Distinctive & Exceptional Holiday Dining Experiences
Lancast er ci ty ’s most vibr an t bar and lounge co mbine wit h th e ar ea’s finest co nt em po ra ry, classic American Ste akhouse to cr ea te the perf ect desti na tion to ce lebr at e th e season .
401 No rth Prin ce St .
Lancas te r, PA
71 7- 606- 1515
402 No rth Queen St
Lancast er, PA
71 7- 394 -2 422
bel ve der elanc as te r. co m
Ex ce pt iona l dining and a vibr a nt bar sc ene co mbine with our br ea th taking holida y dec or e to mak e yo ur seasonal ce lebr at ion a spe cia l and lasting memory. 4
Welcome!
WINTER/HOLIDAY 2024
On The Cover
The Ephrata Cloister, founded in 1732 by Johann Conrad Beissel, was a religious community in northeastern Lancaster County. Photo by Andrew Albright
06
WINTER COCKTAILS
Drink up some cozy warmth at these three craft cocktail spots
16
MAP OF LANCASTER
From downtown to Amish country, use this handy map to plan your visit.
28
SMALL
TOWN NEW HOLLAND
Unique shopping and dining in this country town.
Published By
LNP Media Group, Inc. reserves the right to reject of cancel
12
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
For every type of person on your list, from fashionista to foodie.
DINERS & DIVES
22 Enjoy the retro feel of these old-school spots.
General Manager: Chris Fidler
Editor-in-Chief: Lindsey McCallum
Art Direction: Andrew Albright
Design & Illustration: Bailey Watro
Production: Erica Feltenberger, Maggie Noon, Sally Reynolds
Writers: Andrew Albright, Maggie Noon, Sally Reynolds
Photographers: Vinny Tennis, Andrew Albright
The Yorgos Family Brings
A Piece of Greece to L anca ster City
At Yorgos Lancaster, you can enjoy casual pub fare and watch the game on the 1st floor, savor authentic Greek-influenced dishes in our 2nd floor Kefi dining room or on the roof top terrace (open weather permit ting), and choose from an ex tensive selection of craf t beer, cock tails, liquor, Greek wine, and champagne for dinner. Addi tionally, you can dance the night away to our live DJ (T hu –Sun) at Li ttle My konos on the 3rd fl oor. We also have two exquisite venue options to accommodate large parties and events Celebra te ever y reason & season wi th us . Make reservations now!
Celebrate every reason season with us.
Ask a Local CRAFT COCKTAILS FOR WINTER WEATHER
By Sally Reynolds | Photos by Vinny Tennis
Nothing beats the cold winter weather like a warming craft cocktail. My favorite cocktails are found at restaurants that make their own syrups, bitters, and extracts flavored with local herbs, fruits, and produce. These three restaurants consistently show the efforts of a staff that treats cocktails like a culinary art form.
Proof Lancaster
Prooflancaster.com
Lower level, 30 N Queen St, Lancaster
The winter cocktail – Winter’s Calm
General Manager Marissa Swails created the Winter ’s Calm cocktail in the quest for something cozy to drink while sitting by the fire Swails uses George Pickel Rye, freshly pressed local pears from Cherry Hill Orchard, a little St Elizabeth’s Allspice Dram, and a house-made simple syrup of sage, cinnamon sticks, and a touch of demerara sugar. The glass is smoked with hickor y chips, giving the cocktail a little extra smokiness. The combination of the sweetness of the pears with the fragrance of the sage makes this a mellow sipper, perfect for a frosty evening.
The vibe – Classy and hip. Proof is in the lower level behind an iron gate just off the sidewalk, so you feel like you are walking down into a secret space. The bar and dining area have exposed stone walls to create a contrast with the softly buffed metal on tabletops and the bar. Seating is chic and comfortable, with small booths, tables, and high tops.
