Jan 09 2025 29 mins
Fun in Lancaster County
Lancaster Central Market (Ann), located at 23 North Market Street in downtown Lancaster, is the oldest continuously operating farmer's market in the United States. It is open year-round on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and offers everything from local produce and meats to cheeses, crafts, and handmade items.
Walking Tours of Downtown Lancaster (Tom): The visitor center near the Central Market offers guided walking tours that explore the area's architecture and history.
First Friday (Dale), held in downtown Lancaster on the first Friday of each month, celebrates art, culture, and community. This vibrant event draws locals and visitors to explore the city's creative scene.
Fulton Opera House (Ann), located at 12 North Prince Street in downtown Lancaster, is the oldest operating theater in the United States. Its Broadway-caliber shows have become an institution in the County, home to many other theater groups and venues.
Gallery Row (Tom), located in the 100 block of North Prince Street, is a vibrant arts district that showcases the city's rich creative culture. Home to numerous art galleries, studios, and shops, it's a hub for local and regional artists.
Long's Park Summer Music Series (Dale) offers free concerts on Sunday evenings from June through August in Long's Park, located on Harrisburg Pike next to Park City Center. This popular community event attracts several thousand music fans each week. The park is also a delightful place for walking.
County Park (Ann) is located just outside downtown Lancaster. It is a massive park with wooded trails, picnic areas, covered bridges, and beautiful streams and rivers—a wonderful oasis in the city.
Root's Country Market and Auction (Tom), located at 705 Graystone Road in Manheim, is open every Tuesday year-round and offers a similar collection of goods as the Green Dragon Market. It's a truly unique experience.
Strasburg Railroad (Dale), located at 300 Gap Road in Strasburg, invites visitors to ride an antique steam engine through Lancaster County's picturesque farmland. It also features a museum of classic trains.
Village Green Mini-Golf (Ann), located at 1444 Village Road in Strasburg, offers a family-friendly mini-golf experience in the heart of Lancaster County. Set in a picturesque rural location, the course features beautiful landscaping, colorful flowers, ponds, and whimsical decorations, making it a relaxing yet challenging spot for golfers of all ages.
Adamstown (Tom), located north of Ephrata on Route 272, is known as the Antique Capital of the USA. It boasts a concentration of antique shops, malls, and markets, attracting collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts nationwide.
BB's Grocery Outlet (Dale), located at 581 Camargo Road in Quarryville, offers deeply discounted groceries, bulk items, and household goods. It often features closeouts, overstock, or slightly damaged packaging—a quintessential Lancaster experience.
The Corn Wagon (Ann), located at 2169 Millersville Road, is a legendary produce stand in the area. It's a local favorite because it offers the freshest fruits and vegetables at incredible prices. There are many fruit and vegetable stands throughout the County.
Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area (Tom), located near Lebanon, PA, is famous for attracting over 100,000 migratory snow geese every spring, making it a must-see for bird watchers.
Ice Cream Dairies (Dale): Pine View, Lapps, and Down on the Farm are a few of the top places for ice cream in the County.
Kitchen Kettle Shops (Ann) is located in downtown Intercourse, PA, at the heart of the Amish "tourist" area. Here, visitors can see many Amish buggies and Mennonite visitors.
Covered Bridges (Tom), Lancaster County is home to 29 covered bridges, one of the largest concentrations in the United States. These iconic structures are an essential part of the County's history and a popular attraction for visitors.
Clinic for Special Children Auction (Dale), held at the Leola auction grounds, raises money for a clinic specializing in genetic diseases among the Amish. This event is supported by the Amish and Mennonite communities and offers a great way to experience their culture.
Amish Farmland (Ann): The beautiful Amish and Mennonite farms in Lancaster County, particularly around Quarryville, Strasburg, Bird-In-Hand, Paradise, Intercourse, and Leola, showcase preserved farmland that remains a testament to traditional farming methods.
One-Room Schoolhouse (Tom): Many one-room schoolhouses still operate throughout the Amish and Mennonite areas, especially near Strasburg.
Amish Dinner (Ann): you can check the Internet to find Amish households that provide group Amish dinners in an Amish home.
Mandros Market, located at the corner of Lemon and Charlotte Streets in Lancaster City, is known for its exceptional selection of Mediterranean and European imported goods. This Mom-and-Pop Store exudes old-world charm, drawing food lovers seeking authentic ingredients for cooking and entertaining.
