Tag: thingstodo

Booking Up Your Weekend

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 books.

With the cold weather we have coming in what better way to spend your day than enjoying a new book or film? Taking time to unwind and read a book is a great way to break up all the screen time we have been having from doing work and school from home, dive into a new story or place, learn something new and just relax. Instead of going out to buy a new book, ordering one online or through your kindle head over to Lancaster Public Library and rent out a book! 

Using the library is a great way to be sustainable, not hold on to too many books, and also support our local community. Plus Lancaster Public Library has so much to offer! The library has two branches one in Lancaster City and the other in Mountville.  Each is open daily except for Sundays. The Lancaster location is at 125 North Duke Street, and Mountville is at 120 College Avenue. The library dates back to 1759 when it first opened, formed by 54 members and over time grew to the wonderful buildings and spaces we love, talk about another long history in our hometown that we have continued to use as a resource and will continue for years to come. Their mission holds true in the work that all the staff do each day to provide our community the access and resources for great books, “By providing equitable access to vital educational resources, exceptional programming, and community building opportunities, the Lancaster Public Library is recognized as a dynamic center of knowledge and a cornerstone of a thriving Lancaster community”. There are so many dedicated staff members within both locations be sure to thank them next time you head in to pick up a new read. 

So what does the library provide? Well it provides a lot more than books there are:

  • Passport services 
  • Meeting rooms
  • Public computers and free wifi
  • Proctoring
  • Movies
  • Interlibrary loans
  • Music
  • Programming and events
  • Job resources

And so many more special events, programs and initiatives. I would like to highlight 3 of their remarkable services. The first is their Grab Bags initiatives, this is a great way the library adapted during Covid-19, what you do is fill out their online form giving your library card number and your taste in books then one of the staff members browses the library to get new authors or books for you to enjoy! With the pandemic you have the ability to pick how you would like to pick up your grab bag from what location and using what services, because the library has lobby hours for fast pick up as well as curbside pick ups. 

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

The library also has an Autism Resource Center that is 11 years old. This center provides great resources like literature, games and a learning space for social skills, behavioral therapy, conflict resolution, community awareness and interactions. The space is full of sensory items to meet the needs of all their patrons. This space is truly remarkable and a wonderful resource for all community members that may need it. 

The Duke Street Business Center is the third resource I would like to share with you all. This is a space for nonprofits, entrepreneurs, business individuals or anyone that would like to learn more. It is a space where the staff member is experienced in conducting business, and nonprofit research. The librarian is able to help you learn how to use different softwares and databases to meet your business needs and learn more. The business librarian is available by appointment only so you can really tailor your meeting to what needs you might have. The Duke Street Business Center also has computers and seating spaces that are for the use of business and nonprofit users only. It is wonderful for individuals to have their own space that they can go to for tailored help and equipment.

While the Center has individualized support so does the rest of the library, the employees are all incredible, hardworking and knowledgeable individuals that really make your experience a great one. 

Every week the library puts on multiple events at both locations. This is a great way to meet others within our community, enjoy learning about something new, join a book club or play games. What is wonderful about the events is that you pre sign up to the events that are in person so that way they can maintain capacity and ensure safety. They are also hosting virtual events for you to attend from the comfort of your own home! Events are a variety of topics, types of programs and also for a variety of age ranges, some are for teens, children or all ages. Be sure to check out their events calendar for this month, who knows you may want to get into a new book genre and joining a book club is a great way to start the discussion and find new authors to check out! 

With just a few more weeks until spring, spending so much time at home does not need to be boring, stressful or a time where you are at a loss for what to do. Especially with the Lancaster Public Library not far away. Get yourself a library card to enjoy great books, movies, online platforms and when we can have a great space to sit for an afternoon and have time for yourself. On your way home with a new book grab a cup of coffee from one of the many local shops and dive into a new story or learn something new with the help of the Lancaster Public Library. It is a great way to spend your time! If you find any good reads be sure to share, always up for a new book recommendation! 

Thanks for checking out this week’s Lancaster Local Secret, did you know in Pennsylvania a fan favorite is ham loaf- made from ham, ground pork, brown sugar, and seasoning? Have a great week! 

 Contact Mary Sue Wolf to look at homes and properties where you can not only be a member of a great public library but also get there with a quick walk or drive through the beautiful countryside or incredible city streets. 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

Where Have You Bean?

Are you a coffee lover, or do you enjoy trying great pastries? Maybe you like getting out once a week to support a local business…whatever your motivation may be, look no further because I have some spaces you must add to your list of places to try! 