Conway Social Club
Conwaysocialclub.com
The winter cocktail –
Apple Butter Flip
General Manager/Bar Manager Sam Costello conceived the Apple Butter Flip by basing it on the classic brandy flip cocktail. Sam fat-washes two types of brandy, Player ’s Apple Brandy and Calvados, by mixing them with house-made brown butter. The alcohol extracts that amazing brown butter flavor, and then the mixture is frozen so that the butter rises to the top and is removed Next, the brandy is shaken with a whole eg g, a little demerara sugar, and house-made apple butter. The result has the soft, butter y flavor of eg gnog and is light and balanced. The addition of the eg g creates a magically light mering ue texture that rises to the top.
The vibe – Dark and clubby. The walls are a deep green and are hung with old prints. There is an abundance of wood and velvet, with the bar being an especially comf y place to park yourself for the evening. Conway Social Club is on the second floor above Annie Bailey ’s Irish Pub, enter throug h the unmarked black door on the right side of the building
Shot & Bottle
Shotandbottle.com | 2 N Queen St, Lancaster
The winter cocktail – Midnight Forager
Beverage Director Justen Sloyer used this creation to win the 2023 Conway Cocktail Competition. Made with Burley Bourbon, two types of amaro, Angostura bitters, and housemade black walnut bitters, sage tincture, and blackberry syrup. Midnig ht Forager immediately catches the eye with its deep plum color. The flavor is a rich balance of smokey, caramel-y tones brig htened by the sage and blackberr y and grounded with the earthiness of the black walnut Too many cocktails err on the side of sweetness, but Midnig ht Forager is beautifully balanced.
The vibe – High-energ y and bustling . Shot & Bottle is on the ground floor of the historic Griest building. Its high ceilings and tall windows let in the light and provide opportunit y for people-watching along Queen Street. Seating is ample with a larg e bar and outdoor tables on Penn Square in nice weather. The kitchen offers an approachable menu leaning toward handhelds, salads, and flatbreads, with a few well executed mains.
Experience
We
Hours: Monday 5-8pm
Tuesday-Saturday 5-8:30pm
Lunch Buffet 11:30-1:30pm Closed Sunday
Our e-bikes are perfect for a fun trip around Lancaster County and a great way to experience everything our area has to offer You can rent from either of our two locations. Choose to either explore historic Lancaster City or ride the rail trails that follow the Susquehanna River
Ask a Local
HOLID
a L GIFT GUIDE
Reynolds | Illustrations by Bailey Watro
Lancaster County is a festive locat n to do your holiday shoppi , with unique options for just a t a e on your lis or nice. Use our guide to score a perfect gift for that special someone.
Sally st y shopping, ni naughty or Use cial someone.
heto
Gifts for the person o wants gi ba :
t do
r is a world of g ood
Gifts for the foodie
rter Ir
Lancaster Cast Iron
is local business makes their own cast iron skillets and tch ovens, and work with local makers to offer cooking accessories like cutting boards and utensils. The cast iron rk is beautiful and surprising ly lightweig ht Purchasing a here is a true antidote to the Amazon-ization of holiday shopping. Visit lancastercastiron.com.
Th l bu s makes cast iron skille du h ovens, and work makers to accessories cutting boards cast work is beautiful surprising lig ht weig ht. a gift a true Amazon-ization
Visit
Zest!
co If you a ch itableyour consider org anization mission is a day of g iving in but you can anytime, categ or y, a
Lancaster is home to many non-profits that do a world of good in our communit y. If you have a charitable-minded person on your list, consider a donation in their name to an organization whose mission is a fit. The ExtraGive is an annual day of giving in Lancaster, but you can search their list anytime, by category, for a suitable non-profit. Visit extrag ive.org.
C
MCC Shops
Ce Co te runs in Willow et, Ephrata , Morgantown. Sales shops g o support and peace people all which is an
The Mennonite Central Committee runs several thrift shops in Lancaster Count y: New Holland, Willow Street, Ephrata, Gap, and Morg antown Sales from these shops go to support relief, development and peace for people all over the world. Plus, buying thrift encourages re-use, which is an ethical choice.
