Mary Sue Wolf

Get Hopped Up: The Lancaster Ales Trail Experience

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is known for its rolling hills, Amish countryside, and delicious local cuisine. But did you know that Lancaster is also home to some of the best craft breweries in the state? If you’re a fan of locally brewed beer, you won’t want to miss the Lancaster County Ales Trail.

The Ales Trail is a self-guided tour of Lancaster’s finest breweries, where you can sample a variety of unique and tasty brews. Each brewery has its own distinct style and atmosphere, making for a fun and diverse experience.

One of the highlights of the Ales Trail is the Lancaster Brewing Company. This award-winning brewery has been serving up delicious craft beers since 1995, and their signature Milk Stout is a must-try. If you’re a fan of IPAs, you won’t want to miss the Hop Hog, which is bursting with hoppy goodness.

If you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, be sure to check out the Wacker Brewing Company. This historic brewery has been in operation since the 1800s and offers a variety of classic German-style beers. Their Dunkel and Hefeweizen are both top picks.

Another popular stop on the Ales Trail is the Spring House Brewing Company. This cozy brewery has a rustic vibe and offers a rotating selection of seasonal beers. Their Blood Lust IPA is a fan favorite, but be warned – it’s not for the faint of heart.

Of course, these are just a few of the many great breweries on the Ales Trail. Other must-visit spots include the St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company, the Columbia Kettle Works, and the Moo-Duck Brewery.

The best part of the Ales Trail is that it’s completely customizable. You can visit as many or as few breweries as you like, and go at your own pace. Plus, many of the breweries offer food and live music, making for a fun and festive atmosphere.

If you’re planning a visit to Lancaster County, be sure to add the Ales Trail to your itinerary. Go HERE to download the latest map. It’s a great way to sample some of the best craft beer in Pennsylvania and experience the unique culture and history of the area. Cheers!

How do we know all of these great Lancaster Local Secrets? We are local real estate agents and residents of Lancaster for more than 30 years!

For more information on the wonderful homes in Lancaster County,
call Mary Sue at 717-333-9653 (WOLF) or visit our real estate website at www.WolfandWebb.com.

No home is too big or too small for our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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Escape Winter with an Escape Room Adventure

Winter is a great time to switch up your usual activities and gives way to some great outdoor activities like snow tubing, skiing, and snowboarding. I do consider these activities ’social’, but they’re not exactly my personal ‘top picks’.

This month we are featuring our local Escape Rooms. This fun, indoor activity has gained much popularity in the last decade, it makes for a great winter o rainy day activity AND is a fun social outing and/or team building exercise, too! So, if you haven’t done an Escape Room yet, give it a try this month, while winter is still upon us!

What is an Escape Room?

A team of players are locked in a room and have to decipher multiple sets of clues, within a certain amount of time, to accomplish a goal: to find their way out of the escape room. Most Escape Rooms are not scary, but are themed and carry along a story. For example, Escape on Queen’s ‘September 1777’ escape room is themed around the Revolutionary War and when the Continental Congress retreated from Philadelphia and stopped in Lancaster for the night.

One word of advice: take at least 1 person with you that is gifted at seeing the big picture and how everything fits together (think: project manager). Those you that have met my business partner, Derek, know that he would be in my top picks for complex puzzles and getting us out!

Even if you don’t escape in the time allotted, the point is to have fun and enjoy the company of those you are with.

Our Lititz and Lancaster Escape Rooms.
Be sure to share your experience with us!

-Escape on Queen

Just up of Penn Square, they have 4 themed escapes to choose from. Check out their webpage at http://www.escapeonqueen.com/escape to see more info Derek says the next one on his list is ‘The Tavern’.

-Escape Room Lancaster

On North Christian Street with 4 themed escapes to choose from. They have a sister location in Hershey as well.

www.escaperoomlancaster.com

-Escape Room Lititz

Located in Warwick Center with 2 different themed escapes. The ‘Dracula’ themed escape is lit by candles and lanterns only, so its very dark and might be a little scary to some.

www.escaperoomlititz.com

-Escape Rooms at Refreshing Mountain

Even if you have visited Refreshing Mountain before, I bet you didn’t know they had Escape Rooms. They even have 1 outdoor escape room! I’m assuming that is weather permitting anyway. Go here for more info:

www.refreshingmountain.com/group-activities/escape-rooms-3/

No home is too big or too small for our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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‘Hot’ Winter Fun

Winter can be tough! After all of the Holiday activities that fill our schedules in November and December, January can feel a little ‘off’ to say the least. Here are some great ideas for how to ‘heat up your fun’ this winter. Maybe you’ve heard of some of these before, but never tried them out: this is your year!

