Here’s the TOP 7: THINGS TO DO in Lancaster, PA

horse & carriage on road through farmland, lancaster county, pa, usa

Posted on July 26, 2020

TOP 7 THINGS TO DO IN LANCASTER PA.Visiting Lancaster, PA is always a wonderful time… be sure to check out these awesome places in Dutch Amish Country with friends and family! 

BY MULTIPLE AMERICAN STRIPE CONTRIBUTORS


To jumpstart your trip, find your basecamp (place to stay)…

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY:

CLARION INN & SUITES – LANCASTER PA
1492 Lititz Pike, Lancaster PA
Call to Book: +1-717-293-8400
Book Online: www.ClarionInnLancaster.com

American Stripe Index™ (ASI 7) rating: 5.8 out of 7! (GREAT)
Ideal for: Families, Groups, Sports Groups, Leisure, Overnight, Lancaster Attractions
Featured amenities: Wi-Fi (Free!), Authentic Amish Buggy at entrance, Hot Breakfast with Waffles (Free!), Outdoor Pool, Parking (Free!), On-Site Restaurant & Bar
Wi-Fi review: Fast (2-10 MBPS), Free
Location rating:  Central Lancaster, Main Road, Very Safe
Goldilocks Bed rating:  Middle of the road (Not too firm, not too soft), Triple-Sheeting
American Stripe Quick Take: The highlight of this location is… its location! Literally in the middle of Lancaster, this Clarion Inn & Suites is a short drive to almost all of the Top 7 Things To Do destinations.  We found the Wi-Fi to be easy to connect. Another highlight was the breakfast with Waffles stamped with an Amish Buggy design!  The staff was very nice and save for a packed lobby at check in, they were very quick for anything we requested.  By the way, don’t forget to snap, selfie, and check out the authentic Amish Buggy found at the front entrance (no charge). Best value for a hotel in Lancaster!


CLARION HOTEL – LEBANON HERSHEY PA
625 Quentin Road, Lebanon PA
Call to Book: +1-717-273-6771
Book Online: www.ClarionHotelHershey.com

American Stripe Index™ (ASI 7) rating: 6.1 out of 7! (GREAT)
Ideal for: Families, Groups, Sports Groups, Leisure, Overnight Highway, Hershey, Lebanon, PA Turnpike
Featured amenities: Wi-Fi (Free!), Hot Breakfast with Waffles (Free!), Outdoor Pool, Parking (Free!), On-Site Restaurant & Bar
Wi-Fi review: Fast (2-10 MBPS), Free
Location rating:  Central Lebanon, Hershey Exit, Highway access, Very Safe
Goldilocks Bed rating:  Softer than average, Comfortable
American Stripe Quick Take: This hotel was reminiscent of a classic brick hotel, located right off the “Hershey Exit” on the PA Turnpike.  It is easy to find great food options (Lebanon is the Bologne capital of the US!) nearby. Hershey as well as Lancaster are only a short drive away.  During our visit, PA Renaissance Faire was on and visiting was a treat.  The best views are on the upper floors of the main building (perfect for business travelers).  For groups and larger families, they have an “all-suites annex” which have more square footage, easy access parking, and balconies to overlook the pool in some rooms.  When visiting Hershey and/or Lancaster, we will be back because it was an excellent value for the price paid.


HAMPTON INN BY HILTON – MANHIEM LANCASTER PA
2764 Lebanon Road, Manheim PA
Call to Book: +1-717-665-6600
Book Online: www.HamptonLancaster.com

American Stripe Index™ (ASI 7) rating: 7 out of 7! (EXCELLENT)
Ideal for: Families, Groups, Sports Groups, Leisure, Overnight Highway, Lancaster, Manheim, PA Turnpike
Featured amenities: Wi-Fi (Free!), Hot Breakfast with Waffles (Free!), Outdoor Pool, Parking (Free!)
Wi-Fi review: Fast (2-10 MBPS), Free
Location rating:  Manheim, Near Manheim Auto Auction, Hershey Exit, Highway access, Very Safe
Goldilocks Bed rating:  Softer than average, Very Comfortable
American Stripe Quick Take:  We found the typical, first-class Hilton experience at this Hampton Inn in Manheim PA.  The staff were super-friendly, welcoming, and well trained.  There was a classy design to the hotel exterior with “runway” lighting along the driveway.  The lobby look fresh and modern with sturdy, attractive furniture and patterns.  They put out fresh cookies right as you enter (very hard to resist!).  This Hampton can be spotted right off the PA Turnpike.  The knowledgeable staff pointed us to some delicious local flavors to try out. The PA Ren. Faire is literally across the street and the pond out the back was an incredible sight to enjoy after a long drive.  Very highly recommended if you can spend the couple extra bucks!


