Lancaster rocks!

Before moving to MD, IL, and New Cumberland, PA, I lived in Lancaster, PA for college and a year after (go Dips!).  I love this little Pennsylvania Dutch town and made this list to share with a friend who is moving there to take a job at Millersville University.  Thought I would share my knowledge with the world.

To do:

Central Market – It’s the country’s oldest, continuously operating farmer’s market in the country.  Open Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  They have lots of yummy food and non-food items.

First Fridays – first Friday evening of every month year round. Over 90 art galleries and shops extend their hours and stay open to 9:00 PM.  Most places have free food and wine.  Lots of people milling about in the summer.  It’s a great time and free.

Lancaster Barnstormer’s game – Fun and cheap!  Just make sure not to accidentally sit in the “family friendly” section because it doesn’t allow alcohol.

Long’s Park Summer Music Series – free concerts in the park all summer

Chameleon Club – awesome venue downtown and lots of big acts stop here.  There’s also a bar with DJs, movies, cheap PBR, and general merriment.

If you’re bored, you can always check the Fly magazine to see what’s going on.  There’s also plenty of stores and restaurants downtown near the market and “uptown” too.

Places to eat:

Wish You Were Here – best breakfast and brunch anywhere, ever.  The french toast is orgasmic.  There is frequently a line on weekend mornings.  They also serve lunch.

Lancaster Dispensing Co. or “DipCo” to locals – good place downtown to grab a bite to eat or just a beer.  Very laid back.

Isaac’s – awesome sandwiches, good prices, and everything is named after birds.  One of my absolute favorite places to eat.

My Place (1040 Harrisburg Pike) – spaghetti pizza!  It looks like a normal pizza place/Italian restaurant from the outside, but the inside holds pizza with spaghetti on it.  It’s crust, spaghetti mixed with cheese, and then more lattice crust on top.  Sauce is on the side.  One slice is all you need.  I crave this stuff.

Lancaster Brewing Company – Good beer and food.  They brew the beer themselves and have delicious flavors like strawberry wheat.

Alleykat – good pizza!

Cocina Mexicana (47 N. Prince Street) – good, cheap Mexican food.  The tacos are delish.

Lyndon Diner (1370 Manheim Pike) – delicious diner food

Annie Bailey’s – this place was fairly new when I moved, but gaining popularity and it’s the only “Irish” pub around

Carr’s; Gibraltar; Strawberry Hill – all really good and expensive, but perfect for special occasions or when someone else is paying

Hildy’s Tavern (448 W. Frederick Street) – this place is a huge dive bar with no food, but it holds a special place in my heart because it’s where we drank in college

Tags: Lancaster PA, to do