There's nothing quite as sweet as Lancaster County in the summertime! From rolling fields of freshly cut hay & roadside stands filled with homegrown produce, to homemade ice cream made on the farm & family-fun filled benefit auctions. Lancaster is a one-of-a-kind place filled with endless beauty and remarkable hospitality.
For all that it has to offer, Lancaster can be a major tourist destination, and while sometimes it can be fun to follow the crowd; we recommend traveling the road less traveled and seeing this place as an honorary 'local' would. We'll be sharing our favorite summer activities & hidden gems for the perfect first time visit to our little slice of heaven; from a local's perspective.
Where to stay?
The Inn at Twin Linden
Surrounded by valleys of stunning farmland and located in the charming village of Churchtown, The Inn at Twin Linden is a luxurious stay, offering guests a true Lancaster County experience. Established in 1840 and newly renovated in 2022, this Bed & Breakfast provides a tranquil space to refresh and recharge for your Lancaster adventures.
Address: 2092 Main St, Narvon, PA 17555
https://www.innattwinlinden.com/
Where to Eat?
September Farm Cheese
The perfect breakfast or lunch pit stop for your day of exploring Lancaster. Located just 3 miles away from the Inn at Twin Linden, September Farm is a local delight! Handcrafting a vast array of cheeses, made from milk from their own dairy cows, the folks at this cafe & general store know quality. Grab a delicious sandwich & an order of deep fried cheese curds, and experience the goodness of farm to table food!
Address: 5287 Horseshoe Pike, Honey Brook, PA 19344
https://www.septemberfarmcheese.com/
Agape Cafe & Grill
A local fan favorite, Agape Cafe is one of Lancaster County's newest trend setter restaurants. This little cafe has been a hit since the day it opened its doors! Featuring gourmet charcuterie boards & breakfast platters to smoked meats, loaded sandwiches, gourmet desserts and specialty coffee drinks. This place has something for everyone!
Address: 366 Hartman Bridge Rd, Ronks, PA 17572
https://agapecafeandgrille.com/
Shady Maple Smorgasbord
While this may be more of a "touristy" stop, a visit to Lancaster isn't complete without visiting this premier restaurant. Boasting the largest buffet in the USA, Shady Maple offers visitors a wide variety of good o'l Pennsylvania Dutch cooking; while conveniently located only 4 miles away from The Inn at Twin Linden!
Address: 129 Toddy Dr, East Earl, PA 17519
https://www.shady-maple.com/smorgasbord/
What To Do?
Lancaster Central Market
Established in 1730, Lancaster Central Market is the oldest continuously run farmer's market in the country. Step inside the beautifully restored 1889 market building and see all that Lancaster County has to offer. With over 60 vendors offering fresh local produce, locally sourced meats and cheeses, freshly baked breads, delectable desserts, fresh squeezed juices, bouquets of flowers, and much more. Make sure to explore Lancaster City while you're there!
Address: 23 N Market St, Lancaster, PA 17603
https://centralmarketlancaster.com/
Lapp Valley Farm
If you ask locals to recommend a place to visit during your stay in Lancaster, one name will be mentioned over & over again - Lapp Valley Farm. The story behind this iconic place, starts in 1975 when a local dairy farmer started selling homemade ice cream from his family farm. Over time the operation blossomed with the support of both locals & tourists and the ice cream business outgrew the farm; flash forward to current day and the opening of the Lapp Valley Creamery & Cafe. Located outside of the town of Intercourse, this cafe offers guests a selection of breakfast and lunch options, as well as the creamiest ice cream you'll ever try! For an even more authentic experience, make sure to stop by the original farm creamery after shopping at the cafe & store to enjoy an ice cream cone, while meeting the cows that provided it.
Cafe Address: 4040 Old Philadelphia Pike, Gordonville, PA 17529
Farm Address: 244 Mentzer Rd New Holland, PA 17557
Drive The Backroads
The absolute best way to see Lancaster County is to hop in your car, turn off the main roads and just drive! There's an endless maze of the most charming backroads throughout the county, all with spectacular views of farms dotted as far as the eye can see. If you're looking for a fun & relaxing activity during your stay, we recommend taking an afternoon and exploring the landscapes.
Experience a Benefit Auction
Lancaster County is known for many things, one being its hospitality. But did you know that Lancaster is also one of the most charitable communities around? Lancaster natives are brought up on the importance of community and lending a helping hand when they see a need. They love God & love people, and they do it well.
All summer long locals come together to support a wide variety of causes with benefit auctions; with all profits going to those who need it most. When you are in Lancaster make sure to look up a list of local auctions to see if there are any happening during your stay. These events are a great way to fully immerse yourself in the Lancaster lifestyle. You'll get to grab delicious food & homemade ice cream, experience the Pennsylvania Dutch community and maybe even bid on a item or two during the auction.
2024 Events:
Haiti Benefit Auction - July 19-20th 338 N Ronks Rd, Bird in Hand, PA 17505
Lancaster County Carriage & Antique Auction - June 27-28th 2737 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand, PA 17505
Where To Shop?
Urban Southern
Looking for the perfect souvenir from your trip? Stop by the Urban Southern barn and shop from a selection of handmade leather-goods & curated gifts. Located in a historic 1910 Tobacco Barn and set in the beautiful, rolling farmland of Lancaster County (Just down the street from the Inn at Twin Linden) This boutique offers a wide array of leather handbags, wallets, home-goods and more. You'll also be able to experience the one-of-a-kind open view workshop, and get an insider glimpse into how your leather gift was made!
Address: 2058 Main St. Narvon, PA 17555
https://urbansouthern.com/pages/our-storefront
Cocalico Creek Home
Picture your home decor Pinterest board coming to life in the form of a store! The team at Cocalico Creek have curated the dreamiest collection of furniture and home decor in Lancaster County. Offering stylish & contemporary products to elevate your home. (Located 3 miles from Agape Cafe & Grill)
Address: 2335 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602
Artisan Mill Co.
If you are looking for an all-in-one shopping experience, look no further then the Artisan Mill Co! Located in a fully restored 1800's watermill, this vendor marketplace features over 100 local artisans, makers & creators. Located near the historic town of Lititz, this marketplace if the perfect place to pickup locally made items.
Address: 813 Rothsville Rd, Lititz, PA 17543