If you’re searching for a secluded rustic getaway close to New York City or Philadelphia, the Roundtop Chalet might be the perfect nearby retreat. I found it on AirBnB while I was searching for a weekend spot for my husband Gabe’s 49th birthday. He’s known for being a sucker for hot tub time, so I figured this would be the perfect gift.
We’ve experienced numerous jacuzzis at short term rentals and quite frankly it can be a hit or miss experience. A hot tub is all about relaxing and unwinding and for both of us introverts, that means needing complete privacy. Many of the places we’ve stayed in have had either shared or semi-private tubs that are maybe attached to a main house or shared with another renter. It definitely beats not having a hot tub and who can really complain when you’re awash in hot bubbles, but ideally it’s always nice to feel completely cut-off from the rest of the world while you’re soaking in the heat of a hot tub.
Why Roundtop Chalet is the Perfect Rustic Getaway
Set just outside York, PA, along the Susquehanna River, The Roundtop Chalet in Wrightsville, PA is just distant enough to make it feel secluded without requiring a major drive from the tri-state region. Check out these travel times:
- About a 90 minute drive from Philadelphia
- 40 mins from Harrisburg and Hershey
- Around 3 hours from New York City
- 20 mins to Downtown Lancaster
A Farmhouse Fancy Tiny House
The Roundtop Chalet is set back from the highways within a secluded plot of land with another rental home. There’s a gate at the entrance and several long winding roads through the estate to enjoy on your path to the chalet. It’s set far away from the other property so you’ll feel completely in your own space amidst the adjacent pond, circular driveway and hilly hiking trail behind the property.
Inside, you’ll find a luxuriously crisp, clean aesthetic, meaning it’s a little farmhouse-y without being too rustic. The three season porch with its black walls and wrap-around screen is like the perfect place to unwind in warmer weather while listening to the sounds of the pond fountain and babbling little creek. Although the kitchen is small it includes one heck of a fridge that felt almost too fancy for the likes of me to use plus a mini dishwasher which I so need now that it’s just the two of us under one roof. There’s an espresso machine as well as several coffee flavorings and teas to cure any caffeine cravings.
The layout is much more spacious that typical tiny houses, with a sweeping vaulted ceiling and second floor loft bedroom area, which gives you a view of the deck, pond and woodlands from any vantage point in the house. The bed here is super comfy and I appreciated the ample array of pillows, blankets and throws. I was still getting over a bad head cold that turned into a constant cough while we were there, so let me go on record as saying I definitely owe Gabe a make-up visit to rectify the lack of sleep he got either hearing me cough or snore both nights (we alternated who got the couch but with only a door to the bathroom, there was little chance for him to escape my constant noise.
Things to Do at Roundtop Chalet
Although I often try to over-pack a weekend away with activities, this time I was committed to keeping our three days here planning-free — no tourist attractions, dinners out or even jogs around the neighborhood. What we needed more was just time to sit by the fire, watch TV (we binged Penelope Keith’s Hidden Villages, which work both as a fascinating series and soothing background watching), read, and of course, soak in the hot tub.
The property does lie just steps away from a nature conservancy, so if you get tired of lounging around on the extra comfy sofa or napping in the equally luxurious king-sized bed, there is a tree-lined trail that awaits.
The first night we were there we were greeted by the sounds of some sort of owl. He or she remained a constant audible visitor every night and became intermittent with my coughing. I think we may have properly identified the bird as a juvenile Great Horned Owl, but you be the judge in the video at the end of this blog. The property is surrounded by woods so there’s no shortage of wildlife and several trails to walk (albeit mildly hilly in parts) that run alongside the river.
Attractions Near Wrightsville, PA
If you’re looking to make your stay more adventurous however, there’s plenty of attractions nearby around York, PA. The Turkey Hill Experience in neighboring Columbia is just a 5-minute drive away. I definitely want to return for another restful stay but this time check out some of the places of interest nearby like Moon Dancer Winery and Cider House and Flinchbaugh’s Orchard and Farm Market.
Antique lovers will not want to miss the Columbia region, with plenty of unique shops to treasure hunt, including Rivertowne Antique Center, Bootleg Antiques, Burning Bridge Antique Mall, and Tollbooth Antiques. I’m always on the lookout for a quirky museum or historical location and the National Watch and Clock Museum definitely fits the bill. It’s also in Columbia and features thousands of time pieces while documenting the history of time keeping.
Cones & Clubs looks like a fun 24-hole mini golf course with a connected ice cream shop. I noticed on their Yelp reviews that there used to be a black bear locked up on the site, which led me to want to do more digging before recommending the spot. The attraction apparently used to have a female black bear named Ricki who sat sadly in a small cage for over a decade on the site, until animal welfare groups including Ricky Gervais got involved and got Ricki released from her too-tiny prison and flown to an animal sanctuary in Colorado. That was in 2015 so not sure if Ricki is still alive, but that internet rabbit hole at least seems to have led to a happy ending.
What I especially loved about this destination is the natural setting which feels like it could be hundreds of miles away from the nearest city. It’s quiet, surrounded by trees (particularly pretty in the fall of course) and the two ponds on the property give that extra bit of beauty. It was hard not to just spend every moment looking out at the flowing water and fountain.
Best Restaurants and Cafes Around Roundtop Chalet
There’s also a few super cute restaurants nearby like the John Wright Restaurant,The Wild Batch Bistro, Griddles Malt Shoppe, and Root is a sustainable vegan bistro worth the drive to Lancaster.
We got a delicious classic Italian-American dinner from Sicilia Pizza Marietta in Marietta, which carried us through the weekend with leftovers. We also brought one of our favorite indulgences, massively overflowing cream doughnuts from the incomparable Holmesburg Bakery.
What to Pack for a Relaxing Retreat
A far-away staycation is especially nice when you’re packing the right stuff. Don’t forget to bring:
- Relaxing Books
- Swimwear
- Hiking Boots
- Comfy Pajamas and Loungewear
- Seasonal Drinks (we packed some local apple cider to vibe with the fall)
- Breakfast Items (so you don’t have to go out every morning)
- Your login info for steaming on the Smart TV
Skip Packing, Leave at Home These Items are Fully Stocked
Just to keep your packing light, here are some of the items that the Roundtop Chalet has taken care of.
- WiFi
- Smart TV
- Espresso Maker
- Body Wash, Shampoo and Conditioner
- Spices
- Towels for the Hot Tub
- Comfy Pillows and Blankets