I felt at home as soon as we pulled up to the red-brick Federal-style Red Umbrella Bed and Breakfast. White rockers and red begonias on the porch that stretched across the home’s front practically yelled “welcome.” Co-owner Anna Goss’ genuine friendliness cemented my comfort level. The Red Umbrella B&B in Grantville, Pennsylvania, would be our home for the next three days while we explored nearby Hershey.
The home’s history
The road in front of the Red Umbrella Bed and Breakfast, Jonestown Road, is an old stagecoach trail. The first floor of the home, which dates back to 1845, was once a business, with a residence, or perhaps boarding rooms, on the upper two floors. Anna and her husband, Tim, have traced the property itself back to William Penn. In more recent years, the building was a single-family home, until Tim and Anna Goss renovated it and turned it into the bed and breakfast.
Red Umbrella Bed and Breakfast name origin
The Red Umbrella Bed and Breakfast is named for Pennsylvania artist Lizz Hess, who has a line of paintings called “Liz’s Red Umbrella Collection.” Each of the paintings in the collection includes a red umbrella. The B&B is decorated with paintings from this collection.
Our room
The first floor of the Red Umbrella B&B is rentable living space, and all other guest rooms are on the third floor. Our prettily decorated corner room had plenty of space to accommodate our luggage, plus our camera and computer equipment.
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Our huge bathroom had what Anna called a bubble tub, the size of a Jacuzzi tub but without the loud motor noise. Instead of the jets of a Jacuzzi tub, it produces tiny bubbles. Unfortunately, I never got a chance to try out the tub.
I did, however, love the shower, with six heads on two perpendicular walls. Electronic settings control which shower heads you want on, the water temperature, light brightness and even piped-in music choice. I usually take a quick shower, but this one made me linger.
Common space
Skip and I both had to do some work during our stay, and the common living room space worked out nicely for that purpose. Besides the table on which we worked, the room has a comfy sofa and chairs. Plenty of board games and puzzles are available for use, as well.
The grounds
Oh, how I wish we had more time to linger in the gardens. The large grassy yard had a nice seating area, complete with a barbecue and a waterfall, which would make a perfect place to unwind after an active day at the Hershey attractions.
Breakfasts
The delicious breakfasts that Anna served each morning started with fresh berries. Entrees ranged from strata to French toast served with banana syrup.
If you stay at the Red Umbrella Bed and Breakfast
Red Umbrella Bed and Breakfast, located at 9866 Jonestown Road in Grantville, Pennsylvania, is only seven miles from Hershey and Hersheypark. Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say at TripAdvisor
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Disclosures: Our stay at the Red Umbrella Bed and Breakfast was compliments of the Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau. However, any opinions express in this article are my own.
This article contains an affiliate link. If you book a room through this link, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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The breakfasts here look amazing! You always find some of the best Bed and Breakfasts.