The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Lancaster, Pennsylvania Right Now
Lancaster, Pennsylvania is a charming and historic city that offers you a unique glimpse into traditional Amish culture. Known for its scenic countryside, horse-drawn buggy rides, and delicious Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, Lancaster is a popular destination for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat from city life. Here you can explore the Amish Farm and House to learn about the Amish way of life, or take a leisurely drive through the picturesque farmlands dotted with red barns and green pastures. Lancaster also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and boutiques showcasing local artists and craftsmen.
Image Courtesy: Visit Lancaster
In addition to its cultural attractions, Lancaster is home to a variety of family-friendly activities, including the Dutch Wonderland amusement park and the North Museum of Nature and Science. The city's downtown area features a mix of eclectic shops, cozy cafes, and historic architecture, making it a delightful spot for leisurely strolls. For those interested in history, Lancaster offers several museums and landmarks highlighting its role in the American Revolution and Civil War. Whether you're seeking relaxation in a pastoral setting or hoping to immerse yourself in history and culture — Lancaster has it all. These are the best reasons to visit Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
1. Where to Eat and Drink in Lancaster
Passerine is a seasonal neighborhood restaurant and bottle shop celebrating producers' hard work and abundance of fresh ingredients. Passerine presents a divine batch-driven beverage program, curated wine list, and plenty of non-alcoholic choices. Over 60% of the wine selection comes from the American East Coast, paying homage to the innovative and persistent fermentation community in the region. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying three of their signature cocktails, Cadillac Point — concocted with Sol Torasco mushroom-infused charanda, blanco tequila, Passerine blood orange-vanilla Curaçao, Espelette, fresh-squeezed lime, jalapeño saline; South Hills Castaway with Maggie's Farm coffee liqueur, 50/50 dark rum, toasted coconut Falernum, fresh pineapple and lime juice, salted banana, and tiki bitters as well as the Alpine 75 with Salers & Aveze Gentian liqueurs, Dolin Genepy Le Chamois, Cocchi Americano, Alpine Dew Cordial, and Flora Prosecco Brut.
With a menu of French-inspired New American small bites and shareable dishes, Passerine focuses on regional cuisine that uses fresh and seasonal produce from the Susquehanna River Valley region to showcase the abundance of agriculture in the area. Favorite dishes at Passerine include Zucchini Crepe Cake with goat ricotta, sweet corn cream, and caviar; Scallop Crudo with fennel pollen infused buttermilk, apple purée, and Meyer lemon preserve; Braised Monkfish Bouillabaisse with lemongrass, saffron, tomato, and Swiss chard; Diver Scallops with sweet corn, shishito, summer peaches, and fermented cherry, as well as the brunch favorite, Biscuits & Mushroom Gravy with mixed greens and fried egg. Choose between reserving a seat in the cafe or dining room. Each dining area has its own unique ambiance. The cafe, located street side, offers a large window with picturesque views of Prince Street. From here, you can also catch glimpses of the bustling bar and bottle shop. Expect a more relaxed and casual atmosphere in this space.
On the other hand, the dining room at Passerine provides an intimate setting with views of the open kitchen. The dim lighting adds to the cozy and romantic feel of this space. If you’re craving something sweet and tantalizing, try the decadent Strawberry Trifle Trifle with lemon sponge, lemon curd, Swiss meringue, and graham cracker crumb, or try their housemade Sorbet & Ice Cream. Hungry yet?
2. Discover intriguing Amish culture
The Amish culture in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, offers a unique glimpse into a traditional way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. When you visit this picturesque region you can experience firsthand the simplicity, humility, and strong sense of community that define the Amish way of living. The Amish are known for their rejection of modern conveniences such as electricity and automobiles, choosing instead to rely on traditional practices and manual labor for their daily routines.
Image Courtesy: Visit Lancaster
Exploring Lancaster County, tourists can admire the well-maintained farms with horse-drawn buggies passing by, and observe the Amish people dressed in their distinctive plain clothing and bonnets. The craftsmanship of Amish-made furniture, quilts, and other handmade goods is revered for its high quality and attention to detail, attracting visitors from around the world. Many tourists opt to take guided tours of Amish farms and communities to gain a deeper understanding of their customs, beliefs, and way of life.
Image Courtesy: Visit Lancaster
In addition to experiencing the Amish culture firsthand, visitors to Lancaster can savor authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine at family-style restaurants, where dishes like chow-chow, chicken pot pie, and shoofly pie are served in abundance. The charming markets and shops in towns like Intercourse and Bird-in-Hand offer a wide array of handcrafted products, fresh produce, and baked goods for visitors to sample and purchase as souvenirs. Overall, a visit to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, provides a fascinating insight into the rich cultural heritage and timeless traditions of the Amish community.
