Nothing says summer in Lancaster County quite like a scoop of fresh, local ice cream. With deep dairy roots and plenty of family-friendly stops, Lancaster County is one of the best places in Pennsylvania to enjoy cow-to-cone ice cream, hand-dipped favorites, soft serve, and dairy-free treats.
You’ll find beloved spots throughout the county, from farm-fresh favorites like The Milkhouse at Oregon Dairy and Fox Meadows Creamery to local staples such as Lapp Valley Farm and Pine View Dairy. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or looking for a sweet stop between activities, there’s a scoop for everyone in Lancaster, PA.
Want to try several? Explore the Lancaster County Ice Cream Trail for some of the best ice cream shops in Lancaster County, plus free coupons at participating locations.
One of the best ways to experience Lancaster County is through a guided tour. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, tours help you go beyond the surface with local insight into Lancaster’s history, food, farmland, and culture.
Popular tour operator options include Amish Farm and House, The Amish Experience, Strasburg Rail Road, Strasburg Scooter Tours, and food-focused stops like the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery tour.
Nothing says summer quite like a gingham blanket and a wicker basket filled with your favorite foods. Unwind at one of Lancaster’s peaceful parks and preserves where you can enjoy a picnic in a scenic natural setting.
Nissley Vineyards is one of the best places for an evening picnic - bring your own chairs, blanket, and meal, get your locally-crafted Nissley wine, then sit back and enjoy live music at the Winery all summer long.
Not sure what to bring? Stop by Stoltzfus Meats for award-winning smoked meats and delectable cheeses, and build your dream charcuterie board. Order takeout from one of Lancaster’s exceptional eateries, with everything from PA Dutch classics to authentic international cuisine.
Say hello to your new favorite one-stop-shop, with farm-fresh produce, local meats and cheeses, made-from-scratch baked goods, and more. Known for their quality and affordability, Lancaster roadside stands and farmers markets can’t be beat.
Get involved with the harvest at Cherry Hill Orchards where you can pick more than 50 varieties of seasonal fruit, including strawberries, cherries, peaches, and more. Head over to Everfresh Produce for locally grown in-season products, local meats and dairy, delicious baked goods, jams, and other local favorites. And, don't leave before you explore their flower fields as you cut your own flower bouquet.
Lancaster has every type of lodging option to bring your dream overnight getaway to life. There several one-of-a-kind and once-in-a-life-time locations, all-inclusive resort options, and places to stay for folks who love the outdoors.
Did you know there are over 25 covered bridges in Lancaster? This is the perfect, free activity to keep your summer days fun and adventurous! Start your Lancaster County covered bridge tour with our printable guide, complete with suggested stops and other attractions to enjoy along the way. For a high-quality version of the guide with stop by our Visitors Center!
From high-energy concert venues to Broadway-calibre performances, Lancaster has it all! Find upcoming festivals and fairs with musical performances, and get the latest live music schedules. If you're planning a trip to see a concert at Hershey, PA's Giant Center - book your stay in Lancaster to fill your weekend itinerary!
Find Where to Enjoy Live Music
If you're visiting Lancaster, chances are you've seen an Amish horse & buggy on the road. Now is your opportunity to ride in one yourself! This is a once-in-a-life time experience and absolutely a must-do when visiting Lancaster!
While you're here, you have to visit Kitchen Kettle Village, it's a staple of Lancaster County. With over 42 shops and dining options, you're sure to have a fun-filled day exploring eclectic, locally-owned shops, filled with unique items. Lancaster is also home to Tanger Outlets and The Shops @ Rockvale - two centers with all your favorite brands at bargain prices. Lancaster is known for its “maker’s mentality” and it's on full display along our quaint, walkable streets, loaded with local boutiques and shops.
The Amish Meals At Home with the Lapp Family is an immersive dining experience that you get find just anywhere. Ruth and Samuel hosts groups from 15 to 45 (perfect for for reunions and parties!) for lunch or dinner. You may call Ruth to see if your smaller party may join a larger group dining at the farm. Be adventurous on your next trip and take a step deeper in Amish Culture of Lancaster County.
Did you know Lancaster hosted the U.S. Women's Open Golf Championship in 2015 and 2024? One of the reasons we were chosen to host is because of our top-tier golf courses. Book your tee time today! For those of you who aren’t world-class golfers, put your putt-putt skills to the test at one of Lancaster’s mini-golf courses.
Escape the heat in one of these air-conditioned art studios. Try throwing pottery at Lancaster Creative Factory, creating a masterpiece with Painting with a Twist, adding colors and designs to pottery at The PotteryWorks, or flexing all your creative muscles with a class at Horst Arts. Lancaster is a creative's playground and there's plenty of places to create your new favorite work of art.
When you shop at Lancaster Central Market at Penn Square in the heart of Lancaster City you become a part of a living history. This is America's oldest farmers' market building that's still bustling with activity since its opening in the 1730's.
Plan Your Visit to Central Market
Downtown Lancaster has it all, from historic buildings to fine dining and a robust international food scene. Downtown is the perfect contrast of modern life to the rustic allure of surrounding Amish country. Spend the weekend exploring Lancaster City's shops, restaurants, and attractions.
A Lancaster County summer wouldn’t be complete without experiencing Amish cultura. You’ll find their influence everywhere: the fresh produce at your favorite café, the ice cream melting down your waffle cone, the scenic farms and fields on your evening drive home. Experience first-hand the oldest and largest Amish community in the United States.
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