It’s no secret that Lancaster County is a sought-after tourist destination in the mid-Atlantic region. But those of us who live here might take for granted all that the area has to offer for visitors.
So, when those out-of-town guests come to stay, figuring out what to do and where to go can be overwhelming. Our guide can help you plan an itinerary for your guests and narrow down which of the myriad Lancaster options might be a good fit.
The first decision: city or county?
Lancaster refers to both the largest city in the county and the county itself, and while Lancaster County has become synonymous with “Amish country,” Lancaster City is a destination in its own right.
Visitors can spend a day strolling the streets and wandering in and out of the local shops. The 300 block of North Queen is known for its eclectic mix of businesses–from a pickle store to a Swedish candy shop to a storefront devoted to goods made in PA. Not-to-miss businesses in this stretch of the city include:
Be sure to check each store’s hours as many businesses in the city are closed on Mondays.
Lancaster’s Central Market, 23 N. Market St., is another not-miss in Lancaster City. On Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, this historic building is booming with business as farmers, bakers, butchers, and food vendors gather to sell their wares.
Just a short walk from the market, in the 100 block of North Prince Street is Gallery Row, home of many of the city’s art galleries where a variety of local art is on display. Visitors will have the best chance of viewing these galleries later in the week and on the weekends.
And if you’ve got book lovers in your party, the city is full of shops for every kind of reader. In downtown alone, there are three within a block of each other:
Pocket Books’ flagship location is on the outskirts of downtown on Wheatland Ave., and DogStar Books, which specializes in antique and vintage books, is a short walk from downtown on Lemon Street.
One of the biggest draws to Lancaster County is the Amish community. If your guests are hoping for glimpses of Amish horse-drawn buggies, then take a drive on any of the rural roads off of the main highways.
The villages of Bird-in-Hand, Strasburg, and Intercourse all offer a variety of attractions that cater to those curious about the Plain communities. Be mindful that many businesses and attractions are closed on Sundays.
Grab a homemade baked good at the Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop, 542 Gibbons Road, Bird-in-Hand, or make the trek to Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse to stroll through the 40-plus shops offering locally made wares and unique gift ideas.
In Strasburg, The Amish Village gives visitors an authentic experience of Amish culture and their way of life. But Strasburg is also a paradise for train enthusiasts as it’s home to the Strasburg Rail Road, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, and the National Toy Train Museum.
While those areas could be busy, depending on the season, the borough of Columbia offers some off-the-beaten path activities. The Columbia Crossings River Trails Center at 41 Walnut Street, Columbia, introduces visitors to the scenic splendor of the Susquehanna Riverlands, the landscape that borders the Susquehanna River in both Lancaster and York counties. The center is a jumping off point for enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking.
Columbia has options for groups looking for indoor excursions, as well. The Turkey Hill Experience is an ice cream lover’s dream and the perfect place for families to spend a few hours. Ice cream and tea sampling are included with admission.
One of Lancaster’s hidden gems is The National Watch and Clock Museum, 514 Poplar Street, Columbia. The museum houses North America’s largest collection of time pieces from all over the world.
Want small towns with rich history? Lancaster’s got that, too.
Lititz was voted Best Small Town in America in 2013 and is home to Julius Sturgis Pretzels and Wilbur Chocolate–two Pennsylvania staples with storied histories. It also boasts a vibrant downtown shopping district.
In Ephrata visitors can tour The Ephrata Cloister where the town got its beginning as a religious community. And on Fridays year-round, the Green Dragon Market is the place to hunt for treasures amongst hundreds of local vendors.
Whether your guests are looking for shopping, history, museums, or outdoor fun, their time in Lancaster County will be sure to create lasting memories (and future visits).