Lancaster (Pennsylvania)

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Lancaster [1] is a city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, USA.

[edit] Understand

Lancaster is probably best known for the population of Christian Anabaptist communities around it, the best known of which are the Amish. Although Lancaster is located in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the city itself contains very few Amish, though it has a large concentration of Hispanic immigrants, mostly descended from Puerto Rico.

[edit] Get in

By Train- Amtrak has frequent service to Lancaster Train Station located at 53 McGovern Avenue, near downtown Lancaster. For more information, see Amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.

By Automobile-Interstate highways lead most traffic into Lancaster County.

One of the most pleasant routes from the East Coast Cities is via I-78 through New Jersey to exit 13, Bethel (Pennsylvania), then Route 501 south to Lancaster. It is a beautiful farmland drive, especially at sunset.

Another good routing from I-78 is exit 54A, US 222 South (Hamilton Boulevard). This is also very scenic, but a faster and more direct routing.

A very nice, scenic drive that takes you through the heart of the Pennsylvania Amish Country is a connecting road between Route 30 West from Philadelphia and Old Philadelphia Pike, Newport Road. The gentle rolling hills take the road through open Amish farm land and passes by Pequea Valley High School. Not only is Newport Road a nice, refreshing, scenic road, it also bypasses all the traffic of the Lancaster Outlet areas and takes you to Old Philadelphia Pike which puts you right back on the highway portion route 30 towards York County

[edit] Detailed Directions Into Lancaster City

FROM TURNPIKE EAST:

  • Take Exit 286 (Reading/Lancaster)
  • Take Rt. 222 South Exit to 30 East Bypass to Rt. 23 West Exit.
  • Follow Route 23 West into Lancaster (it becomes Walnut Street)
  • Turn left onto Duke Street
  • Two blocks to Courthouse
  • (Parking garage is on the right, one block before Courthouse at the corner of Duke and Chestnut Streets).

FROM TURNPIKE WEST:

  • Take Rt. 283 East Exit to Rt. 30 East
  • Follow Rt. 30 East to Rt. 501 South
  • Follow Rt. 501 South to dead-end at McGovern Avenue
  • bear right across bridge
  • Go one block
  • Turn left onto Duke Street (by train station)
  • Go ten blocks to Courthouse.
  • (Parking garage is on the right, one block before Courthouse at Duke and Chestnut Streets).

FROM ROUTE 30 East of Lancaster:

  • Take Rt. 30 West to Rt. 462 West Exit
  • Follow into Lancaster(it becomes King Street).
  • From King Street, Turn right onto Broad Street and left onto Orange Street.
  • Follow Orange Street Eight blocks to Courthouse.
  • (King Street Garage is on Duke Street, one block south of the Courthouse).

FROM ROUTE 30 West of Lancaster:

  • Follow Rt. 30 East to Rt. 501 South
  • Follow Rt. 501 South to dead-end at McGovern Avenue
  • bear right across bridge
  • Go one block
  • Turn left onto Duke Street (by train station)
  • Go ten blocks to Courthouse.
  • (Parking garage is on the right, one block before Courthouse at Duke and Chestnut Streets).

FROM ROUTE 283 WEST of Lancaster:

  • Follow Rt. 283 East to Rt. 30 East
  • Follow Rt. 30 East to Rt. 501 South
  • Follow Rt. 501 South to dead-end at McGovern Avenue
  • bear right across bridge
  • Go one block
  • Turn left onto Duke Street (by train station)
  • Go ten blocks to Courthouse.
  • (Parking garage is on the right, one block before Courthouse at Duke and Chestnut Streets).

FROM RT. 222 OR RT. 272 NORTH of Lancaster:

  • Take Rt. 30 East Bypass to 23 West Exit
  • Follow Rt. 23 West into Lancaster(it becomes Walnut Street)
  • Turn left onto Duke Street
  • Two blocks to Courthouse.
  • (Parking garage is on the right, one block before Courthouse at Duke and Chestnut Streets).

