LancasterLocalSecrets – 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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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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Whatever Floats Your KAYAK!

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!

Can you believe we are heading into August already? What a great – albeit fast – summer it has been so far! It is the perfect time to make the most of the next few weeks of summer and do all the fun outdoor activities our amazing Lancaster County has to offer! We know exactly where you should start… Shank’s Mare!

Photo Credit: https://www.shanksmare.com/

Are you a fan of water sports? Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, Shank’s Mare has something for the whole family!

Located on the shores of the Susquehanna River, Shank’s Mare Outfitters offers sales and rentals of countless outdoor activities. They specialize in the sales and rentals of kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, along with a full schedule of classes you won’t want to miss out on.

For the beginners: If you’ve ever wanted to give kayaking or stand up paddle boarding a try, this is the place to do it! Sign up for a private lesson or get a group together to kayak alongside instructors at one of their guided outings.

For the pros: If you’re feeling brave, try their Yoga class. But wait…it’s on a paddle board…actually over a shallow area of the river. Talk about a workout! I can’t personally recommend this one from experience, because I can promise you I haven’t tried it before… but if you do, you need to share a picture with us after.

For EVERYONE! Paddle & Pizza with John Wright Restaurant is offered every other Wednesday night in the summer. What better reward for a nice kayak workout than pizza (besides cocktails)!

Photo Credit: Real Lancaster County

Shank’s Mare’s motto is to………….GO PLAY OUTSIDE! And they are sure to give your family all the tools needed to go do just that! So get out there and make some great memories!

Be sure to call 717-252-1616 to make rental reservations and ask about signing up for a class. All classes require you to register in advance.

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

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Berry Blasts

Wolf and Webb Realtors like to provide our clients personalized experiences where we not only work to help you sell or buy your home but also provide you ideas, suggestions and tips for the process and your time after. One way we provide tips is through our suggestions of things to do or ways to get involved in Lancaster County, this week we want to share with you more about the best spot to pick fresh produce!

Located at 911 Disston View Drive in Lancaster you will find Shenk’s Berry Farm the best place to pick your own strawberries, raspberries and shop at a market! A family farm started in the 80’s. A small farm has cows, sheep and so many fresh fruits and vegetables you can enjoy all year round. The crops are sold at picking your own so you can find the best berries! If you want vegetables swing over to their market from July through November to stock up on delicious greens. The market is located in Philadelphia as well! All the fruits and vegetables are grown by the family, cultivated and cared for with incredible farm practices.

Are you curious about homes that are currently on the market, our website is a great spot to start your search!

If you go to their website you can follow the calendar to see what is in season for picking from raspberries to blueberries. You can meet all your berry cravings in one spot while having fun while doing it!

Raspberries season starts in June and pints go for $3.25 while a court goes for $6.00 talk about a deal! The strawberries go for $3.25 a quart as well and they accept cash, checks or FMNP vouchers!

Picking hours vary so it is important to check their website before arriving. To pick your berries you check in at the gazebo, wash your hands and get a box to fill for your own. When you are done picking in the field you can return to the gazebo to pay for your crops!

This is a great way to spend your morning, take your children out, or enjoy a day in the sun trying something new. This is a fun way to see where your produce is coming from instead of just grabbing it off the grocery shelf, and it’s an outing for the family or friends. Plus doesn’t it taste great enjoying what you picked…talk about a delicious summer treat.

Maybe you are using your berries for a smoothing, summer salad or delicious sweet dessert the options are endless! Maybe try making your own jam for the fall and winter months with your leftovers! Pick too much and unsure what to do with them? Give some to your new neighbors a great conversation starter to share how wonderful our Lancaster County is or check out Shenk Berry Farm’s website section of “Berry Good Ideas” for ways to use your delicious produce!

Thinking of a way to spend your Saturday morning? Why not check out this local farm and see what it is all about? You will not be disappointed!

Contact Mary Sue Wolf to look at homes and properties where you can enjoy fresh produce all year round! You will love it here!

For more information on wonderful homes in Lancaster County, call Mary Sue at 717-333-9653 or visit her website at www.WolfandWebb.com no home is too big or too small for our team. Wolf and Webb: Where People are the Key!

A Barn Load of Fun

Located at 262 Hopeland Road, Lititz Pennsylvania you will find a breathtaking barn with space to enjoy good company and delicious food! The farm has been in Lancaster since the 18th century and the history behind this place is truly magnificent. From ironwork, farm animals, financial backgrounds to a restaurant there is so much to learn about our beautiful county from spaces like The Barns at Elizabeth Farms.

Are you curious about homes that are currently on the market, our website is a great spot to start your search!

Join in the fun by attending one of the Farm-to-Table meals this summer. On Saturdays you can enjoy fresh, local ingredients right from the farm! What is incredible about the farm to table experience is that nothing is preserved or processed; you can’t get anything better! Bring some family or friends to enjoy the venue, live music, great drinks and sometimes trivia!

There is something for everyone from chicken frites, to pork rinds and more your mouth will be watering!

You can pick from five proteins, four sauces and five sides. A great one is the Pork burger served with farm fries or their mushroom steak with a side of charred asparagus…delicious! After a great meal why not treat yourself to one of their delicious desserts from gluten free to vegan options there is something for everyone all coming from the delicious Cake and Cup Bake Shoppe! Lavender Raw Cake, whoopie pies or a salted caramel cupcake what a way to enjoy a nice evening out! A wonderful add on to the menu is the partnerships with local winery Moon Dancer, local beers, fresh tea and lemonade…the perfect beverages for a hot summer day! The bar within the barn is an experience in itself with local drinks and a rotating seasonal menu you can pop over to enjoy a drink or two inside and outside with some friends! Relaxing spots with exposed brick, beams and wood makes enjoying your cocktail that much better. The staff are friendly and kind with a great knowledge of the local drinks on tap. Who knows you might find your new go to summer drink!

Have you fallen in love yet? Consider hosting your next event at the barn from weddings, birthdays and retirement parties. 350 acres of preserved farmland is an incredible space to host your next event! You can even see examples of incredible weddings on their website to spark your ideas…cocktail hours, corn-hole, reception, and the best photos you can imagine!

If the menu and history is not enough to get you excited for the barn why not go see it for yourself! The atmosphere created by the employees is inviting and warm. The barn is a great way to enjoy a meal out, or celebrate a special day with your loved ones…I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Contact Mary Sue Wolf to look at homes and properties where you can enjoy incredible new food dishes, views and fun whenever you want! You will love it here!

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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!