Gifts for the fashionis
ts – The Bollman Hat Company
The Fact y Store in Adam n has all the hat styles that any fashionist could want, at great prices. Visit bollmanhats.com.
y – J. A. Sharp Custom Jeweler
d in do Lancas they carry their own hand-made jewelr y, plus a portfolio of items from other artists. Visit jasharp.com
able small-town Lititz tons sho ; could all your holiday g ifts by walking along Streets. fo ie on your Z est! ra arp Sh Le ux Valencia melam e dinnerware, and Lilton Bar ware glasses. Z est! also unusual Fork sauces, Portland syrups, and Seedlip coholic also co g cla es. zes
orable small-town Lititz has tons of shops ; you could probably find all your holiday gifts by just walking along Main and Broad Streets. For the foodie on your list, Zest ! has tons of choices like razor-sharp Shun knives from Japan, Le Cadeaux Valencia melamine dinner ware, and Lilton Barware glasses Zest ! also stocks unusual foodstuffs like Big Fork hot sauces, Portland syrups, and Seedlip non-alcoholic spirits. Zest ! also offers cooking classes Visit zestchef.com.
Restaurant gift cards
If the foodie on your list prefers to eat out, a gift card to one of Lancaster’s exceptional farm to table restaurants is just the thing. Great choices include Horse Inn, Luca , John J. Jeffries, Proof, Issei Noodle, and Passerine.
ca fo ie on your list t t, ft to restaurants is Horse Luca, Issei and Passerine.
Handba –
dbags – Urban Southern
A woman-owned in Nar von makes ha out full-grain in of sizes colo . Visit urbansouthern.com.
man-owned shop in Narvon that makes one-of-a-kind gs out of full-grain leather, in a variet y of sizes and colors. bansouthern.com.
e -
age - Redeux
in Lancaster cit y, Redeux has a whole collection of tees and sweaters covering ever ything from Indy 500, Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Who, Converse, Hang Ten, ul Dead, Bob Dylan, and much more deuxvintage.com.
d in Lanc r Redeux col n e tees sw rs cover g everything fr Teenag e Turtles, The Converse, Ten, Gr ef Bob D ylan, and much more Visit redeuxvinta
Gifts for the internationalist:
Bunyaad Marketplace
ad in Lititz, they specialize in g orgeous fair-trade oriental carpets, but also a array of smaller gs, keychains, dolls, jewelry, care more, all fairly paid ar
Located in Lititz, they specialize in gorg eous fair-trade oriental carpets, but also stock a wide array of smaller items. Choose from handbags, keychains, dolls, jewelr y, socks, body care products, and more, all made by fairly paid artisans around the world. Visit marketplace.bunyaad.com
S. Mandros Imported Food
Ma te
l fo items ab at S. Mandros Imported Foods, the orig inal fine food store in Lancaster, dating back to the la 1950s and still run by the Mandros family. Visit net.
Gifts for the person who doesn’t need more stuff
Theater tickets
ter tic
Experiences are just the ticket for the person who doesn’t need more things in their home. Lancaster has a wealth of theater options including the Fulton Theatre, Prima Theatre, Susquehanna e, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, Sig ht and Sound Theaters, and Ephrata Performing Arts Center.
ces are the person do t thing s Lanc r wealth thea r the Prima Stag e, Dutch Dinner Theatre, Sound and the Arts
sic tickets
tic r wealth options e includin Lanc ter Orches Trust, Am ican Thea e, and Box
aster has a wealth of options for tickets to see live music, uding: the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, The Trust, erican Music Theatre, and Mickey ’s Black Box.
yaking adventures
king ad
Co is an the route kaya a tour se l water y lo s ar nd the cou anco.c
kLanCo is an outfitter that will supply the route and the ks for a self-guided tour of several watery locations around the nt y. Visit kayaklanco.com
Biking adventures
ad
Chiques Rock Outfitters and The Cycle Works offer bike rentals for a trip along the beautiful Northwest River Trail and the Enola Low Grade Trail, both of which follow the banks of the Susquehanna River Visit chiquesrockoutfitters.net. They offer kayak rentals too.
