Lancaster City
Downtown Lancaster combines the historical and the modern to provide visitors with interesting and enjoyable activities, as well as excellent eating, from the early morning, until the wee hours of the night. Lancaster is a beautiful and historic city, that earned the distinction for being the capital of the United States for one day on, September 27, 1777. As the new nations leaders, the continental congress, fled Philadelphia and headed to York, where the wide Susquehanna river would provide protections from the pursuing British troops. In 1789, Lancaster had the distinction of being the largest inland town in the United States, with a population of about 4,200. General Edward Hand proposed that Lancaster would be an excellent choice as the permanent capital of the nation. That didn't happen of course, but Lancaster has prospered, and downtown has always been the economic and cultural center of Lancaster County.
Today, downtown Lancaster is a bustling city, where new development and new ideas, blend smoothly with the city's rich history. Lancaster's most spectacular attractions is Lancaster's central market, the oldest, continuously operating farmers market in the nation. Every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, local farmers and merchants fill their stands with fresh and delicious produce, meats, cheeses, and prepared foods. a trip to market is a must to every visitor to Lancaster.
Next to market, are the Heritage center, which details Lancaster's long and, industrious history, and the Quilt and Textile Museum, which displays quilts made by Amish women between 1870 and 1940.
Just one block from market, or North Prince Street is the Fulton Opera House. The Fulton opened in 1852, and today it hosts stage productions, concerts, and training for young performers. Check their calendar and maybe you'll be able to catch a show at the Fulton.
Surrounding the Fulton is Lancaster's growing arts district. in the last decade, Lancaster has become an important destination for lovers of the arts. The city has more that 90 art related attractions, ranging from galleries and studios to, museums, antique shops and performing arts centers. In the evening of the first Friday of every month, the city comes alive as thousands of Lancastrians and visitors walk the streets and enjoy the downtown attractions.
Just north of the art district on Prince street is Lancaster's favorite outdoor gathering place, Clipper Magazine Stadium, home of the Lancaster Barnstorming, of the Independent Atlantic League. The Barnstormers play from April through September, and a night at the ballpark is inexpensive fun for fans of all ages.
For the children, downtown Lancaster offers, The Whole In The Wall Puppet Theatre on North Water street. Whole In The Wall presents puppet shows such as Peter Pan and Rumpelstiltskin that absolutely delight children. A few blocks east of downtown, on New Holland avenue, is the Lancaster Science Factory, which offers a hands on and fun opportunity to learn their science lessons.
Pennsylvania's only president, James Buchanan, lived right here in Lancaster. His majestic home, Wheatland, is about a mile and a half west of downtown, on Marietta avenue. It's open for tours from April through October.
For the serious, or the casual shopper, downtown Lancaster is a delight where you will enjoy boutiques, bakeries, gifts shops, and jewelers. The 300 block of North Queen street, know and Uptown, is Lancaster's offbeat shopping region, with antique shops, unusual restaurants and lots of other intriguing stores. It's also home to the only magic shop in town.
Exploring all the Lancaster offers is certain to give you a hearty appetite, and you'll find plenty of places to replenish yourself in the downtown area. Whether you favor traditions American favorites, elegant of casual dinning, Italian, Mexican, Irish, Chinese, Japanese, Mediterranean, or just muffins, the restaurants of Lancaster are sure to leave you happy and satisfied.
Downtown Lancaster is in every way the center of the Lancaster county universe. No matter where your staying in Lancaster county, make time for a trip downtown. It's where the modern and the historic combine to make every visit, a pleasure.