I Like You Choco-LOT

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 Chocolate!

Not just any chocolate Wilbur buds chocolate! Founded in 1865 this fan favorite brand has been a Lancaster staple, and a staple for people all over the country and I would even say world! You can buy the chocolate at retailers in the United States and online through their site or mass sites like Amazon too!

Henry Oscar Wilbur’s manufacturing company is in Lititz! Every year millions of pounds of chocolate treats are created for all to enjoy. In 2016 the factory closed, after 125 years of chocolate making production needed an uptick in tools and speed. Cargill’s took over chocolate making in Mount Joy, another location in Lititz, Hazelton and two locations in Canada. If you go to the Wilbur Chocolate Factory in Lititz you can take the museum tour to learn the history of the company while also getting to see how the chocolate is made and antique tools that were used. 

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

Wilbur does not just make buds but those are the most popular of the candies made which were introduced in 1893 and talk about a long history of tasty! The buds are named after flower buds because of the way they look and the mold used to create the chocolates are very similar to a real flower bud. Nowadays Wilbur Chocolate has a handful of products for patrons to enjoy. With the classic buds there are also chocolate covered fruits, nuts and more, cocoa, chocolate chips and even coffee!

While the taste of these sweet treats will clearly show you how this company has been a treasured treat of so many for such a long time another reason I think they are successful is the Cargill Cocoa Promise that they have. The company has a commitment to using and working with sustainable cocoa farming, focusing on community impact! A way to know that your purchase is helping communities is looking for the UTZ Certified logo or a marking that says The Cargill Cocoa Promise. When you buy a product like this you are helping sustain the cocoa farming. The Wilbur company works to provide the farmers with education and skills through training programs, schools for children, health care and nutritional guidance support for the Cocoa communities. 

While you can buy products online through Wilbur’s site, commercial sites and at some commercial stores I suggest going to the Wilbur Chocolate Retail Store to shop around. Located at 45 North Broad Street in Lititz. You can shop around Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm giving you so much time to peruse the chocolatey treats. Due to Covid the retail shop has changed their daily shopping to meet the guidelines and regulations while also giving multiple options for their patrons to shop comfortably from offering curbside pick-up, to 30 minute sanitizing shifts. When you are wanting to use the curbside option you can call ahead to order your treats so that they are ready for you when you pull up. Ready to take home your tasty treats and gifts? Sometimes stocking up during your shopping spree you will need to know how to properly store the chocolate so that it does not go to waste. Chocolate from Wilbur should be stored at temperatures around 65 degrees Farengeitte and not go over 70 degrees. If it does go to 70 degrees you may be reducing the shelf life of you goodies. If you are storing properly these treats could have a shelf life from nine to eighteen months depending on the products you picked up. 

If you are a baker or wanting to improve your baking skills Wilbur is a perfect stop for creating delicious chocolate treats. You can purchase products from the retail store that you can bake with such as cocoa butter bases and confectionery products. Check out their website section titled working with chocolate for all the tips and tricks you would need to make a delicious dessert for your next family birthday or backyard barbeque ! 

If you have never tried a chocolate treat from Wilbur let me tell you…you are missing out! Wilbur is a great gift idea for friends and loved ones too. If you have a friend or family member that is a new home buyer maybe you get them Wilbur coffee and a set of mugs or some buds with tulip buds for their garden. The options to mix and match these sweet treats with a home decor gift are millions. Or if you are looking for a day out and want to dive into another piece of Lancaster History head over to the old Wilbur Factory for a Museum tour, it will not disappoint. Seeing the history of chocolate making is truly fascinating. 

While the buds are a classic and come in milk, dark and semi-sweet flavors Wilbur has so much more to offer. A fan favorite are their English Toffee dipped chocolates, chocolate covered peanut butter ritz crackers, chocolate covered oreos and Lititz sweet/salty bark. What is your go to Wilbur order? 

Contact Mary Sue Wolf to look at homes and properties where you can enjoy delicious chocolate treats whenever your heart desires! You will love it here!

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

Touring Lancaster

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 history in our County.

As the spring is upon us that means amples of opportunities to get outside in our wonderful county! We have the ability to explore and experience so much of Lancaster especially in the warmer weather. It is a great way to learn about the history of Lancaster County while having fun! One of the places to check out is Hans Herr House located at 1894 Hans Herr Drive, Willow Street. This is a historic landmark from 1719! 