ues ck tters a along beautiful Northwest Trail Trail, both River. They offer rentals too
Holiday Cheer Gift Box starting at $90
arting
Discover the finest selection of handcrafted, Pennsylvania-made artisanal foods. Shop individual products or create your own custom gift box. Visit us at lancasterg iftbox.com or stop by our store at 317 North Queen St.
individual own sit us at lanc box .com stop our at North
and diamond
Set in 22K on silver band hand made
Set in 22K gold on a sterling silver band hand made by artist Ananda Khalsa. Available at JA Sharp.
lable at JA Sh
Part of the experience of visiting Lancaster is enjoying some of the foods that are uniquely Lancaster County, whether it’s salted caramel stroopwafels from Stroopies or hand-rolled pretzels from Hammond’s.
To celebrate the variety of foods made locally – and the artisans who make them - Lancaster Gift Box offers a boutique shopping experience: a chance to browse and purchase from a curated selection of delicious products or create a custom gift box to share a taste of Lancaster County with someone you love
Owners Diana Smedley and Gabriel Luber launched their artisanal gift box company in 2022 as an outgrowth of Lancaster Local Provisions, a fresh grocery delivery service they began in 2020 to help local people access nutritious food produced in Lancaster County Although the business has evolved, the mission remains the same: to support local food producers and reinvest in the region.
Lancaster Gift Box’s flagship store at 317 N. Queen St., Lancaster, offers a curated selection of locally made farmstead cheeses, humane charcuterie, crispy pretzels, tangy mustards, sweet and spicy pickles, hot sauces, chocolates and candies, confections, and much more
In addition to creating custom gift boxes onsite, you can also visit their online shop and choose from a wide variety of gift boxes featuring products from Lancaster County and Central Pennsylvania The team at Lancaster Gift Box also specialize in highly-custom corporate gifting projects and year-round gifting programs.
Lancaster Gift Box not only supports local food producers through the sale of their products but also by donating 1% of all sales to Lancaster Farmland Trust and its ongoing efforts to preserve farmland and agricultural heritage in Lancaster County
To learn more or to order online, visit lancastergiftbox.com.
Sugartown Candy Company
Groff ’s Candies
Lancaster County
13 Clemintine’s
25 E. MAIN ST., LITITZ 717-626-6688
438 N. QUEEN ST., LANCASTER 717-282-1421
15 Drift Spa
25 S. QUEEN ST., LANCASTER 717-803-8593
16 Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
510 CENTERVILLE RD., LANCASTER 717-898-1900
17 Emma’s Popcorn 4038 OLD PHILADELPHIA PIKE, GORDONVILLE 717-781-2557
18 Envy Studio
24 W. KING ST., LANCASTER 717-435-9343
19 Fulton Theatre 12 N. PRINCE ST., LANCASTER
20 Gallery Row
150 N. PRINCE ST., LANCASTER
21 Go ‘N Bananas Family Fun Center 1170 GARFIELD AVE., LANCASTER 717-287-5000
22 Himalayan Curry & Grill
22 E. ORANGE ST., LANCASTER 717-393-2330
23 Historic Lancaster Walking Tour 38 PENN SQUARE, LANCASTER 717-392-1776
24 J.A. Sharp
322 N. QUEEN ST., LANCASTER 717-295-9661
25 John Hay Cigars
3533 OLD PHILADELPHIA PIKE, INTERCOURSE 888-564-6429
26 John Wright Restaurant 234 N FRONT ST., WRIGHTSVILLE 717-252-0416
27 Josephine’s Downtown 50 W. GRANT ST., LANCASTER 717-299-7090
28 Lancaster Dispensing Co. 33 N. MARKET ST., LANCASTER 717-299-4602
29 Lancaster Gift Box 317 N. QUEEN ST., LANCASTER 717-457-0863
30 Lapp Valley Farm 244 MENTZER RD., NEW HOLLAND 717-354-7988
31 Let’s Roll Electric Bike Shop
23 E. WALNUT ST., LANCASTER 717-229-1219
32 Linden Coffee 2916 OLD PHILADELPHIA PIKE, RONKS 717-929-0209
33 Lucky on Queen 342 N. QUEEN ST., LANCASTER
34 Madcap & Co. 310 N. QUEEN ST., LANCASTER 717-299-0827
35 McCleary’s Pub 130 W FRONT ST., MARIETTA 717-426-2225
36 Miller’s Smorgasbord 2811 LINCOLN HIGHWAY E., RONKS 800-669-3568
