1777 Americana Inn, located in Ephrata, PA, is Lancaster County’s only “room with a brew”.

What does this mean? It means you can stay on the premises, and also purchase a package at the Inn to grab beers and food. Black Forest Brewery is owned by the same owners of 1777 Americana Inn Bed & Breakfast, and both are located on the same property. This allows you to have a short walk back to your room, after having a few drinks.

This historic inn is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of taking in the local sightseeing or historical places, shopping, or antiquing. You can even get a huge list of local attractions and day trips that the inn has curated for guests. The building was built in 1777 and was used as a home and business for original owner Jacob Gorgas. The Inn has changed hands a few times. It was used as a millinery shop, producing clothes as well as hats, a tea room and boarding house, a doctor’s office, and then most recently in 1988, it became the 1777 Americana Inn.

We recently visited and stayed at the Inn to explore, as well as sample the beers and food at Black Forest Brewery.

Upon arriving at the 1777 Americana Inn, we were able to use the designated Inn parking, and take a short private walk to the main entranceway, where details were waiting for us, for our stay. We received a very detailed list of accommodations for the stay, what room we were in as well as when to show for breakfast.

There are 3 rooms (“A Primitive Place”, “Le Boudoir”, and “Garden Window”) and 2 suites (“Tranquility Cottage”, and “Patriot Suite”) located in the Inn. We stayed in the “Le Boudoir” room, which is described as a French-themed room, reminiscent of a European Estate. The room featured classic 19th-century hardwood floors, an 1800’s armoire, and a foot-of-the-bed chest from 1828. There was a private bathroom in the room, as well as other amenities you have come to expect when you spend a night away from home (TV, individual climate control, fan, personal refrigerator, and more!). (Look through the pictures to really take in how well the Inn is decorated!)

The Inn also offers packages for the full “Room With A Brew” experience. You can see a full list of packages. They range from the “Craft Beer Lovers Package” which includes beer and food at the brewery, as well as food back in your room along with chocolates, to “Romance And More Package” which includes flowers and wine, along with food, chocolates, and more. There is also an option if you wanted, to rent out the whole house! Imagine a milestone birthday, a group getaway, a corporate retreat, or a big family trip away at the historic inn.

After exploring, we set off for the brewery, which is located directly behind the inn. The Black Forest Brewery has both indoor and outdoor seating (weather or COVID regulations permitting). The brewery has a full kitchen menu (check out the menu), 10 taps of delicious craft beer, and plenty of space for events. The beer is made according to the German Purity Laws of Brewing, or the Reinheitsgebot, which began in 1516, which limits the ingredients used to brew beer to water, grain and hops.

We grabbed some appetizers and beers and sat down to talk with the owner’s Bob and Denise Harter. We learned the rich history of the property, including how Bob got into brewing (see our interview of Bob for our “Meet The Brewer” series), as well as the new addition to the taproom that was completed right before the COVID shutdown occurred.

After enjoying all the brewery had to offer with a few beers (wink wink) and delicious food, we retired to our room for the night. In the morning, the Inn provided quite the complimentary breakfast spread for us, which is available for everyone who stays the night.

After all of the exploring around the Inn, visiting the brewery, and getting to know the owners, we can truly say this place is special. You feel welcomed the moment you set foot in either building and can let loose to enjoy yourself. So whether you are planning a trip to the area for the many local attractions, or just need a night away, give the 1777 Americana Inn & Black Forest Brewery a try. As a group that travels the state for beer and fun, we haven’t quite experienced anything such as this!