The first is Geneva Bakery Cafe located at 6030 Lemon Street in East Petersburg. The owner has been baking since they were a little girl, and oh can you tell. Their cookies, pastries, pies and desserts are magnificent! This is a great spot if you are looking to celebrate someone or something special to order a cake from. Their pies are made from homemade butter gram cracker or flaky crust your choice, they also have delicious dessert bars from brownies in different flavors to lemon bars, shortbread and more. Their scones are seasonally flavored and their muffins come in a variety of flavors as well. This is the spot for your Sunday morning bakery needs that is for sure! If you are going in to pick up one of their delicious cheesecakes or an assortment of cookies you must get one of their drinks for the road. They have a variety of hot and cold drinks from coffee, cold brew and lemonade. What is so great is that their drinks use house made syrups!! If you are a latte fan look no further and be sure to grab one of their incredible treats for the road or maybe a few! 

Are you looking for the perfect spot to get together with friends for a delcious cup of coffee? Look no further than 29 East King Street. There you will find New Holland Coffee Co. a light and bright space that is serving up mouth watering drinks, delicious meals, breath taking flowers and events to enjoy for the community. You will not be disappointed by your trip to New Holland Coffee, one thing that makes them unique is that their pastries are made in shop each meeting someone’s cravings for sweets. Did you just get back from your first New Holland experience and are now in love? Don’t worry take New Holland with you by buying their coffee in bulk or bring New Holland to your next event by food truck! You heard that right, are you having a brunch this spring or hosting a bridal shower, baby shower or birthday? What better way than having your favorite spot right in your backyard! Their mission to provide “a gathering place for all who want to experience high-quality coffee, delicious food, and excellent service” can not hold more true from the minute you walk in the door to the minute you finish your last sip!

Main Street Cafe is located 2384 New Holland Pike Mondays through Thursdays from 11:00am-3:00pm. They are the perfect spot to not only enjoy a coffee but a great lunch from picking one of their soups, sandwiches or salads. When you go to order a coffee or one of their crafted specials you are having locally sourced coffee, isn’t that great! If you are not a coffee drinker the Cafe offers organic teas, smoothies and frappuccinos if you are looking for some frozen options. They have a breakfast menu that is served all day, maybe you are treating yourself to lunch and a coffee midway through the work week, this is the perfect spot to get you that caffeine pick me up and a delicious breakfast sandwich for lunch…because you can enjoy breakfast at any point in the day! The atmosphere at the cafe is wonderful, it is inviting and peaceful, be sure to try it soon!

Located in four different locations across Lancaster County is Coffee Co. They have been around since 1983 one of the first shops in Lancaster! Coffee Co. has been providing Lancaster residents and visitors a wonderful atmosphere and experience for years! Their locations offer breakfast, sandwiches, salads, drinks and of course coffees. What is great about Coffee Co. is they also offer a seasonal menu for specials. This is a fun way to try something new both through an entree or drink. They have coffee, lattes, Americanos, iced and cold drinks to choose from. Three different sizes to pick and a variety of milks and flavors to add and make it your own.  A few creative flavors they have are irish cream, toasted marshmallow, english toffee and butter rum. If you are not a coffee drinker don’t worry they have an assortment of teas, smoothies, juice, lemonades and hot chocolates to enjoy. After trying out one of their locations be sure to pick up some of their beans and enjoy some coffee at home during the work week!

Cafe One Eight is located at 18 West Orange Street with a mission based on faith and bringing the community together. They focus on three values, hospitality, quality and community. These three values you can truly see and feel when you step into their space. The Cafe offers, breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. With a variety of options on the menu you can enjoy a charcuterie board, sandwich, wrap, salad, soup or burrito. Their food is delicious, using some local ingredients like yogurt! If you are enjoying a great book or a long visit with a friend you have the option for bottomless coffee, this is a fun way to enjoy all the coffee you want while being at the cafe. They also offer specialty drinks like cappuccinos, cold brew, lattes and espresso. If you are meeting a friend for a drink and coffee is not your thing you definitely have some wonderful options like hot chocolate, teas, smoothies and kombucha on tap! The cafe is a great spot to meet a friend or enjoy a quick lunch after a morning out. 

Located on King Street and Plum Street is Passenger Coffee. No matter the location you go to you will be walking into an inviting space that provides you with a variety of equitably sourced products to enjoy! They have been listed as one of  Pennsylvanias and America’s Best Coffee Shops in 2019, you won’t want to miss out on this one! Their coffee supply does change but at any time they have over 30 different coffees from across the world. They have three different flavor profiles that each coffee can fall under: lively, balanced and rich. You can also take a coffee quiz online to decide which might be right for you to try! When you visit one of the Roastery and Coffee Bars you will truly be able to enjoy each sip whether you get a latte, cappuccino or filtered coffee. Passenger also works with local cafes, restaurants, markets and groceries too so you may have already enjoyed their great coffee without even knowing it! Check out their partnerships who knows what you will find especially if you are not from Lancaster, Passenger is served across the country from places in Connecticut, California, Maryland and other great places within Pennsylvania.

