Endless Mountains
by Renée Cauller
The Endless Mountains span Sullivan, Wyoming, Susquehanna, and Bradford Counties of Pennsylvania. The Endless Mountains area is accurately named; the open natural space creates the illusion that the surrounding mountains truly appear “endless.” There are plenty of creeks, farms, tractors, antique shops, and campgrounds to see on the windy open roads. In fact, nature surrounds you when you enter the Endless Mountains—I even had to stop while driving to help a turtle cross the road!
I had the pleasure of staying at the Historic Morgan Century Farm Bed and Breakfast, located in the small town of Lincoln Falls in Sullivan County, with hosts Ken and Linda Florentine. The beautifully restored farmhouse sits on 35 pristine acres along with the original barn and two outbuildings. The grounds offer a grand view of the tree-covered mountains. Elk creek runs through the back of the yard surrounded by the changing leaves and boisterous singing birds. A screened in gazebo with a table and chairs sits creek side, allowing for relaxation and conversation. The farmhouse has a sky-blue wrap around porch and is decorated with hanging plants and rocking chairs for lounging. The landscaping is elegant with floral gardens and many sitting areas.
Morgan Century Farm, which according to its brochure once spanned 250 acres, was established in 1850 as a family home and lumber mill. It became an important stop along the Underground Railroad. On the farm they raised a variety of livestock, fruits, and vegetables supplied lumber, dairy products, and maple syrup.
The Farm belonged to Linda’s great-great grandparents, the Morgan’s, back in the 1850s. Linda grew up on the property while it was still a fully operational dairy farm. Ken and Linda lived in New Jersey for a while but moved back to the farm in 1996 when Linda inherited the farm. Ken and Linda are active people and did not want to just sit idly around in their retirement. Therefore they spent a few years renovating the farmhouse and turning it into a Bed and Breakfast. They used their knowledge and experience from staying at various B&Bs throughout the years to craft their ideal version of one. A private bathroom was added to each room. The outbuilding was turned into a cottage and the barn loft was converted as well.
Today, the rustic cottage is suited for guests who want more privacy. Well-behaved pets are also allowed in the cottage, which is equipped with a wood burning stove, double bed, private bath, and kitchenette. The barn hayloft is available to guests as well. It is the most luxurious of the room options with an electric fireplace, living room, kitchenette, queen bed, and private bath. The barn loft also has a deck with views of Elk Creek.
The main house is beautifully decorated with eclectic Colonial and Victorian antiques and country farmhouse staples. Portraits of ancestors and the original homeowners watch over each room. There is a homey indoor lounge area with a TV, VCR, and movies. A cozy seating area is nestled in the upstairs front of the house. The farm home is riddled with history; a decanter of port wine sits on top of a 1920’s sewing table with sewing kit underneath and a 1930s quilt hangs on the back of a wicker chair. Each guest room is named after antique Plymouth cars from the 1950s. The four rooms are named Cranbrook, Belvedere, Savoy, and Cambridge.
During my stay, Ken made a homemade three-course gourmet breakfast. The meal started with coffee and a dish of orange slices and fresh picked blueberries topped with a sprig of mint. For the second course I had scrambled eggs topped with chives, with sautéed shallots and crispy potatoes, with a cherry tomato and wild herb garnish. And for the third course, or dessert, Ken prepared sliced pears with chocolate caramel, and a fresh flower garnish. During breakfast, I perused a collection of old post cards. Some were handwritten and mailed, and all were from the surrounding areas, including Forksville, Eagles Mere, and Lincoln Falls. The visible dates ranged from 1907-1911.
Morgan Century Farm is right outside of Worlds End State Park, which is popular for hiking and camping. The farm is also close to the Victorian Village of Eagles Mere. Nearby scenic outlooks include High Knob Overlook and Canyon Vista. Ken stated that, “Guests come to get away. There are no billboards; there’s no traffic lights.” “They come with a book to read,” added Linda, remarking on the quiet way of life in the Endless Mountains.
