A Middletown farmstead near picture-perfect: Horses graze behind pristine white fences, the landscape beautifully groomed. On the front porch of the former wagon shed, a flowered flag waves a welcoming word, “OPEN.”
This 167-acre working farm doubles as a gift shop, and the Country Apple House Gift Shop is a one-of-a-kind enterprise.
For owner Marjie Hartz, her gift shop is a “dream come true.” As a girl she first knew this setting as her family’s dairy farm. Twelve years ago, when her children had grown, Marjie opened what her customers call “a hidden treasure.” Several hint that they don’t want to share this shop with friends because they like to have their own source of unique gifts.
The shop’s environment is inviting and relaxing. Each shopper is greeted warmly. On a chilly day a cup of tea may be offered. Attention is personalized: Marjie remembers such details as keeping on hand a regular shopper’s favorite flavor of coffee.
And people return. A woman drove from York to pick up Savannah Cinnamon syrups she must have. Other gourmet food lines include Stonewall Kitchen from Maine and Wind & Willow cheese ball and dip mixes.
Apple House’s specialty lines are the result of Marjie paying attention to trends. Country style gifts like Boyd’s Bears were popular when she launched her shop in 2000.
“Now,” Marjie said, “customers like jewelry and handbags.” Kameleon’s sterling silver interchangeable jewelry is popular. Women can change JewelPops so that a pendant, earrings or ring match an outfit.
Marjie is a selective buyer. Scented candle lines are first tested at home. Besides tried and true Yankee Candles, she has Swan Creek soy candles and Milkhouse Candles, a blend of soy and beeswax. A hand therapy line, Crabtree & Evelyn, was recommended by a customer.
“Here, there’s something unique for your elderly aunt and for your teenage niece,” said Esther Stydinger, a shop employee.
And the prices are not daunting. All greeting cards are $2.25. Among the gifts are practical items such as reusable shopping bags, battery-operated candles and woven stair treads that people buy as mini-rugs.
Community fun is the focus of the shop’s fall open house. On Sept. 8, there will be tractor-drawn hay rides to the field for kids to pick their own free pumpkins and free pony rides provided by local 4-H clubs. Eastland Alpacas will be on hand for petting.
Both Friday and Saturday all items, except Kameleon Jewelry, are discounted 10 percent. Customers are invited to bring canned food for Middletown and Hummelstown food banks. Last year Chet, Marjie’s husband who maintains the grounds, hauled a truckload of donated staples.
At a time when little retailers quickly fade, the Country Apple House Gift Shop has been offering a singularly charming shopping experience year after year. Imagine yourself ending your shopping trip by stepping up to the fence to pet a horse.
The Country Apple House Gift Shop, 2142 N. Union St. (off Fiddlers Elbow Rd.) Middletown. Call 717-566-1072 or visit www.thecountryapplehouse.com. Hours: Wed – Fri 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