Are you someone where if you could have coffee delivered to your house regularly you would? Look no further than 145 North Duke Street or 1132 Elizabeth Avenue. Square One Coffee is your answer! You can sign up for their subscription and receive coffee beans at your door twice a month! You have the option to pick how many bags you want or how often. While you can decide the blend you want to receive they also have an option for the roasters at square one to decide, this is a great way to enjoy a variety of blends regularly. If you aren’t wanting a subscription just yet go to their Duke Street location to enjoy a cup from drip coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, americanos, macchiatos and more each drink is handmade to order and a great way to enjoy a pick me up while enjoying downtown. 

The last spot I would like to share is Mean Cup located in the Lancaster Central Market as well as at 398 Harrisburg Avenue. Mean Cup offers coffee, teas, cold drinks, espresso, mochas and light grab and go options of sandwiches, salads and delicious baked goods. They partner with the Goodie Shoppe and Amaranth Bakery for their sweets. Mean Cup has options for you to substitute your milk to meet your needs from soy, almond and half/half. You can also enjoy a nice dollop of whipped cream on your drink! Their coffee is so good you may want to share it with your friends or coworkers so they offer a 160oz coffee box! Don’t forget to take it to work the next time you want to brighten everyone’s mornings or take a box home if you are having friends over for brunch. This is a wonderful way to give your guest some coffee from a local spot and who knows, it may be their first time having Mean Cup! 

The relaxing atmosphere that cafes, bakeries and coffee shops provide make them truly the best place for a work meeting, a catch up with some friends or a place to enjoy some time by yourself with a good book! A great way to support local is not only visiting these spaces but liking their social media accounts, leaving them great reviews and purchasing things like coffee beans to use at home. Local coffee shops sometimes offer loyalty or reward programs, so if you find one that is your new favorite be sure to be on the lookout for a punch card or app to download. Do you have a favorite spot to grab a quick cup that is not listed? Let me know I would love to go and try it! There are so many incredible places across Lancaster County it is one of the fun parts of living here you always find somewhere new doing something great! 

Thanks for checking out this week’s Lancaster Local Secret, did you know in Pennsylvania a fan favorite is a whoopie pie which is 2 cake like pieces with cream filling in the middle? There are SO many different flavors! Have a great week! 

 Contact Mary Sue Wolf to look at homes and properties that could bring you to try caffeine gems whenever you please. 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

Isn’t this a-MAZE-ing

Have you ever experienced a top ten? Maybe it is top ten ice cream flavors at a parlor, listening to the top ten songs of the week on your favorite radio station or it could be trying top ten most popular workouts of the year…but have you ever experienced one of the top ten corn mazes in the United States? There is one right in our backyard! 

Located at 150 Cherry Hill Road in Ronks you will find Cherry Crest Farm, an incredible space that has been within Lancaster County for over twenty-five years. This farm offers amples of events and activities for school, friends, and families! The farm is open in Spring, Summer and Fall months.This is an adventure farm that is operated with only solar power and has over 300 acres of land! What is wonderful about Cherry Crest Farm is that they are driven by their mission, vision and values in all the work they do through entertainment, service, education and cultivation. The farm has eight values and they are:

  • Integrity
  • Biblical Stewardship
  • Service
  • Simple Fun
  • Exceeding Expectations
  • Creativity
  • Safety
  • Education 

The farm dates back to the early 1700’s but was owned by a different family and over the years the farm has switched families until the current owners, the Coleman family. Their farm is made up of beef cows, crop farm, and a ton of activities for fun from their famous corn maze to a jump pillow, petting zoo, slide, wagon ride and more! If you have children they would absolutely love all the games and activities to do at the farm. Let’s focus on their three months starting with spring since that is right around the corner…why not spark some ideas for the family and a day out on the farm!

