Lancaster

Lancaster is a city of around 59,000 people (2021) in Lancaster County in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country. It is one of the oldest inland towns in the United States, and the center of an area inhabited by many members of the Amish community.

Understand

History

Lancaster is home to a very diverse group of people. It is a strong agricultural town with various farmlands, lush vegetation and great produce all over. This is because the Amish dwell in and around Lancaster's many townships. The Amish are fairly isolated from the rest of the community, but they are acknowledged, respected, and not bothered. They are masters of farming and simple living, for they don't use electricity. They teach in their own schools, and they have their own churches. They get around by horse and buggy and they are easily seen, wearing black suits, hats, and bonnets.

History

Founded in 1729, Lancaster was the capital of the United States for a single day on September 27, 1777, as the founding fathers fled the British. Lancaster has evolved from Pennsylvania's capital back in 1799, before Harrisburg was named the capital in 1812, to a strong and well known city in Pennsylvania. It is the oldest inland city in the United States. Lancaster has grown into a contemporary city.

Visitor information

40.05047-76.25481 Discover Lancaster Visitors Center, 501 Greenfield Rd, ☏ +1 717-299-8901, toll-free: +1-800-723-8824. (updated Dec 2018)
Lancaster City Visitor Center, 38 Penn Sq (Alternate address for GPS: 5 W King St), ☏ +1 717-517-5718, LOOP@cityoflancasterpa.com. (updated Dec 2021)

Get in

$1°$2′$3″N $4°$5′$6″W

Map of Lancaster (Pennsylvania)

By train

See also: Rail travel in the United States

40.0544-76.30761 Lancaster Station, 53 E Mcgovern Ave (near downtown Lancaster). (updated Nov 2019)
- Amtrak, ☏ +1 215-856-7924, toll-free: +1-800-872-7245. Operates trains throughout the United States of America. (updated Dec 2020) Routes stopping at Lancaster:
  - Keystone multiple trips per day between Harrisburg and New York City with stops in Elizabethtown, Lancaster, Coatesville, Downingtown, Exton, Paoli, Ardmore, Philadelphia, Trenton, and Newark. Some trips operate between Harrisburg and Philadelphia.
  - Pennsylvanian operates daily between Pittsburgh and New York City with stops in Greensburg, Latrobe, Johnstown, Altoona, Huntingdon, Lewistown, Harrisburg, Elizabethtown, Lancaster, Exton, Paoli, Philadelphia, Trenton, and Newark.

By car

Interstate highways lead most traffic into Lancaster County.

I-76, also known as the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
One of the most pleasant routes from the East Coast Cities is via I-78 through New Jersey to exit 13, Bethel, 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.

By plane

40.122222-76.2944442 Lancaster Airport (LNS ^IATA). Has non-stop service to Pittsburgh and BWI (Baltimore/Washington, DC) airports via Southern Airways Express. There are more airlines and destinations operating from the airports in Philadelphia (PHL^IATA) and Harrisburg (MDT^IATA).

Get around

By car

Plan on having a car to get around. You may pass the buggies. If you don't, locals will immediately peg you as a tourist. Keep an eye on oncoming traffic, activate your 4-way or hazard flashers for the duration of the manoeuvre, and pass quickly but safely, with sufficient distance from the horses. Lancastrian drivers are generally very polite, with notable exceptions; they will be courteous as long as you return the favor.

By bus

Red Rose Transit Authority (RRTA). Service ends by 6PM. Public transportation is provided by the Red Rose Transit Authority, however, don't expect it to be anything like metropolitan areas. Outside the city there are no bus stops. Instead you are supposed to stand in a safe area at the roadside and use your hands to flag down a bus as it passes. Exact change only. (updated Nov 2019)
Queen Street Station. The central nexus of the RRTA network. Includes a parking garage and bike parking. (updated Nov 2019)

By buggy

It is sometimes possible to pay for a buggy ride. Yes, horses do relieve themselves on the road. If you must dodge "road apples", please be careful!

By bike

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!

By foot

Some places and towns, such as the Rockvale Square retail outlets and the town of Intercourse, are easily navigable on foot. Most of the city of Lancaster itself is walkable, with only outlying areas within the city needing access by car.