Pennsylvania Farm Show – Held every winter at the Farm Show Complex just a short drive up Hwy 283 in Harrisburg, you’ll find more than 1 million square feet of exposition halls, arenas and even banquet facilities all under one roof! There is so much to see and do AND it’s great for all ages, too. The annual Farm Show event is currently the largest indoor agricultural event in the world and it’s only a short drive away from us.

www.farmshow.pa.gov

NEW! Flight On Ice – A ‘real ice’, 60×100 outdoor ice skating rink at Park City Mall located in front of the former Bon Ton retail wing. Here, you’ll find they’ve created quite a winter wonderland: lighting & decor, heated hospitality tents, food & beverages available, festive music and so much more: you must check it out for yourself!

www.flightonice.com/locations/park-city-center

Lititz Fire & Ice – Truly defining ‘Hot Winter Fun’, this 10 day celebration of ‘wow-worthy’ ice sculptures, yummy food (both food trucks & Lititz local restaurants) and of course, shopping! Starting on Friday Feb 17th with the official kickoff, you won’t want to miss any of the 10 days worth of fun for all ages.

www.facebook.com/lititzfireandice

Amish Mud Sales – Later in the winter season as the ground begins to thaw and there is more than a bit of ‘mud’ to go around, these Amish mud sales are held at local fire companies all throughout the county. They are a great way to get incredible deals on items created by our local Amish craftsman: furniture, quilts, antiques, housewares & even livestock! You’ll find multiple mud sales all over the county and some of these sales have been known to draw as many as 20,000 people! Put one of these on your ‘bucket list’ if you are looking for a truly Lancaster-unique experience!

www.discoverlancaster.com/amish/mud-sales

No home is too big or too small for our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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The Christmas Bucket List

Less than a week away from the big day! We thought it would be fun to but together a ‘bucket list’ to help bolster the Christmas Spirit. See how many of these you’ve done: count up how many you’ve done and post it in the comments.

Also, how many more can you do before Christmas is here? Consider yourself officially ‘challenged’ to the task!

-Take Family Pictures

-Decorate the house

-Go to a Christmas Tree Farm

-Make Popcorn Garland

-Go Christmas Shopping

-Send Holiday cards to family (and friends)

-Hang Stockings

-Bake Christmas cookies (or just tasty cookies, really!)

-Look at Christmas lights

-Watch your favorite Christmas movie

-Go to a Christmas Concert

-Go Christmas Shopping

-Volunteer

-Listen to Christmas Carols

-Call an old friend

-Go Christmas Shopping

-Decorate gingerbread houses

-Wrap Presents

-Go Ice Skating

-Donate a Toy (or 2)

-Write a Letter to Santa

-Eat a Candy Cane while Christmas Shopping

-Kiss Under the Mistletoe

-Go Sledding

-Build a Snowman

-Go Christmas Shopping

-Make Hot Cocoa

-Wear Christmas PJs

-Make Christmas crafts

-Read ’Twas the Night Before Christmas’

-Feed the Reindeer

-Go Christmas Shopping…did we mention this one yet?

Do you have a fun family tradition? Post it to our Facebook page!

https://www.facebook.com/WolfandWebbRealEstate

No home is too big or too small for our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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Experience the Magic: Christmas 2022 Events in ‘the City’

Tree Lighting & Tuba Christmas – Dec 2nd

This event from 7pm-9pm is both lights and sound! Come one, come all to Binn’s Park and bring your Tuba and play along! Also, First Fridays in Lancaster City is happening at the same time, so there is plenty to see and do!

Light Up Southeast – Dec 3rd

On Dec 3rd from 6-8 pm around the South Duke Street Mall, this someone ‘younger’ celebration is really catching momentum. This year, there will be:
– Free Train Ride with Santa
– Trunk Or Treat
– Face Painting
– Music and Entertainment
– Food Trucks ($)
– Ugly Sweater Contest
– Free Kids Coats (kids must be present)
– Music and Entertainment

More details: http://www.facebook.com/CrispusAttucksLanc

Lancaster Shops Late – Dec 8th

This event on Dec 8th from 5-8 pm is as obvious as it sounds: this once-a-year retail experience is real boost to shopping local (which we love to do, of course!). Many of Lancaster City’s shops, boutiques, and more stay open until 8 pm or longer. This is a perfect opportunity to find that special gift for the person that has everything.

Santa in the City – Multiple Dates

Thurs Dec 8th, Saturday Dec 10th & Dec 17th all from 5-8 pm the Lancaster City Bureaus of Fire will be escorting Santa through Lancaster City: through downtown and throughout several neighborhoods.

