Lancaster Central Market was born in 1730 on a 120-square-foot plot of land conveyed by Andrew and Ann Hamilton from their private estate. Here, farmers would cart their bounty from the surrounding fruitful land to the heart of the nearly settled municipality to sell their wares in the now-public, open field. The doors here at Market open to the public three days each week: Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. Each Market day begins with a soft opening at 6 a.m., followed with a full opening at 7 a.m. Standholders open at their discretion before 7 a.m., as many collaborate with local chefs or fulfill wholesale offerings prior to the busy-ness of a bustling Market day. Tuesday and Friday closing time is 4 p.m., and Saturday closing time is 2 p.m. The Lancaster Central Market has stands from local artisanship to candies to Amish goods. There's a meat market and a variety of fresh, local produce as well as floral arrangements and baked treats. There's something for everyone!
Strasburg Rail Road is America’s oldest operating railroad with a charter dating back to June 9, 1832. First used for passenger and freight transportation, the short line limped along for more than a century until in 1958, on the verge of abandonment, the railroad was salvaged and given new life as a tourist railroad. Strasburg Rail Road has five working steam locomotives and 19 operating passenger cars. If you visit, be sure to take a ride and browse the shops that line the tracks at the station! Drew's Uncle Linn, pictured here, is currently the President and Chief Mechanical Officer (CMO) and has worked at the Strasburg Rail Road for 50 YEARS! Drew's Aunt Susan has also been an integral part of the rail road as she managed and then owned the surrounding shops. Thank you for all you do, Uncle Linn and Aunt Susan! We love you.
Tellus360 is an Irish pub, restaurant, music venue, and event space in Downtown Lancaster. Seating and table service is first come first served. Menu ingredients are locally sourced when available and the bar offers many delicious specialty drinks and brews. In June 2011, Tellus360 transformed its 10,000 square-foot roof into a "green roof" as part of Downtown Lancaster's ongoing goal of reducing stormwater run-off. In addition to collecting and absorbing water, the roof has a bar and seating area and is a unique locale for weekly yoga classes, events like rehearsal dinners and birthday parties, and more. The green roof is open most hours that Tellus360 is open.
Downtown Lancaster is bustling with activity. There are many shops, restaurants, museums, theaters, and art galleries to explore as well as historical sites throughout. Lancaster offers new flavors by season, month, and even week. If you do visit, try the Raspberry Cheesecake or Red Velvet! Enjoy walking around downtown for a relaxing, exciting, and even educational experience. Some restaurants that we recommend are Isaac's, The Pressroom, Annie Bailey's, Federal Taphouse, and Prince Street Café. Ladies, if you're looking to get your hair or nails done, visit Luxe Salon & Spa, Bristle & Prim, or Plum Salon & Spa.