Welcome to the city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania! Located in the heart of the Susquehanna Valley, this beautiful city has a lot to offer visitors. With a population of over 60,000 people, Lancaster is the county seat of Lancaster County and the eighth largest city in the state of Pennsylvania.
The city is steeped in history and is known as the "Red Rose City" due to its designation as the first capital of the United States. Today it is a vibrant, diverse city with a thriving arts scene, great restaurants, and plenty of outdoor activities.
Lancaster is home to many attractions, from the historic City Hall to the Lancaster Central Market. The Central Market is the oldest continuously operated farmers' market in the country, and is a must-see for visitors. There are also several museums, such as the Lancaster Museum of Art, the Lancaster History Center, and the Lancaster Science Factory.
The city is also home to Franklin & Marshall College, a private liberal arts college founded in 1787. The college is home to a variety of cultural and athletic events throughout the year, and is a great place to visit.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Lancaster has plenty to offer. There are numerous parks, trails, and greenways for hiking, biking, and walking. The Susquehanna River provides a perfect backdrop for kayaking and canoeing. There are also numerous golf courses for those looking to hit the links.
Lancaster is a great destination for anyone looking to get away and explore the natural beauty of Pennsylvania. Whether you're visiting for the history, the culture, or the outdoor activities, you're sure to find something to enjoy in the Red Rose City.
| Rank | Booking Site | Price Compared to Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cheapest | Booking.com | -4% | |
| 2. Cheap | Hotels.com | -2% | |
| 3. Average | Expedia | -1% | |
| 4. More Expensive | Agoda | 1% | |
| 5. Most Expensive | Trip.com | 3% |
1. Downtown Lancaster: This vibrant area is located in the heart of the city, and it is filled with attractions such as restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries, and historic sites.
2. Lititz: This small town is a popular tourist destination, and it features a wide range of activities such as historic museum tours, outlet shopping, wineries, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities.
3. Manheim: This area is known for its vintage stores, antique shops, and local restaurants.
4. Strasburg: This charming small town is home to a variety of unique attractions such as the Strasburg Rail Road, the National Toy Train Museum, and the Choo Choo Barn.
5. Mount Joy: This picturesque town is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. It also features a variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
1. Dutch Wonderland: A family amusement park with many rides, shows, and attractions, including roller coasters, a mini-golf course, and a lazy river.
2. Lancaster Central Market: The oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in the US, dating back to 1730. It contains a variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods.
3. Lancaster County Amish Country: A picturesque area populated by Amish families, who still live without electricity and use traditional methods of farming.
4. Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum: A living history museum that offers visitors a glimpse of life in rural Pennsylvania from 1740 to 1940.
5. Hershey's Chocolate World: The official chocolate factory of the Hershey Company, where visitors can tour the factory, sample the chocolate, and buy souvenirs.
1. Lancaster County Dutch Specialties: Enjoy Lancaster's traditional cuisine with dishes like schnitz un knepp (a dish of boiled dried apples and ham) and shoo-fly pie (a molasses-based pastry).
2. Amish-Style Chicken Potpie: A savory combination of chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and peas in a hearty cream sauce, all encased in a delicious flaky crust.
3. Lancaster County Soft Pretzels: Enjoy a delicious, warm, and chewy Lancaster County soft pretzel, made from a secret recipe that dates back to the 1800s.
4. Whoopie Pies: Enjoy Lancaster's signature dessert, the whoopie pie. It is a soft, cake-like cookie filled with fluffy marshmallow cream and frosted with a chocolate icing.
5. Pennsylvania Dutch Chili: A hearty blend of ground beef, kidney beans, onion, garlic, chili powder, and cumin, all simmered together to create an unforgettable flavor.