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    Visit the City of Lancaster – Here’s Your Guide

    Welcome to FigLancaster.com. We are your guide to shopping, dining, arts, events, history, and community in the City of Lancaster. Discover all there is to do in this thriving, growing downtown scene—from Broadway-caliber theatre, to nationally-acclaimed restaurants, Lancaster City is a destination waiting to be explored.

     

    Here’s why Lancaster City should be next on your list of places to visit.

    Commonwealth on Queen

    It’s a foodie destination full of flavor

     

    The food scene in Lancaster continues to grow. Whether you’re looking to enjoy brunch, a quick stop at a cafe, get your coffee fix, a dinner out, or a sweet lunch spot, Lancaster has it all.

     

    Discover delicious unique brunch, lunch, and breakfast options at Commonwealth on Queen then make dinner plans at Annie Bailey’s Irish Pub or the Belvedere Inn (the latter has Lancaster City’s “official” cocktail—Red Rose Harvestini).

     

    Explore the diverse Vietnamese flavors at Sprout, then stop at Splits & Giggles for a crave-worthy dessert.

    Belvedere Inn / Annie Bailey's Irish Pub

    New and specialized restaurants continue to flock to the downtown blocks.

     

    Callaloo Trinidadian Kitchen opened in 2017 and has quickly gained national attention for it’s special take on cuisine (even being featured as the Pennsylvania selection in Buzzfeed’s One Restaurant to Try in Every State). LUCA is also a destination getting national acclaim.

     

    Don’t miss other delicious options like Souvlaki Boys, serving an array of authentic Greek favorites, or Citronnelle, an exquisite French fine dining experience.

     

    When it’s warmer outside, the Lancaster food truck scene thrives (discover a feature on 3 here). Cupcakes, tacos, burgers, and more, food trucks can be found in parks all around town.

    Souvlaki Boys

    Thistle Finch / Callaloo Kitchen / Citronnelle

    But Lancaster isn’t just known for food.

     

    Pubs and distilleries have opened all across the City. Thistle Finch distillery crafts their own whiskey and vodka right here in town. Levengoods of Lancaster (which opened in 2017) provides visitors with an assortment of hard ciders. Wacker Brewing crafts deep, and delicious, beer to enjoy.

     

    Plus, the restaurants all around town offer cocktails, wine, and more—perfect to make your visit extra special.

    The Fulton Theatre

    It has a thriving arts & culture scene

     

    Interested in music, theatre, and exploring art galleries? Lancaster City is a perfect destination for all things arts & culture.

     

    The Fulton Theatre has been around for hundreds of years—it’s known as the longest-running theatre in the country. It went through many iterations since the first building opened in the late 1770’s, but now it’s a nationally-acclaimed theatre that showcases award-winning musicals and plays.

     

    From the popular musical Newsies, to the cult classic Little Shop of Horrors, the Fulton offers a consistent musical lineup sure to please a variety of audiences. Plus with plays like Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap gracing the main stage, there is always an opportunity to engage with a story at the Fulton.

    Susan Gottlieb / PRiMA Theatre

    In addition to the Fulton, there is more that adds to the booming musical scene in Lancaster. Discover the lineup at PRiMA theatre, then see all that Millersville University’s Ware Center has to offer.

     

    Browse all the exclusive art galleries all around the City too. Gallery Row, on Prince Street, features some of the most prominent artists right on the main strip.

     

    Susan Gottlieb specializes in multi-media paintings. Christiane David Gallery pops off the wall in vibrant, eclectic colors. Also, make sure to stop by Freiman Stoltzfus Art Gallery to see rich artwork full of intention and meaning.

     

    These are just a few places to experience the inspiring artwork from the Lancaster community—don’t miss all of the other options all throughout the City.

    Christiane David Gallery / Freiman Stoltzfus Art Gallery / Ware Center

    The Lancaster ExtraGive

    There are so many community events

     

    Lancaster has no shortage of incredible events that make the community a vibrant destination.

     

    The monthly First Friday is a staple downtown—shops and galleries stay open late, while restaurants are ready for your weekend celebrations. Specials, music, and more, happen exclusively each First Friday.