By limo

Londonderry Limo, ☏ +1 717-299-1007. Lancaster Limo Service (updated Nov 2019)

See

The Amish

Although the Amish culture dates back hundreds of years, they have not done much to change their lifestyles. They are traditional and they have a strong sense of community. They exist inside a larger community and everyone gets along without internal problems. They keep to themselves, but they give back to the outside Lancasterian community with their goods.

Many of the venues which explain "The Simple People" and allow the voyager to learn about how the Amish live are in small nearby villages, such as Bird-In-Hand and Intercourse.

Mennonite Information Center, 2209 Millstream Rd, ☏ +1 717-299-0954. M-Sa 9AM–4PM. Information on the life and faith of the Amish and Mennonites, quilting information, guided tours of Lancaster, Biblical Tabernacle as a reproduction of the original Old Testament tabernacle.
40.026184-76.2030281 The Amish Farm and House, 2395 Covered Bridge Dr, ☏ +1 717-394-6185. 9AM–5PM. Historic farm with picnic area, playground and activities.
40.007581-76.1867232 Amish Village, 199 Hartman Bridge Road, Ronks, ☏ +1 717-687-8511. F-Su 9AM-4PM. Take an educational guided tour through this 1840s farm house furnished as a typical Lancaster County Old Order Amish house. Grounds include barn with farm animals, operating water wheel, smoke house with Pennsylvania Dutch foods, blacksmith shop with tools of the smithy's trade, village gift shop and picnic area after tour. Tours begin at $12 per adult, $7 per youth (ages 5-12), free for children (0-4). (updated Dec 2022)
40.027462-76.2241313 Mennonite Life Museum, 2215 Millstream Road, ☏ +1 717-393-9745. Tu-F 9:30AM-4PM. A visitors center that is a jumping-off point to learning about Mennonites and all Mennonite Life has to offer. $8 per person. (updated Dec 2022)

Neighborhoods

40.0414-76.30694 Historic Lancaster City. 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 near Central Market Center, corner of Queen and King Streets.
40.0469-76.32065 Franklin and Marshall College, 637 College Ave, ☏ +1 717-358-3911. Founded by Benjamin Franklin and John Marshall (separately, as Franklin College and Marshall College, respectively), this college is on the highest hill in the city of Lancaster. (updated Feb 2020)
40-76.3566 Millersville University, 1 South George St. Millersville, ☏ +1 717 872-3011. Founded in 1855, Millersville University is one of the most highly regarded public universities in its region of the United States.

Museums and history

40.18356-76.188727 The Ephrata Cloister, 632 West Main St, Ephrata, ☏ +1 717-733-6600. A beautiful historic site with original, 18th century buildings. Tours explain the lives of the German religious refugees that created the community in 1732. (updated Nov 2019)
40.0371-76.50218 National Watch and Clock Museum, 514 Poplar St, Columbia, ☏ +1 717 684-8261 ext 3, giftshop@nawcc.org. Adult $12, senior (65+) $10, child (6-16) $9, child under 5 free, family (2 adults and all kids in household) $30. (updated Feb 2020)
39.9831-76.15999 Strasburg Rail Road. 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. (updated Nov 2019)
40.0381-76.302910 Demuth Museum. Museum of paintings by Charles Demuth. (updated Nov 2019)
40.02-76.28805611 Rock Ford Plantation (General Edward Hand House). A 1790s plantation that has been turned into a museum. (updated Nov 2019)
Choo Choo Barn - Traintown U.S.A.. See Lancaster County and America captured in miniature in hand-built detail. Featuring more than 140 animated figures and vehicles and 18 operating trains. (updated Feb 2018)
40.043139-76.33069412 Wheatland, 1120 Marrietta Av. This was the home of President James Buchanan. They give costumed tours of his historical mansion. This place has been around for ages and has a lot of history inside the walls.
40.0411-76.3014213 Lancaster Museum of Art, 135 N Lime St. Suggested donation $5/person. (updated Dec 2021)
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
National Toy Train Museum
The Ware Center, 42 N Prince St, ☏ +1 717-871-7018, artsatmu@millersville.edu. The Ware Center is a state-of-the-art performing arts and events venue located in downtown Lancaster. The Office of Visual and Performing Arts at Millersville University owns and operates the venue, which seeks to foster creativity and appreciation for the arts by hosting diverse events and creating unique experiences. The Ware Center is open to the public and has several areas that are available for private events. Visit the website for upcoming events, tickets, and venue rental information and photos. (updated Nov 2020)

