Tag: wolfandwebbrealtor

Hops for a Good Summer

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 Farm that brings us entertainment, great food, drinks and live music.

You heard that right, a farm that does all this! Kissel Valley Farm is one of a kind right in our backyard. Located at 645 East Oregon Road in Lititz you will find home to this wonderful farm. At the farm you will find a few things from 21 acres that provide the perfect sunset view, to a farmhouse from the 1800s giving you a taste of our rich history. You can also enjoy their vineyard. This is a partnership with Waltz Vineyards where they work to create delicious wines for Lancaster patrons and visitors to enjoy regularly. If you have not already be sure to check out our blog on wineries and vineyards within Lancaster County! While walking around the farm be sure to take in the breathtaking wildlife as they have created a 3 acre wildflower field not only for patrons to enjoy the beauty of the floral colors in bloom but to help rebuild and support the pollination within Lancaster County. 

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

While Kissel Valley Farm provides a variety of breathtaking views, incredible scenery, historic buildings and local partnerships it also works to provide the Lancaster community activities, events and enjoyment all year round. One thing they are known for is the Pop-Up Beer Gardens. In 2019 Kissel Valley Farm partnered with Wyndridge Farm Brewing for their pop-ups; they did it again in 2020…do you think there might be a pop-up partnership this year? One can hope! 

The pop-ups were weekends long providing individuals opportunities to get to the event or even go a few times. Every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of August and September you could go to Kissel Valley Farm for the free event. When on the farm you had the opportunity to taste and enjoy beers and ciders from Wyndridge as well as amazing food from local food trucks. These pop-ups were great ways to get together with friends, enjoy the outdoors, support the locals, and soak in the last weekends of summer.

If you got to the pop-ups at the right time you might be able to enjoy live music and entertainment from our Lancaster community as well as yard games. If you attended a pop-up beer garden you would see patrons sitting on beach chairs, towels and blankets. You would hear instruments, laughter, and gulps. These weekends were times that brought the Lancaster Community together full of joy and fun. This year the pop-up partnership is with Bulls Head Beer Garden, and…it already started! A video was recently posted about smoothing out the lawn for upcoming beer garden pop-ups with Bulls Head Public House throughout the weekends of May through October, more time to enjoy! 

Admissions is five dollars and children 12 and under are free. There will be a rotating mobile beer tap, wine and cocktails too, providing a taste for everyone who attends! 

If you are thinking about heading to the garden this weekend or maybe a couple times this summer be sure to bring your admissions fee, something to sit on because picnic tables are limited. Do not bring outside concessions but do support the local businesses, food trucks or catering of the weekend for delicious meals and snacks. Be sure to bring sunscreen as the summer months get closer. It will be getting warmer and stay hydrated with water and lotion to protect yourself! 

What seems like a new yearly tradition is one to be sure to make note of, it is a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery and time with your friends.

Finding local events in Lancaster is not hard, so many companies and businesses work to bring the community together through food, drinks, entertainment and more. This is one of the many reasons why Lancaster County is truly one of a kind! A space for all to enjoy, where everyone can find things to do, try new places and meet new people. Our County is full of Local Secrets making it a unique and special place to be a part of.

Have you heard of a local event happening in the summer of 2021? Let me know about it, I would love to check it out! 

Contact Mary Sue Wolf to look at homes and properties where you can explore the outdoor events and spaces of Lancaster any day of the week! 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 on our website. Wolf and Webb: Where People are the Key!

Howl About That…it is Wolf and Webb’s Work-aversary!

Today is a special day! We are off to great places with big smiles: we share with you that today is our six month ‘work-aversary’ as Wolf and Webb REALTORS®. Six months ago, great minds came together to bring their skills and experience into one company, providing the community one space to meet all their real estate needs of home buying and home selling. Through looking at each other’s strengths we have created an unstoppable company, one that prides ourselves in real estate knowledge, home buying and home selling tips and tricks, as well as ways to make new neighbors feel welcomed and involved within our communities of Lancaster County. Wolf and Webb REALTORS® was formed amidst the pandemic: taking on the challenges that came with this event that has affected all of us. We are utilizing creative ways to interact with our clients and our community and contribute our unique experiences to ensure home buyers and sellers are getting their questions answered while providing personalized experiences in a safe manner. 

When you choose to work with a real estate agent, you are probably looking for a personable person with strong communication skills, a great knowledge of the ever changing market, and an honest approach in everything they do. As Wolf and Webb REALTORS® we are a team which works hard everyday to stay up to date on all things real estate, all while creating a space where all questions are welcome, and dependable resources are always provided to clients and customers of homes. It is our vision, and great joy to give great experiences to anyone whom interacts with us!

To celebrate we want to dive in and share with you who we are as professionals and your neighbors. We hope you learn more about our team and consider celebrating with us!

Join us to celebrate our six month work-anniversary through a FREE Shredding/e-Waste recycle event happening today! Pre-Register at our link. 

Our team is truly the meaning of a dynamic duo with different backgrounds, experiences and personalities. We provide you a well rounded and detailed experience. Wolf and Webb prides ourselves in our ability to make your home buying or selling experience personalized, honest and neighborly. As hardworking individuals, we would like to share with you a little more about our background and who we are. Wolf and Webb Realtors is made up of two team members Derek Webb and Mary Sue Wolf, both Lancaster County residents. 