The Hans Herr House is a museum that offers tours of the oldest homestead in Lancaster County. While it is the oldest home in Lancaster it is also the oldest mennonite meeting house in all of the Western hemisphere! The home was built by Christian and Anna Herr now the purpose of this house/museum is based off of six core values they are education, preservation, accessibility, intentional health, relationships and faith. These values emulate through your experience be it a museum tour or attending one of the classes offered within this space. 

The Herr House is open April through October on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00am until 4:00pm. If you want to go into the house you need to go on a guided tour where you learn about the history, experiences and architecture. Tours are an hour and 15 minutes providing you with the opportunity to ask questions and learn from an expert. There is a small admissions price depending on your age as well as the size of your party as well as if you are a member. The house also offers events from their annual music nite to rare and used book auctions. They have learning tours, music, book sales, classes, family history heydays and special events, this space actively brings the community together in fun and creative ways.  

A unique and creative factor is that you can rent out Hans Herr for an event of your choosing…talk about a breathtaking location for your next family birthday party, bridal shower or work event! Not only can you rent the property out, they also offer school tours. These tours have a load of hands-on learning opportunities for students through workshops from games, butter churning, clothing making and more to historic demonstrations of cooking, candle making, storytelling and finger weaving. It really gets students to learn about the history of this land, and the people who lived here. 

If you are not looking to host an event and are not a student but want a hands-on learning experience you can attend classes at the Hans Herr House to build up your experience and knowledge. The organization offers multiple classes in blacksmithing, from ones meant for children to adult groups or one on one classes you can learn how to be a blacksmith and the art that goes into it by working with a true blacksmith learning and practicing this craft. For more information on pricing of classes be sure to check out their website! Sounds like an experience of a lifetime! During school field trips students have the opportunity to go into the Lancaster Longhouse on property to learn about Eastern Woodland Native Americans. The Hans Herr House also offers a fall festival for not only students but their families to learn about the Native Americans and Pennsylvania German cultures. 

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

In the summers children ages 10 and older have the opportunity to hone in on all that the Hans Herr House has to offer by being a part of their Summer Student Program where they learn skills of blacksmithing, fraktur, gardening and more. This program is a wonderful way for children to meet friends while also having fun, you never know what passion might spark from the program!

If you or your children fall in love with the history and beautiful terrain of Hans Herr House you can also consider being a volunteer. Their volunteers do it all from the workshops and classes to the guided tours, volunteers have the opportunity to be a volunteer in what interests them while also working a schedule that best suits their lives so long as they can commit to half-days. This is a great way to give back to our community to a space that brings family and friends together to build knowledge of the rich history of Lancaster County.

Whether you want to learn more about what life used to look like in Lancaster County during the 1700s or you are interested in getting hands on experience with blacksmithing I challenge you to do something new this spring. Take time to learn and try new spaces and places within Lancaster County, fall in love with our beautiful space one new experience at a time. As we look to the warmer weather the Hans Herr House is a great idea to get the family outside on a beautiful piece of property and learn about Lancaster County. 

Thanks for checking out this week’s Lancaster Local Secret, did you know in Pennsylvania many call very thin deli meat chipped? Have a great week! 

 Contact Mary Sue Wolf to look at homes and properties that could bring you to experience some interesting history 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

Let’s Ketchup Soon

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 diners in our area!

Diners, the place where we enjoy a nice meal, the perfect spot for a quick meet up with a friend, an easy space to enjoy a cup of coffee and a good book. There are so many great restaurants in Lancaster including diners! Let’s look at five diners within Lancaster County to try out~

Knight and Day Diner is located at 3140 Lititz Pike within Lititz. This diner is wonderful because it is open seven days a week twenty four hours a day! The perfect place to gather with friends or family to enjoy a meal together. Their soups are prepared daily and the atmosphere is so inviting. The Knight and Day offers pick up and delivery too! Their menu is detailed with multiple options from their main menu to specifics- a breakfast menu, lunch specialties, dinner specialties, and the senior citizen menu. What is a definite must try are one of their many pancake flavors from classic plain or chocolate chip they also have cinnamon-apple, blueberry, oatmeal raisin and banana walnut.The cinnamon apple is topped with cinnamon, apples, granola and whipped cream…the perfect plate for a sweet fix! 