Culture

Plain and Fancy Farm. 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.
F. W. Woolworth Company. The first successful Woolworth five-and-dime store operated in Lancaster on July 18, 1879. While neither of the original local Woolworth buildings is still standing, the National Christmas Center has a reproduction of the original store with many original Woolworth's Christmas items, the Lancaster Historical Society has a large collection of Woolworths-related material and the various walking tours of downtown Lancaster show the sites and tell the story. (updated Nov 2019)
40.038-76.30819414 Fulton Opera House. One of the oldest operating theaters in the United States. The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra performs here. (updated Nov 2019)
Covered Bridges. Lancaster County has many covered bridges. It is a tradition that the passenger pays a toll to the driver when crossing a covered bridge. This generally takes the form of a kiss. (updated Nov 2019)

Do

Theaters

American Music Theater, 2425 Lincoln Highway, ☏ +1 717-397-7700, toll-free: +1-800-648-4102. Hosts a variety of concerts and performances. (updated Nov 2019)
40.038101-76.1744661 Bird-in-Hand Stage, 2760 Old Philadelphia Pike, #A, Bird-in-Hand (take Route 30 to Route 896 North; make a right onto Old Philadelphia Pike; just before the next traffic light, the theater is on the right), ☏ +1 717-768-1568, toll-free: +1-800-790-4069, centralreservations@bird-in-hand.com. 6AM-8PM. Live theatre with musicals and magic shows that vary throughout the year. (updated Mar 2018)
Dutch Apple Dinner Theater, 510 Centerville Road. You may have heard about dinner and a movie, but how about dinner and a broadway show. This is the place to go for quite an experience. This place has a fun atmosphere which is great for groups to come and dine and watch a broadway performance. Friends, food and theater. (updated Feb 2018)
40.04576-76.312532 Zoetropolis Cinima Stillhouse. Artsy theater with drinks and food. (updated Nov 2019)
Rainbow Dinner Theatre, 3065 Rt 30 East Paradise (take Route 30 East to Paradise; theater is directly behind the Best Western), ☏ +1 717-687-4300. Very economical and enjoyable way to spend an evening. The food comes highly recommended and the shows are sure to bring a smile and/or a laugh. (updated Mar 2018)

Activities

Abe's Buggy Rides, Bird-in-Hand. Takes you on a scenic tour of Lancaster county. (updated Nov 2019)
40.0277-76.21843 Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park, 2249 Lincoln Hwy E, toll-free: +1-866-386-2839. It's a kingdom for kids. Especially suited for younger children. Families with pre-teens may prefer nearby Hersheypark. (updated Mar 2020)
Balloon Flights Daily, 2300 Lincoln Highway. Lancaster is a beautiful and scenic place to see when you drive around. It is even more beautiful from the sky. You can ride a hot air balloon and relax in the sky. (updated Nov 2019)
Hands-On-House, 721 Landis Valley Rd, ☏ +1 717-569-5437. This interactive museum allows kids to explore their senses and touch everything. (updated Nov 2019)
40.063-76.3344 Long's Park, Harrisburg Pike, ☏ +1 717-735-8883, info@longspark.org. In the summer Long's Park has "Summer Music Series", which is free concerts being held at the park each Sunday. Also, the park has an annual "Art's and Craft" festival which showcases 200 top artists and craftspeople from across the United States, Canada and beyond. Long's Park is also known for their annual Sertoma Chicken Barbecue (known as the World's largest chicken barbecue in the Genius Book of World Records!) (updated Nov 2019)
40.0426-76.32985 Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum. (updated Nov 2019)
Strasburg Scooters, 246 N Decatur St., Strasburg, ☏ +1 717 344 2488, info@strasburgscooters.com. Fun, guided Amish Country tours in Lancaster on a motorized scooter, including covered bridge tours, and ice cream tours. (updated Oct 2023)

