Kayla’s guidebook
Food scene
Here's a list of our favorite spots in the area. Keep in mind that we have homes all throughout Lancaster County so we tried to include a broad range of options- feel free to choose the ones closest to you. We really do feel like the best options are in downtown Lancaster, so if you're feeling a short drive, don't sleep on those options!
BEST BRUNCH. If you only eat out at one place during your stay this should be it. The food is the best you'll find and the owners (Brent and Maddy) are Australian friends of ours that we originally met through Airbnb when they were visiting Lancaster County. They then moved to NYC where Brent worked as an executive chef for several restaurants in Manhattan for several years before they moved here and started their own thing. So you know, the real deal.
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Hudson Botanical - Cafe | Catering | Houseplants
2433A Old Philadelphia PikeBEST BRUNCH. If you only eat out at one place during your stay this should be it. The food is the best you'll find and the owners (Brent and Maddy) are Australian friends of ours that we originally met through Airbnb when they were visiting Lancaster County. They then moved to NYC where Brent worked as an executive chef for several restaurants in Manhattan for several years before they moved here and started their own thing. So you know, the real deal.
The best dinner spot in Lancaster and it's not even close. Make reservations well in advance and prepare to have the best Italian meal of your life.
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LUCA
436 W James StThe best dinner spot in Lancaster and it's not even close. Make reservations well in advance and prepare to have the best Italian meal of your life.
Our kids (and ours too) favorite after dinner spot is Down on the Farm Creamery for some homemade ice cream.
It's a working Amish dairy farm, and they use the milk from their cows to make the creamiest, BEST ice cream around. They have lots of unique flavors and also sell other dairy items like milks and cheeses.
In my opinion that's reason enough to visit but truthfully I think my kids favorite thing about Down on the Farm is all the fun things they have set up for kids. From a ship and train play-set to the little petting zoo with chickens, goats, and even baby calves there are plenty things to keep your littles entertained while the grown-ups enjoy their cold treat.
It's set down in a little valley and surrounded by acres of farmland; it truly is such a peaceful location!
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Down On The Farm Creamery
509 May Post Office RdOur kids (and ours too) favorite after dinner spot is Down on the Farm Creamery for some homemade ice cream.
It's a working Amish dairy farm, and they use the milk from their cows to make the creamiest, BEST ice cream around. They have lots of unique flavors and also sell other dairy items like milks and cheeses.
In my opinion that's reason enough to visit but truthfully I think my kids favorite thing about Down on the Farm is all the fun things they have set up for kids. From a ship and train play-set to the little petting zoo with chickens, goats, and even baby calves there are plenty things to keep your littles entertained while the grown-ups enjoy their cold treat.
It's set down in a little valley and surrounded by acres of farmland; it truly is such a peaceful location!
This little "hidden" jem serves up some of the best takeout in town. They're along Hempstead Road just across from Costco and Lowes and I'm telling you their food is AMAZING. And their chimichurri and cilantro aioli- to die for!!
Funny thing is they've been there for years but we never took the time to stop until a past Airbnb guest-turned-friend of mine was raving about them and now we're hooked. If you're local or visiting this is definitely a great spot for lunch or dinner.
They serve Latin (more specifically Peruvian) inspired food and everything is gluten free. We love the bowls and always add a side of yuca fries (extra cilantro aioli).
Chellas Arepa Kitchen
1830 Hempstead RoadThis little "hidden" jem serves up some of the best takeout in town. They're along Hempstead Road just across from Costco and Lowes and I'm telling you their food is AMAZING. And their chimichurri and cilantro aioli- to die for!!
Funny thing is they've been there for years but we never took the time to stop until a past Airbnb guest-turned-friend of mine was raving about them and now we're hooked. If you're local or visiting this is definitely a great spot for lunch or dinner.
They serve Latin (more specifically Peruvian) inspired food and everything is gluten free. We love the bowls and always add a side of yuca fries (extra cilantro aioli).
A working farm that sells milk and cheeses, free range eggs, a variety of snacks, and our personal favorite- homemade ice-cream. In the summer they’re open until dusk, and we recommend stopping by after dinner for a scoop of their delicious ice cream.
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Lapp Valley Farms
244 Mentzer RdA working farm that sells milk and cheeses, free range eggs, a variety of snacks, and our personal favorite- homemade ice-cream. In the summer they’re open until dusk, and we recommend stopping by after dinner for a scoop of their delicious ice cream.
