Shop Works of Art

An Arts Itinerary

Explore Your Creative Side in Lancaster

What’s your creative side? Whether it's fine arts, hand-made crafts, music, or theater, you’ll find inspiration here in Lancaster, PA. Stroll the streets of Downtown Lancaster or even get hands on and create a work of your own. Our Creative Side itinerary can guide your art-filled trip around the county.

Morning

Zole Art Factory

To get the creative juices flowing, start your day with a delicious breakfast and much-needed coffee. Depending on where you start your day, the following spots provide a fresh menu that will inspire your morning: The Baker's Table (coffee, tea, pastries, quiche, made-to-order sandwiches, and a weekend breakfast buffet), Cafe One Eight (baked oatmeal, unique breakfast sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and coffee drinks), and Lampeter Cafe (traditional breakfast, pastries and muffins, french toast, and more).

Kick off your day with an art project of your own. Lancaster is home to art studios where the guests are the artist! Design the piece on your own or find inspiration around the studio. Whatever direction you go in, the piece will be a unique reminder of your visit to Lancaster.

To get the creative juices flowing, start your day with a delicious breakfast and much-needed coffee.

The Pottery Works provides inspiring artists with the space and supplies to paint the perfect piece of pottery in Downtown Lancaster. Select your item - from bowls, plates and mugs to piggy banks and figurines for kids - and paint it to your liking. If beading jewlery is more your style, neighboring BeadWorks and Gem Den feature a beautiful array of beads and gems to inspire even more crafting fun.
Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

Inspired by the pottery you saw at The Pottery Works? Then head down to the Lancaster Creative Factory to indulge in beauty works for other artists or create your own masterpiece.

Maybe pottery isn't your thing, maybe you like to paint or get crafty. Horst Arts is the perfect space to create whatever your heart desires. They offer thoughts of different activities that is perfect for anyone, any age.

Afternoon

A sidewalk of storefronts, with a sign for "Red Raven Art Company" along with a green tree in Lancaster, PA.

Gallery Row

Take a lunch break for an artfully crafted meal at one of these restaurants in Lancaster: Bistro Barbaret & Bakery (classic French cuisine and beautifully crafted desserts and chocolates), and Sugarplums and Tea (tea room serving light lunch offerings and pastries).

Get your creative eye ready for an art-filled afternoon. Whether you head Downtown to Gallery Row, out to Intercourse, or are in town for an annual art festival, you'll be impressed with our local offerings.

Gallery Row is located along Prince Street in Downtown Lancaster, with other galleries scattered around the city. As you wander the row, take in the gorgeous works in the windows and pop in to say hi and browse some more! Local artists take inspiration from a variety of subjects - from the local landscape to far away places.

Whether you head Downtown to Gallery Row, out to Intercourse, or are in town for an annual art festival, you'll be impressed with our offerings.

Intercourse is home to Julia Swartz Gallery and Dutchland Galleries, where there is plenty of art to gaze at. Dutchland Galleries features works from many artists, while Julia Swartz Gallery focuses on oil paintings created by Julia Swartz herself.

Depending on the time of year, Lancaster County hosts expertly currated shows that bring artists from around the nation to the area. Typically in July, Lititz Art Association hosts their Outdoor Art Show in Lititz Springs Park, which makes for a beautiful background for this annual event. While in Lititz swing by Pebbles & Lace to check out their beautiful curated shop full of stationery, home décor, fragrant candles, soaps, and artwork crafted by local artisans. Just outside Lancaster County, the Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show is beloved by locals. Held in August, this event features a wide range of fine art exhibitors. Over Labor Day Weekend, Long's Park holds their yearly Art Festival where art lovers gather at the park to enjoy fine art and high-quality crafts, along with tasty food, beer & wine, and activities for kids.

Evening

Fulton Theatre

The day isn't over yet - it's time for a show! Whether you're craving a Broadway-caliber musical performed on stage at one of America's oldest continuously operating theaters or a delicious buffet dinner paired with a super show, we have the experience for you.

Fulton Theatre has been entertaining audiences for over 150 years. Today they host Broadway-caliber musicals, comedies, and dramas that will capture your heart and have your toes tapping. While you're there, admire the beauty of the theater with its ornate architectural detail and regal atmosphere.
For show schedule, click here.

The Log Cabin is a beautiful spot to have your dinner and be able to experience art and history. Formally a Speakeasy back in 1929, now a days The Log Cabins walls are lined with historic and modern art. You'll sure to be staring at the walls and wanting to take a look down every hall to see this great art.

After a day of creativity and music galore, it's time to rest.

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre combines an all-American buffet and world-class entertainment for a memorable evening. Swing by for a musical featuring upbeat hits or take in the heart-felt melodies featured in a classic drama.For show schedule, click here.

For a more intimate performance ranging from dance, plays, lectures, and films, check out the Ware Center or Trust Performing Arts Center in Downtown Lancaster. Both are associated with local universities and bring in performances that typically run for one evening in a cozier setting. Don't foreget! The Ware Center is also the home of the Regitz Gallery where you are able to find exhibits by local and regional artists that rotate monthly during the academic year.

What a day! After a day of creativity and music galore, it's time to rest. Consider these artful options:

Lancaster Arts Hotel is located in Downtown Lancaster, and lives up to its name with currated art throughout the lobby and rooms. This boutique hotel offers amentities that will help you to relax and recharge for another day in Lancaster.

Artist Inn and Gallery is a romantic Bed & Breakfast in Terre Hill, PA that combines cozy accommodations with the Amish Countryside and an art gallery featuring pieces created by the innkeeper himself. Enjoy a good night sleep, then listen to the clip-clop of horse and buggies as they pass in the morning.

Featured in This Trip Idea

Romantic Bed and Breakfast in Lancaster County

Romantic Bed & Breakfast in heart of Lancaster County. Hear the clip clop of Amish buggies as they pass by the Inn. Enjoy...

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

A year-round dinner and Broadway show package featuring professional performers from across the United States and a live orchestra. Dutch Apple features traditional...

Lancaster Arts

Brick-paved history. Contemporary style. Old World simplicity. World-class service.Look beyond the rolling farms and the creak and clop of the horses-and-buggies, and you'll...

Hay Bales

Make your home more beautiful and take home a memory of beautiful Lancaster County with fine art by Julia Swartz. It’s easy, choose...

Outside Seating

The Fireside Tavern offers a cozy, comfortable bar and dining area that features a 16 seat bar, high-top tables and plenty of room...

The PotteryWorks

Looking for a fun and relaxing activity for the entire family? Come and paint pottery at the PotteryWorks. A perfectly relaxing activity that...

The Arts at Millersville University Ware Center

Welcome to The Ware Center – Arts at Millersville University!The Ware Center is Lancaster’s premier performing arts center. Located on Lancaster’s famous Gallery...

The BeadWorks

Unearthed Beauty. Lancaster's rock, fossil and mineral shop.Right around the corner from The Pottery Works52. North Queen St. Lancaster, PA 17603717-490-6551Hours:Sundays: Noon-6pmMonday: 10am-6pmTues-Thurs...

Long's Park Amphitheater Foundation

The Long’s Park Amphitheater Foundation is a non-profit organization whose primary mission is “to provide cultural programming at the Long’s Park Amphitheater for...

The Trust Performing Arts Center

In 1912, the Lancaster Trust Company finished construction on their new downtown headquarters – a Beaux-Arts masterpiece from the imagination of Lancaster’s leading...

Bistro Barberet & Bakery

From classic French cuisine to patisserie perfection, Barberet Bistro & Bakery offers a fresh take on brunch, lunch and dinner. Owner, operator and...