dumplings. You can always take your dessert home, but you just can't pass it up.

Pies:

Events and Activities

     October is pumpkin fun time at the Spring-House. You can scramble through the five acre corn maze, enjoy the 4-H hog roast every Saturday or take pleasure in a group hayride and visit the pumpkin patch to pick the perfect pumpkin. I love these Autumn trips to the country farm and look forward to them each year. The Spring-House often provides free live music for their special events featuring local artists such as; Ron and Sandy Lusco, Bob Poldish, Bill Hamilton, and Mr. and Mrs. Banjo. But you don’t need wait for an event to visit; every day is a good day to be at the Spring-House. In the spring they have an Easter egg hunt and petting zoo complete with bunnies and chicks. If you can't make to one of their featured events, the Spring-House will help you create your own. They'll even set up a private farm tour for your group.

Highlight of Events:

The Spring House Today

     Thirty-five years later, the Spring-House is still run by Sam and Bev Minor’s family. Daughter’s Marcia and Jill run the store, restaurant, and catering. Their son Sam runs the farm. Chances are you’ll see some of Minor’s 20 grandchildren helping out during your visit too. The family is strongly involved in the community, participating annually in the Washington County Fair, Covered Bridge Festival, and The Washington County Arts and Crafts Festival.

I suggest you go and get a taste of good country cooking and heartfelt hospitality.

Read the recent Tribune Review article on the Covered Bridge Festival:

Washington County Offers Bridges to the Past

For more details and menus visit the Spring-House website:

Visit The Spring-House Online

Directions and Hours

From the College just head 7 miles west on Beau Street (Route 136.) The Spring-House is on the left, next to the Washington County Humane Society.                       Winter Hours   M-Sat. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.   Sun. 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.