Hands down, the best soft pretzel you’ll ever eat. They’re typically made to order so they’re always fresh. Add a fresh squeezed lemonade and you have the perfect afternoon snack. We also really like their pretzel wraps- ham and cheese wrapped in a toasty pretzel crust, yum! P.S. There’s a really cute pygmy goat petting zoo behind the Immergut building so if you’re traveling with kids be sure to stop there as well. ;)
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Immergut Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels
3537 Old Philadelphia PikeHands down, the best soft pretzel you’ll ever eat. They’re typically made to order so they’re always fresh. Add a fresh squeezed lemonade and you have the perfect afternoon snack. We also really like their pretzel wraps- ham and cheese wrapped in a toasty pretzel crust, yum! P.S. There’s a really cute pygmy goat petting zoo behind the Immergut building so if you’re traveling with kids be sure to stop there as well. ;)
Our favorite Thai spot for takeout. We love their Pad Thai!
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Sukhothai Restaurant
398 Harrisburg AveOur favorite Thai spot for takeout. We love their Pad Thai!
The newest cafe’ in the area and it has quickly become every locals favorite. The food is traditional Lancaster County comfort food but with a pretty twist, the decor is beyond gorgeous, and the owners and staff are some of our favorite people around. They're open Tues-Saturday for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Call ahead seating available. They also have the cutest home decor store next door @shop_mybeautifulhome with major European/Anthropology vibes so while you're waiting for your table be sure to pop over and pick up a few pieces.
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Agapē Cafe & Grille
366 Hartman Bridge RdThe newest cafe’ in the area and it has quickly become every locals favorite. The food is traditional Lancaster County comfort food but with a pretty twist, the decor is beyond gorgeous, and the owners and staff are some of our favorite people around. They're open Tues-Saturday for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Call ahead seating available. They also have the cutest home decor store next door @shop_mybeautifulhome with major European/Anthropology vibes so while you're waiting for your table be sure to pop over and pick up a few pieces.
September Farm started as a local cheese shop and has continued to grow and expand over the years. It's now a really cool farm market with everything you can think of, including local dairy products (delicious cheeses, obviously), a delicious café, bakery, ice cream, and lots of local homemade snacks. There's a huge outdoor porch and play ground for the kids.
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September Farm Cheese
5287 Horseshoe PikeSeptember Farm started as a local cheese shop and has continued to grow and expand over the years. It's now a really cool farm market with everything you can think of, including local dairy products (delicious cheeses, obviously), a delicious café, bakery, ice cream, and lots of local homemade snacks. There's a huge outdoor porch and play ground for the kids.
If you're staying at our Mill Road or Shirktown Road properties this is a great option for a nice lunch or dinner.
Brandywine Branch Bistro
350 Warwick RdIf you're staying at our Mill Road or Shirktown Road properties this is a great option for a nice lunch or dinner.
This is a fabulous option for a nice night on the town or to pick up takeout if you’d rather eat in. There’s a view of the Susquehanna River from this silk mill-turned-eatery serving an American menu. In the summer they offer a more casual pizza patio option which is super fun as well. This is our top restaurant recommendation for our River's Edge homes.
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John Wright Restaurant
234 N Front StThis is a fabulous option for a nice night on the town or to pick up takeout if you’d rather eat in. There’s a view of the Susquehanna River from this silk mill-turned-eatery serving an American menu. In the summer they offer a more casual pizza patio option which is super fun as well. This is our top restaurant recommendation for our River's Edge homes.
This burger/sandwich joint will change your life. It’s a bit of a drive so make a morning out of it and explore downtown Lancaster while you’re there. Trust me when I say their sandwiches are to do for. I always get the chicken sandwich or the BBQ burger. My husband is vegetarian and LOVES the falafel sandwich. We went 6 weekends in a row last winter so take our word for it. Haha.
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Cabalar Meat Co
325 N Queen StThis burger/sandwich joint will change your life. It’s a bit of a drive so make a morning out of it and explore downtown Lancaster while you’re there. Trust me when I say their sandwiches are to do for. I always get the chicken sandwich or the BBQ burger. My husband is vegetarian and LOVES the falafel sandwich. We went 6 weekends in a row last winter so take our word for it. Haha.
Scratch Kitchen | Craft Cidery & Brewery
We think their website describes it so well. Wyndridge is an experience!
“Our team works tirelessly to ensure only the freshest ingredients are sourced, from local farms and cooked seasonally on an ever-changing menu. From our house-made dressings, soups & sauces to our fresh cut seafood and house smoked meats. All paired with brewery fresh beverages, your experience will be a reminder of how important it is to slow down, spend time with friends and family, and celebrate life. Whether you're enjoying an intimate night out, an evening with friends around our Bar or gathering for a Corporate or Social event our Hospitality is unmatched and the views are spectacular. Join us.”
