Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is one of the hidden gems of the U.S., but it won’t remain hidden for much longer. Travelers and tourists are quickly beginning to appreciate the wholesome experiences that Lancaster has to offer. Here are five of the biggest reasons why you should add Lancaster, PA, to your travel bucket list.
1. Rich Local History
Lancaster’s main claim to fame has always been its prosperous Amish communities. In fact, it has the largest Amish settlement in the nation with more than 40,000 people. However, out-of-towners don’t realize how strong the Amish influence really is until they see it firsthand. They own many of the local businesses and hang out with the non-Amish locals. You can’t find this peculiar arrangement anywhere else in the country.
Amish culture isn’t the only history Lancaster has to offer. You can also visit some impressive historical sites, including the Revere Tavern and President James Buchanan’s wheathouse. These are just a few examples of 19th century buildings that remain standing across the county. Visiting Lancaster is like getting a glimpse back in time.
You can bring plenty of historical artifacts and souvenirs home with you as well — Lancaster is home to more than 3,000 antique shops throughout the county. Locals and tourists alike take antiquing seriously. You might even see lines of people waiting outside the doors of the most popular shops first thing in the morning.
2. All-You-Can-Eat Experience
Lancaster is also famous for its Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine that the locals have mastered over the centuries. Every town you visit is guaranteed to have locally-owned bakeries, pastry shops and delis. The oldest shop is Julius Sturgis Pretzel Factory, which opened its doors in 1861 and remains a popular destination for homemade goods.
The biggest cities in Lancaster — Lancaster City, Hershey, Lititz and Strasburg — also have numerous cafes and food trucks lining the streets. One of the best food trucks is the all-pink Lancaster Cupcake Truck, which was a finalist on Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” and caters many local events.
There is an abundance of farmer’s markets throughout the county with all the homemade fruits, vegetables, dairy products and sweets you could ask for. You won’t find a better selection of ingredients in a five-star restaurant. Many locals shop at these markets instead of going to a name-brand grocery store.
Local restaurants also provide more than just food. They offer “food tours,” history lessons and all the free samples you can eat. These tours are great activities for visitors to try some of Lancaster’s lesser-known delicacies, such as Dutch sausage, scrapple and unique jam and jelly recipes. Nothing beats old-fashioned home cooking, and you’ll find plenty of it in Lancaster.
3. Family-Friendly Activities
Every great travel destination has a variety of family-friendly activities, and Lancaster certainly fits that mold. The county’s main attraction for kids is the Cartoon Kitchen, a cartoon-themed restaurant where kids can interact with their favorite animated characters. Afterward, you can pay a visit to one of the many local ice cream shops that make their own recipes.
Lancaster also sits in close proximity to several amusement parks, including the world-famous Hershey Park, Dutch Wonderland and the Denver Fair. Strasburg is home to America’s oldest operating railroad that now serves as a tourist attraction with trips in the old-fashioned rail cars.
Each season brings something unique to the table. The vast cornfields are perfect locations for fireworks displays in the summer, haunted hayrides in the fall and Christmas light shows in the winter. There are dozens of public campsites throughout the county, and the nearby Appalachian Mountains provide some more challenging outdoor experiences.
If you’re trying to help your kids become more active and develop new interests, these destinations in Lancaster are great places to visit. After just one afternoon here, your kids will be begging to come back as soon as possible.
4. Thriving Nightlife Scene
Lancaster also has plenty to offer for young adults. Downtown Lancaster might not have the big-city feel, but it has a thriving nightlife scene hidden within the quiet farmlands and small villages. Many prestigious breweries and vineyards are located here, including Bull’s Head, Saint Boniface and The Strasburg Train.
These places aren’t the dive bars you might expect from a small town. You will find a welcoming crowd and plenty of activities. Events like trivia nights and karaoke contests happen almost every night, and you can usually find at least one venue with live music on the weekends. Music Fridays are weekly occurrences in Lancaster City and Lititz.
That’s not all. Escape rooms, BYOB bowling alleys, ax throwing and other unorthodox attractions also keep people entertained late into the evening. There’s plenty of stuff to do whether you’re traveling with family or going on a weekend getaway with friends.
5. Passionate Performances
Lancaster County also has a flair for the dramatic. If you enjoy plays and concerts, Lancaster has plenty of both thanks to its prospering theater scene. Perhaps the most famous attractions are the Sight and Sound Theatres that bring Bible stories to life with breathtaking musical reenactments.
Other prominent arts centers such as the Fulton Theater and American Music Theater put on a variety of performances for a wide range of audiences. You can catch a Shakespeare play, a Greek comedy, a classic American play and even magic shows. For lack of a better term, Lancaster City is like the Broadway of central Pennsylvania.
Stay Awhile in Lancaster, PA
Lancaster doesn’t have the luxury accommodations or famous tourist attractions of other locations in the United States, but it has something for everyone. Families and young adults alike will have a great time exploring the history, cuisine, outdoor activities, nightlife and arts scene. Plan an extended visit to Lancaster so you can stay awhile and get the full experience.