The Birthday Bulge: Shady Maple Mania

It’s been such an amazing week, so first and foremost, I would like to write a special thanks to everyone who made my “21st” birthday such a special one. It really was fantastic!

As is the tradition for the Holtzhafer clan, Shady Maple is always on the birthday agenda. Flash your license at the Shady Maple cashier and your meal is FREE! Plus you get some great birthday coupons to use in the complex, including one for free giant whoopie pies. “If it’s free, it’s for me,” is our favorite motto.

My special day fell on a Monday this year, which meant my husband and older son weren’t able to join me for a day trip. Instead, several friends offered to come along…all of whom were Shady Maple virgins. Now this was a birthday treat!

The drive to Shady Maple is a delight in itself. It’s just about an hour southwest of the Lehigh Valley in the rolling hills of Lancaster County. I love the anticipation of seeing a Mennonite family riding in their buggy, the men using traditional horses and plows in their fields, the women hanging wash on the line despite the temperature. There’s something so peaceful about their lifestyle.

And then we arrived at the Taj Mahal of Smorgasbords, where chaos ensued.

I love the look in people’s eyes as they approach the massive church-like structure for the very first time. Shady Maple sits high upon a hill, towering above a vast parking lot that includes a shed for the locals’ horses and buggies.

Yes, this is dense Amish and Mennonite country, located in the heart of East Earl, Pa. You will see folks dressed in the traditional suspenders, white shirts, black pants, straw hats and white caps. It’s quite a cultural experience.

As we entered the building, a confused look of wonder and disbelief came over my friends' faces. Crystal chandeliers dangle from the ceiling, plush burgundy carpets cover the floors, leather couches are scattered throughout the foyer. Is it a hotel? Is it a ballroom? Nope…it’s Shady Maple, one of the most magnificent buffets in all the land!

For just $12 an adult can enjoy all the food, drink and sweets imaginable. Oh, and tax and tip are included. Children over age five pay just half that, those under age five eat free. Pay your way and walk into this food-lovers’ mecca. People come from miles and miles just for the experience. This is Pennsylvania Dutch cooking at its best.

After being seated in a ginormous room with high ceilings and a maximum capacity of 1,200 people, we took a deep breath and focused our steps toward the smorgasbord, which literally is the length of a football field…or something close to it.

I offered this advice to my Shady Maple virgin friends: “Don’t even touch the soup and salad bar. You’ll fill up too quickly and won’t leave much room for the good stuff.”

I’ve learned the hard way. The salad bar alone offers 40 different items.

“Oh, and make sure you take only a spoonful of each item. There are well over 30 to choose from, so be selective and eat each sparingly so as to allow yourself some variety,” I told them. This has become a science to us.

The offerings vary from day to day but often include broasted chicken, buttered noodles, pork and kraut, corn fritters, pickled beets, BBQ, mashed potatoes, fried fish, breaded shrimp, cheese fries, a variety of veggies and too much more to list.

In addition to the regular buffet bar, several grills are open for items such as hamburgers, steak sandwiches, potato pancakes and bratwurst, and pizza--just to name a few. Dinnertime offers even more grilled options.

A separate bread bar supplies visitors with a wonderful assortment of homemade peach, blueberry, apple, cinnamon, raisin, cheddar and jalapeno breads, in addition to the traditional potato and wheat rolls. Slabs of butter and apple butter accompany them.

At each end of the smorgasbord, the desserts called to us. Sometimes I consider starting there.

Every fruited pie, cake, cobbler, cookie, pudding, dumpling and other sweet thing imaginable is available…if you have the room. But who doesn’t have room for Jell-O, right? If ice cream is your thing, grab a bowl and enjoy some soft serve topped with your favorite sundae toppings. They even have an Icee machine with up to eight flavors!

During this visit, a smoothie stand was set up in the middle of the dining room with four different flavors of smoothies. Last year a fondue stand offered chocolate covered strawberries, pretzels and marshmallows. These folks don’t miss a beat!

And to drink, you’ve got your choice of every type of soda, fruit juice, iced tea, regular coffee, flavored coffee and cappuccino you’ve ever dreamed of. And remember, it’s ALL included in that one price!

Once you’ve stuffed yourself like a pig, walk it off in the 20,000 square foot gift shop, which is located just below the dining area. But that’s another story.

Located in the same complex as the smorgasbord, the newly renovated Shady Maple Farm Market offers a unique grocery shopping experience with more authentic PA Dutch foods than you’ve ever seen in one place. You haven't seen a bakery until you've seen this one.

Next to the Farm Market is Goods Store--what I like to call the “Amish Walmart”--where you’ll find locals shopping for fabrics, new suspenders, old-fashioned toys, household supplies and lots of black shoes. It’s the real deal when it comes to Amish/Mennonite living.

If you’ve never been to the Shady Maple Complex, GO! It’s a day trip that’s not to be missed, especially when it’s your birthday. And don't forget to grab your free whoopie pies before you roll yourself back home!

For a full history and other information about Shady Maple, visit www.shady-maple.com.