Spring is known as “Early Season” at Cherry Crest Farm. During the spring you can enjoy over thirty activities. Help with the baby chicks or go to the paintball range…Cherry Crest works hard to bring a variety of activities in each season so that there is something for all age ranges. During the summer the fun and activities continue to grow from apple games & more. During the summer is also when the corn maze opens up and guess what…the path and design changes every year! Good luck to newcomers and regulars, what a way to keep the fun coming! During the fall Cherry Crest continues the maze fun while adding in classic fall favorites like a pumpkin patch! If you feel like you want a bigger challenge you can do the maze at night with flashlights too. Talk about creativity! With enough activities to fill multiple days I suggest you take a day or a few to experience the farm and they offer a variety of food options as well your whole family can enjoy the entire day including incredibly tasty treats! They have Chuck Wagon Cafe & Grill, Home Cookin’ Cafe, Maizie’s Dairy Barn and wagons of treats like: Apple Cider Donuts, pizza, kettle corn and lemonade. The Dairy Barn is definitely a must before you leave their ice cream and other sweets are mouth watering! 

While the farm itself can give you a day outside full of laughter and enjoyment the Cherry Crest Farm does a wonderful job of adding in unique and creative events throughout their seasons to enjoy. From butter making demonstrations, pig races, bringing local wineries and breweries to the farm, fireworks, music and variety shows. The farm’s events are each different. Be sure to check out their seasonal event calendar to find out how you can enjoy one of their special days on the property with friends! 

Cherry Crest is a great way for enjoying a nice day outside, having a birthday party, having a campfire, booking a field trip for your students or an afternoon of live music. The innovative way Cherry Crest uses their land, and space to provide a true one of a kind experience is exactly why they are one of the top tens you need to experience this spring! 

As we power through the cold weather and get closer to spring be sure to check Cherry Crest Farm out and when they open this spring plan a trip with your friends or family. You will have an absolute blast at the adventure farm, this is a great way to get outside, learn about the local environment and support a local family owned business! Can’t wait to hear what you think of this wonderful spot! 

Thanks for checking out this week’s Lancaster Local Secret, did you know Birch Beer does not contain alcohol? Have a great week!

 Contact Mary Sue Wolf to look at homes and properties that could bring you to experience this a-MAZE-ing farm. 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

Ice, Chili & Fire


It is our favorite time of year again…the annual Lititz Fire & Ice Festival would be right around the corner. What we typically look forward to and  know is a time with ice sculptures, great food, live fire show, breathtaking art, block party, an awesome chili competition and the Lititz Lions Carnival & vender fair. While the Lititz Fire & Ice Festival is not happening this year it will be back in February 2022. But that doesn’t go without some celebration this year! 

Though we will not have our favorite chili cookoff, fire show, carnival or block party festivities we WILL be able to experience the remarkable ice sculptures! Lititz Fire & Ice Festival is revamped to the Lititz Ice Walk for 2021. From February 12th until February 20th you can walk through the streets to see the sculptures. Each day more will be added so this does not have to be a one day walk you can go to Littiz multiple times to see what has been added! This is a great way to get the family outside and moving after the past few cold snow storms we have had while getting a taste of one of our favorite Lancaster County winter traditions. 

Venture Lititz has thought of everything making sure we are all kept safe, this event is all outside, there will be no live carvings, and people are required to be masked and stay socially distant. By adding extra days to the event this is a way they are working to help spread out the crowds as well. It truly is magnificent that during this time the committee and organizers thought to figure out a way for us all to have a little cheer and taste of our Lancaster! 

The ice sculptures will be located on North, South and Broad street. There are going to be twenty six ice sculptures put out on just one day! Then in the following days another fifteen sculptures and twenty two…that is over sixty plus ice sculptures to enjoy and truly marvel at.  What is wonderful is that like the Lititz Fire & Ice Festival the Lititz Ice Walk is also sponsored by local businesses and organizations. Some of the ice sculptures are in front of local shops and businesses. This is a great way to pop into the shops and get a valentine gift for someone you love or a birthday gift! Attending this event is a great way to support our local businesses while enjoying the artwork of so many! Consider getting a hot chocolate or order takeout for when you finish your walk for a great meal after with your family. 

So over the next few days plan a night, an afternoon or two or three to get over to downtown Lititz, you will not want to miss the incredible artwork of the ice sculptures or a little taste of our favorite festival. Bundle up with some warm clothing, look up some of the shops and local buisnesses that are sponsoring the event, check out some restuarant menus in Lititz and have yourself a day! Get out into the town and enjoy the fresh air while getting a piece of our favorite tradition and opportunity to help buisnesses in the local area by enjoying a treat or two and shopping for your loved ones. Thank you to all that worked so hard to bring us a version of our Lititz Fire & Ice Festival. We look forward to when we can all be back together enjoying the festivities like in years past! 

Thanks for checking out this week’s Lancaster Local Secret, did you know in Pennsylvania many call pickled vegetables Chow Chow? Have a great week! 

