#hostellingamerica

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Hostel of the Week: Iron Master's Mansion: Gardners, PA

Iron Master's Mansion on the Appalachian Trail

The Ironmaster's Mansion is a unique building that was built in 1829 by one of the ironmasters of Pine Grove Furnace. It sits at the half-way point of the 2,186 mile long Appalachian Trail and is used by trail hikers all spring, summer and fall. Many thru-hikers stay here as they travel from Georgia to Maine. Many of these thru-hikers take the half-gallon challenge by buying a half-gallon of ice cream and eating it as fast as they can. Guests also take advantage of the many trails, streams, lakes, beaches and bike trails in the Pine Grove Furnace State Park. The Appalachian Trail Museum is also here in the Park.

See more and reserve your space at http://ironmastersmansion.com/

[hostellingamerica]

Get back to the Country Wisconsin Style at HI- Wellspring

                         Looking for a quaint get-away?  Try the HI- Wellspring near Milwaukee, Wisconsin and get back to nature!  HI-Wellspring Hostel is located 35 minutes away from the city on a working organic farm.  Started in 1990, HI- Wellspring is situated next to the village of Newburg, a designated bird city, where Wellspring guests have sited over 80 species of birds and fowl.

 HI- Wellspring is located on 36 acres of woods, meadows, ponds, river trails, an outdoor labyrinth, and gardens; all along the Kettle Moraine River Valley. Food is provided for guests as well as an opportunity to get in the garden if you wish!  Into hiking and biking?  Quiet country roads and bikes, FREE to use, will give you plenty of opportunity to take in the landscape.   If you’re worried about getting dirty on your ride, HI- Wellspring has you covered with access to laundry facilities.  Parking, a full kitchen and Wi-Fi are also provided free of charge.

 HI- Wellspring is the perfect spot for people looking to get back to nature and try country living. But if a jaunt to the city is what you need, they are just a stone throw away from local restaurants, numerous attractions for all four seasons, and often hold their own events including Home Cheese Making Basics, Introductions to Raw Cooking, Beekeeping, and much more!

Come check out HI-Wellspring and explore your natural side.  See more at www.wellspringinc.org

[hostellingamerica]

If you love travel writing as much as we do, you will love this girl.  We found her through Rolf Potts' Interview Archive for March 2014.

[hostellingamerica]

What to Expect from a Good Hostel

1. Warm Welcome

Upon first entering you should be greeted with an attentive and welcoming staff member.  A hostel is a different kind of accommodation than a typical hotel and whom ever is on staff should help guide you through those differences.

2.  Sense of "being somewhere else"

Because hostels are not like a typical hotel, the differences will strike you right away.  This feeling should be pleasant and refreshing.  Strangers engaged in conversation around a table, light music on the radio that isn't a top 40s station, or garlic being sautéed in the kitchen are just a few examples. 

 3.  Clean!

The title "hostel" is not a license to be unclean.  Linens should be washed, floors swept, and the kitchen & bathrooms cleaned daily.  This should be the expectation of all good hostels.  However, some flexibility must be.  A hostel staff will do its best to keep the space clean but there is always the chance of running into some untidy guests.

 4.  Social Interactions

Some hostels have planned social events while others offer a space to chat with fellow travelers, most offer both.  If you need an evening alone then a private room will be good for you, but for those who like to get out and meet others, stay in the dorm and embrace the unfamiliar.  Spend dinner dining alone at your hotel lobby or go out in to town with 3 of your new friends?

5.  Personal Space

There should be quiet corner to finish your book.  If you have a private room, no problem.  But for those of you who embrace the dorm but need some alone time most hostels offer lounging areas meant for 1.  This is could be the lone chair in the corner or the many lounge chairs and tables in the backyard.   Most guests understand the urge for some alone time and will respect that.

 6. Local Knowledge and Advice

It is easy enough to Google restaurants in the area but there is no replacing local knowledge about where to get a bite or a drink.  Most staff members at hostels spend their free time exploring the local area themselves.  If you don't already know a local, a hostel is a great place to gather local wisdom.