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Wyndridge Farm
885 S Pleasant AveScratch Kitchen | Craft Cidery & Brewery
We think their website describes it so well. Wyndridge is an experience!
“Our team works tirelessly to ensure only the freshest ingredients are sourced, from local farms and cooked seasonally on an ever-changing menu. From our house-made dressings, soups & sauces to our fresh cut seafood and house smoked meats. All paired with brewery fresh beverages, your experience will be a reminder of how important it is to slow down, spend time with friends and family, and celebrate life. Whether you're enjoying an intimate night out, an evening with friends around our Bar or gathering for a Corporate or Social event our Hospitality is unmatched and the views are spectacular. Join us.”
Sightseeing
This is a *HIDDEN GEM*. In fact l grew up just a few miles away and had no idea anything like it existed until a few weeks ago. It is a real, working Amish farm that is open to the public and honestly this is as authentic as it gets.
They have a quilt shop where they sell anything from handmade quilts and crafts to handcrafted baskets, Amish-made furniture and canned goods. There's miniature ponies, guinea pigs, goats, horses, chickens, and even puppies. And while they no longer have cows on the premises you can still walk through the milking parlor and barns to see what a typical Amish farm looks like.
The best part is the multi-generational family that lives here are just the kindest people and you'll often see their little kids out playing softball with other kids they just met on the farm.
If you're interested in the Amish culture this should be at the very top of your list for your next visit, I promise you won't be disappointed.
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Riehl's Quilts & Crafts
247 E Eby RdThis is a *HIDDEN GEM*. In fact l grew up just a few miles away and had no idea anything like it existed until a few weeks ago. It is a real, working Amish farm that is open to the public and honestly this is as authentic as it gets.
They have a quilt shop where they sell anything from handmade quilts and crafts to handcrafted baskets, Amish-made furniture and canned goods. There's miniature ponies, guinea pigs, goats, horses, chickens, and even puppies. And while they no longer have cows on the premises you can still walk through the milking parlor and barns to see what a typical Amish farm looks like.
The best part is the multi-generational family that lives here are just the kindest people and you'll often see their little kids out playing softball with other kids they just met on the farm.
If you're interested in the Amish culture this should be at the very top of your list for your next visit, I promise you won't be disappointed.
If I had to choose just one place to recommend to anyone visiting Lancaster County it would be @cherrycrestadventurefarm. There are SO many things to see and do for kids of all ages. My children are younger so most of what's pictured is things they loved. Their FAVORITE part was the tiny town village where each building had toys geared for that particular place (so little cars and mechanic tools at the auto shop, ice cream cones and scoops at the ice cream shop, shopping baskets and food at the grocery store, etc.) But they also have lots of things for adults and big kids (a corn maze, paint ball shooting, games and so much more). They have all the farm animals you can think of, a children's farm version of a ropes course, hay bale tunnels, feedbag slides... the list goes on and on. Definitely check out their website and Instagram page over at @cherrycrestadventurefarm and then plan a trip asap. Your kids will love it!!
Their hours are seasonal and vary by month so make sure you check the calendar when planning your trip.
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Ферма приключений Черри Крест
150 Cherry Hill RdIf I had to choose just one place to recommend to anyone visiting Lancaster County it would be @cherrycrestadventurefarm. There are SO many things to see and do for kids of all ages. My children are younger so most of what's pictured is things they loved. Their FAVORITE part was the tiny town village where each building had toys geared for that particular place (so little cars and mechanic tools at the auto shop, ice cream cones and scoops at the ice cream shop, shopping baskets and food at the grocery store, etc.) But they also have lots of things for adults and big kids (a corn maze, paint ball shooting, games and so much more). They have all the farm animals you can think of, a children's farm version of a ropes course, hay bale tunnels, feedbag slides... the list goes on and on. Definitely check out their website and Instagram page over at @cherrycrestadventurefarm and then plan a trip asap. Your kids will love it!!
Their hours are seasonal and vary by month so make sure you check the calendar when planning your trip.
If we’re being honest we don’t get to spend much time here in the summer because it’s always so crowded, but for good reason. There’s dozens of small shops selling anything from fudge to housewares. Don’t miss all the yummy samples at The Jam & Relish Kitchen or hop on a buggy ride tour through Amish County. It’s a great place to spend a few hours but go early or on a week day because weekends get very full.
