To Milford I go

Immediately the scent of hundreds of fragrant blooms hit your nostrils, tantalizing your sense of smell. The beauty of the summer season is evident in the English-styled gardens surrounding the Laurel Villa Country Inn, the second-oldest inn in Milford, Pennsylvania.

Built in 1876, Laurel Villa is a reminder of the tri-state region inn’s popularity and prosperity around the turn of the century. The massive four-story restaurant and inn, built in the Queen Anne style, is located on second and Ann streets, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy village. The building is surrounded by dozens of maple trees, creating a sheltered sensation of being tucked away in easier time. White and wooden rocking chairs, strategically placed looking out on the gardens from the porch, also set the mood.

A homemade blue sign points me in the direction of the koi pond as I first enter the magnificent garden. The blooms of the flowers along with shrubs and decorative grasses match and surpass my height. The density of flowering life is an incredible site. All the plants are thriving.

A windy, red brick path takes me though the grounds and is lighted by pretty, dim-lit lanterns only a foot or so from the ground. An occasional birdhouse or bath adorns the garden in front of the restaurant’s main entrance.

The pathway leads to the side of the building where tables are available. They are all shaded by the beautiful old maples and set off from the sidewalk by the picket fence surrounding the restaurant.

The back garden is the location of the koi pond. Brimming over the rock wall are hundreds of lily pads flowing gently with the moving water, and the babble of the flowing water puts my mind at ease. The pond is eponymously named for the live goldfish that inhabit it for visitors’entertainment.

Hundreds of white lights are intertwined in the decorative trees of the gardens. The feeling is nothing less than magical. A few small benches intentionally placed around the garden allow the weary traveler the chance to enjoy the secret garden hidden in the depths of Milord.

Here in the back garden diners are allowed to stroll and enjoy cocktails and, when the weather is pleasant, to dine. Dining on the front porch is also a lovely experience. Each table is decorated with freshly cut flowers from the garden.

Inside the restaurant beautiful wood floors lead into the two dining areas. The walls are covered with elaborate paper flowers rich in color and bounty. The gourmet menu is served in a casual atmosphere. Soft-shell crabs are the specialty of the house when they are in season. Culinary Institute of America graduate, chef and owner Carl Mulhauser changes the menu weekly to offer the freshest selections available during the season.

Mulhauser’s family has run the inn since 1945, making it the inn that has been owned longest by a single family in the Milford area. Once it also served as a stagecoach stop and it has been a residence for many soap opera stars that have performed at the Milford Theater.

The actual inn lies directly above the dining area. Ten rooms are available for the weariest of travelers, and were recently remodeled to give comfortable accommodations while retaining their old-time charm.

Innkeeper and co-owner Janice Halsted is also the gardener, the hostess, the bartender or a waitress depending on what is needed of her. She also is the event coordinator for the special wine-tasting evenings that take place during the year. She likes to offer these events so that people can learn and enjoy wines and cuisine from different regions of the world.

The Laurel Villa Inn and Restaurant is a delightful place to go to dine, drink or sleep. Located just off the beaten path, the gardens, fountains, dining and sleeping facilities are well worth seeing and enjoying.

For more information call 570/296-9940 or visit laurelvilla.com.