LancasterCounty – Lancaster Local Secrets

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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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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You Might Be From Lancaster, PA if…..

Just like many small towns and beautiful areas across this great land, Lancaster has its own unique quirks, phrases and places. Most local residents don’t even think twice about these and when we do, it’s always good for a laugh. We LOVE Lancaster!

You might be from Lancaster if…..

-Someone has asked you if you are Amish when you say where you’re from.

-Pie as a main course dish is totally normal. Chicken pot pie, spaghetti pie, cheeseburger pie….you name it!

-You know that real “chicken pot pie” has nothing to do with a pie.

-You think of a shopping mall and not skiing when you hear the words “park city.”

-You know what a mud sale is.

-You are a manure expert. By smell alone, you can tell whether it came from a cow, pig or chicken!

-The verb “to be” has been eliminated from your vocabulary. You see nothing wrong with the sentence “The laundry needs done.”

-You know that Long Johns are something you eat for breakfast, not wear to bed.

-You’ve bought roadside produce with an “honor box.”

-You know how to correctly pronounce Lancaster….it’s Lang-Kiss-ter not Lan-cast-er!

-You know what dippy eggs are.

-You pronounce the “roots” in Roots Market differently than the roots of a tree.

-You adamantly believe that doplic is a word…doesn’t everyone use it?

-You’ve been late for something because you got stuck behind a tractor or a horse and buggy.

-Your school district has off for the first day of hunting season and you have a ‘drive your tractor to school’ day.

-You know that a Wilbur Bud trumps a Hershey Kiss any day of the week.

-You’ve engaged in the age-old Turkey Hill vs Sheetz debate and have an addiction to Turkey Hill Iced Tea.

-You know the difference between an Amish and a Mennonite person.

-You know that Shady Maple is the smorgasbord to end all smorgasbords!

-You don’t even think twice about towns named Intercourse, Blue Ball and Paradise.

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

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Three Years in a Row!

There are so many things to look forward to when Fall is just around the corner Playoff baseball should be at the top of your list, when it comes to great fall activities! Our own Lancaster Barnstormers’ home field, Clipper Magazine Stadium, has again won the prestigious title of “Best Independent Ballpark of the Year”! This well earned distinction is the third year in a row as voted by the readers (the fans) of Ballpark Digest. Also, this is a perfect time to get over there and get acquainted: tickets for the playoff season go on sale this week, on Tuesday Sept 6th!

Clipper Magazine Stadium, Home of the Lancaster Barnstormers!
pc Lancaster Barnstormers

If you’re not a huge baseball fan, get to know the home of the Barnstormers! It is a fantastic way to spend a summer evening. Even if you’re not a fan of the heat, even if baseball isn’t your thing, I can promise your time at the stadium will be fun and memorable!

Clipper Magazine Stadium beat out several other ballparks in the same category. The Barnstormers stadium opened officially in 2005 and belongs to the Atlantic League, whose corporate headquarters are here: Clipper Magazine Stadium! The Atlantic league must maintain minimum stadium standards at AAA level or higher. Winning this distinctive award against other ballparks at the same level means our venue isn’t only known for great baseball and is well above the minimum requirements.

Once there, you’ll see that extra amenities and features abound. Your children won’t sit through 9 innings of baseball? Neither did mine. Go visit the state-of-the-art Kids’ Park complete with inflatables and a carousel. There’s even a special dugout for nursing mothers. Entertain the seventh inning “stretch” with the backyard viewing area, where you can also play lawn games like Cornhole, and an entire Outdoor Experience area! Where else can you play table games like Jenga while watching baseball, or celebrate a Barnstormers grand slam while soaking up the nostalgia in the vintage pinball arcade?

Looking for more food and drink options? There’s the Hess Barbecue Picnic Area, and the Broken Bat Craft Beer Deck! Anyone who knows Lancaster knows our craft beer brewers are the best around.

Besides a leisurely evening watching America’s National Pastime, the stadium hosts various other events you can attend throughout the year! There’s the Christmas Spirit Drive-Through Light Show, Valour Professional Wrestling, the FREE Independence Day Celebration on July 3^rd, kickball leagues, movie nights, baseball/softball camps, and job fairs.

Barnstormers’ president and general manager Mike Reynolds had this to say about the stadium’s success:

“We owe a special debt of gratitude to our year-round staff, our sponsors, community partners, ownership and the fans,” Mike said. “A special shout out to our incredible event staff and volunteer program through the United Way of Lancaster County that work hard to provide the best experience too all visitors of Clipper Magazine Stadium… Every day we strive to make this the best ballpark we possibly can.”

Mission accomplished, Mike! I plan on attending more games this year and I hope to see you there, too!