37 National Watch And Clock Museum 514 POPLAR ST., COLUMBIA 717-684-82614
38 Nissley Vineyards 140 VINTAGE DR., BAINBRIDGE 717-426-3514
39 Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen 335 N. QUEEN ST., LANCASTER 717-431-8706
40 Puff ‘N Stuff 121 E. CHESTNUT ST., LANCASTER 717-393-9772
41 The Railroad House Inn 280 W FRONT ST. MARIETTA 717-426-4141
42 Scoops Ice Cream & Grille 312 PRIMROSE LN., MOUNTVILLE 717-285-2055
43 Smokehouse BBQ & Brews 3121 OLD PHILADELPHIA PIKE, BIRD IN HAND 717-768-4400
44 Souvlaki Boys 1 W. JAMES ST., LANCASTER 717-208-6243
45 The Spice & Tea Exchange
20 W. ORANGE ST., LANCASTER 717-394-4328 38
The newest, nicest way to fly nonstop
Convenient, affordable flights from Lancaster, PA to Orlando, FL
SATISFY YOUR CRAVINGS.
Frogtown Cafe
684 Marticville Rd, Pequea, PA
Frog town Cafe in Pequea is a hidden gem where you can kick back and enjoy some small-town country charm with big-time flavor. This unpretentious spot blends the feel of a friendly countr y hang out with a menu that’ll make you wonder why you didn’t discover it sooner. Known for its generous portions and cozy, welcoming atmosphere, Frog town is the kind of place where locals ling er, and newcomers quickly feel like regulars. Whether you’re craving wing s, burg ers, or just a cold one with good company, Frog town Cafe serves up exactly what you need just good food and laid-back vibes.
Stubby’s Bar and Grille
254 E Frederick St, Lancaster, PA
Stubby’s Bar & Grille in Lancaster is the kind of neig hborhood place where good times and great grub are always on tap. With a cozy, easygoing vibe and an extensive menu of comfort food favorites, it’s the perfect spot for unwinding after a long day or catching the big game with newly made friends From wing s that pack a punch to burg ers that hit the spot, Stubby’s doesn’t mess around when it comes to satisf ying your appetite And with a selection of beers that’ll make any hop-head happy, it’s why this local gem has been a Lancaster folks looking for a go
Stubby’s also has another loca Olde Hickor y Rd, Lancaster,
By Andrew Albright
In Lancaster County, PA, the farmland isn’t the only thing that’s abundant—so are the classic diners and no-frills bars that locals and visitors alike flock to. Whether you’re in the mood for a late-night greasy spoon or a local watering hole with character to spare, you’re never far from a place that’ll satisfy your cravings. With so many options to choose from, I’ve rounded up a sampling of some of the best spots that capture the true flavor of Lancaster County’s down-to-earth charm. Buckle up, because it’s going to be a tasty ride!
Route 30 Diner
2575 Lincoln Highway East, Ronks, PA
Route 30 Diner is where Lancaster Count y’s roadside icon meets classic diner comfort. This spot has been fueling both road warriors and night owls alike with hearty breakfasts, burg ers, and that unmistakable local hospitalit y. Whether you’re looking to cure a dinner craving or kick 30 Diner delivers with It’s the kind of place whe the coffee’s always hot, portions are generous and you leave with a fu stomach
Honorable Mentions:
Neptune Diner
924 N Prince St, Lancaster, PA
DJ’s Taste of the 50’s 2410 Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster, PA
Columbia Diner 1725 Columbia Ave, Lancaster, PA
Rumplebrewskin’s Bar 834 N Plum St, Lancaster, PA
Quips Pub
457 New Holland Ave, Lancaster, PA
Valentino’s Cafe
132 Rider Ave, Lancaster, PA
Lancaster County Small Towns
New Holland
BY MAGGIE NOON ILLUSTRATION BY BAILEY WATRO
The quaint town of New Holland is a unique place. Alongside one of the largest tractor retailers in the nation you’ll find historic buildings and homes mixed with modern living and occasionally a horse drawn buggy trotting down the street. It’s a mixture of modern commercial buildings and the local family-owned businesses we adore. You’re sure to find something you’ll love in New Holland.