FROM RT. 222 OR RT. 272 SOUTH of Lancaster:

  • Rt. 222 and Rt. 272 join at Willow Street
  • Follow Willow Street North into City, where it becomes Queen Street; stay on Queen Street (Ignore Rt. 222 North signs)
  • Turn right onto Chestnut Street
  • Go one block
  • Turn right onto Duke Street
  • Two blocks to Courthouse.
  • (Parking garage is on the right, one block before Courthouse at Duke and Chestnut Streets).

FROM FRUITVILLE PIKE NORTH of Lancaster:

  • Follow Fruitville Pike South to Rt. 30 East
  • Follow Rt. 30 East to Rt. 501 South
  • Follow Rt. 501 South to dead-end at McGovern Avenue
  • bear right across bridge
  • Go one block
  • Turn left onto Duke Street (by train station)
  • Go ten blocks to Courthouse.
  • (Parking garage is on the right, one block before Courthouse at Duke and Chestnut Streets).

FROM RT. 72 NORTH of Lancaster:

  • Follow Rt. 72 South
  • Take Rt. 283 East to Rt. 30 East
  • Follow Rt. 30 East to Rt. 501 South
  • Follow Rt. 501 South to dead-end at McGovern Avenue
  • bear right across bridge -Go one block
  • Turn left onto Duke Street (by train station)
  • Go ten blocks to Courthouse.
  • (Parking garage is on the right, one block before Courthouse at Duke and Chestnut Streets).

FROM RT. 501 NORTH of Lancaster:

  • Follow Rt. 501 South to dead-end at McGovern Avenue
  • bear right across bridge
  • Go one block
  • Turn left onto Duke Street (by train station)
  • Go ten blocks to Courthouse.
  • (Parking garage is on the right, one block before Courthouse at Duke and Chestnut Streets).

FROM RT. 462 EAST of Lancaster:

  • Take Rt. 462 West into Lancaster (it becomes King Street)
  • From King Street, turn right onto Broad Street and left onto Orange Street.
  • Follow Orange Street
  • Eight blocks to Courthouse
  • (King Street Garage is on Duke Street, one block south of the Courthouse).

FROM RT. 462 WEST of Lancaster:

  • Follow Rt. 462 East into Lancaster (which becomes Columbia Avenue and then King Street)
  • Follow King Street ten blocks to Courthouse.
  • (King Street Garage is on Duke Street, one block south of the Courthouse).

FROM RT. 23 EAST of Lancaster:

  • Follow Rt. 23 West into Lancaster (after crossing US 30 , it becomes New Holland Avenue and then Plum Street).
  • Turn right onto Walnut Street.
  • Go three blocks and turn left onto Duke Street.
  • Two blocks to Courthouse.
  • (Parking garage is on the right, one block before the Courthouse at Duke and Chestnut Streets).

FROM RT. 23 WEST of Lancaster:

  • Follow Rt. 23 East into Lancaster (Marietta Avenue)
  • bear left onto Chestnut Street (by Lancaster Regional Hospital )
  • Go eight blocks to Duke Street
  • Turn right onto Duke Street
  • One block to Courthouse.
  • (Parking garage is on the right immediately after turning onto Duke Street).

FROM RT. 1 EAST of Lancaster:

  • Follow Rt. 1 North to Rt. 41 North
  • Turn left onto Rt. 30 West.
  • Follow onto Route 30 Bypass to Rt. 23 West Exit.
  • Follow Rt. 23 West into Lancaster (it becomes Walnut Street)
  • Turn left Duke Street-Two blocks to Courthouse
  • (Parking garage is on the right, one block before Courthouse at the corner of Duke and Chestnut Street).

FROM RT. 83 SOUTH of Lancaster:

  • Take Rt. 83 North to Rt. 30 East
  • Follow Rt. 30 East to Rt. 501 South
  • Follow Rt. 501 South to dead-end at McGovern Avenue
  • bear right across bridge
  • Go one block
  • Turn left onto Duke Street (by train station)
  • Go ten blocks to Courthouse.
  • (Parking garage is on the right, one block before Courthouse at Duke and Chestnut Streets).

FROM RT. 81 SOUTH of Lancaster:

  • Take Rt. 81 North to Rt. 30 East
  • Follow Rt. 30 East to Rt. 501 South
  • Follow Rt. 501 South to dead-end at McGovern Avenue
  • bear right across bridge
  • Go one block
  • Turn left onto Duke Street (by train station)
  • Go ten blocks to Courthouse.
  • (Parking garage is on the right, one block before Courthouse at Duke and Chestnut Streets).

FROM RT. 15 SOUTH of Lancaster:

  • Take Rt. 15 North to Rt. 30 East
  • Follow Rt. 30 East Bypass to Rt. 501 South
  • Follow Rt. 501 South to dead-end at McGovern Avenue
  • bear right across bridge
  • Go one block
  • Turn left onto Duke Street (by train station)
  • Go ten blocks to Courthouse.
  • (Parking garage is on the right, one block before Courthouse at Duke and Chestnut Streets).

FROM I95 SOUTH of Lancaster:

  • Take US 222 North to PA 272
  • Follow Rt. 272 (Rt. 222 and Rt. 272 join at Willow Street).
  • Follow Willow Street North into City where it becomes Queen Street
  • stay on Queen Street
  • Turn right onto Chestnut Street
  • Go one block
  • Turn right onto Duke Street
  • Two blocks to Courthouse.
  • (Parking garage is on the right, immediately after turning onto Duke Street).

[edit] Get around

Although you can pay for buggy rides in the rural areas, plan on having a car to get around. Some places and towns, such as the Rockvale Square retail outlets and the town of Intercourse, are easily navigable on foot. It is possible to tour the county by bicycle, but it shouldn't be attempted unless you're a cyclist who doesn't mind hills!

Public Transportation is provided by Red Rose Transit[2], however, do not expect it to be anything like metropolitan areas. Buses do not run often and service ends by 6PM!

[edit] Tips

  • Online map and direction providers are usually very accurate in Lancaster County. They may be slightly confusing at times on back roads, but directions and mileage are very precise, especially along main routes.
  • Lancastrian drivers are generally very polite, with notable exceptions; they will be courteous as long as you return the favor.
  • You may pass the buggies.
  • Yes, horses do relieve themselves on the road. If you must dodge "road apples", please be careful!