Events

First Fridays. Lancaster's First Fridays are a celebration of the arts in downtown Lancaster. Walk around and explore more than 70 arts venues. You'll find new exhibitions, live music, theatrical performances, artist receptions, and fun surprises, too.
40.0375-76.30476 Zenkaikon. Pop culture convention. (updated Nov 2019)

Sports

Laserdome, ☏ +1 717-492-0002. High-tech fun park, with laser tag, virtual reality and laser theater. It offers laser shows that play to the music of the Doors, and the Rolling Stones. (updated Nov 2019)
40.0371-76.40027 Leisure Lanes Bowling and Golfing Center, 3440 Columbia Ave, ☏ +1 717-392-2121. Bowling lane is open 24 hours a day. Go bowling in the winter, and mini golfing in the summer. (updated Nov 2019)
Lost Treasure Golf and Maze. (updated Nov 2019)
40.048611-76.3108338 Lancaster Barnstormers Baseball (Clipper Magazine Stadium), 650 N. Prince Street. An independent baseball team that plays in the Atlantic League. Very competitive baseball with very reasonable ticket prices. All home games are played at Clipper Magazine Stadium in the James Street District of downtown Lancaster. The tickets are cheap and the games are fun. In the winter time, they turn the stadium into an ice skating rink.
Lancaster Classic. Annual road bike race. (updated Nov 2019)
Lancaster Inferno FC, info@lancasterinferno.com. Women's soccer football club. (updated Nov 2019)

Buy

Markets

40.033333-76.31 Central Market, Downtown. Tu F 6AM-4PM, Sa 6AM-2PM. The oldest, continuously operating farmer's market in the country. You can find just about anything here. The Amish and local vendors all bring their products to sell here. Everywhere you walk, you will see and smell all kinds of food. (updated Nov 2019)
Antiques Capital, 501 Greenfield Rd, toll-free: +1-800-723-8824. 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. (updated Nov 2019)

Malls and outlets

40.0673-76.3392 Park City Center, ☏ +1 717-393-3851. The area’s largest indoor shopping center with over 150 fashion retailers and numerous dining and entertainment options. Anchors include Kohl's, JCPenney, Round1 and Boscov's. (updated Jul 2019)
Rockvale Outlets Lancaster.
Tanger Outlets.
And plenty of other places (such as Amish businesses) are listed here.

Eat

Lancastrians are well known for their local food, including the traditional "smorgasbord" (PA Dutch-style buffet). Most chains have a presence here.

Lancaster is home to a large number of resettled refugees, giving it's local cuisine far more international options then similar American cities.

Budget

Pine View Acres Dairy, 2225 New Danville Pike, ☏ +1 717-872-5486. This is not a "sit down" restaurant! This dairy is a small, old fashion convenience store. Pine View is very inexpensive and sells the quality homemade ice cream, juice, and milk (the beverages are in bags, the old fashioned way). There is also an area to pet baby cows. (updated Nov 2019)

