Lancaster County Bucket List

Take advantage of the “off-tourist season” in Lancaster to explore your own backyard. There are probably a few things on this list that you’ve already done (go you!) but there may be some things you didn’t even know were options in Lancaster. Fall back in love with your hometown as you complete January through April Lancaster County Bucket Lists.

Please share your experiences with us on Facebook & Instagram! We love to feature local on our social channels and in blogs. Use #DiscoverLancaster and tag us.

January February March April

JANUARY BUCKET LIST

1. Visit a Museum
Lancaster County is known for its rich history. From heritage to agriculture, art to industrial – there’s a museum for every interest in Lancaster and the surrounding area.
Explore Museums

2. Join Discover Lancaster Coffee Trail
There are few things better than sitting at the window booth of a cozy café on a cold January day. Save on your next cup of coffee or sweet bakery treat when you sign up for our completely free Coffee Trail. Visit the required number of spots and earn exclusive Coffee Trail merch!
Join Coffee Trail

3. Explore Gallery Row in Downtown Lancaster
Gallery Row has been a focal point of Lancaster City for a long time. If you have never visited or haven’t in a while, take time this January to explore the arts in Downtown Lancaster. You may just be inspired to create your own masterpiece at Painting with a Twist or The PotteryWorks!
Explore Arts & Culture

4. Buy a Hand-Made Gift for Someone
Lancaster County is filled with locally owned shops that have one-of-a-kind items. Pick up a hand-made gift for someone special!. From quilts and furniture to sweet treats and apparel, the perfect gift is waiting in one of Lancaster’s quaint shops.
Shop Local

FEBRUARY BUCKET LIST

1. Stay at a Cozy Bed & Breakfast
Spend the weekend out of the house and in one of Lancaster’s cozy bed & breakfasts. This is the perfect getaway for Valentine’s Day or solo trip idea to rejuvenate and relax. Whether you’re looking for traditional or modern, Lancaster County has all of the options when it comes to overnight accommodations.
Find Place to Stay

2. Have a Spa Day
Book a spa day at one of Lancaster’s spas or salons. Treat yourself to a revitalizing massage or hydrating facial. There are a wide range of options to choose from. If you’d prefer to not venture out to a spa or salon, bring the relaxation to you! Kitchen Kettle Village is home to dozens of shops with locally made items; check out Village Soap Company for locally made soaps, bath bombs, and more. Shop bath and body care from vendors at Prussian Street Arcade located within REO Manheim Marketplace.
Find Spas & Salons

3. Experience Winter Outdoor Dining
You may think dining al fresco is reserved for the summer months, but Lancaster restaurants have created ways for you and your family to have that experience year-round. Reserve an upscale, cozy, and intimate table for Valentine’s Day or your next special occasion. Enhance your typical dinner date night with an outdoor winter dining experience today!
Find Restaurants

4. Participate in Fasnacht Day
If you’re a Lancastrian, you probably know what a Fasnacht is. If not, it’s a doughnut-like treat, slightly crispy on the outside with a fluffy center. Lancaster is known for baked goods, in fact, tourists come from all over to get a taste. We’re lucky enough to have our world-class bakeries right in our backyard. Participate in this year’s Fasnacht on February 21st with our fantastic local bakeries.
Learn More

MARCH BUCKET LIST

1. Go to an Amish Mud Sale
Amish Mud Sales are a Lancaster County original tradition and refer to annual auctions or sales of Amish goods at a number of local fire companies. The sales attract thousands of people looking for bargains on anything from Amish quilts and antiques to lumber, buggies and lawn equipment. This is the perfect way to explore your own backyard and the culture upon which Lancaster was founded.
Visit a Mud Sale

2. Try a Locally Crafted Beer
Lancaster County is known for its elevated beer scene. Locally crafted and brewed beers can be found at many of our breweries and restaurants. Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with a “cheers” to local at one of our Irish restaurants & pubs or have a Instagram-worthy brunch with friends. There’s sure to be a brew on the draft list that makes you proud to be a local!
Find Beer Spots

3. See the Snow Geese Migrate
If you have not been to Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, it is certainly worth the trip any time of year, but especially now! Sometime in late February to early March the lake is can be found filled with beautiful snow geese and tundra swans. The birds use the WMA as a resting place on their returning migration back north, some traveling as far as Canada for nesting.
Learn More

4. Tour Lancaster’s Covered Bridges
Locals have grown accustomed to Covered Bridges as part of our normal commutes around the county. These bridges are a historic trademark of our Lancaster – making them intriguing to tourists from all over! We've developed driving tours of covered bridges in Lancaster County to pull you off the main roads and onto our winding, country routes. Fall back in love with the old charm and quaintness of your hometown this month.
Find Covered Bridges

APRIL BUCKET LIST

1. Buy Fresh Cut Flowers
Lancaster is famous for its fertile soil and rolling farmlands. Kick-off the spring season by handpicking your flowers from a locally owned plant and garden center.
Shop Flowers

2. Ride a Horse & Buggy
Locals are very familiar with horse & buggies as the Amish use this mode of transportation all around the County. We see them on the roads, in parking lots, and tons at Amish churches on Sundays. But have you ever experienced what it’s like to ride in one? This may be the most unique bucket list item a Lancaster local can experience. Share your photos with us on social!
Experience Amish Culture

3. Visit a Roadside Stand
If you’re in need of the freshest produce, look no further than our roadside stand round-up. Support local farmers and growers and get top tier produce, usually for a fraction of store cost. Make sure you have cash and venture out to new areas of the County. We love to learn about new roadside stands – message us on Facebook or Instagram to share your go-to spot!
Shop Roadside Stands

4. Take a Hike or Bike Ride
We are fortunate, as locals to have so many hiking, biking, and walking trails in our backyards. Enjoy the warmer weather and soak in that sunshine and hit the trails. If you’re eager to get outdoors, there are great water activities, places to go birding, and parks & preserves to explore!
Find Trails