Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Rest & Rails: Marysville B&B offers visitors a picturesque respite not far from the city

A beautiful view of the Susquehanna River, with trains crossing the Rockville Bridge, beckons to vacationers, helping them to relax.

The Bridgeview Bed and Breakfast in Marysville taps into a desire to feel comfortable, away from the worries of everyday life. In fact, owner Keith Latimer used the property to escape before he purchased it in 2008.

Latimer frequented the Sporting Goods & Tackle Shop that once inhabited the structure. A lifelong railroad aficionado, he imagined people from all over the world traveling to Marysville to fish, kayak and trainspot from the site. He purchased the land and enacted his vision.

Ten rooms fill Bridgeview Bed and Breakfast, each with its own bathroom and air conditioner, so guests can enjoy privacy and comfort. The large sitting room, living room and wraparound deck give visitors the option to spend time alone or meet new people.

“If they don’t want to be around people, they don’t have to be,” Manager Amanda Scheib said. “But you can also walk in, and the whole sitting room will be full of people just hanging out.”

Railroad memorabilia hangs in many of the rooms. Some pieces were once owned by Latimer’s grandfather, who spent his career working for the rails. Others, Latimer purchased over the years, and some he received from inn guests.

Photographers enjoy capturing images of the historic Rockville Bridge. Built in 1902, the 3,820-foot-long and 52-foot-wide bridge is believed to be the largest stone arch railroad bridge in the world, according to the PA Department of Community and Economic Development.

The bridge was built in a manner resembling the aqueducts of the Roman Empire, according to The American Society of Civil Engineers. It has a concrete core encased in stone facing and stone arches.

An Association of American Railroad’s Advanced Train Control System monitor hangs in the sitting room so guests know when a train is coming and can get their cameras ready.

“A lot of people from other countries come to see the craftsmanship of the bridge,” Scheib said. “That thing was built before there was any type of technology.”

Those who want a more active vacation can fish or boat from the inn’s dock. Bass and catfish are the most frequent catches.

Scheib has worked for Latimer, her friend, for six years. She enjoys meeting people from across the globe, including such countries as China and Switzerland. Many visitors return after coordinating schedules with inn friends.

“There are a lot of groups of people who met here and became friends,” Latimer said.

Scheib takes pride in the inn’s personal service and cleanliness. The daughter of a Marine, she jokes the rooms are “white-glove tested” after they are cleaned.

Online reservations are not available, so guests interact with Scheib even before they arrive.

“There is someone here to check you in and make you feel at home,” she said.

Scheib cooks individual breakfasts between 8 and 10 a.m., so guests can set their own schedules.

“I think that’s what our guests like the best,” she said. “They get something fresh and hot.”

Cereal and other quick options are available for early risers. The kitchen fits 16 people, but those wanting more space can eat outside.

Harrisburg is a 10-minute drive from Bridgeview, opening vacationers to a wide array of possibilities. A daily blog on the inn’s website highlights special events in the area.

Latimer said that his biggest challenge is convincing people that south-central Pennsylvania is a worthwhile vacation spot. Once they visit the first time, they often return.

“I blame it on Billy Joel,” he said, referencing the musician’s hit song, “Allentown.” “They think all of the factories are shut down, and it is this big rust belt, and everyone is out of work. There is a lot to do here. You got Hershey, Gettysburg, Harrisburg.” 

The Bridgeview Bed & Breakfast is located at 810 S. Main St., Marysville. For more information, visit www.bridgeviewbnb.com.

 

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