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ANTIQUES
Minutes away from Lancaster on Route 272, antique lovers will find a literal treasure trove of collectibles. Antique Alley, touted as the U.S. antique capital, is a medley of antique stores and markets in and around Adamstown, selling everything from rare paintings, trunks, china, glassware and furniture to the not-so-rare, but just as interesting, memorabilia of the past.
In the month of March, "mud sales" spring up around Lancaster County in celebration of the winter thaw. At these Spring cleaning sales traditionally held as community fundraisers, the dedicated collector can find some real basement and attic bargains.
BREWERIES AND WINERIES
For over a century, Lancaster was a bustling brewers' haven. By 1810, the English and Scottish settlers established their brew craft so well that Lancaster County accounted for seven percent of all beer, ale and lager produced in the United States. In 1840, German lagers came into fashion, replacing the English-style brews. As the industry grew, Lancaster topped out at 14 breweries, which the competition soon whittled to six. Nevertheless, barrel capacity steadily continued to climb. When prohibition hit, the brew trade nearly collapsed, with one exception: the Ricker Star Brewery. At the Ricker Star, enterprising bootleggers placed a hose into the sewer and funneled beer to a local speakeasy. Today, residents and visitors alike find the brewing tradition revived by such companies as the Lancaster Malt Brewing Company. Lancaster County boasts some of the region's finest wineries. Set in the picturesque Pennsylvania countryside, wine estates include an historic 18th Century barn and a 19th Century stone farmhouse. Tours and tastings are offered seven days a week at most wineries, though it's best to call in advance.
For more information about the little-known facts of Lancaster County's brewery and winery heritage, visit www.lancnews.com.
FARMERS MARKET
Downtown Lancaster is home to the nation's oldest publicly owned, continuously operating farmers market. The market first convened in 1730 on land purchased from Andrew Hamilton. In 1889, an American Gothic, red brick building was constructed on that very site and to this day, the market continues to thrive within its walls. The market features vegetables, sausages, cheeses and a tantalizing variety of other foods, flowers and crafts grown and produced by Lancaster County residents. Open every Tuesday and Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the market is a popular spot for residents, vacationers and business travelers.
HISTORIC SITES
Steeped in early American history, Lancaster boasts some of the nation's best preserved architecture.
- Donegal Mills Plantation; Mt. Joy, PA
- An authentic restoration of life in rural 18th and 19th century is reflected in the mail, miller's house, bake house and mansion. (717) 653-2168.
- Donegal Presbyterian Church and Witness Tree; Mt. Joy, PA
- Built around 1730 by Scots-Irish settlers, this church is the sight of an important event in the Revolutionary War. In 1777, men of the community joined hands around the white oak, which still stands, to pledge allegiance to their new nation. (717) 653-1943.
- Ephrata Cloister, Ephrata, PA
- The Cloister is comprised of several buildings dating from 1732 when a Protestant communal society was founded by Conrad Beissel, a German Pietist mystic. (717) 733-6600.
- Hans Herr House, Lancaster, PA
- This is the oldest house in Lancaster County. It was built for Hans Herr, Bishop of the Mennonite Community. (717) 464-4438.
- Robert Fulton Birthplace, Quarryville, PA
- The small stone house has been restored and furnished to represent the way it looked at the time of Fulton's birth in 1765. A room in the home contains informative exhibits relating to Fulton's accomplishments as steamship builder, artist, inventor and engineer. (717) 548-2679.
- Rock Ford Plantation, Lancaster, PA
- Built in 1792, this was home to physician, soldier and politician Edward Hand, best known as George Washington's Adjutant General. (717) 392-7223.
- Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
- This mansion was built in 1828 and served as residence of President James Buchanan. It is decorated in American Empire and Victorian furnishings. (717) 392-8721.
- Wright's Ferry Mansion, Columbia, PA
- The home of Susanna Wright, this 1738 home is a superb example of Pennsylvania architecture in the English style, with the most complete and representative of 1700-1750 Pennsylvania furnishings. (717) 684-4325.
NEWSEUM
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Newseum is a self-guided history tour of the U.S. newspaper business. Located near Intelligencer's facility, the Newseum is in the Lancaster Newspaper building on South Queen Street just past Penn Square. So the next time you're press checking or just visiting Intell, visit the Newseum and learn about the history of printing and newspaper journalism. Exhibits include antique printing and typesetting equipment and a display illustrating the progression of journalism, from the invention of the Egyptian alphabet and the first American newspaper to the use of video display terminals and fiber optics.
OUTLET SHOPPING
Outlet shopping has become a favorite American pastime and Lancaster County has attracted some of the most well-known outlet centers. At the intersection of Routes 30 and 896 in Lancaster city, shoppers find the Rockvale Square Outlets. Another popular stop is the Tanger Factory Outlet Center at Millstream. No matter if you're looking for clothes, gifts, tableware or accessories, these centers are sure to have everything you want and more.
THE BRIDGES OF LANCASTER COUNTY
Lancaster, not Madison County, is recognized as being the birthplace of covered bridges, also known as "kissing bridges." From the 1820s to 1900, nearly 1,500 covered bridges were built in Pennsylvania; approximately 220 of them are still standing. In fact, the longest covered bridge in the world was built in Lancaster County in 1814, crossing the Susquehanna River and stretching over a mile. You can call 800-723-8824 for a free map of the location of the 28 bridges in Lancaster County.
The Strasburg Rail Road, America's oldest steam train, has been a Lancaster County tourist attraction for more than 35 years. The train, traveling a nine mile course between Strasburg and Paradise (seriously!), pulls restored passenger cars of rich wood and polished brass. In particular, the Strasburg boasts an old-fashioned parlor car named Marian, an observation car, Hollywood, famous for its appearance in the movie Hello, Dolly!, and a gourmet dining car meticulously restored to evoke the spirit of the booming railway days. Passengers must call in advance to reserve seats and specify a menu for the dinner ride.
THE HERITAGE MUSEUM CENTER
This museum, located in the center of the city, should be a requirement for all Lancaster visitors. With a mission to collect, preserve and exhibit artifacts made in the County, the museum has one of the finest collections of furnishings, textiles and crafts made by the region's German, Scots-Irish and English immigrants from the 17th through the 20th centuries. Of particular interest is the Lancaster County Quilt Harvest documentation project, which has assembled information and specimens of nearly 1,700 quilts and quilting items. The museum also offers revolving exhibits of work produced by Lancaster County contemporary artisans and craftsmen. Hours are Tuesday and Saturday 10 a.m.to 5 p.m.; Free Admission. Penn Square, at King and Queen streets, (717) 299-6440.
©2002 Intelligencer Printing