Nestled beside Interstate 80 in Bloomsburg, the Inn at Turkey Hill offers a serene escape for travelers and locals alike. Originally a family farm, the property has transformed over the years into a charming inn complete with a restaurant and brewery.
Andrew Pruden, the current owner and innkeeper, inherited the business from his grandfather and is preparing to pass it on to his daughter, Olivia.
The History of the Inn
The roots of the Inn at Turkey Hill date back to 1839 when the original home was constructed. It was once owned by Pruden’s grandparents, with his grandfather, Paul Eyerly, also serving as the publisher of the Press Enterprise newspaper and the proprietor of Turkey Hill Farm.
“It was primarily just for agricultural farming,” Pruden explained, recalling his childhood memories of selling sweet corn with his grandfather. The family lived there until 1972, when the construction of Interstate 80 reduced the farm from 100 acres to just 15, prompting a move to Catawissa.
The home was primarily a retreat for family and friends until Pruden’s grandfather was inspired by European boutique inns to transform it into a bed and breakfast. Though Paul Eyerly passed away before the inn’s construction began, his vision lives on.
A Family Legacy
With the inn’s opening coinciding with Andrew Pruden’s university years, he found his calling in hospitality management at the University of South Carolina. Taking over from his mother Babs in 1988, Pruden has been at the helm for decades.
“In honor of my grandfather, everybody, the whole family, wanted to see this developed,” he said. “I had no idea what I wanted to do… 40 years later, here we are.”
His daughter, Olivia King, followed in his footsteps, earning the same degree and joining the family business. “Once I turned 16 and had my first job here working in the fine dining restaurant, that’s when I realized that this is what I wanted to do,” King said.
King is poised to become the innkeeper upon her father’s retirement, continuing the family tradition.
A Haven for Travelers
The inn is described as “country elegant” with a distinct Pennsylvania flair. With amenities such as a koi pond, gazebo, and fire pit, guests often refer to it as “an oasis along the interstate.”
In 2011, the family expanded their offerings with the Turkey Hill Brewing Company, transforming an old barn into a space for casual dining and craft beer.
While King isn’t planning major changes, she emphasizes the value of tradition: “They appreciate everything that has stayed the same,” she said, highlighting the inn’s enduring appeal.
News & Brews Event
The WVIA News team invites the community to a News & Brews event on Tuesday, April 14, at the Turkey Hill Brewing Company. The event will feature games, giveaways, and WVIA swag. Click here to register.
News & Brews
Tuesday, April 14
4 – 6 p.m.
Turkey Hill Brewing Company
991 Central Road, Bloomsburg