Morgan Century Farm is also home to The Elegant Duck Gift Shop. The shop is located in the barn. When Ken Florentine decided to start The Elegant Duck, he cleaned out the stables where the cows used to stay and a cement floor was poured. The sign, which Ken already had, fit perfectly for the Gift Shop, because to enter, one has to “duck” his or her head to get through the door. The Elegant Duck sells consignment antiques, gifts, and maple syrup, which is big in the area. The Florentines believe that people have true treasures in their attics and they invite them to sell those antiques in their shop, free of commission. “It’s not a big moneymaker,” explained Ken, “it is more of a convenience to guests.”
Nearby Eagles Mere is a historic town with shopping and touring opportunities. The small shops include the Eagles Mere Bookstore, the Eagles Mere Museum, an art gallery, The Sweet Shop, and a convenience store with the whimsical name, Jolly Trolley Side Car. Although the town is modernized, you can’t help but feel like you are stepping back in time. Various plaques along the walkways help to give the visitor historical context. One plaque explained how and when the original dirt roads and wooden board sidewalks were converted to paved roads. Activities in Eagles Mere include walking tours, potlucks, and movie nights.
During my stay, I dined at the Crestmont Inn in Eagles Mere. Crestmont Inn has rustic décor and offers a formal dining experience in a comfortable setting. I was seated at a table by a large window that looked out to an outdoor seating area with a stone fireplace. The service was professional, friendly, and accommodating of special requests. A selection of breads included olive thyme, challah bread, and pumpernickel, which were all baked fresh in the Crestmont Inn’s bakery that day. I started with a salad of baby spinach and spring mix topped with watermelon, blueberries, jicama, and walnuts with a white balsamic and honey vinaigrette. For my entrée I chose the salmon dish. The perfectly seared and seasoned salmon sat upon a bed of sweet corn risotto and charred asparagus. It was topped with a crab, tomato, and micro green salad. I really enjoyed the array of textures that the dish. Another menu item included potato gnocchi with a truffle-scented cream sauce with mushrooms and seared scallops.
I also had the chance to visit the family-owned Historic Forksville General Store and Restaurant, a 19th century landmark that dates back to the mid 1800s. To get to the general store, one must traverse a covered bridge built in 1850, that crosses the Loyalsock creek. When the Forksville General Store first opened, it was an upholstery store. It later became a general store carrying farm supplies, baked goods, and groceries. Today, the store provides grocery items, candy and gifts. It also houses a restaurant where homemade food is served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The Forksville General Store sits right on the Loyalsock creek and offers outdoor seating as well as live shows. Every Saturday night, the store presents “Saxdaddy’s on the Loyalsock,” a musical stage show with a mix of comedy. Saxdaddy is accompanied by guitar player John Trallow and his daughter Michelle. Dinner is served with the show. “People come from all over. They’re very talented,” said Ken Florentine.
There are countless things to do in the Endless Mountains during the Fall, which is the most popular time for visitors. Activities include enjoying the beautiful scenery with the changing leaves, as well as art, music, and theaters. Visitors can also visit wineries and breweries. The Endless Mountains is host to 16, including Nimble Hill Winery and Brewing Company and Hidden Creek Vineyard. Tours are available of historic sites, monuments, museums, and libraries. The scenic outlooks and overlooks are perfect places to take photographs. It is a place to enjoy the great outdoors by hiking, exploring state parks, forests, and game lands as well as golfing, fishing, and hunting. And there are multiple shopping opportunities at agricultural markets, antique stores, and specialty shops for great one-of-a-kind and local finds.
Katie’s Country Store is an example of the charming shopping opportunities that the Endless Mountains offers. Katie’s is a historic front room, located in Muncy Valley and carries a mix of unique gifts, home décor, candles, greeting cards, locally made items, and specialty foods. Katie’s also has a year round Christmas shop, clothing boutique, and children’s room.
Ken, speaking about what he enjoys most about living in the Endless Mountains, said, “I just really love this area, and the mountains.” It was almost indescribable to him, a South Jersey native who originally loved urban areas, “I never thought I’d like it,” said Ken. The Florentines explained that there is never any traffic in the Endless Mountains. However, from where they are located, it is about a 50-minute drive to a major grocery store, like Wegmans, in Williamsport. A typically grocery-shopping outing takes the Florentines about three hours total. “But it’s worth it,” said Linda. “People around here always smile and wave to you. It’s really nice,” added Ken.
Renée Cauller is a freelance writer from Hatboro who recently earned a BA in English with a concentration in creative writing.