Ephrata

Day Trip to Ephrata, PA

•America's first communal religious society: the Ephrata Cloister.•

Home to rich religious history, the northeastern Lancaster County town of Ephrata represents cultural diversity, while still incorporating many Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish traditions.

Ephrata is a thriving small town that joins by a bike trail to Lititz. It has it's own unique character, and charming main street with plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions to create the perfect day trip itinerary. Ephrata is full of gorgeous architecture and rich cultural traditions. Folks from all walks of life can experience a warm welcome and memorable experiences when they visit Ephrata.

Office Ephrata Website

Founded in 1732, Ephrata was historically known as a pleasure resort and agricultural community. Over a century later, Ephrata enjoyed a reputation as a popular pleasure resort due to its renowned "spring waters" where today stands the Mountain Springs Hampton Inn and Suites. The surrounding countryside blends with the ambiance of the historic downtown district to create a unique small-town destination.

Ephrata also became home to America's first communal religious society, the Ephrata Cloister, which is still a popular historical destination today. This national landmark attracts many visitors with its unique architecture, original music, remarkable art, and more. It also hosts many exciting annual events, such as its Apple Dumpling Days in early October and in December, the Cloister celebrates with Christmas at the Cloister and Lantern Tours.

In addition, the town offers an eclectic mix of local shops and boutiques. Ephrata is home to one of the largest farmers' markets in the country, Green Dragon Farmers Market & Auction. Open on Fridays, Green Dragon features tons of Amish-made items, baked goods, books, candy, collectibles, quilts, toys, jewelry, and so much more, and is a great way to support local businesses and experience that tight-knit community feel that Lancaster County boasts.

Only a few blocks off Main Street is Ephrata's long-running live theater, Ephrata Performing Arts Center, that offers bold, cutting-edge performances and top-tier production value in an intimate theater space.

On top of all this, Ephrata also has plenty of restaurants, craft breweries, wineries & distilleries, events, and cozy lodging. Explore these destinations, plus beautiful countryside and covered bridges, by driving along the scenic roads of Ephrata.

Popular Events in Ephrata, PA

Ephrata Fair | last full week of September (Tues-Sat) & Parade (Wed)

Community School Day at Ephrata Cloister | May

Annual Easter Egg Hunt | Spring

Ephrata Rhythm & Brews | May

Summer First Saturdays | June-September

Annual Veterans Day Luminary Trail | November

Christmas at the Cloister | December

Spectacular of Lights/Tree Lighting/Santa's arrival | Black Friday

Holiday Market | Small Business Saturday

New Year's Eve Bash | New Year's Eve Celebration

Where to Eat in Ephrata

Ephrata is not short on tasty places to eat! If you’re looking for a good place to eat a hearty meal, try Black Forest Brewery, which features plenty of top-quality beers in addition to delicious sandwiches, burgers, and rich entrees. If after dinner you’re craving something sweet, the Fox Meadows Creamery is a great place to stop by with its welcoming atmosphere and handcrafted creamy assortment of ice cream flavors made on-site with milk from the owner family’s dairy farm. De-lish!

Breakfast, Coffee, & Brunch Spots: