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There is a phenomenon in Pennsylvania: Gnome Homes and Gardens.

Most RV parks in Pennsylvania are closed for the winter, November through April. May through October is known as “the season”. Much like the RVing snowbirds who flock to the southern states for the winter, northeast locals flock to a nearby RV park for the season. The difference between them and the winter snowbirds is that most of them have a stick-and-brick within several hours’ drive. Many only come out to their RV on the weekends during the season.

They keep their RV in one of the few RV parks over the winter, often paying the monthly rate but never going to visit it. The RV is usually covered and shuttered for the winter.

But come mid-April or May, everyone flocks to their RV. They unwrap the RVs, gazebos go up, TVs come outside, fountains go on, flowers are planted, and gnomes invade the park.

Yes, I said gnomes.

Godzilla eats the gnomes.

Along with the gnomes, goes every possible item one could put in a yard. Most of these yards have a variety of lights to rival Christmas. In fact, the decorating style is “everything but the kitchen sink, with gnomes”….

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As much as I tease, I honestly find the meticulous care and decorating of the yards and RV spots incredibly charming. As Texans have pride in their state, Pennsylvanians have pride in their yards. It makes for a beautiful state, at least Dutch Country (which is the area in PA where I’ve spent most of my time).

While surfing the net researching for this article, I came across this recent story about the eviction of nearly 40 gnome homes from a Pennsylvania park. After initially being given permission, Steve Hoke was asked to remove the 38 miniature gnome homes he created in old logs and roots around the park. The most heartbreaking part in the story was on the day he was removing the gnome homes a little girl and her father came to see them. The little girl had lukemia, and when her father asked what she wanted to do she said she wanted to see the gnome homes.

That brought me to tears. So, I researched more… watch The Gnomist (17 minutes of tear-jerking inspiration).

These two stories inspire me, and make me want to start building gnome homes and leaving them all over the country. Sooo, I’ve started making fairy and gnome home doors. Right now, I’ve been sending them to family for presents because family HAS to like them. *snicker*

Outside of a door.

Inside of a door.

Oustide of another door.

Gnome door with yard.

Gnome door with yard.

Gnome door with yard.