Smicksburg Book Signing

Saturday, I was invited to attend a book signing event at the Windgate Vineyards and Winery, located in Smicksburg, Pennsylvania. This was my first time to be invited. I had no idea how to get there or what to expect. I was encouraged to go by another writer and friend who had gone to the signings before.

Joanne, Joe, and I left Ligonier, Pennsylvania just after 9 a.m. for the drive north. Joanne retrieved written directions from an envelope and we were off. The roads took us through highways and back roads. Some roads were well maintained highways and some were pothole strewn back roads. Even while driving, I was able to enjoy the wooded areas, barns, and sometimes even beautiful vistas of valleys and streams.

Many places the leaves were just popping form their bud blankets, waking from their winter’s nap. The sun shone down on them, making their colors glow, like subdued hues present on the autumn trees. It was almost like travelling in a fantasy forest.

As we neared Smicksburg, we saw Amish farms along the highway. Soon we were sharing the world with Amish men and women guiding their horse drawn buggies along the road. Signs advertising handmade furniture, cheeses, hand sawed hemlock, and Amish Country stores, lined the berm.

The road to the Windgate Vineyards was gravel and dusty. I kept my speed down to prevent others travelling the opposite way from choking. Several buildings clustered around the winery sales room. In a large side room was the area set aside for the authors. Flowered tables with our name placards were already set up for us. We just had to claim our spots and set out our wares. More and more authors came and we milled around the room, chatting and getting to know our specialties in writing.

Our gracious hostesses Cay, welcomed us and set out a wonderful buffet of croissant sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Coffee, iced tea, and wine for those who imbibed, was made available for us.

Although I didn’t sell a thing, I bought books for my daughters for Christmas. Tired, driving home, we missed a turn. It took us longer to make it home, but all in all, it was an enjoyable day.

 

Thank you Windgate Vineyard and Winery for showing us a grand time.