Mid-range

40.0381-76.1744661 Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord, 2760 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand (take Route 30 to N Ronks Rd. Make left at traffic light and then immediate left), ☏ +1 717-768-1500, toll-free: +1-800-790-4069, SmuckerFamily@Bird-in-Hand.com. M-Sa 6AM-8PM. Farm-fresh smorgasbord (PA Dutch-style buffet), menu-dining, and take out. Kid-specific buffet too. Breakfast, lunch, dinner smorgasbords are all different. Near Dutch Wonderland, Rockvale and Tanger Outlets, and the Village of Intercourse, PA. (updated Mar 2018)
El Serrano, 2151 Columbia Ave, ☏ +1 717-397-6191. Mexican/Peruvian restaurant in a Latin-style castle. Food is high quality. (updated Nov 2019)
House of Pizza (Willow Street). 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. (updated Nov 2019)
Lyndon City Line Diner, 1370 Manheim Pike, ☏ +1 717-398-4878. Most popular diner in Lancaster with a huge menu of items. This place always seems to be crowded. Be prepared to wait for a table during busier times, especially on Sunday mornings after church. (updated Nov 2019)
40.05249-76.310632 Neptune Diner. Classic diner on the north side of the city. (updated Nov 2019)
Olde Hickory Grill (Olde Hickory Inn), 709 Olde Hickory Rd (north of town, off Oregon Pike), ☏ +1 717-569-3590. Very good breakfasts at good prices. Can get very crowded, especially on Sunday mornings after church lets out. (updated Nov 2019)
Shady Maple Smorgasbord, 1344 E Main St (East Earl (Route 23 at Routes 897 and 625)). Shady Maple's breakfast, lunch, and dinner smorgasbord of food has everything you could ever want to eat. (updated Nov 2019)
Taj Mahal, 2080 Bennett Ave. Indian food. The naan, or flat bread is delicious and they have all kinds of curry dishes. (updated Nov 2019)
Villa Nova West Sport Bar & Restaurant, 2833 Columbia Ave. This bar/restaurant is great for all ages. Very friendly staff with a fun atmosphere! Absolutely must try the steak tip sandwich and an appetizer of "wing zings".
Callaloo Trinidadian Kitchen, 351 N Mulberry St, ☏ +1 717-824-3964. Serves Bus-Up-Shut, Doubles, and other Trinidad cuisine. $10-15. (updated Nov 2019)

Splurge

40.044421-76.3071083 Belvedere Inn, 402 N Queen St, ☏ +1 717-394-2422. This is in the city, near lots of bars and restaurants. Two story restaurant with seasonal outdoor for amazing food and drinks in one of the nicest bars in town. Contrary to its name there's no lodging, but a great piano bar on second floor. (updated Apr 2016)
Osteria Avanti, 38 Deborah Drive., ☏ +1 717-656-8983. Cozy restaurant in the heart of Leola Village offering simple, rustic Italian cuisine. No dress code and reservations are not required, but recommended. (updated Dec 2018)
Bridge. Service that schedules dinners in the homes of resettled refugees. ~$40. (updated Nov 2019)

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.

Annie Bailey's Irish Pub, 28 E King St # 30, ☏ +1 717-393-4000. Your typical Irish pub. Good atmosphere for the older folks. It has a very large deck to handle the smoking crowd and the addition of an "Irish Tiki Bar". Solid middle price range ($3.50-5 for a mixed drink) and good food. Young professional crowd over lunch, college students on Friday and Saturday nights. (updated Nov 2019)
Brendee's Irish Pub, 449 W Lemon, ☏ +1 717-397-8646. The pit stop for those who live on the West End of Lancaster. Good food, good prices, good staff. Smoking is permitted inside. Low to medium price range ($3.50-5 for a mixed drink). Usually a neighborhood crowd, some young locals mixed in. Limited seating in the back. Excellent jukebox. The Dutchland Rollers (the local roller derby team) sometimes calls this bar home. (updated Nov 2019)
40.11177-76.502981 Bube's Brewery, 102 N Market St, Mt Joy (in Mount Joy), ☏ +1 717-653-2056. 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. Alois is located in a Victorian section of the building and hosts events such as murder mysteries. The Bottling Works tavern is based in a former bottling plant. There is a Biergarten and a restaurant in the cellers called the Catacombs. (updated Nov 2019)
Hildys, 448 W Frederick St, ☏ +1 717-397-1384. Local watering hole. Drinks only, no food, therefore: you can smoke inside, it can get thick at times. Older local crowd before 8PM, Franklin and Marshall students and younger crowd after that. Mostly bar seating, some tables. Low to medium in terms of drink prices ($3-5 for a mixed drink).
Lucky Dog Cafe, 1942 Columbia Ave, ☏ +1 717-392-9208. Good for both younger and older crowds. Fun bar atmosphere. Must try the wings and on Thursdays try the $.25 great-tasting shrimp.
Shamrock Cafe, 312 West Walnut, ☏ +1 717-299-2927. The downtown "blue collar" bar. Low prices for drinks. Smoking friendly. Pool table. The bartenders here are the old school sort: if you tip well, and they get to know your name, you will be taken care of. Limited take out options. Has an undeserved reputation for being a "rough" joint, but pay no mind. Give it a shot and make some new friends.
40.2384-76.07272 Stoudt's Brewing Company. Has the distinction of being the first microbrewery in Pennsylvania and has won several awards for its brews. (updated Nov 2019)