 Contact Mary Sue Wolf to look at homes and properties that could bring you to experience some Lancaster County Traditions yearly, seasonaly or monthly. 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

Howl’ You Doin’

What is absolutely wonderful about where we live is all that Lancaster has to offer. There truly is something for everyone be it movies and plays, cuisine and restaurants, clothing and shops or activities! A unique feature of Lancaster County is the wolf sanctuary, a space for wolves to seek refuge for treatment cultivating a life that is protected will provide the space for natural instincts and growth to occur. What is unique about a sanctuary is animals that go to these will spend the rest of their lives in that space.

Lancaster County holds one of these incredible spaces, located in Lititz at 465 Speedwell Forge Road. The Wolf Sanctuary of PA is located on over 80 acres of natural land to provide the wolves a terrain identical to the wild they would be roaming. This sanctuary is run by the Darlington family and has been for over 40 years. Within the sanctuary you will find not only gray wolves but wolf-dogs as well which are just as the name states a mix of a domestic dog and wolf such as gray, eastern, red or Ethiopian. This space started as a private rescue but now is an educational space where patrons can learn all about wolves, their habitat, history, and so much more! 

The Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania is currently home to over 60 wolves each with their own unique personality, fur coat, and ways of life. The sanctuary does an incredible job to bring to light each of the wolves personalities through detailed biographies on their website as well as wonderful photos and videos. This sanctuary is a 501 c3 nonprofit where you can fully immerse yourself in the life of these wolves through their virtual videos or through an in person visit. Visits are done through tours where you follow a walking trail through the acres of land being able to witness the life of the wolves inside. It is suggested that proper walking shoes are worn as well as attire, being outside it is important that you dress accordingly to ensure you are comfortable. While exploring the sanctuary you are allowed to take photographs but lenses cannot be longer than 5 inches, you cannot take videos or use tripods, selfie sticks or monopods. It is important when attending a tour you follow the guidance of your tour guide this ensures the safety of yourself, those around you, and these magnificent creatures. Currently the sanctuary offers 5 different tours:

  • Saturday Guided Public Tour- a 1 to 1.5 hour tour on Saturday mornings
  • Full Moon Fundraiser- a 2.5 hour tour on Saturday closest to the full moon
  • Professional Photography Session- Mondays through Thursdays with a 30 minute minimum and a 2 hour limit
  • Tuesday/Thursday Tours- morning tours that last 1 to 1.5 hours
  • Private tours- offered Saturdays and Sundays a 2 hour detailed tour

Each of these options give individuals the opportunity to pick what is best for themselves or their party and to ensure that you see all you would like, experiencing the wolves with the help of an expert by your side. Each varies in cost depending on the duration of the tour as well as it’s focus, prices can be found on their website. Tours need to be booked in advance right now and can be done on the sanctuary’s website with immediate payment options. It is important to note that during the tours you are going to be walking pack to pack around the acres of the sanctuary and will be following the tour guide taking time to pause and learn about each wolf.

After touring the sanctuary if you fall in love you are welcome to return at any time, try another tour experiencing all it has to offer! Or become a volunteer, you must visit the sanctuary at least once prior to submitting an application and be at least 18 years old. Being a volunteer gives you the opportunity to help the sanctuary run daily where you help with many facets including special events or weekends. In order to be approved as a volunteer one must participate in an orientation process and training to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements needed for this program. Being a volunteer is a wonderful way to get involved in the local community, help a nonprofit and experience a strong work environment where you will build many skills in a unique atmosphere! Talk about an incredible experience…unique and making a difference for our wildlife. 

After a visit to the sanctuary if you have fallen in love with one of the many wolves you can participate in the Adopt a Wolf program. These are symbolic adoptions where you can help to provide care for a wolf. Through a payment you can receive the adoption package which holds a personalized adoption certificate, 4×6 professional photo of your wolf, a detailed letter about the wolf, a detailed letter from sanctuary founders and a fact sheet about wolves. There are deadlines to submit adoption requests so be sure to check in with the sanctuary when looking into this process.

If you are interested in touring the wolf sanctuary be sure to go to their website and make a reservation, currently they are not able to offer walk-ins but through social media and their website you can check to see how to make a reservation and when the walk-ins will be allowed again. Visiting the wolf sanctuary can be fun for the whole family, a great outdoor birthday party through having a private tour or just a wonderful way to learn more about these incredible creatures. 

Contact Mary Sue Wolf to look at homes and properties not far from the incredible wolf sanctuary. You will love it here!


For more information on wonderful homes like: 679 Goose Neck Drive, Lititz PA 17543 overlooking the 13th-hole fareway call Mary Sue at 717-333-9653 or visit her website at www.WolfandWebb.com