A fan favorite is DJ’s Taste of the 50’s. The restaurant is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 am – 2 pm and Thursday thru Saturday from 7 am to 7 pm. This spot truly takes you back to the 50’s from the decor to the family experience. It is no wonder they have been voted for one of the best spots in America by USA Today and voted the best burger in all of Pennsylvania. Located at 2410 Old Philadelphia Pike they are an owned and operated family business. This gem opened in 2008 and has been serving so many since currently you can dine in, call in, order online and do curbside pick-up. DJ’s has a breakfast, lunch/dinner and dessert menu but knowing they have been ranked for best burger you definitely should try one! They have over twenty burger options from your classic cheeseburger to some creative fun ones with things like onion rings, pineapple, turkey, mac and cheese or peanut butter! Whether you want to try a new burger spot in the county or have a new spot to meet up with friends and catch up over milkshakes, next time you are thinking about trying something new DJ’s should be added to your list.

Located at 1370 Manheim Pike is a diner that has been open since 1997, Lyndon Diner. Currently they are offering take out only seven days a week. Lyndon Diner is a family owned business Lyndon Quinn’s father owned a diner in Lancaster in 1961. Right now their menu is limited but patrons still have a variety of appetizers, soups, main dishes, breakfast foods and burger options to choose from. What is great about the Lyndon menus are they highlight crowd favorites as well as new items on the list. Looking for the green “New!” is a fun way to try a different meal such as their Jersey Boy Benedict with pork roll or Irish Benedict with corned beef hash…yum!!

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

Alice’s Diner has been in Lancaster County for over four decades, located at 1665 Lincoln Highway East. They are open Monday through Sunday providing great meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their breakfast menu is full of fan favorites from pancakes, eggs, omelets, french Toast and Waffles, cream chipped beef & sausage gravy. What is great about Alice’s is you can get a milkshake and pick your thickness to make it just the way you like it! A fun treat for the family one weekend or on a summer day. 

The last diner we are highlighting is located at 924 North Prince Street is Neptune Diner who prides themselves in homestyle cooking. The diner was established in 1994 and is a family owned and run business. They have also been voted best diner six years in a row by the Travel Channel! Their scrapple was highlighted in the episode as well as how country style cooking is brought to you in every meal from portions,service and atmosphere. Neptune is a great experience for the whole family!

Whether you are looking to get one of the best burgers around, aren’t in the mood to cook brunch this sunday or want to catch up with a friend over a milkshake, whatever the reason consider looking somewhere new to try and support a local diner in Lancaster County by ordering curbside or takeout. The business will appreciate and you can become one of the many patrons of these five locations that rave about their experiences to others, see what all the hype is about and enjoy! 

Thanks for checking out this week’s Lancaster Local Secret, did you know in Pennsylvania a fan favorite is Haw Mog- which is stuffed pig’s stomach? Have a great week! 

 Contact Mary Sue Wolf to look at homes and properties where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night treats at any time of the day with multiple places to choose from. 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

My Cup of Tea

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 a true hidden gem, the Sugarplums and Teas.

Are you someone that enjoys trying new places, taking some time to dress up and enjoy a day out or are looking for your new favorite local spot? Look no further than Sugarplums and Teas located at 403 Bank Barn Lane in Lancaster. Opened Tuesdays through Saturday from 10:00am-4:00pm this quaint spot is perfect to relax or celebrate a special occasion with your loved ones. 

This tea room has more than 100 different varieties of tea from places across the globe. With so many options it may be hard to choose just one to enjoy on your outing out but do not worry they offer an online store where you can purchase their loose tea leaves to try a whole variety…or this just means another day to Sugarplum and Teas! If tea is not your cup of tea do not worry the tea room also offers specialty drinks and coffee to enjoy during your visit! 

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

While sipping on some tea you will most definitely want to order some sweets or a meal to enjoy at your cheerful table. The Sugarplums and Teas offer a variety of sandwiches, and other fun meals to enjoy like quiche, wraps and salads. Or sweet treats like brownies, scones and other mouthwatering baked goods and pastries. If you are going with friends or a group I suggest doing their Courtyard Tea or high tea. You can pick from three-tiered which is a soup or salad, for savorie pieces, three sweet treats and a pot of tea or the garden tea which is one savory, a small salad, small fruit cup, scone and tea or they have the trio of savories where you can pick three savory items a small salad and a pot of tea. With the variety of options it gives you the perfect pick depending on your party’s size. 

