It's a safe bet to say there aren't a lot of places in central Pennsylvania that offer the sort of experience to be found at the Peter Herdic House.
Here, at the east end of Williamsport's Millionaire's Row, diners can sit down for a meal in a Victorian home.
Gloria Miele, who with her sister Marcia opened the restaurant in 1984, said people simply can't believe the beauty of the restored mansion.
"It's a great business," she said.
Miele said people who stop at the restaurant as part of the many bus tours that come through the city simply can't believe such a place exists in the area.
Constructed in 1854 as a home for Peter Herdic, it carries with it all the style befitting the residence of a lumber baron from a bygone era.
The building's Italian villa architecture lends a distinctive look.
With its arches, a mahogany staircase that winds to a third floor cupola, ornate light fixtures, and artwork, including a painting of Peter Herdic, the restaurant offers a glimpse into the city's former glory and rich historical heritage.
Miele said she had no real business plan nearly 30 years ago when she and her sister decided they wanted to introduce a restaurant that would offer the style and elegance of the Peter Herdic House.
The two were already experienced restaurateurs, having operated the old Court & Willow in downtown Williamsport.
They first looked at a place in the 500 block of West Fourth Street.
When they decided on their present location, they leased the building from Dick Lundy, whom Miele credited with doing a great job renovating it.
Business, she said, was "terrific" from the start.
"We thought this was what Williamsport needed," she recalled. "We thought it would work."
They eventually bought the house.
Gloria's daughter Liz serves as executive chef and her mother, Daisy, comes in every morning to open the restaurant.
Daisy, 93, bakes her special chocolate mousse cake.
Much of the menu comes from locally grown products and meats.
"We have a man in Mifflinburg who grows chickens. All the food is rich, fresh," Gloria said.
Among the more popular menu choices are parmesan crusted shrimp, salmon, and creme brulee.
"We always have smoked shad on the menu," Gloria said. "We have really good crab cakes."
The extensive wine list includes domestic and European wines.
The restaurant has won culinary awards at the Fete De Cuisine - Best Dessert, Best Entree, Best Appetizer, and Best of Show. In addition, the Herdic House has earned a Three Stars rating from AAA.
There's seating for more than 100 diners on both the first and second floors.
A patio offers outdoor dining.
Patrons can enjoy a cocktail at the restaurant's a bar, created from the former Lycoming County Courthouse witness stand.
"The best thing about the business is they come from all over," Gloria said. "You get to meet interesting people. People we would never otherwise meet."
Among the more famous diners have been former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and actress Tina Fey.