40.043611-76.2980563 Lancaster Brewing Company, 302 N Plum Street. Great food, great micro brews, and you can see how it is all made with the tours they have to offer. (updated Nov 2019)

Sleep

Budget

There are plenty of cheap options, including camping, cabin rentals, and cheap hotels.

Mid-range

The Artist's Inn, 117 East Main, Terre Hill, toll-free: +1-888-999-4479. Romantic B&B in small town surrounded by Amish farms. Hear the clip-clop of Amish buggies as they pass by. Fireplaces, jacuzzis, gourmet breakfasts await.
40.037853-76.1757781 Bird-in-Hand Family Inn, 2740 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand (take Route 30 to North Ronks Road; make a left onto Route 340; in a few hundred feet, make a left into the parking lot), ☏ +1 717-768-8271, toll-free: +1-800-537-2535, centralreservations@bird-in-hand.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Resort-style hotel in Amish Country between Lancaster and the Village of Intercourse. 1 outdoor pool, 2 indoor pools, hot tubs, tennis and basketball courts, a picnic pavilion, fitness room, game room, business center, various meeting rooms, laundry room, and gift shop. There are a smorgasbord restaurant and live theatre onsite. Free Wi-Fi. Group discounts. (updated Mar 2018)
40.015155-76.1462742 Country Acres Campground (Country Acres Family Campground), 20 Leven Road (take Route 30 to Leven Road; the campground is the second driveway on the left), ☏ +1 717-687-8014, toll-free: +1 866 675-4745, centralreservations@bird-in-hand.com. 8AM-8PM. Check-in: 2:30PM, check-out: 2PM (cabins at noon). Campground and RV park in Gordonville, Lancaster County’s Amish Country, next to farmland. Pet-friendly. Pool, playground, dog-run area. Free Wi-Fi. Cabin rentals, tent camp sites, RV sites (including sites with 50 amp and cable hookups). Includes free guided bus tour of Amish Country. Rates vary. (updated Mar 2018)
40.0214-76.191563 The Fulton Steamboat Inn, 1 Hartman Bridge Rd (intersection of routes 30 & 896), ☏ +1 717-299-9999, toll-free: +1-800-922-2229. The hotel is shaped like, and decorated like, a paddle-wheel steamboat. $179.
Comfort Inn, 24 S. Willowdale Drive (just off of routes 30 & 896), ☏ +1 520-257-3119. It is surrounded by the Rockvale Outlets in the heart of the "Amish" countryside.
MainStay Suites of Lancaster County, 314 Primrose Lane, Mountville, ☏ +1 717-285-2500. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Offers guests free continental breakfast. From $125.
40.1874576.190014 Historic Smithton Inn (The Smithton Inn), 900 W. Main Street (corner of Main Street (PA-322) and Academy Drive), ☏ +1 717-733-6094, toll-free: +1-877-755-4590, info@smithtoninn.com. Check-in: Any time after 4PM or by arrangement, check-out: 11AM. The Historic Smithton Inn Bed and Breakfast is a 9 guest room B&B with gorgeous grounds and an on-site wine bar and restaurant. Breakfast is included. All rooms have a private, en suite bathroom and working fireplace (or fireplace feature in 1 room), reliable high-speed internet and flat-screen TVs. They also have an EV Charging station. From $139. (updated Jun 2022)
Amish Country Motel, 3013 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand, ☏ +1 717 768 8396, CentralReservations@Bird-in-Hand.com. Check-in: 3:00PM, check-out: 11:00AM. The Amish Country Motel has 25 rooms, Free Wi-Fi, CableTV, outdoor pool, Non-smoking rooms, and a complimentary tour of Amish farmlands. (updated Oct 2023)
Travelers Rest Motel, 3701 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, ☏ +1 717 768 8731. Check-in: 11:00AM, check-out: 3:00PM. The Travelers Rest Motel offers a daily deluxe continental breakfast with homemade baked goods and coffee and tea available all day. Each room has free Wi-Fi, cable TV, a refrigerator, a hair dryer, a microwave, and a coffee maker. There are also non-smoking rooms available. Guests are allowed use of the indoor and outdoor pools at the Bird-in-Hand Family Inn. (updated Nov 2023)

