Snow was predicted today but it was clear and bright at I drove the Lincoln Highway to the Jean Bonnet Tavern a few miles west of Bedford, Pa. The 1762 inn is at a fork of two old military paths: Forbes Road (LH/US 30) and Glades Road (PA 31). A 1928 concrete post at the intersection points out how to stay on the Lincoln.
I met Kyle Weaver, editor of my forthcoming Lincoln Highway Companion book. Also spent time with Kevin Kutz, the Lincoln Highway’s leading artist and author of a beautiful book of LH imagery. His artwork of the LH and other roadside attractions can be found in many regional shops. Here he holds his latest, a painting of Haar’s Drive-In Theater in Dillsburg, Pa.
Lunch at the inn was in the bottom-floor dining room. A huge, open fireplace kept the dimly lit room toasty. Afterward we visited the gift shop in a great-looking reconstructed log cabin just a few feet away. They stock lots of locally made products. and many regional books from Stackpole, including my The Lincoln Highway: Pennsylvania Traveler’s Guide. I picked up a jug of local syrup.
Between the two buildings is a LH interpretive panel courtesy of the LH Heritage Corridor. Next time you’re driving the Lincoln Highway in Pennsylvania, plan to stop by Jean Bonnet for lunch, browsing, and LH history.
Tags: artist, Bedford, drive-in, inn, Jean Bonnet, Kevin Kutz, log cabin, tavern
Lincoln Highway News 
January 19, 2008 at 6:10 am |
I’ve yet to eat at the Jean Bonnet Tavern but did enjoy a malt beverage there once. It’s a great example of an eighteenth century building being used profitably without destroying its history. It just seems like a roadside business that’s been evolving – for 250 years. I know they also rent rooms but I’ve promised myself that the next night I spend in the area will be at the nearby Lincoln Motor Court. Dinner at Jean Bonnet and a bed at Lincoln Motor. Yeah, that’s the ticket.
January 19, 2008 at 10:33 am |
You’re right, they don’t stand still, always advancing and expanding yet retaining the original flavor. I haven’t stayed at LMC but when I led a Turnpike/LH tour in 1990, we had an evening reception at the motor court with the most blazing sunset. Sitting on those metal porch chairs and visiting the cabins of those who were staying was magical – a time trip back to the late 1940s.
January 21, 2008 at 9:54 am |
Brian- It was a pleasure meeting you on your recent visit. We are very proud of our history, heritage and the part we play in the evolution of the Forbes Road/Lincoln Highway. Our cabin shoppe, while a recent addition to the Jean Bonnet Tavern experience, is actually a Revolutionary War era building that was moved to our location from Fayette County. Hope to see you again soon and looking forward to that next book!
January 22, 2008 at 8:01 pm |
That sounds like a terrific little place! We’ll have to check it out when we have a chance.