Menorah Lightings – Dec 18th-25th – Penn Square

This event, held by both Lancaster City and Jewish Community Alliance of Lancaster, is the annual lighting of the Menorah in Penn Square, which of course takes place for 8 nights in a row right up until Dec 25th. Each evening, the lighting takes place at 5:30pm, with the exception of Friday night when everyone gathers at 4:00pm.
For more info, visit: http://www.facebook.com/jcalancasterpa

New Year’s Eve – Dec 31st

And finally, come ring in the 2023 with us in Binn’s Park for the annual ‘Red Rose drop’ as we ring in the new year in true Lancaster fashion. Don’t forget, there will be live music as well.

No home is too big or too small for our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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Did You Know…The Story Behind Those Odd Named Towns?

The Holidays are now upon us all and we thought it would be fun to share some great ‘table talk’ with you. As residents of beautiful Lancaster County, it is likely we are all very familiar with the funny and sometimes odd town names that you find around here (Intercourse, Blue Ball, Paradise, Bird-In-Hand the usual suspects you know), but have you heard of these lesser known, odd community names? Burnt Mills, Falmouth, Ono, Lickdale. Well, we couldn’t dig up a good story for you on those, but here is some enlightening background info on a few of them. Enjoy!

Blue Ball – Originally named Earl Town, it changed to Blue Ball officially in 1833 after a hotel at the same location, the Blue Ball Inn. During Prohibition, the Inn changed its name to Blue Ball Hotel. The old Inn was torn down in 1997.

Intercourse – The Amish Village of Intercourse was named by George Brungard in 1813. During this time period, the term “Intercourse” referred to commercial or trading locations. Prior to that, it was known as the village of Cross Keys starting in 1754, named after a tavern established the same year.

Peach Bottom – This village got its name in 1815 from a settler named John Kirk who was a peach orchard owner.

Some other odd town names, outside of Lancaster County:

Jugtown – Located West over in Franklin County, it is said this town was named for booze and/or pottery.

Pillow – Located in Dauphin County, the village was named after General Gideon Pillow.

Rough and Ready – Located in Schuylkill County and named for a ‘California Gold Rush’ town.

Jersey Shore – This Lycoming County town was originally named Waynesburg by the Manning brothers, who settled the town around 1785. Another settlement: Nippenose Township, arose on the eastern side of the Western Branch of the Susquehanna River around that same time, and of course a rivalry was born. The Mannings had come from New Jersey, and the eastern shore residents started referring to the Waynesburg settlement as the “Jersey shore.” In 1826, the name was officially changed to Jersey Shore.

No home is too big or too small for our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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The Tree House, Lititz – A Playground for Everyone!

The Tree House playground in Lititz is a spectacular, community designed, play space for children of all abilities. Just around the corner from Lititz Springs Park near Warwick High School, The Tree House playground has an incredible ‘community story’. In 2018, ‘Play By Design’ unveiled their vision of what was to be built, based upon the input and feedback from the surrounding Lititz community.

Over the next 2 years the necessary funds were raised. Finally, across 2 weeks in September of 2020, over 550 community volunteers came together for construction, making ‘the dream a reality’. For more info, visit their site: http://www.treehouselititz.com

PC treehouselititz facebook group

Community Support Opportunity:

Today, there is an ongoing group of around 10 volunteers who do daily walk-throughs of the playground: picking up trash, emptying trash cans, checking for needed repairs and damage, etc. Thanks to the volunteer crew, this great play space stays clean and safe for everyone to enjoy all year long. If you happen to see them while you are at the playground, be sure to let them know you appreciate them.

If you would be interested in joining the volunteer crew, you can message them or message me and we will get you connected!

No home is too big or too small for our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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SUNDAY NIGHTS IN LANCASTER

Ready to think about finding your perfect home in Lancaster? If you are curious about homes that are currently on the market, our website is a great spot to start your search!

It’s Sunday! Are you someone who likes to stay in and relax on a Sunday night, or go out and soak up every last second of your weekend? It depends for me, but if my family is all together we like to go out and explore what’s happening in our town!

Here are 3 of the best things to do in Lancaster on a Sunday night:

1. LIVE MUSIC ON THE TELLUS 360 ROOFTOP

I love live music, especially in the summer! If you want to hear great, local live music, head to the rooftop of Tellus and enjoy one of their craft cocktails as you listen. You can also take in the gorgeous skyline of Lancaster, and if you’re lucky, catch a sunset!

2. LIVE MUSIC IN LONG PARK

If you are looking for something more laid-back, head over to Longs Park for their summer music series in the park. Pack your picnic blanket or chairs, some bubbly and maybe charcuterie, and sprawl out on the lawn while listening to great live music. What else could you want on a summer evening?!