Hammond Pretzels, situated on South West End Avenue in Lancaster City, is a small, historic family-owned business that has been in the family for three generations. Embodying Lancaster's rich pretzel-making tradition, it's a must-visit for anyone who appreciates classic snacks.
Cherry Hill Orchards, located at 400 Long Lane in New Danville, is a family-owned farm that grows its own produce. In season, the produce is sold to customers or available for pick-your-own. The farm also offers homemade baked goods and fresh apple cider.
Lancaster Breweries, Lancaster, is home to several local breweries that serve exceptional beers and food. Check out popular spots like Iron Hill Brewery, Lancaster Brewing Company, Old Town Brewery, and Spring House Brewery.
Amish Stand, located on Kendig Road in Willow Street, is open year-round. Offering eggs, baked goods, seasonal produce, and flowers, it's a great spot for fresh, locally grown items.
Isaac's Restaurant, located in Strasburg and other locations across the County, is famous for its delicious sandwiches, all named after birds.
Green Dragon Farmer's Market and Auction, located at 955 North State Street in Ephrata, is open every Friday year-round. The market offers a wide range of items, from local produce and meats to livestock, clothing, and home décor.
The 300-Block Shops, located in the 300 block of North Queen Street in Lancaster City, features a variety of intriguing shops, including art galleries.
Wheatland, located at 230 North President Avenue in Lancaster, is a historic mansion once the home of James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States. Built in 1828, this beautifully preserved Federal-style house offers visitors a glimpse into the mid-19th-century life of one of the most controversial U.S. presidents.
Third Friday, like First Friday, but focused on Lancaster's music scene, highlights local musical talent in various venues across the city.
Whoopie Pie Festival held every September at 240 Hartman Bridge Road in Ronks, celebrates the beloved Pennsylvania Dutch dessert—a soft, cake-like sandwich with creamy filling. The festival draws thousands of visitors each year.
Turkey Hill Experience, located in Columbia, PA, offers museum tours where visitors can enjoy homemade beverages (teas and lemonade) and ice cream—known for allowing guests to create their own unique ice cream flavors.
Dutch Apple Dinner Theater, located at 510 Centerville Road in Lancaster, offers a full buffet-style dinner paired with a stage show. It is open year-round.
Wolf Sanctuary of PA, located at 465 Speedwell Forge Road in Lititz, is home to real wolves and offers a unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close.
The Jigger Shop, located at 202 Gettysburg Avenue in Mount Gretna, offers delicious snacks, ice cream, and musical events throughout the summer.
Lititz Springs Park is a beautiful downtown park in the heart of Lititz. It is known for its old-fashioned Fourth of July festivities.
The Hospice Auction, held on Labor Day Weekend at the Solanco Fair Grounds in Quarryville, features food prepared by the local Amish community and items like handmade quilts that are auctioned to raise funds for Hospice of Lancaster County.
Good's Store, located at 334 West 4th Street in downtown Quarryville, is a Mennonite-owned store that sells almost everything. It functions as an actual "general store" in the traditional sense.
Strasburg Scooters, located at 246 North Decatur Street in Strasburg, offers little motorized car rides through the stunning Amish countryside and past covered bridges.
The National Clock and Watch Museum is located at 514 Poplar Street, Columbia, PA. This fascinating museum has a huge exhibit of clocks and watches covering the history of timekeeping.
Northwest River Trail, Columbia to Falmouth, PA. This wonderful trail runs for miles along the Susquehanna River and offers incredible scenery.
Susquehannock State Park is a scenic 224-acre park overlooking the Susquehanna River in southern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It offers stunning river views, especially from the Pinnacle Overlook, one of its most popular spots.
American Music Theatre, 2425 Lincoln Hwy E, is a premier live entertainment venue that opened in 1997. It is known for its high-quality, family-friendly shows and for hosting diverse performances, from live concerts to original musical productions.
Sight & Sound Theatres, 300 Hartman Bridge Rd, Ronks, PA, is one of the country's most renowned live theater experiences. Known for its Bible-based, Broadway-style productions, the theater brings biblical stories to life with jaw-dropping sets, live animals, and unforgettable special effects.