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Kitchen Kettle Village
3529 Old Philadelphia PikeIf we’re being honest we don’t get to spend much time here in the summer because it’s always so crowded, but for good reason. There’s dozens of small shops selling anything from fudge to housewares. Don’t miss all the yummy samples at The Jam & Relish Kitchen or hop on a buggy ride tour through Amish County. It’s a great place to spend a few hours but go early or on a week day because weekends get very full.
Short hike to a beautiful sunset view.
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Обзорная площадка The Pinnacle
Short hike to a beautiful sunset view.
An outdoor experience that offers tubing, drinks, food, and music.
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Sickman's Mill LLC
671 Sand Hill RdAn outdoor experience that offers tubing, drinks, food, and music.
Downtown Lancaster is super charming and fun and we especially recommend Central Market and the area surrounding. 🥰
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Lancaster Central Market
23 N Market StDowntown Lancaster is super charming and fun and we especially recommend Central Market and the area surrounding. 🥰
Dutch Wonderland is a must when visiting Lancaster with your family!
From rides and activities for the littles to thrilling rollarcoasters for the oldest, you and your children are sure to have an amazing experience at DW!
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Голландская страна чудес
2249 Lincoln Hwy EDutch Wonderland is a must when visiting Lancaster with your family!
From rides and activities for the littles to thrilling rollarcoasters for the oldest, you and your children are sure to have an amazing experience at DW!
Grocery and Produce
Summer time in Lancaster means lots and lots of roadside stands selling all the fresh fruits and vegetables. From small tables with kids selling a few items from their family's gardens to larger permanent stands, you'll have fantastic options no matter where
We frequent several, but our favorite is Smucker's Farm Market.
Smucker's Farm Market
2110 Rockvale RdSummer time in Lancaster means lots and lots of roadside stands selling all the fresh fruits and vegetables. From small tables with kids selling a few items from their family's gardens to larger permanent stands, you'll have fantastic options no matter where
We frequent several, but our favorite is Smucker's Farm Market.
If you're planning to eat in during you're stay and you're looking for a local, one-stop shop grocery store @strasburgmarketplace is our favorite!! They have a fantastic fresh meats department, a great produce section and bakery, and lots of prepared food/easy dinner options.
Side note: there's a @latteluvdrivethru coffee stand just inside the entrance and mini carts for your kids so if you're feeling brave you can make grocery shopping a full family outing.
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Strasburg Market Basket
214 Hartman Bridge RdIf you're planning to eat in during you're stay and you're looking for a local, one-stop shop grocery store @strasburgmarketplace is our favorite!! They have a fantastic fresh meats department, a great produce section and bakery, and lots of prepared food/easy dinner options.
Side note: there's a @latteluvdrivethru coffee stand just inside the entrance and mini carts for your kids so if you're feeling brave you can make grocery shopping a full family outing.
Approximately 25 minutes drive- best spot for high quality/healthy groceries and prepared foods.
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Whole Foods Market
1563 Fruitville PikeApproximately 25 minutes drive- best spot for high quality/healthy groceries and prepared foods.
What started as a local butcher has now become one of the top attractions in Intercourse. They have the best meats around, but also recently added a full line of yummy baked goods (baked fresh on site) and their lunch counter- Amos’s Place has delicious food. We recommend stopping by for lunch or grabbing sausages or burgers and a few of their pre-made sides for a night when you’d like to have dinner in.
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Stoltzfus Meats
14 Center StWhat started as a local butcher has now become one of the top attractions in Intercourse. They have the best meats around, but also recently added a full line of yummy baked goods (baked fresh on site) and their lunch counter- Amos’s Place has delicious food. We recommend stopping by for lunch or grabbing sausages or burgers and a few of their pre-made sides for a night when you’d like to have dinner in.
A true Lancaster County supermarket, Shady Maple Farm Market is full of any grocery item you may need during your stay. It's locally owned and operated and a great choice for guests staying in our Morgantown and Elverson homes.
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Shady Maple Farm Market
1324 Main StA true Lancaster County supermarket, Shady Maple Farm Market is full of any grocery item you may need during your stay. It's locally owned and operated and a great choice for guests staying in our Morgantown and Elverson homes.
Farm market with extensive selection of flowers and plants as well as "Pick Your Own" orchard experiences.
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Cherry Hill Orchard
400 Long LnFarm market with extensive selection of flowers and plants as well as "Pick Your Own" orchard experiences.
Entertainment
One of the most common "reasons for visiting" we hear from guests coming to the area is @sightandsoundtheatres and we're not surprised! We had the chance to see their newest show "Queen Esther" last evening and it is truly spectacular!! I was in awe of the sets, the costumes, the actors, all of it!
