LANCASTER COUNTY IS JUST OVER AN HOUR’S DRIVE FROM PHILLY, making it ideal for both day trips and weekend-long escapes. (Pro tip: take the old Lincoln Highway/Route 30 to avoid getting stuck on the Schuylkill.) It’s been my preferred getaway destination for well over a decade, and I love spending an afternoon driving around the countryside, stopping at the farm stands, yard sales and shops that dot the area. Whether you spend your time in leafy Lancaster City or opt for the small, pastoral towns scattered across the region, you’ll find scenic views, friendly people and lots and lots of delicious food.

9AM
COFFEE AT PASSENGER COFFEE

Food & Wine magazine has twice named Passenger Coffee the best coffee in Pennsylvania, and it’s one of the most appealing and thoughtful shops I’ve ever visited. As a certified B Corporation, Passenger Coffee meets strict ethics guidelines as they balance their mission of supporting equitable supply chains with the necessity of making money. They take their coffee as seriously as they do their community responsibility: The shop typically has more than 30 single-roaster options on offer. And if coffee isn’t your thing, it’s still worth going for their teas and baked goods.

(left) Passenger Coffee; (right) Rachel’s Cafe and Creperie

10AM
BRUNCH AT RACHEL’S CAFÉ AND CREPERIE

For your first full meal of the day (the pastry you ate with your coffee doesn’t count), head over to Rachel’s Cafe and Creperie to build your own crepe adventure. The restaurant offers both regular and vegan crepes, so it’s a great spot to try if you or a fellow traveler follow a plant-based diet.

NOON
LUNCH AT CENTRAL MARKET

Central Market is Lancaster City’s original market and has been in operation since 1730. Way back in 1742, King George II designated the city an official market town. The market has grown considerably since then and currently takes place three days a week in a building that dates back to 1889. The market features produce stalls, handicrafts, lots of local preserves and baked goods and an array of lunch options. My favorite vendors include Weaver’s for their classic Central PA subs (they aren’t hoagies!), Kom Essa for PA Dutch specialties and Saife’s for Middle Eastern deliciousness.

Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery

2PM
SHOP AND EXPLORE

Once you’ve had your fill of lunch, head over to Building Character to browse antique, salvage and upcycled treasures. After you’ve done some treasure hunting, it’s time to leave the city behind and head for a small town or two. Lititz is one of my favorite destinations for shopping and strolling. Check out Little Timber House for home goods, Wilbur Chocolate Store for sweet treats and Zest! for kitchen wares. You can also visit the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. It was the first commercial pretzel bakery in the United States. They’ve been continually baking hand-twisted soft pretzels since 1861.

Black Forest Brewery

5PM
BLACK FOREST BREWERY

It’s time to leave Lititz behind and visit Ephrata. If you brought your bikes, there’s a trail that connects the two towns. This town is home to the Ephrata Cloister, the first communal religious community in the nation. Of more interest today, though, is the father-and-son-run Black Forest Brewery. With beer, cider and hard seltzer on tap, you’ll have options.

7PM
SHADY MAPLE SMORGASBORD

Shady Maple is a vast (110,000-squarefoot) buffet-style restaurant that specializes in the Pennsylvania Dutch food canon. When you arrive, you’ll line up at a cash register, pay for your meal and be issued a receipt. Once seated, you’ll be invited to help yourself to the sprawling steam trays, grills, bread stations and dessert lines. Come hungry and take small portions to maximize your variety. If you eat beef, don’t skip the pot roast. It’s the best.

9PM
CORK & CAP AT THE CORK FACTORY HOTEL

This cozy bar and restaurant back in Lancaster City is the ideal spot to close out the night. Built in a repurposed cork factory (yes, literally), the building oozes charm and welcoming, comfortable vibes. Get yourself a nightcap or a spot of dessert (if you have room for even a bite more food), and then roll up to your room for a good night’s rest if you’re staying over.

 QUICK TIP 

Lancaster’s famous Central Market is open on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only. It’s a must-visit for food lovers, so make sure to plan your visit for one of these days.

YOUR DAY AT A GLANCE

Passenger Coffee

131 N. Plum St., Lancaster
717.715.0992
passengercoffee.com

Rachel’s Cafe and Creperie

201 W. Walnut St., Lancaster
717.399.3515
rachelscreperie.com

Central Market

23 N. Market St., Lancaster
717.735.6890
centralmarketlancaster.com

Building Character

342 N. Queen St., Lancaster
717.394.7201
buildingcharacterstore.wordpress.com

Little Timber House

201 N. Broad St., Lititz
717.283.7986
littletimberhouse.com

Wilbur Chocolate

45 N. Broad St., Lititz
888.294.5287
wilburbuds.com/store

Zest!

30 E. Main St., Lititz
717.626.6002
zestchef.com

Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery

219 E. Main St., Lititz
717.626.4354
juliussturgis.com

Black Forest Brewery

301 W. Main St., Ephrata
717.450.7217
blackforestbrewery.net

Shady Maple Smorgasbord

129 Toddy Drive, East Earl
717.354.8222
shady-maple.com/smorgasbord

Cork & Cap at the Cork Factory Hotel

480 New Holland Ave., Suite 3000, Lancaster
717.735.2025
corkfactoryhotel.com