[edit][add listing] See

  • Elizabethtown College, [3]. Founded by the Anabaptist Bretheren, this college has a center dedicated to the study of Plain communities in America. The center employs several experts on Plain societies like the Amish and contains a one-of-a-kind library of resources on the Mennonite, Bretheren, and Amish.
  • The Ephrata Cloister. A beautiful historic site with original, 18th century buildings. Tours explain the lives of the German religious refugees that created the community in 1732.
  • Franklin and Marshall College, [4]. Founded by Benjamin Franklin and John Marshall (separately, as Franklin College and Marshall College, respectively), this college is located on the highest hill in the city of Lancaster.
  • National Watch and Clock Museum, [5].
  • Strasburg Rail Road, [6]. All aboard America's oldest short-line railroad, where you'll ride authentically restored passenger cars pulled by a huge, coal-burning steam locomotive. See our Amish neighbors up close as they work and play on nearby farms.
  • Plain and Fancy Farm, [7]. Good all-around tour of the Amish community including a restaurant, bus tours and a movie. Particularly good if you're a foreign visitor without a car.
  • Antiques Capital, [8]. The Antiques Capital in Adamstown is the premier year-around antiques destination with 5,000 quality dealers, farm markets, golf courses, easy access to Lancaster and Reading outlet centers, auto racing, micro brewery, fine lodging, dining, camping, Amish and Mennonite culture and more.
  • Bird-in-Hand Village, [9]. A visit to the Village of Bird-in-Hand is like returning to a bygone era. Here you will find friendly shopkeepers, homegrown Lancaster County foods and restful lodging for weary travelers. An old-fashioned Farmer's Market lies in the center of town where you can purchase fresh foods, handmade crafts and homegrown produce. The town's Old Village Store is still open for business, filled with unique and nostalgic inventory.
  • Intercourse Merchants Association Group, [10]. Intercourse is the hub where the Amish and local folks do their business and host thousands of visitors each year. The beautiful Amish farms surround the Village which is located on the Old Philadelphia Pike (Route 340), earlier known as King's Highway, in Eastern Lancaster County. Intercourse is in close proximity to all Lancaster County attractions and in particular, the sister villages of Bird-in-Hand and Strasburg.
  • Historic Lancaster City, [11]. The City of Lancaster was established in 1730 and is now designated as one of the largest historic areas of the country. Begin your tour of the city at the Visitor’s Center in Southern Market Center, corner of Queen and Vine Streets.
  • Lititz, [12]. Visit the historic village which of Lititz. Founded in 1756, Lititz is known for its quaint, tree-lined streets and historic district, its many unique shops, museums, businesses, inns, bed and breakfasts, and much more! Don't forget to visit the famous Wilbur Chocolate, Sturgis Pretzel, and explore the many side streets and shopping district treasures!

[edit][add listing] Do

  • Amish Buggy Rides:
  • Amish Village, [13]. Enjoy an educational guided tour through this 1840's farm house furnished as a typical Lancaster County Old Order Amish house. Grounds include barn with farm animals, operating water wheel, smoke house with PA Dutch foods, blacksmith shop with tools of the smithy's trade, village gift shop and picnic area after tour.
  • Choo Choo Barn - Traintown U.S.A., [14]. See Lancaster County and America captured in miniature in hand-built detail. Featuring more than 140 animated figures and vehicles and 18 operating trains.
  • Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park, [15]. It's A KINGDOM FOR KIDS! Especially suited for younger children. Families with pre-teens may prefer nearby Hersheypark.
  • Hands-on House Children's Museum, [16]. A children's museum dedicated to helping kids learn, and making sure they have lots of fun in the process.
  • Landis Valley Museum, [17]. Largest Pennsylvania Dutch Living History Farm & Village in the country, interpreting German Heritage from 1740-1940, including tours and traditional craft demonstrations.
  • Laserdome, [18]. High-tech fun park, with laser tag, virtual reality and laser theater.
  • Leisure Bowling and Golfing Center, [19].
  • Lost Treasure Golf and Maze, [20].

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit] Malls & Outlets

  • Park City Center, [21]. Visit the area’s largest indoor shopping center with over 150 fashion retailers and numerous dining and entertainment options.
  • Rockvale Outlets Lancaster, [22].
  • Tanger Outlet Center, [23].

[edit][add listing] Eat

Lancastrians are well known for their local food. Although there are many "chain" restaurants around, such as Texas Roadhouse, Fuddruckers, Ruby Tuesdays, Panera Bread, Friendly's, McDonald's, Arby's, and Burger King.

[edit] Homestyle Favorites

  • Bird In Hand, [24].
  • Dienner's, 2855 Lincoln Hwy East, Ronks, [25]. Great local food.
  • Family Cupboard, 3029 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, [26].
  • Miller's Smorgasbord, 2811 Lincoln Highway East (Route 30), Ronks, [27].
  • Shady Maple Smorgasbord, 1344 E Main Street, East Earl (Route 23 at Routes 897 and 625) [28].