3. ANTIQUE-ING

If live music isn’t your thing, antique-ing is a great thing to do on a Sunday…especially in our area (is that a little random or what?!). Our neighboring town, Adamstown, is actually the Antiques Capital of the US. There are over 20 shops and hundreds of vendors offering unique, eclectic finds. Sunday rambles are the best- get in your car and just stop at whatever antique store catches your eye. You never know what treasures you may find!

How do we know all of these great Lancaster Local Secrets? We are local real estate agents and residents of Lancaster for more than 30 years!

For more information on the wonderful homes in Lancaster County, call Mary Sue at 717-333-9653 (WOLF) or visit our real estate website at www.WolfandWebb.com.

No home is too big or too small for our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!

SUMMER BUCKET LIST – For the family

Ready to think about finding your perfect home in Lancaster? If you are curious about homes that are currently on the market, our website is a great spot to start your search!

It is finally SUMMER!!! In order to make sure we do each and everything we want, my family makes a list every summer. We did the work for you this year…our PRINTABLE summer bucket list is below, highlighting what we think are the top things to do before September hits. BONUS: it’s all for the family and all kid approved!

Pick strawberries – at none other than our favorite, Shenk’s Berry Farm. This post highlights everything you need to know about picking strawberries & raspberries.
Hershey Park – chocolate world, huge waterpark, awesome rollercoasters…what more do we need to say?!
Central Market – one of the most iconic spots in Lancaster. A fun morning activity to stroll and shop around. Read our post highlighting some of the stands at Market here.
Mt. Gretna – our hidden oasis in the mountains! Only about 30 minutes from downtown, if you want to escape to the shady mountains this is the place to go. This post shares everything you need to know.
Kayaking – a fun activity that also gets you in nature! We always try to do this at least once a summer. This post shares our favorite kayak spot and company.
First Friday – if you want to experience the energy of downtown Lancaster, go to First Friday! It’s offered year round, but the town really comes alive during the summer. We talk about it here.

Does your family love any of these activities too? Are there any others you make sure to do each summer? Let us know in the comments!

How do we know all of these great Lancaster Local Secrets? We are local real estate agents and residents of Lancaster for more than 30 years!

For more information on the wonderful homes in Lancaster County, call Mary Sue at 717-333-9653 (WOLF) or visit our real estate website at www.WolfandWebb.com.

No home is too big or too small for our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Central Market Super Stands

Searching for your perfect home in Lancaster? If you are curious about homes that are currently on the market, our website is a great spot to start your search!

I know you’ve heard of Central Market, you might have even been a few times! I love spending a leisurely Saturday morning here, enjoying the Christmas carols in the winter and the fresh flowers and produce in the summer. Below are some stands that we recommend trying on your next visit!

Amaranth Bakery – gluten free baked goods for the GF person in your life (actually anyone…they are delicious!)

Amish Family Recipes – you have to check it out, there are dozens of jams, salsas, pickled veggies, soups, biscotti, and stroopies…a unique taste of Lancaster.

Central Market Flowers – owned by Perfect Pots, who we featured last week. They offer a variety of seasonal blooms, buds, and greens, many of which are grown in their Strasburg greenhouse. They have you covered with everything from single stems to a lovely ready-made bouquet.

Christina’s Criollo – a unique taste of Puerto Rican classic dishes. Each dish comes from her family recipes, going generations back. Her empanadas are a staple at Market.

Crowded Kitchen – stop by here next time you are making a homemade pot of soup. They sell broths and stocks, or ready made soups.

Grasshopper’s Wicked Pickles – I love pickles, so I will be stopping by here! They have 18 flavors of pickles, all “cold packed” so they are never subjected to hear, thus making them crisper than jarred pickles. Can’t wait to try!

These are just a few of the many, many wonderful stands our Central Market offers. What’s your favorite stand there?

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What is an Escape Room?

Our Lititz and Lancaster Escape Rooms. Be sure to share your experience with us!

-Escape on Queen

-Escape Room Lancaster

-Escape Room Lititz

-Escape Rooms at Refreshing Mountain

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Tree Lighting & Tuba Christmas – Dec 2nd

Light Up Southeast – Dec 3rd

Lancaster Shops Late – Dec 8th

Santa in the City – Multiple Dates

Menorah Lightings – Dec 18th-25th – Penn Square

New Year’s Eve – Dec 31st

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Some other odd town names, outside of Lancaster County:

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Community Support Opportunity:

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Our Lititz and Lancaster Escape Rooms.
Be sure to share your experience with us!