Right Next Door: Discover Columbia, Pennsylvania

Just 15 minutes from Lancaster City, Columbia is a revived river town on the rise as a destination for eating, drinking, shopping, and exploring.

Established in 1726 as Wright’s Ferry, Columbia is the latest hotspot for thriving local businesses. Just 15 minutes from Lancaster City, Columbia is a revived river town on the rise as a destination for eating, drinking, shopping, and exploring. In fact, many Lancaster small businesses have recently opened their second locations in this nearby borough. Columbia boasts award-winning restaurants, coffee shops, artisan boutiques, handmade crafts, and acclaimed antique shops that draw visitors from the entire east coast.

At the heart of this revival is Discover Columbia, whose mission is to showcase this emerging place to work, stay, and live. Owner Justin Rule and his team along with small business enthusiasts and local leaders are connecting Columbia’s past with a dream for the town’s tomorrow.


Vintage Day Trip

To celebrate the past, present, and future, here are a few vintage-inspired things to do on your next trip to Columbia.

State Theatre Vintage Emporium

421 Locust Street, Columbia

A historical building filled with over 8,000 square feet of curated retro toys, gaming, vintage, and antiques.

Griddles Malt Shop

315 Locust Street, Columbia

Enjoy breakfast and lunch while you step back into Columbia’s yesteryear with vintage memorabilia decorating this 1892 restored hotel in the heart of the city.

Strange Daze

17 South Third Street, Columbia

A boutique with racks of hand selected clothing for all aesthetics, original art, decor, and handcrafted wonders.

Vicious Circle

262 Locust Street, Columbia 

A curated boutique of rad vintage clothing for freaky folks—spanning from the 1960s to the early 2000s.


Thistle & Sage Creative

208 Locust Street, Columbia

A women-owned working studio and historic shoppe front that offers unique, locally handcrafted, and thoughtfully-curated pieces for your home, garden, or wardrobe.

Have even more fun in Columbia and stay overnight at the #FreedomHome

Columbia has some of the oldest architectural styles in America, and you can experience all there is to do in one of its iconic homesteads from 1876. The Airbnb home includes five bedrooms, sleeps up to 10, and is in the heart of all Columbia has to offer. Learn more about the history of the home, the meaning behind its name, and book your stay at freedomhomepa.com.


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