TOP 7 THINGS TO DO:

#1) Fulton Theatre
12 N Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603
thefulton.org

Central Pennsylvania’s premier regional theatre & National Historic Landmark combines Broadway caliber musicals, comedies and dramas with the grandeur of ornate Victorian architecture.

American Stripe Index™ (ASI 7) rating: 7 out of 7! (EXCELLENT)
American Stripe Quick Take:  The place is ranked 1st on Tripadvisor’s Things To Do.  We visited to find out why… and boy where we amazed!  Places like this are becoming a rare site in our modern times.  This intimate theater is a piece of the old world that we don’t mind going back to enjoy more of.  Ornate detail work, masterful acoustics for shows, and classic elegance makes you feel like coattails would be required just to go inside (thankfully they are not!).  Fans of history, architecture, or just beautiful things… please go see this place or better yet, enjoy a show there.


#2) American Music Theatre
2425 E Lincoln Hwy, Lancaster, PA 17602
https://amtshows.comAmerican Music Theatre is the only theatre of its kind in the country that features both touring concerts and Original Shows. This 1,600-seat theatre hosts more than 300 live performances a year – from Broadway tours to rock legends to famous comedians to today’s hottest acts. Since its debut in 1997, they’ve welcomed Grammy winners, CMA winners, Tony winners, and even Oscar winners to their stage. They’ve also featured some of the most talented musicians, vocalists, and dancers in the nation in their own Original Shows. No other theatre in the region offers a wider variety of performances, year in and year out. Take the opportunity to catch a show in the comfort of one of the most premier venues on the East Coast for live entertainment.

American Stripe Index™ (ASI 7) rating: 6.5 out of 7! (EXCELLENT)
American Stripe Quick Take:  This famous spot in Lancaster is popular not so much for its detailed decoration, but for all the incredible performances that happen there.  People enjoy a wide variety of entertainment, all year round.  We enjoyed a wonderful concert on our trip and the quality of performers is what brought us there.  Not to mention, the building and facilities were modern, so no struggles to really enjoy the show.


#3) The Amish Farm And House
2395 Covered Bridge Drive, Lancaster, PA
https://www.amishfarmandhouse.comIn 1954, the play, “Plain and Fancy” was a smash hit on Broadway. The Broadway hit drew a spotlight as the play was featured around the Amish lifestyle and their home: Lancaster County. This was the tipping point of a tourist boom the progressively grew from 25,000 annual visitors to 2,000,000 by 1960. Due to the increase of tourists and invasion of privacy of the Amish, Lancaster-local Adolph Neuber believe that there should be a place to accurately learn about the Amish, while respecting their privacy. An Amish family opened their home and property to visitors for tours. Since 1955, The Amish Farm and House has been connecting the Amish community and the public. Tour Lancaster County’s Amish Farm and House. Opened nearly 60 years ago, The Amish Farm and House has hosted travelers from around the world visiting Lancaster County. Experience Lancaster County’s Premier Amish Attraction with our farm and house tours.

American Stripe Index™ (ASI 7) rating: 6.5 out of 7! (EXCELLENT)
American Stripe Quick Take:  No trip to Lancaster is complete without visiting an authentic Amish home or enjoying an Amish Buggy ride.  It is what made Lancaster famous and influenced food, development, and culture of the area.  As such, this local spot was highly recommended.  It may not be completely true to a typical Amish, but it is as accurate as tourist’s comfort will allow… short of having to wear boots and walking thru the farm fields.  Definitely worth the time to plan a visit to this Amish Farm and House.


