Explore Lancaster County This Family Weekend

Is your family visiting this Marauder Family Weekend? Programming on campus starts in the early evening on Friday and concludes in the early evening on Saturday. Here is a schedule of the planned activities. After engaging in the exciting events on campus, pack up the car, and take a small road trip as Lancaster County has many hidden gems to explore!

Animal and duck feeding at Long’s Park or Lititz Springs Park

Long’s Park is located at the intersection of Harrisburg Pike and Route 30 and is home to many different activities. The park has a petting zoo, a three-acre lake, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and much more. Lititz Springs Park is located in downtown Lititz. There’s a stream that runs through the center of the park and a fountain towards the main entrance, playgrounds, a volleyball court, picnic pavilions, a train car, and much more. Both parks are home to ducks, swans, and other animals.

Lancastrian history at Rock Ford Plantation or Hans Herr House Museum
Rock Ford Plantation was the home of Edward Hand, the Adjutant General to George Washington during the American Revolution. Hand had many different hats — one being a slave owner. Rock Ford Plantation partnered with the African American Historical Society of South-Central Pennsylvania to help explore slavery in 18th Century Pennsylvania and better tell the stories of Hand’s slaves. Hans Herr House Museum is the oldest surviving house in Lancaster County. The Museum contains three Pennsylvania German farmhouses, several barns, a blacksmith shop, smokehouse, outdoor bake oven, and farm equipment that spans three centuries. The Longhouse also teaches about the life and culture of the Native Americans who lived here before the Europeans settled in the area.

Ice cream and cows at Pine View Dairy

Pine View Dairy has been a part of the Lancaster County community since 1971. Pine View prides themselves on their fresh milk and homemade ice cream. They offer flavored milk as well as cream line, whole, low fat, and nonfat milk, and over 25 flavors of ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sherbet. Numerous sundaes, milkshakes, and “moo mixers” are also available.

Lancaster Central Market
Lancaster Central Market is the oldest, continuously running public farmers’ market in the country, founded in 1730. The market is open on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. More than 60 vendors call Central Market home, with the three longest-running stands clocking in more than 100 years, 80 years, and 60 years with the market. You’re bound to find what you’re looking for, whether it’s candy and snacks, coffee and tea, farm produce, or ethnic food!

Park City Mall, The Shops @ Rockvale, or Tanger Outlets

Park City Mall has more than 150 stores, a food court, and full and quick service restaurants. The Shops @ Rockvale has over 90 stores, full and quick service restaurants, and a Comfort Inn. Tanger Outlets has over 70 stores and a few places to grab food. You won’t be disappointed, so shop until you drop!

Coffee or tea at Prince Street Cafe
Prince Street Cafe was established in 2006 and is just steps from the Fulton Theater. Breakfast is served all day, there’s a variety of vegetarian and vegan meal options, and drinks include smoothies, hot and cold drinks, and loose leaf tea. With the welcoming atmosphere, Prince Street Cafe will become your go-to cafe if you have classes at the Ware Center downtown.

Breakfast at Lyndon City Line Diner or Knight and Day Diner

Personally, I am a huge fan of diner breakfasts. Both Lyndon Diner and Knight and Day have a wide selection of breakfast including breakfast specials, eggs and omelets, pancakes, french toast, and waffles. Both diners have exceptional lunch and dinner menus as well.

Hiking at Chickies Rock Park
Chickies Rock Park is Lancaster County’s second-largest regional park. The park includes Chiques Creek, Donegal Creek, and parts of the Susquehanna River. The hike to Chickies Rock is roughly half a mile and an easy trail, aside from the steep climb at the beginning. Chickies Rock Overlook is located more than 100 feet above the Susquehanna River and railroad tracks, and because it’s located at a bend in the river, it’s possible to see for miles in every direction.

Images courtesy of Rylan Harvey and Flickr.

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