A few of my favorites to consider if you are not sure what to try are the quince of the day, their turkey & brie, veggie panini or hawaiian chicken salad. Have you tried something I did not mention? Let me know what it is. I will be sure to check it out next time I go back to the tea room at Sugarplums and Teas! 

Did you know many locals enjoy a sweet, thick pie that is made from sugar and molasses, otherwise known as Shoofly Pie? Here at Wolf and Webb Realtors we not only help you sell or buy a home but work to bring you a personalized experience where you too can come to love our wonderful County! Check out our YouTube page to see some of the wonderful luxury homes we have helped families find.

Have you fallen in love with Sugarplums and Teas yet? Take it home with you for a day of delicious treats! Sugarplums and teas offers a large catering menu where you can pick it up or get it delivered for your convenience. From cold to hot Hors D’oeuvres to main courses and desserts this is the perfect menu to use for a celebration like a bridal shower, birthday or retirement luncheon. 

Whatever the occasion may be Sugarplums and Teas is a great spot to consider for your next at home gathering.

As you consider your plans to try this wonderful hidden gem I suggest you make a reservation to ensure your enjoyable experience at the tea house. Sugarplums and Teas tea room is a wonderful experience that the whole family can enjoy. The space is quaint decorated with such beautiful charm you will fall in love! Their staff creates a very enjoyable experience full of smiles, kindness and help. Your time spent at Sugarplums and Teas will brighten any day of the week…talk about friendly neighbors. It is a great spot to meet up with friends for a light lunch, enjoy celebrating a loved one’s birthday or take time for yourself for a quiet afternoon of delights! I cannot wait to hear what you think of Sugarplums and Teas tea room, I hope your experience is as wonderful as mine! 

Not from the Lancaster area? Do not worry this hidden gem is perfect for an afternoon drive destination, or a spot to enjoy when you come to visit family and friends. Who knows it may be a reason why you continue to fall in love with Lancaster County! If that is true I am here to help as you look to make that next step in buying your forever home in our wonderful community! 

Contact Mary Sue Wolf to look at homes and properties where you can enjoy a day of tea and treats with your loved ones right down the road. 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

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

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

Just Wining Here

As we enter the new year many people set new year resolutions as a way to have something to work for and hold themselves accountable. While many say they want to whine less we are wining here… hidden gems of Lancaster County are the wineries in the area, each unique providing patrons wonderful experiences in beautiful atmospheres. Let’s jump into the top 3 wineries in Lancaster County: Waltz Vineyards, Thorn Hill and Moon Dancer. 

Waltz Vineyards, a winery that is full of breathtaking views across Lancaster County with three locations. One in Manheim township, Gordonville, and Lititz; each provide a unique and personalized experience. Waltz is owned by a 6th generation Lancaster farmer and his wife who pride themselves on using the land to produce award winning wine. The farm that holds the grapes is located on a hill that holds a micro-climate that is perfect for creating air flow to create mouth watering tastes. The first wine at Waltz was created in 2000 within their garage learning the art of blending and fermenting. Each wine is made from hand-picked fruit…talk about using the local land and produce! The winery opened in 2009 to provide patrons wine tasting experiences within their tasting room. This space provides individuals a space to learn about the history and work that goes into making Waltz wine. One of the major reasons I appreciate this vineyard is all their partnerships with local businesses, there is an entire section on their website where they provide you lists for restaurants, breweries, experiences, hotels, inns, bed & breakfasts, caterers, and grocery stores. Each name is linked to their website, Waltz provides us the opportunity to learn more about local businesses we may not know of and an easy way to find out more about how to support them! Let’s dive into the wines at Waltz, they offer Red, White and Rose. The reds available to enjoy are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Dry Red Blend, and Semi-Dry Red Blend. The whites available to enjoy are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Reserve Chardonnay, Semi-Dry Blend, Semi-Sweet White, and Wine Club Exclusive. Wine Club you read that right…Waltz Vineyards offers a wine club membership a wonderful opportunity to enjoy their wine regularly! This membership has so many perks, first you can pick from 3, 6 or 12 bottles quarterly while also having the opportunity to enjoy complimentary tastings, access to pre-released wines, discounts and exclusive events. What is important to note…this membership provides you with award winning wine regularly! Waltz has changed their hours for the upcoming weeks. They are open Thursdays & Fridays from 12-4pm as well as Saturdays from 11-5pm at their Manheim location. Their bottle shop is open the same hours on Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays but also Sunday from 11-3pm this shop is located in Lititz. Their wine shop at Kitchen Kettle Village has hours Monday through Thursday 10-4pm and Fridays & Saturdays 10-5pm. What is wonderful about Waltz is they are taking extra precautions for all their patrons you are able to arrange a personal appointment by emailing them or going during their hour of opperation at Kitchen Kettle Village specificially for high risk. Multiple wines made in Waltz have won awards from competitions, showings, and top reviews, enjoy a glass or two soon!  