     

    One of the most impactful events each year is the Lancaster ExtraGive. Each year, Lancaster holds a massive fundraising event for nonprofit organizations within Lancaster County. This past edition, the Lancaster ExtraGive raised $8.6 million! Read our exclusive feature recap and see how this incredible event impacts Lancaster.

     

    There is never a week without an event at a local shop or organization. Plus, there are festivals like the Annual Lancaster Craft Beerfest, Indian Arts Gala, Lancaster City Restaurant Week, International Short Film Festival, the Long’s Park Summer Music Series, and many more, to participate in all year long.

     

    Harvest Breakfast, an annual celebration with food, music, and community by Central Market is a big seasonal draw. Also Velocity Lancaster celebrates all the City has to offer in one big annual bash.

     

    Check out our full events calendar so you don’t miss a thing.

     

    First Friday Lancaster / Annual Lancaster Craft Beerfest

    Velocity Lancaster celebration / Long's Park Summer Music Series

    Harvest Breakfast / Indian Arts Gala / Celebrate Lancaster festival

    TAUPE

    A true shopping experience

     

    Who is ready to shop?

     

    Shopping downtown is an experience all its own. Unique boutiques line streets, chic styles and designs are just footsteps away, and the nation’s largest farmer’s market is right in the heart of the City.

    Ellicott & Co. / David Lyall

    Bellaboo / Coleson Clothiers / Ream Jewelers

    Shopping local helps infuse the economy and offers the opportunity to purchase unique items not found anywhere else. Discover artisan-made goods and locally-sourced gifts in the many shops.

     

    Peruse fine style at Coleson Clothiers, beautiful jewelry at Ream Jewelers, and adorable kids fashion at Bellaboo. Experience the gorgeous home decor and designs at David Lyall Design, then browse specialized gifts at Ellicott & Co. Don’t miss TAUPE for all the chic fashionistas.

     

    There is so much more to explore so leave time during your trip to hit all the spots around town.

     

    Plan a return trip for next Spring. Coming in 2019, another big shopping destination will help change the face of the City: 101NQ. Find out more about this incredible living, shopping, and working experience coming soon.

    An array of food from Central Market

    The outside and inside of Central Market

    One of the biggest draws in downtown Lancaster is Central Market.

     

    It’s the country’s oldest farmers’ market–right here in the middle of the City. Taking up a beautiful, 120-year old red brick building, Central Market features over 60 stands featuring everything from regional favorites like cheeses, meats, produce, and baked goods, to cultural specialties such as Vietnamese, Italian, African, Greek, and Mexican cuisine. There are fresh flowers, pickles, jams & jellies, and much more to explore. Open on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

    Freinschaft Market / Lemon Street Market

    Central Market is the main event, but don’t miss the other markets popping up all around the City.

     

    Lemon Street Market has local foods and fresh handmade goods right downtown as well. Newly-opened Freinschaft Market has freshly-prepared foods, snack mixes, meats & cheeses, and more.

    It’s full of history

     

    Lancaster has been around for generations—even serving as the country’s capital for a brief time in the late 1770’s. You can see beautiful brick roads in portions of the City, and look for historical plaques around town detailing the storied history of the City.

    Downtown Lancaster

    Visit LancasterHistory.org to learn all the ins and outs of the City. Then stop by the Demuth Museum to learn even more about the unique way Lancaster has been growing and changing.

     

    For fun the whole family can enjoy, visit the North Museum of Nature & Science to learn about Lancaster, and the rest of the world, through fun interactive kiosks and stations.

     

    Make sure to walk around the City and take notice of the history of each building—many of the shops, homes, and destinations all around town are in historical buildings with a rich past.

    The North Museum / Penn Square, downtown Lancaster

    Want to know more about the City of Lancaster? Browse our Fig Magazine—the ultimate guide to everything Lancaster. Each quarter Fig Magazine spotlights the many organizations and businesses cultivating the Lancaster community. Discover the most recent issue online and plan your trip today!

     

    Check out the events calendar to see what’s coming soon, and browse even more exclusive content with our collection of blog stories.

     

    We hope to see you soon!