Whether you’re a local or just stopping by for a visit, Lancaster County is filled with fun things for everyone! Maybe you decided on a staycation this year. Maybe you have friends coming and you want to show them the town. Or maybe you’re coming from out of the area and you want to take in the best attractions Lancaster County has to offer. Well, chances are that there are so many things to do here, you’ll have a hard time choosing which ones to do!
Even though I grew up in Lancaster County, I rarely take the time to enjoy all that our area offers. I was thinking how fun it would be to act like a tourist in my own backyard. There are literally hundreds of things to do, and it was almost impossible to decide, but here is my dream list of things to do for summer fun right here in Lancaster County.
Kitchen Kettle Village – check out this quaint “village” for unique shops and eats in the tourist town of Intercourse. Visit the coffee shop across the street, step into the quilt shops, and make sure to stop by the Candle Barn. You can also find amazing soft pretzels next door at Immergut Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels. https://www.kitchenkettle.com/index.asp
Strasburg Scooters – tour the rolling countryside of Lancaster County’s Amish country in the most adorable little scooters! There are many tours to choose from, including a covered bridge tour and an ice cream tour in a two-person “coupe”. https://strasburgscooters.com
Sight & Sound Theater – take in a magnificent theater production of Biblical stories that come to life on a big stage. The sets, costumes, music, and performances are impressive, drawing an audience from far and near. If you’ve never seen a show, it’s definitely a must-do for your list. https://www.sight-sound.com
Sickman’s Mill Tubing – what better way to spend a hot summer day than tubing down the river! The four-hour guided tour takes you through beautiful farmland and stops at swimming holes and jumping rocks. A packed lunch is provided to enjoy on the banks of the Pequea River. https://www.sickmansmill.com
Shady Maple Smorgasbord – hungry for Pennsylvania Dutch cooking – and lots of it? This is the largest smorgasbord in the US and is 200 feet long! There’s something for everyone. And if it’s your birthday, plan your free birthday meal here. https://www.shady-maple.com/smorgasbord/
Amish Experience – Have you always been curious about the Amish? Here you can tour a school house, watch a production about the Amish, and even have a meal in an Amish Home. Tag on a buggy ride through the countryside to experience Amish transportation! https://amishexperience.com
Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery – visit the oldest pretzel bakery in America! On the tour you not only learn the history of this historic site, but you also get to roll and twist your own pretzel. While in town, take a stroll through downtown Lititz, feed the ducks in the park, and pick up delicious chocolate at Wilbur Chocolate. https://juliussturgis.com/
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania – if you’re a train enthusiast, this is one place you don’t want to miss. You can view over 100 historical rail cars and locomotives in an impressive display. Then head to Strasburg Rail Road for a ride in the oldest operating steam train. https://www.rrmuseumpa.org
Lancaster Central Market – be sure to go hungry! Established in 1730, the building itself is a treat to explore. Standholders offer baked goods, fresh produce, meats, flowers, candies, coffee, and so much more. Open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. https://centralmarketlancaster.com/
Landis Valley Museum – immerse yourself in this living history museum that illustrates the early German settlers. Explore a whole village with a blacksmith shop, firehouse, tavern, house and stable, schoolhouse, hotel, and more. https://www.landisvalleymuseum.org/
Turkey Hill Experience – what could be better than making your own dream ice cream flavor? Explore the process of ice cream making in this interactive experience. Turkey Hill is also known for its tea and offers a Tea Discovery of teas from around the world. https://www.turkeyhillexperience.com/tea-discovery
This list doesn’t include the many restaurants, theaters, creameries, mini golf courses, movie theaters, museums, walking tours, hiking trails, antiquing, shopping, and so much more! Fill your summer weekends with tons of fun… right in your own backyard!
By Launch Kits