Shop
This family friendly campground in the heart of PA Dutch country will leave you wanting to come back for another stay. The resort offers beautiful modern cabins in addition to pull-through and back-in spaces for campers. There are many wonderful amenities including a fishing lake, swimming pool, recreation hall with game room and store, paddle boat rentals, wagon rides, and more. The resort even comes with a line-up of events including live music, bing o, food trucks and more. Check out their Facebook page to see what events are happening during your next trip. 1 3 4 5 7
1. Cornfields
45 Gristmill Road, New Holland cornfields.cornfieldsvintage.com
This store is a true Lancaster Count y hidden gem. While the barn-st yle exterior may give you pause, inside the store is an array of charming and well-crafted items. You’ll find antiques, architectural salvag e, and even beautiful local art. Make sure you have some time to wander because there are many tiny rooms to explore, and they all have wonderful surprises around the corner.
2. Smucker’s Quilts
117 N Groffdale Road, New Holland
Down a long lane on a farm homestead you’ll find Smucker ’s quilts. The shop offers locally handmade quilts, quillows, placemats, and other quilted gifts in addition to clothing options for the plain communit y. While the shop may look humble, the quilts are colorful and beautifully made.
3. Tannery Antiques
148 East Main Street, New Holland facebook.com/TanneryantiquesLLC
This antiques market surprised me with the variet y of items it holds. There are larg e scale Lancaster Count y landscapes, collectable toys, antiques and vintag e records, and in the back of the store there is a larg e collection of exotic ta xidermy including animals such as polar bears, and lions, which is reminiscent of a strang e kind of zoo. You’re sure to find something unique in this two stor y treasure trove.
Stay
4. Red Run Resort
877 Martin Church Road, New Holland redruncampground.com
Dine & Drink
5. Lickity Split
209 East Main Street, New Holland lickitysplit.info
This old-time ice cream parlor and sandwich shop is sure to be a hit with the family ! While Lickit y Split does serve both lunch and dinner, my favorite part is always dessert Their salted caramel flavor is absolutely delig htful and comes topped with a mini pretzel. After you eat, head downstairs to their escape room to put your detective skills to the test.
6. New Holland Coffee Company
832 West Main Street, New Holland newhollandcoffee.com
This coffee shop has a modern farmhouse feel with botanical touches Since 2005, New Holland Coffee Company has been serving fresh roasted coffee daily and offers delicious breakfast and lunch options. The atmosphere is rela xed and inviting , making it a perfect place to visit with friends, have a lunch date, or pull out your computer to work remotely.
Holiday Activities
7. Christmas on Main
This communit y event celebrates the holiday season right along Main Street. There are a variet y of activities like make-and-take crafts and sing-alongs, food vendors, a carousel to ride, live music, and so much more The best part is that ever ything is free to the public. The day culminates with the annual Christmas tree lighting and laser light show. This year, Christmas on Main will be held on Saturday, November 25.
To see more of what New Holland has to offer, visit newhollandbusiness.org.
Distinctive & Exceptional Holiday Dining Experiences
Immerse yo urself this holida y season in Ho ll yw ood glamour & fe stiv e sea sonal dec or, while ex periencing ex ce pt ional and memor able, old wo rld, fine dining.
50 We st Gr an t St
Lancast er, PA
71 7- 299- 70 90
Ce lebr at e th e holida y season with fa mil y and friends and en jo y ex ce pt iona l, Eu ro pean inspi re d casual fa re in our fe stiv e an d liv el y Lancast er ci ty bistr o.
18 No rth Ma rk et St .
Lancast er, PA
71 7- 299- 731 9