What to Do in Lancaster PA?

Whether a visitor or a resident, when first arriving to Lancaster, PA, one might feel as though they are in farm town. This might have been the original draw, but Lancaster is developing quickly and has much more to offer in terms of culture and fun. Stay a while, you could find something incredible.

The first place that is special is downtown Lancaster. Downtown is very small compared to other cites, but one will find that it is full of the arts and dining. For example, Rachel’s Creperie is a local favorite with delicious crepes for breakfast lunch or dinner. Prince Street Cafe is also nice, and is situated across the street from the Fulton Theater, where local shows are performed. Whether you are in the mood for Greek, Mexican, Italian, or something different, downtown Lancaster probably has it. There are also many art galleries from local artists that are scattered around down town. On the First Friday of every month, Downtown Lancaster comes especially alive for First Friday, and local artists will open their galleries for everyone. If you are just visiting for the weekend, or are just looking for something to do on the weekend, walk around downtown.

www.downtownlancaster.com

The next place to go is for shopoholics. Lancaster is famous for its outlets, and has two main centers. Tanger Outlets and Rockvale Outlets. Both have an amazing selection of stores, but it gets even better, because the prices are discounted from the normal price. If you are lucky, you will get there when the stores are having sales, and you can get designer clothing and accessories for 50% off!

www.rockvalesquareoutlets.com
www.tangeroutlet.com

For those who have kids, a fun suggestion would be to go to Dutch Wonderland or Hershey Park for the day. Dutch Wonderland is more suited for children, while Hershey Park has larger rides for more fun for older kids. Let the kids experience Lancaster too. One more suggestion is to truly experience the Lancaster culture by visiting the country side and learning about the history of a cultural town. (Did you know Lancaster was once the capital of the US?) Get away from the hustle bustle and visit an Amish farm. Even if you live in Lancaster already, you may not know who the Amish really are. You can also visit a museum and learn about the history of the Pennsylvania Dutch and their cultures, or go to a kid-friendly museum such as Hands on House or the North Museum. Whatever you decide to do in Lancaster, you can make the most of it, and have fun.

handsonhouse.org
www.heritagecentermuseum.com
www.northmuseum.org
www.padutchcountry.com
www.landisvalleymuseum.org
www.lancastercountymuseums.org
www.quiltandtextilemuseum.com

If you come to Lancaster during the summer, there is a summer minor league team named the Barnstormers, that have games many nights. This is a fun way to see Lancaster also. Just mosey on over to Clipper Magazine Stadium, and buy cheap lawn seats or regular seats for the game. If you visit during the winter, Clipper Magazine Stadium has winter activities set up inside, and in the past they have had tubing and ice-skating.

lancasterbarnstormers.com

Whatever you decide to do in Lancaster, I am sure that you will have fun doing it. In such a culture rich town with such friendly people, it’s hard not to! Have fun!