#4) Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park
2249 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA
https://www.dutchwonderland.com
With over 35 rides, attractions, and shows, Dutch Wonderland is the perfect place to spend time together as a family. Cool off in Duke’s Lagoon water play area and make discoveries at Exploration Island, where dinosaurs come to life!

American Stripe Index™ (ASI 7) rating: 6.8 out of 7! (EXCELLENT)
American Stripe Quick Take:  For the kids, Lancaster has a pretty cool take on your traditional entertainment.  Dutch Wonderland is the subject of the day.  Its a traditional Amusement Park, Water Park, and Show place geared for Kid-Friendly family fun.  But being in Lancaster, it takes on a Dutch Amish twist, with Dragons and Dinosaur themes!  If you have little ones who dream of magical places, this is a must do for a day or two.


#5) Tanger Outlets Lancaster
311 Stanley K Tanger Blvd, Lancaster, PA
https://www.tangeroutlet.com/lancaster/storesEnjoy fashionable savings at over 65 stores and designer outlets located on Route 30 East, approximately 1 mile on the right after the highway ends. Brand name stores include: Polo Ralph Lauren, DKNY, Nike, Talbots, Kenneth Cole, Coach, Gap, Banana Republic, Tommy Hilfiger, Reebok, Guess, Fossil and many more.Be sure to visit Shopper Services when you arrive to pick up a coupon book or join TangerClub for additional savings. Check us out on the Tanger Outlet website. Think Outlets, Think Tanger.

American Stripe Index™ (ASI 7) rating: 6 out of 7! (GREAT)
American Stripe Quick Take:  Who doesn’t love some shopping when getting away for a few days.  Lancaster’s Tanger Outlets are the ideal spot for some Shop-Therapy. The variety includes the spectrum of well-known brands (from low cost to high-end) and the deals are steals!  We picked up a jacket and two pairs of shoes in our short time there… all at an unbelievably low total cost.  Parking and traffic were the only challenges but probably because the weekend weather brought out so many people.  TOP TIP: Grab the coupon book at the information area for even better discounts!


#6) Spooky Nook Sports Complex
311 Stanley K Tanger Blvd, Lancaster, PA
https://www.spookynooksports.com

Located just outside of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Spooky Nook Sports is the largest indoor sports complex in the United States, providing regulation courts and playing fields for more than a dozen sports under one roof. In addition to the 700,000-square-foot indoor facility, The Nook offers an outdoor field hockey pitch and a climate controlled dome used for field hockey, soccer, football, and more. The Nook is the premier destination for clubs, tournaments and competitions. Make it an overnight experience and stay at the featured hotels (above) near the Spooky Nook Sports Complex.

American Stripe Index™ (ASI 7) rating: 6.2 out of 7! (GREAT)
American Stripe Quick Take:  To see is to believe. This is what the folks at the Nook told us when planning our visit.  The square footage doesn’t remotely capture the feeling of entering the expansive facility.  Large is an understatement and it is a sight to behold with all the sports activities happening within our view.  Basketball, Soccer, and football all playing in your field of view… and we weren’t even participating!  It must be something of an amazing experience for training teams or tournament participants when they visit the “Nook.”  They allow visitors with daily passes for working out or just enjoying a quick game (when tournaments are not on).  Worth a visit and tour at least!


#7) Hershey, The Sweetest Place on Earth
100 West Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA
http://www.hersheypa.com

Plan a getaway for your family to Hershey, PA and experience everything from thrilling coaster rides and chocolatey adventures to premier dining and luxurious spa treatments. You’ll leave with sweet, chocolate-filled memories that can only be made in Hershey The Sweetest Place On Earth!

American Stripe Index™ (ASI 7) rating: 7 out of 7! (EXCELLENT)
American Stripe Quick Take:   Do you know of any places that smell like chocolate while walking down the street? We do, Hershey PA! That’s why we chose this destination as a day excursion while in the Lancaster PA area.  Not only was the must-taste Hershey Chocolate Tour an interactive, delicious experience, but the Choco theme park nearby was a hit with adults and kids in the group.  We will be sure to make this destination a return spot, if not to sample freshly made Hershey chocolate anytime we are in Lancaster PA.

horse & carriage on road through farmland, lancaster county, pa, usa