Ask anyone who has heard of Lancaster, Pennsylvania and you'll hear about farms, quilts, and the always-welcoming Amish community that calls the area home
However, if you ask someone who has lived in or visited the area you'll hear about much, much more.
Tucked into the center of all the farmhouses and fields sits the City of Lancaster, a thriving urban jewel in a sea of rolling hills.
Considered to be America's oldest inland city, Lancaster has long been home to a charm that can only be found along the classic main streets of this country.
Back then you would have found horse drawn carriages carrying in the harvest's bounty and today you will see much, much more. With almost 300 places to see (and growing), there is something for everyone in this growing town of 60,000.
Find your way to the heart of Lancaster and you'll be standing in the oldest continually operating indoor farmer's market in the country. The Lancaster Central Market has been home to delicious treats, farm fresh ingredients, and crafts made with love for over 275 years. With just shy of 70 stands lining the aisles, it couldn't be easier to find everything you need to prepare an incredible meal or take home a touch of Lancaster. Spend only a few hours there and you'll understand why so many locals say, "Meet me at Market."
After you've sampled the bounty of Market a quick stroll will lead you to what is commonly known as Gallery Row. This three block stretch of Downtown Lancaster is the epicenter of a thriving arts and culture community that calls Lancaster home. Artists from around the corner to around the world take pride in showcasing their talents at a variety of unique locations, each with something for everyone. Want to fit right in? Be sure to plan your visit around a First Friday celebration. Held on the first Friday of every month, local artists and gallery owners open their doors wide, and late, for the thousands of people to stroll through with a glass of wine and an eye towards buying. The third Friday of each month, Music is often found filling the streets and the City takes on a special life.
If your cultural musings tend more towards the theatrical, then catching a show at the renowned Fulton Theatre is an absolute must.
From our array of museums to our live music venues; from our great educational facilities to our children's museums, there is plenty to do for everyone in Lancaster. For history buffs simply exploring the city's array of alleys, streets, and buildings will be enough to make your eyes wide.
Of course, if a little retail therapy is what is called for, those same streets hold an array of almost 200 shops ranging from designer couture to eclectic house wares. In a county known for its world class antiquing, Lancaster City's offerings range from the classic to the creative.
By now most guests of the city have worked up an appetite and thankfully, you won't be at a loss for choices here. With over 80 places to eat and drink, Lancaster is rapidly becoming a much sought after foodie destination, Lancaster has attracted talented kitchen craftsmen thanks to its proximity to some of the best ingredients in the world.
Over the past 6 years, over 100 new establishments have opened their doors in Lancaster. Walk down any of our streets and you'll be met with a cornicopia of culinary choices that includes upscale wine bars, bustling pubs and exotic ethnic restaurants.
From fine dining destinations to local watering holes with great grub, all you need to do is stop a local on the street and ask "what's good".
The best way to visit Lancaster City is to come and stay overnight. Explore the city and then let it be a hub for the rest of your Lancaster Country adventures. Hotels within the city range from boutique to nationally known chains. You can come by plane and train (we have our own Amtrak station) and of course, if you can only join us for a day, you'll find plenty of centrally located parking so you can put your car away and let your feet find your next destination.
Regardless of what you come for, we're sure you'll find enough that you'll have to keep coming back. And every time you return, you will find something new and exciting. See you soon, in Lancaster, A City Authentic !
Script Written By Steve Zimmerman
Script Edited by Marshall Snively, Janet Stone, and Derek Lau
VO Narration by Diane Dayton