If you're not familiar with Sight and Sound Theater, they are located in Strasburg, PA so just a short drive from all of the homes we list and are a Christian theater that produces Biblical musicals. They typically have a new show each year (Queen Esther is showing for a second season due to Covid restrictions last year) and past shows have been Moses, Samson, The Story of Christmas, Noah, and so much more. It truly is where "The Bible comes to Life" and an absolutely magnificent production year after year so we absolutely recommend adding a show to your itinerary.
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Sight & Sound Theatres
300 Hartman Bridge RdOne of the most common "reasons for visiting" we hear from guests coming to the area is @sightandsoundtheatres and we're not surprised! We had the chance to see their newest show "Queen Esther" last evening and it is truly spectacular!! I was in awe of the sets, the costumes, the actors, all of it!
If you're not familiar with Sight and Sound Theater, they are located in Strasburg, PA so just a short drive from all of the homes we list and are a Christian theater that produces Biblical musicals. They typically have a new show each year (Queen Esther is showing for a second season due to Covid restrictions last year) and past shows have been Moses, Samson, The Story of Christmas, Noah, and so much more. It truly is where "The Bible comes to Life" and an absolutely magnificent production year after year so we absolutely recommend adding a show to your itinerary.
Hersheypark is a sweet summertime destination. Located in Hershey, PA (the home of Hershey's chocolate) this amusement park is a great day trip activity for the whole family.
Enjoy 121 acres of outdoor attractions surrounded by shady trees, ample green spaces, and fresh Pennsylvania air. Guests of all ages can enjoy thrilling coasters, classic family rides, a huge water park, and sweet memories in a beautiful environment.
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Хершипарк
100 Hersheypark DrHersheypark is a sweet summertime destination. Located in Hershey, PA (the home of Hershey's chocolate) this amusement park is a great day trip activity for the whole family.
Enjoy 121 acres of outdoor attractions surrounded by shady trees, ample green spaces, and fresh Pennsylvania air. Guests of all ages can enjoy thrilling coasters, classic family rides, a huge water park, and sweet memories in a beautiful environment.
Old Windmill Farm
262 Paradise LnAn authentic Amish farm experience with lots of animals and fun for all ages!! This is a GEM!
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Old Windmill Farm
262 Paradise LnAn authentic Amish farm experience with lots of animals and fun for all ages!! This is a GEM!
LONG LEVEL MARINA
If you're lucky enough to be staying at one of our River houses this is a fantastic marina. They frequently host fun events and offer pontoon and tube rentals. Their staff is knowledgeable the friendly- we love them!
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Long Level Marina
1809 Long Level RdLONG LEVEL MARINA
If you're lucky enough to be staying at one of our River houses this is a fantastic marina. They frequently host fun events and offer pontoon and tube rentals. Their staff is knowledgeable the friendly- we love them!
Vintage finds are making a big comeback and this is the biggest and best antique mall we’ve ever been to. There are thousands of square feet of treasures to be found here- it really feels like a giant treasure hunt and we’ve found some of our most loved home decor pieces here.
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Tollbooth Antique Marketplace
215 Chestnut StVintage finds are making a big comeback and this is the biggest and best antique mall we’ve ever been to. There are thousands of square feet of treasures to be found here- it really feels like a giant treasure hunt and we’ve found some of our most loved home decor pieces here.
Coffee
Our favorite local coffee shop. The baristas are always friendly and they serve a mean cup of coffee. We’re obsessed with their ice coffee in the summer months, and my husband's favorite winter drink is hands down the dirty chai.
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Corner Coffee Shop
3526 Old Philadelphia PikeOur favorite local coffee shop. The baristas are always friendly and they serve a mean cup of coffee. We’re obsessed with their ice coffee in the summer months, and my husband's favorite winter drink is hands down the dirty chai.
Latte Luv is all the locals favorite coffee spot. This is their original location and is a drive through only (with walk up window). We like to ask for the drinks half sweet because they do tend to give a generous pour of syrups. :)
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Latte Luv
3314 Lincoln Hwy ELatte Luv is all the locals favorite coffee spot. This is their original location and is a drive through only (with walk up window). We like to ask for the drinks half sweet because they do tend to give a generous pour of syrups. :)
A great option for breakfast, lunch, and coffee for our guests staying on the Eastern end of Lancaster County.
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Morgantown Coffee House
4997 N Twin Valley RdA great option for breakfast, lunch, and coffee for our guests staying on the Eastern end of Lancaster County.