Splurge

Eden Resort & Suites, 222 Eden Road, ☏ +1 717-569-6444. Great service, a large banquet area, a pool and weight room. Has two full restaurants.
40.038746-76.1799845 Bird-in-Hand Village Inn & Suites, 2695 Old Philadelphia Pike, ☏ +1 717-768-1535, toll-free: +1-800-914-2473, centralreservations@bird-in-hand.com. 7AM-8:30PM. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Historic, upscal bed and breakfast surrounded by Amish farmlands and small shops. Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, and guided bus tour of Amish Country. Room rates vary. (updated Mar 2018)
Cameron Estate Inn, 1855 Mansion Lane, Mt Joy (3 miles south of Rheems Elizabethtown exit off 283), ☏ +1 717-492-0111. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Historic country inn, much cheaper than the Holiday inn. Secluded on 15 acres surrounded by farmland. There is also a restaurant on site.
Doubletree Resort at Willow Valley, 2400 Willow Street Pike, ☏ +1 717-464-2711. 32" flat panel TVs, complimentary wireless high-speed internet access. 9-hole golf course, lighted tennis courts, indoor pool, fitness center, game room, playground. On-site Victorian Chapel.
40.0469-76.31226 Lancaster Arts Hotel, 300 Harrisburg Ave, ☏ +1 717-299-3000. This hotel is near downtown Lancaster, built out of a historic tobacco warehouse. It has a top-notch restaurant that changes seasonally, and a beautiful interior. (updated Nov 2019)
40.0262-76.21837 Wyndham Lancaster Resort & Conference Center, 2300 Lincoln Highway East, ☏ +1 717-299-5500. (Route 30). 319 room and suites, an 18-hole championship golf course, indoor/outdoor pools, game rooms, two restaurants and a lounge.
40.03748-76.305058 Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, 25 S Queen St, ☏ +1 717-239-1600. 300-room hotel near center of downtown. The Penn Square Grille restaurant is on-site.
The Inn at Leola Village, 38 Deborah Drive, Route 23, ☏ +1 717-656-7002. Upscale, historic hotel with 2 restaurants and a catering service for banquets. Offers complimentary Wi-Fi, a fitness center, a billiards room, a day spa and a seasonal pool. (updated Dec 2018)

Connect

40.04068-76.303822 Lancaster Public Library, 125 N Duke St, ☏ +1 717-394-2651, admin@lancasterpubliclibrary.org. M-Th 10AM-8PM, F Sa 10AM-5PM. Offers public computers and Wi-Fi. Free. (updated Nov 2019)
40.0584-76.33583 United States Post Office. (updated Nov 2019)

Cope

40.04707-76.311414 Lancaster Family YMCA. (updated Nov 2019)

Go next

Boroughs

Nearby

Nearby destinations suitable for day trips include:

Allentown — Pennsylvania third largest city.
Gettysburg — Explore Civil War country.
Harrisburg — Explore the Capital of Pennsylvania.
Hershey — Explore chocolate country.
Intercourse — Amish country.
Mount Gretna — Explore Central PA country.
York — Explore Central PA country.

Routes through Lancaster

Harrisburg ← Elizabethtown ←	W E	→ Coatesville → Philadelphia
Harrisburg ← Elizabethtown ←	W E	→ Exton → Philadelphia
York ← Wrightsville ←	W E	→ Coatesville → Philadelphia
Ends at S N ←	S N	→ Jct → Reading
Harrisburg ← Landisville ←	W E	→ END

This city travel guide to Lancaster is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.