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

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Top Playgrounds and Parks in Lancaster County

As summer winds down and autumn is just around the corner, there’s still plenty of time to get outside and enjoy the great weather in the upcoming days. Lancaster County is full of amazing parks and playgrounds for families to utilize. Here’s an overview of some of the best!

The Treehouse Lititz – One of the newest playgrounds in Lancaster County, more than 550 volunteers finished construction of the playground in September 2020. Here you will find an abundance of Tree-themed climbing structures and features like a boat with a rocking floor. The Treehouse Lititz also has some additional features not found in other playgrounds: wheelchairs can roll right onto a Liberty Swing as well as onto an inclusive ‘spinner’ (a.k.a. merry-go-round) that’s flush with the ground. There is also a ‘double’ zip line here! One side has the common sit-on disc, the other with a chair.

Amos Herr Dream Park – An impressive, fully accessible playground located in Landisville, PA that has something for kids of all ages…even a zipline! The playground is divided into two age appropriate playground areas. Just outside the playground is a large open field, a walking track, and other great amenities.

Longs Park – Longs Park is an 80 acre park located just outside of Lancaster City that contains a lake, petting zoo, pavilions and several playgrounds. Construction just completed on a brand new playground to replace the old wooden one. Lots of fun for kids of all ages!

Oregon Dairy Playground – A farm themed playground with animals to see as well as a large deck to enjoy hand dipped ice cream.

Safe Harbor Park – A playground and picnic areas along the Conestoga River in Conestoga, PA. This is an open and natural area great for those located in the Southern End of Lancaster County.

Overlook Park – Two age appropriate playground areas and climbing structures in the Overlook complex in Manheim Township. Walking paths, dog parks, mini golf, a public library, a public pool and more are also in the same complex!

Musser Park – A large grassy area and playground nestled in downtown Lancaster on the southwest corner of East Chestnut and North Lime Street.

Swingsets Lancaster – Swingsets Lancaster is a facility that sells handcrafted, Amish swing sets and playgrounds. “The Playground” is located at their facility in Strasburg, PA and has numerous swing sets set up for the public to enjoy for free!

Daniels Den – A fully accessible playground located at Manor Church in Manor Township. The playground is fully enclosed by a fence and has two age appropriate play areas. There’s also a 1/2 mile walking trail, sports fields and pavilion for everyone to enjoy.

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

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25 Free Birthday Treats in Lancaster, PA

You may already have plans for your birthday, but if you’re looking for an additional adventure, then check out these local businesses that offer FREE birthday treats and discounts! We created this guide to cover the best 25 birthday offers in 2021, but note that some businesses change what they offer each year.

Wolf Family Tips: It’s a good idea to sign up a few weeks before your birthday! We use this guide as a birthday scavenger hunt!

From all of us at Wolf & Webb, we wish you a very Happy Birthday and here’s to many more!

1. Applebee’s – free dessert
Sign up for Club Applebee’s

2. Arby’s – free shake with any purchase
Sign up for the email list on the website

3. Auntie Anne’s – free pretzel
Sign up for Pretzel Perks

4. BJ’s Brewhouse – free Pizookie
Sign up for BJ’s Premier Rewards Plus

5. Chipotle – free chips and guac with a $5 purchase
Sign up for Chipotle Rewards

6. Cinnabon – free cold brew
Sign up for Cinnabon Rewards

7. Dairy Queen – free blizzard
Sign up for the Blizzard Fan club

8. Duck Donuts – free donut
Download the app and sign up for rewards

9. Dunkin Donuts – free beverage
Sign up for DD Perks

10. Moe’s – free burrito
Sign up for Moe Rewards

11. Nestle Toll House Café – free cookie
Sign up for Nestle Toll House Café Club

12. Panera Bread – free pastry
Sign up for MyPanera

13. Qdoba – free cookie with any purchase
Sign up for Qdoba rewards

14. Rita’s – free Italian ice
Sign up for the Rita’s Birthday eClub

15. Ruby Tuesday – free burger or garden bar entrée
Sign up for So Connected email club

16. Sonic – free shake
Sign up for Sonic Rewards

17. Starbucks – free beverage or pastry
Sign up for Starbucks Rewards

18. Taco Bell – free Baja Blast Freeze
Sign up for Taco Bell Rewards

19. Wendy’s – free frosty
Sign up for Wendy’s Rewards

20. Redbox – free 1 night rental
Sign up for Redbox Perks

21. Bare Minerals – free gift
Sign up for Good Rewards

22. Sephora – free gift
Sign up for Beauty Insider

23. Ulta Beauty – free gift
Sign up for Ultamate Rewards

24. Vera Bradley – birthday coupon
Sign up for VB emails

25. Yankee Candle – free gift
Sign up for Fragrance Family Rewards

Photo Credits:

Cinnabon, PhillyVoice, Moes, Hip2Save, Yankee Candle

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

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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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Community Support Opportunity:

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