Thorn Hill Vineyards, the second winery I would like to highlight. Thorn Hill is owned by Jack and Amy Thorn, where they create wonderful wine for so many to enjoy! The grapes in their wine come from California vineyards providing patrons the opportunity to taste so many flavors from California fruit to earthy tastes, winemakers creating an experience for their customers unlike any other through not only flavor but with experience as well. Thorn Hill has two tasting locations one in Lake County, California and the other in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This family winery creates award winning wine with flavors for all to enjoy. Learning about winemaking is best done by a winemaker that is passionate and detailed, when looking at Thorn Hill Amy Thorn does just that. There are seven steps in winemaking that are shared in detail on Thorn Hill’s website: One being grapes, cultivating wonderful grapes that are an essence of the terrain, two being harvesting, picking grapes when ready is the next step, three being fermentation, grapes need to be crushed and fermented so they can age properly, four is picking a barrel, this is where the wine will age barrels matters as it affects the flavor and process, five is fermentation again, six is blending to create the flavors a winemaker desires, the final step is bottling, properly bottling the wine so when ready can be enjoyed. This year marks nine year of wines within Thorn Hill to celebrate they are hosting events on February 12th and 19th where attendants are asked to wear silver or black and enjoy plated tapas, friends and wine to celebrate! To RSVP head to their website as they have limited number of guests allowed each night. If you have the opportunity to go to one of the tasting rooms to experience the creations of Amy Thorn I highly suggest that you go, you won’t regret it!  Be sure to check out their events page and join Thorn Hill soon for an incredible experience. Enjoy a glass in our backyard of Lancaster County and when the time to travel comes head over to California and experience one of their villa experiences! 

The last winery I would like to highlight is Moon Dancer Winery Cider house & Taproom. Moon Dancer is located in Wrightsville, Pennsylvania providing patrons a wonderful experience of not only wine but food, beer and ciders as well. Moon Dancer was established in 2004 located on the Susquehanna River, a beautiful location where you feel like you are transported to another place. They offer wine tastings, tours and space to enjoy time with your friends with fireplaces, live music, patios, and more. The name comes from the Moon Dancer Legend, a man who appears during the harvest late at night providing star-filled nights, rain and appreciation of simpleness. If you are looking to experience this space of tranquility be sure to check their events section of their website because tickets may need to be purchased depending on the day and the event. Moon Dancer offers 5 ciders, two of which are seasonal from their on property cider house. If wine or cider is not your drink of choice don’t worry they offer local PA beers on tap, by bottle, or can…there is something for everyone. While enjoying a drink you most definitely should also get a handmade pizza from their on property wood fired oven, Ta Ta Kua. While Moon Dancer provides an afternoon of relaxation with friends and a space to enjoy local wine, cider, beer, and pizza you also have the ability to host a private event on property. Moon Dancer is known for a dream location for weddings! This year take an afternoon to get lunch and a drink with some friends soaking in the beauty of the river! 

As you look to the new year why not make a resolution to try new things and go to new places? Checking out one or all three of these wineries will provide you with wonderful weekend adventures with your friends or family. You will feel like you are away soaking in the landscape while being able to support some of the many wonderful local businesses within Lancaster County! As we continue through the new year take time to find local buisnesses and support them how and when you can, they are working so hard to accomodate all, providing many options and services to ensure not only safety but comfortability to anyone that works with them.

Contact Mary Sue Wolf to look at homes and properties not far from all the wonderful wine trails in Lancaster. 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

New Year New Home Cheer

Happy New Year to all our Lancaster Locals! May this year bring you joy, happiness and exciting times! If you have been debating buying a new home or have been wanting to move for some time now but do not know where to start? Look no further, I have compiled a helpful chart of must do’s and tips for starting the moving process. 