3. Stroll historic downtown Lancaster
Downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania, offers a charming blend of history, culture, and culinary delights that make it a must-visit destination for any visitor. Start your day by surrounding yourself in the rich history of the city at the Lancaster Central Market, the country's oldest farmers' market. Here, you can sample local delicacies, shop for handmade goods, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere that has been drawing visitors for over 200 years.
Image Courtesy: Visit Lancaster
After exploring the market, take a leisurely stroll down Gallery Row, home to numerous art galleries showcasing a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to browse and purchase works by local and international artists. For a deeper dive into Lancaster's cultural scene, a visit to the Ware Center is a must. This state-of-the-art performing arts center hosts a variety of performances, exhibitions, and events throughout the year, providing a glimpse into the city's thriving creative community.
Image Courtesy: Visit Lancaster
No visit to downtown Lancaster would be complete without savoring its culinary offerings. The city boasts a burgeoning foodie scene, with an array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries to suit every palate. From farm-to-table dining experiences to cozy coffee shops, there is no shortage of options to indulge in. Be sure to try traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dishes for a taste of local flavor. Additionally, the city's vibrant nightlife scene ensures that the excitement continues long after the sun sets, with trendy bars and live music venues beckoning visitors to unwind and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
4. Take in the scenic countryside
Lancaster, Pennsylvania boasts some of the most picturesque countryside landscapes in the United States. Rolling green hills dotted with grazing cows and horses, vibrant fields of crops swaying in the gentle breeze, and charming covered bridges create a serene and idyllic atmosphere perfect for a relaxing getaway. The Amish farms scattered throughout the region add to the timeless and peaceful feel of the countryside, where horse-drawn buggies share the road with modern vehicles, offering a glimpse into a simpler way of life.
Image Courtesy: Visit Lancaster
When visiting Lancaster, you can explore the countryside through various means, such as scenic drives, cycling routes, or even hot air balloon rides for a bird’s eye view of the stunning vistas below. The lush farmlands yield fresh produce, homemade goods, and locally crafted items, making it a haven for farmers’ markets and quaint shops showcasing the best of Lancaster’s countryside charm. Whether indulging in an authentic farm-to-table dining experience, visiting a working Amish farm, or simply unwinding in a cozy bed and breakfast with a view, Lancaster’s scenic countryside offers a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
5. Experience unique shopping and farmers markets
Downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania, offers a vibrant, eclectic shopping scene, with a variety of unique boutiques, galleries, and specialty stores lining the streets. Visitors can explore charming shops selling locally-made crafts, artisanal goods, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. From trendy fashion boutiques to quaint antique shops, Downtown Lancaster has something to suit every style and taste.
Image Courtesy: Visit Lancaster
One of the highlights of shopping in Downtown Lancaster is the bustling farmers market, where visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and flavors of Pennsylvania. The Lancaster Central Market, located in the heart of downtown, is the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the United States. Here, visitors can browse a wide selection of fresh produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, and other locally-sourced products. The market is not only a great place to shop for ingredients but also to experience the community atmosphere and hospitality of Lancaster.
Image Courtesy: Visit Lancaster
In addition to the Lancaster Central Market, downtown Lancaster is also home to numerous pop-up markets, artisan fairs, and seasonal festivals throughout the year. These events showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of local artisans and provide visitors with the opportunity to shop for unique handcrafted items and interact with the makers themselves. Whether looking for a special souvenir or simply wanting to experience the local shopping scene, downtown Lancaster's markets offer a delightful and enriching experience for all who visit all year-round.
Where to Stay in Lancaster
Located in the heart of historic Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square offers an unforgettable hotel experience. This luxurious hotel boasts modern amenities, elegant accommodations, and exceptional service, making it the perfect choice for travelers seeking a comfortable and convenient stay in Lancaster. With its central location, guests can easily explore popular attractions such as the Lancaster Central Market, Fulton Theatre, and the Amish countryside, all within a short distance from the hotel.
Guests staying at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square can indulge on the rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the city. The hotel also features a fitness center, indoor pool, and spacious event venues, making it ideal for both leisure and business travelers. Whether you're visiting Lancaster for a weekend getaway or a business trip, the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square provides a luxurious retreat with easy access to the best that the city has to offer. Book your stay now, for the lowest price guaranteed.
