Nestled amongst an 1845-1928 iron mining site and an 1880-1970 granite quarry site sits the charmingly historic St. Peter's Village, in Chester County, PA. French Creek runs through the west side of the village and behind the main street, St. Peters Road. The creek basin and beyond is filled with large granite boulders which cover the forest floor. This sweet little village began appearing in 1880, with plans of becoming a recreational weekend retreat. To this day, people continue to be attracted to St. Peter's Village, with swarms of visitors - both local and non. This has been a very favorite location of mine ever since I was a teen!
My daughters (2 of the 3, anyhow) and I carved out some special "girl time" together this past Sunday to visit the village of St. Peter's. We visited the shops - antiques, and the old-fashioned arcade gallery (complete with .25 cent pinball machines and small rides for children!), but we found our favorite to be where we lunched - Saint Peter's Bakery.
As quoted from their home website:
Saint Peter's Bakery is an artisan bakery offering fresh breads and pastries baked daily in [their] french, steam injection ovens. All of [their] breads, pastries and desserts are made on site daily from scratch.
[They] use unbleached and unbromated flours and [their] dough starters date back 100 years.
There are no preservatives in any of [their] products.
The bakery was originally the village's General Store, "French Creek General Merchandise Company" and built circa 1880. The architectural design is based on Victorian utilitarian style, with the general store on the first floor, a bakery with brick ovens in the basement, and living quarters on the second floor and attic.
My 2nd daughter, Alanna asked for a peanut butter & jelly sandwich (not a menu item), but the staff was more than willing to appease her appetite. :)
Does anyone else have a 6 year old that eats their sandwiches by pulling them apart?! ;)
As for my 1st daughter, Chelsea and I we opted for the scrumptious tomato, basil, mozzarella pizza. We were not at all disappointed. In fact, I'd have to say that this was the best pizza I've had in a long, long time. It was a complete melody to my taste buds, which lean mostly vegetarian. I was in pizza heaven, my friends! :)
Dessert time!
While Alanna chose the "Rainbow Shamrock" sugar cookie, and Chelsea had the "Chocolate Chip" cookie, I went for the "Cowboy" cookie and Jamaican roast coffee! Fierce, I tell you. Another treat for the senses.
The bakery has a comfy little sitting area inside by their bay window in front, along with a large covered porch. In the back, they have a sprawling deck which overlooks the boulders and creek. The perfect place to linger with friends.
Alanna found the "Big Woods" map enjoyable and mapped out our next stop. We, with our full, contented bellies, were off!!
The next time you get the urge to take a weekend road trip, be sure to visit St. Peter's Village. There's much to see and do!! And also, be sure to stop in at Saint Peter's Bakery along the way and tell them "hello" for me!
Thanks again, Saint Peter's Bakery for the wonderful, inviting atmosphere, cheery staff members, great tunes streaming, and most of all, for your delicious artisan style lunch.
'Till we meet again!
'bye for now,
Barb