  1. Let’s make a plan– you are ready to list your house and move first things first is making a plan with your family. 
  2. Find a realtor agent you mesh well with– it is important to find a realtor that you can relate to, one that knows the area better than anyone else

Before continuing through the moving list I want to be sure to touch on the benefits of using a realtor when you are looking to sell or buy a home. There are many ways you can benefit from hiring a realtor and specifically it is their expertise. Expertise in finances, area, location, community, regulations, rules and more. A realtor is a licensed professional that can help guide individuals purchase, sell or rent a property. They advise their clients on the market, give guidance on how to sell their house and assist in many other ways. If you have been considering using a realtor contact me today I would be happy to talk more about my role and how I can help you! Back to our moving list…

  1. Create a timeline– it is important to create a timeline and stick to it, especially if your house has sold and you need to move out by a certain date.
  2. Set up a moving budget– by setting a moving budget you will be sure to not waste money or spend money you were not expecting to spend.
  3. I suggest you check out our declutter blog-this blog will give you some ideas for going through everything in your home, moving can be daunting but with time and focus you can really make a dent in your project of going through your things. Make separations of what is going to the new house, what is garbage and what you will donate. 
  4. Schedule-schedule times to go through your stuff, to pack, to move your things, and to donate your things. Setting up a schedule that sets aside days or times is key!
  5. Gather– start collecting supplies you will need to help you move. This can be boxes, string, tape, bubble wrap or newspapers. Knowing you will be or are planning moving you can start to collect materials or ask those you know to start saving their boxes. This is a great way to be sustainable and save time when it comes time to pack and you don’t have to worry about scrambling to get the materials.
  6. Stress less– look at and remind yourself of the bigger picture. Moving can be very stressful and daunting. It is a lot at once and at times can be a lot in a short amount of time. It is important to remind yourself of what the outcome is, your forever home! I suggest listening to music, or asking for your friends or family to come over and help pack while ordering take out! It is a great way to catch up, get some extra hands and enjoy each other’s company at times you’ll feel like it is more of a hang out and not stressing over the work.
  7. Change- Be sure you take time to change your address with all your subscriptions, bills, credit cards, jobs are aware & family is aware. Share your new address with everyone who needs it and make changes so you don’t miss bills. Take time to change your cable, wifi, license, doctors, school and phones to the new address too.
  8. Organize- Keep your boxes and bags organized during the move. It is important everything is labeled and you know where everything is going or who is taking what. You do not want to misplace any important medical documents or other personal and financial information that you need no matter where you live!

It is the day officially it is your moving day…what do you need to do?

  • Arrange for help if you have children, pets or need extra hands for the move
  • If you hired movers be sure you have cash to tip all those who helped
  • If you have friends and family helping be sure to place a takeout order to the new home so you all can eat after a hards day of work
  • Be sure to do a final clean of your old property
  • Get rid of all trash
  • Do one last walk through of the house (connect with your realtor of all last minute things you need to get done)
  • Set the thermostat to the correct temperature
  • Lower the shades or blinds
  • Lock all doors and windows
  • Leave a nice note or treat for the new homeowners 🙂 

It is time to settle in, how do you get started?

  1. First and foremost do a first go around of cleaning and a walk through of the house (with any questions that could come up reach out to your realtor for advice)
  2. Unpack the essentials first all things that are necessary for the first few days of being in your new home
  3. Plan each room-walk through the house to see what each room will be for you. Where is the den or your dining room, who gets what bedroom? 
  4. Go room by room starting with the kitchen first, setting up all your appliances and cupboards
  5. The second room or rooms to tackle are the bedrooms setting up your closets, your furniture and organizing your closets- each person should unpack their own room to truly make it their own space
  6. After the bedrooms are done the bathrooms should be the next room you start to unpack and fully stock with all necessities
  7. Do not feel pressured to rush-take time ordering new appliances or furniture should you need and enjoy the space you now get to be in every day. Take time to truly make it your space a place that meets your needs-an office, outdoor dining, cozy rooms whatever it may be! 

As we enter 2021 the year is ours with endless possibilities and opportunities. Have you been debating moving, selling your home or finding a new piece of property? Why not take that chance in 2021 and start the process…New Year New Home…Let’s Cheer! Mary Sue and Derek are both available to be the realtor to get you to the spot where you will enjoy the rest of your 2021 and wonderful years to come! 

 Contact Mary Sue Wolf to look at homes and properties within wonderful Lancaster County, as a realtor she can provide you with tips and tricks to moving and finding your forever home.  You will love it here!

For more information on wonderful homes like 679 Goose Neck Drive call Mary Sue at 717-333-9653 or visit her website at www.WolfandWebb.com