In 1857, Pennsylvania’s James Buchanan won the presidential election, a bachelor with high hopes to equal George Washington’s reputation. In a few short years, though, Buchanan will have made what historians deem the worst mistake in presidential history: the President’s inability to negotiate peace caused seven southern states to secede from the United States of America. The once-unified nation was torn in half—as well as the Democratic Party— and the years to come would bring the bloodiest war in American history.
But years and years before these consequences unfolded around this man, he was a lawyer in Lancaster, freshly graduated from Dickinson College in Carlisle, a capital of 18th century knowledge and learning, built with stone and lined with green...
Experience a variety of genuine Amish Country food and produce! The Lemon Street Market in Lancaster provides organic, vegan, and local and regional food whenever possible. The Lemon Street Market also strives for sustainable-grade, GMO-free food. Shop for flowers, have a hot cup of coffee, and enjoy a rich smoothie made from locally grown fruit.
This is a great location for finding natural cleaning and cooking supplies for your home (like vinegar), gifts for family, or just a good meal and a relaxing afternoon walk observing all the different kinds of products and produce that are grown and made right here in Lancaster County. This is where the fruits of our labors (literally) are available to be bought and eaten.
The market café is a nice pit stop during the hot summer days for a...
Enjoy the open air and discover the most peaceful feeling in the world. The hot air balloons of Lancaster County provide a breathtaking, unforgettable view, piloted by the U.S. Hot Air Balloon Team. The serene environment, the illusion of being absolutely weightless—and flying—all make the hot air balloon ride a once in a lifetime experience.
Hot air balloons are a famous attraction for spectators all across the rolling farmland of south central Pennsylvania. The United States Hot Air Balloon Team sets off daily from historic Bird in Hand on Old Philadelphia Pike, only a short five-minute drive three miles north of After Eight Bed & Breakfast. You get about three hours to view Lancaster County’s sprawling farmland from above, sometimes high enough to put the...
Located on North Queen Street in the heart of Lancaster PA, the Belvedere Inn is an upscale casual, smoke-free restaurant repurposed from an 1876 mansion built by a tobacco plantation owner named James Rhor. On the second floor of the building, Crazy Shirley’s offers a full-size piano bar and lounge that features live jazz on Friday and Saturday nights. Famous for its standards in fine dining and its one-of-a-kind Hollywood regency style, the Belvedere Inn offers an unforgettable dining and entertainment experience for visitors to Lancaster County. The restaurant also uses local produce and ingredients from the Lancaster area. To make a reservation, call 717-394-2422 or head to the website for reservations, information, and photos.
Lunch hours run Monday-Friday 11am-2pm.
Bar hours...
In Native American mythology, the wolf is considered the ancestor or creator of mankind, and sometimes his brother or best friend. In the Quileute tribe, it was believed that mankind’s first ancestors transformed from wolves. The wolf is also symbolically and spiritually essential, representing one of the six directional guardians (east) and the abilities of hunting and healing. Honoring the connection the Native American tribes of Pennsylvania had with wolves, the Wolf Sanctuary of PA in Lititz, 30 minutes north of Lancaster via US-222, is a nonprofit devoted to providing refuge to wolves and wolf hybrids in a natural world. The 80-acre sanctuary provides food, shelter, and veterinary care to over 40 wolves with no government or corporate assistance. Guided tours are provided. No...
Do you consider yourself a miniature golf aficionado? In Lancaster County, you will find some unique and challenging courses.
Village Greens Miniature Golf, 1444 Village Road, Strasburg
One of Lancaster County’s hidden jewels; you’ll find two unique golf experiences where the challenge of golf is combined with natural beauty. The 18-hole Orange course offers a covered bridge, cave and tobacco shed, while the 23-hole Gold course provides a variety of natural obstacles. A mature wooded setting with spectacular landscaping is why Village Greens has been voted the #1 miniature golf course in Lancaster County for the fifth consecutive year. Enjoy an old-fashioned milk shake at the Snack Bar. Open daily now through September 25. Visit the website for hours.
Overlook Falls Mini-Golf...
Based on Beverly Lewis’s trilogy, this inspiring story “The Confession” returns to the Bird-in-Hand Stage. This musical is a story of a young Amish woman caught in the middle of secrets, scandals and mystery. Prior to the show enjoy a smorgasbord at the Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant specializing in PA Dutch cooking with traditional Lancaster County recipes and utilizing farm-fresh food grown locally.
“The Confession” is now playing through July 14, 2016. Show times are Monday through Saturday with dinner and lunch show options. Visit the website for specific times and to purchase tickets online.
Don’t miss this brilliant love story.
Lancaster County has over 25 covered bridges that bring to mind old charm and romance. Covered bridges are often referred to as “kissing bridges” because it was “the place” for couples to stroll across. Each bridge has its own story and architectural beauty. The spring is a perfect time for a drive through Lancaster’s unique towns and villages with stops at covered bridges, shops, attractions, and restaurants. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
You can find several covered bridge driving tours at Discover Lancaster’s website. The Scenic Parks & Preserve and Lititz & Its Countryside tours are the closest to the After Eight Bed & Breakfast. Download the PDF that provides explicit driving directions and suggested things to see and do....
A new line of comedies for 2016 at Rainbow’s Comedy Playhouse will keep you entertained and laughing. On stage starting April 9 is “Catch Me If You Can.” If you were a faithful fan of the TV series “Columbo,” you’ll enjoy this show. A true “Who done it” mystery with twists and turns as the rumpled detective bumbles his way to solving the murder. The show runs through May 28. Choose a matinee, evening or Sunday twilight show. Select from a number of dining options and you can even reserve a bottle of wine.
Upcoming shows for the 2016 season include:
A Perfect Wedding – June 4 to August 13. It is a humorous oxymoron of a play that will keep you laughing.
Is There Life After 50 – August 20 to October 29. Friends forever, three...
The Strasburg Railroad located in Ronks was an important part of Pennsylvania’s railroad history. Founded in 1832, the railroad’s main purpose was a freight interchange with the Pennsylvania Railroad. Today, it is one of Lancaster County’s top attractions offering visitors an opportunity to learn about early 20th century railroading. Enjoy a 45-minute, round-trip ride through the rolling Amish farmlands to Paradise and back. Starting April 2 and every Saturday through November 19, 2016 the Wine & Cheese train provides a luxurious air-conditioned lounge car where you are served a selection of wine, cheese and crackers. Passengers can purchase a souvenir wine glass, beer and other soft drinks. The train boards at 5:45 pm and departs at 6:00pm. Limited tickets are...