[edit] Locals' Favorites

  • Neptune Diner [29] is a classic diner found on the north side of Lancaster city.
  • House of Pizza in Willow Street is a family oriented cash-n-carry restaurant located just minutes south of the city in the small community of Willow Street. Besides pizza, local favorites include stromboli, fresh cut french fries, and many soft serve ice cream choices. Locals enjoy ice cream at the picnic tables on warm summer evenings.
  • Lemon Grass Thai Restaurant [30] 2481 Lincoln Hwy (across from Rockvale Square Outlets) 717-295-1621 Great food and colorful menu names like "Evil Jungle Princess", "Young Girl On Fire".
  • Bube's Brewery [31]. Bube's Brewery is an intact historic 19th century brewery and museum complex. Bube's has had a few different restaurants operating for several years:
    • The Catacombs [32] is a must! Be sure to make reservations for their themed feasts, which run most weekends.
    • Alois, [33]. Check out the new martini bar.
    • Bottling Works [34]. Host to live music and special events.
    • Biergarten [35]
  • Olde Hickory Inn 709 Olde Hickory Rd (north of town, off Oregon Pike) 717-569-3590. Very good breakfasts at good prices. Can get very crowded, especially on Sunday mornings after church lets out.
  • Lyndon City Line Diner 1370 Manheim Pike. 717-398-4878. Probably the best breakfast around town, with a huge menu of items. This place ALWAYS seems to be crowded, and for good reason - the food is fantastic. Be prepared to wait for a table, especially on Sunday mornings after church.

[edit] Fine Dining

  • The Log Cabin, [36] is one of Lancaster's finest restaurants and is located off the beaten path in a quaint wooded setting.
  • The Pressroom, [37] is upscale dining in downtown Lancaster. It is just steps from the city's center square and central market.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Up until Prohibition, Lancaster had several fine breweries which earned it the reputation as Munich on the Conestoga. With the resurgence of microbrewing in the last decade or so, a few new breweries have cropped up. If you want to get your favorite mass-produced, lowest common denominator, lite beer, there are more than enough bars and restaurants to patronize. But these three establishments are worth checking out, particular if you're a beer connoisseur.

Note regarding alcohol sales: - Beer purchased at various beverage outlets can only be sold in quantities no less than 1 case. Smaller quantities can be purchased, but only at bars that offer carry-out service.

  • Bube's Brewery, [38]. Bube's Brewery is an intact historic 19th century brewery and museum complex. Bube's has had a few different restaurants operating for several years:
  • Lancaster Brewing Company, [43]. Lancaster Brewing Company is located in Lancaster City. They craft a wide variety of brews and also serve food as well.
  • Stoudt's Brewing Company ,[44]. Stoudt's brewing company has the distinction of being the first micro brewery in PA and has won several awards for it's brews. Couple that with Black Angus Restaurant & Brew Pub for an exceptional dining experience.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

  • Holiday Inn Express - Lancaster, 24 S. Willowdale Drive, +1 717 293-9500, [45]. Situated just off of routes 30 & 896, surrounded by the Rockvale Outlets and located in the heart of the "Amish" countryside.
  • Lancaster Host Resort & Conference Center, 2300 Lincoln Highway East (Route 30), 717-299-5500, [46]. Full service hotel with 319 room and suites, an 18 hole championship golf course, indoor/outdoor pools, game rooms, two restaurants and a lounge. Within one mile are hundreds of outlets, American Music Theatre and Dutch Wonderland(R) Family Amusement Park.
  • Historic Strasburg Inn, One Historic Drive, Strasburg, 1-800-872-0201, [47]. A luxury inn featuring a gourmet restaurant, meeting facilities, and a full service spa.
  • Sunset Valley Motel, 2288 New Holland Pike, 717-656-2091. Clean, quiet, and comfortable, not to mention very reasonably priced. Located away from busy Route 30, but only takes a few minutes to drive to all the tourist areas. All rooms have cable TV and microwave oven/refrigerators.

[edit] Get out

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!

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