Derek Webb has been working within real estate since 2013, 8 years. With a variety of experience in vacation rental management, homes and land. He has worked within multiple states and has experience in both residential and commercial real estate. Starting out with vacation rental properties, he then decided to get his Real Estate license to sell lake properties on Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri. When Derek and his family transitioned to Lancaster County, he knew he wanted to do real estate with the beautiful homes in the area. Derek enjoys helping clients make these big and sometimes tough decisions. He has a passion for the marketing of a home as well. He believes Lancaster County has it all, just about anything you could want you can find in Lancaster or within a short drive, a great place to live and play!

Mary Sue Wolf has lived in Lancaster County for 30 years with her husband and 3 children. She knows the best areas to explore, places to try, and ways to get involved in the community. As a long time resident of Lancaster County she enjoys time with her family, traveling and entertaining her family and friends. The best part of her job is helping connect people and their families to Lancaster and Lititz. She also enjoys sharing her ‘local secrets’ that she has learned over the years to truly make this community your home too! With Mary Sue being a member of the community for 30 years her love for Lancaster County and it’s people is felt by all.

Derek and Mary Sue provide a unique experience for each of their families truly putting 110% in all that they do to ensure their families are happy and excited about their home buying or selling experience. The Wolf and Webb partnership began when Derek would help Mary Sue with IT work. One day they realized their skill sets would be complementary to one another and benefit the Lancaster Community. Their personalities come out in their work, you feel excited, refreshed, and positive after working or speaking with this team!

Still curious about the Wolf and Webb team? Hear what past families share and say about this incredible team-

  • “Derek is always quick to respond and will work hard to get the deal done for you! Can’t say enough good things about this guy!”
  • “Mary Sue is one of the most conscientious Realtors I have ever worked with. She is knowledgeable, thoughtful and loves her clients and most importantly focuses on their happiness over anything else.”
  • “Incredible communication and service. I have been involved in numerous real estate transactions and the recent transaction with Derek was certainly one of the best. Highly recommend Derek”
  • “Mary was exceptional at helping us understand and navigate the 100’s of little details that you would never think of unless you work in real estate; which resulted in us getting a great deal for our house and finding the perfect house to purchase.”
  • “Need to give this Plus 🌟 for Derek Webb, For my husband and myself he’s is the best Realtor we met…He’s very communicative and knowledgeable of what he’s doing, very kind and helpful”

We are real estate agents because we love to work with people and we are compassionate people who love Lancaster County. We want everyone we interact with to feel that, and have the opportunity to learn and grow with their family here in Lancaster through the help of Wolf and Webb. We have found that there is a lot less traffic on the extra mile! We are excited to go the extra mile for you. If you are in the market to buy or sell your home here in beautiful Lancaster County, give us a call today. We’d love to hear from you and get to know you!

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

This partnership is truly a win win for the community, home buyers, home sellers and Lancaster County. On this special and big occasion we have such gratitude for all the families we have worked with and neighbors along the way. We have well wishes for the future to continue to grow our company and work towards providing individuals successful buying and selling experiences. We hope to continue to continue to help our neighbors in Lancaster County find their forever homes with their families!

 Contact Mary Sue Wolf or Derek Webb to look at homes and properties where you can enjoy two realtors who are not only here to help you with the move but get you acclimated into the neighborhood….you will love it here!

For more information on wonderful homes in Lancaster County like 628 Fleetwood 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

Bent Creek the Community Within

Bent Creek is a gated community as well as a country club located in Lititz, Pennsylvania within Lancaster County. This community is a wonderful place to be a part of the sense of neighborhood and a strong community could not be greater while providing safety in the gated community. Bent Creek gated golf community consists of luxury single family homes and villas. Bent Creek is close to restaurants, school and quick access to the major highways making it truly a great spot for families. The community is in Manheim Township School District which is a very highly rated school system. While it’s location and accessibility is incredible that is not all that Bent Creek community has to offer with many wonderful amenities year round and during the holiday season it is truly a gem within Pennsylvania and a wonderful space within Lancaster County.

Bent Creek Country Club was established by six Lancaster businessmen in 1987. Through working with contractors and organizations their dreams of luxury, leisure, safety and enjoyment were able to come true developing and creating an 18-hole course surrounded by 400 homes. Partnering with Jay Morrish golf course architecture firm the course was created-it’s design and layout truly makes it one of a kind! In 1990 membership began, with an overwhelming response and interest the club was able to sell over 200 memberships very quickly! Not only is the terrain of the course beautiful but the clubhouse offers an incredible opportunity for members to enjoy and relax in a beautiful setting. The club offers four types of membership you can have a golf membership, sports membership, social membership or other membership specifically based on families needs and wants. With so many options joining this establishment opens the doors to endless possibilities of enjoying your community. With that comes the amenities from tennis, to golf, and dining, swimming or special events members can find many ways to get involved and enjoy their time. 

With the course created by the 1991 recipient of Golf Course Architect of the Year the grounds are magnificent from its beauty of lakes, hills, trees and more, upkeep and challenging terrain it makes a day on the course an enjoyable one. The 18-hole course is a par 71 with a yardage range of 5,289 for women and 6,750 for men. The golf shop provides you the opportunity to book your tee time, private lessons, attend multiple events and outings as well as join either the Men or Women’s Association.  

If you are not much of a golfer that is alright, this wonderful community has something for you! The tennis program at Bent Creek provides opportunities for leisure play or competitively with professional lessons for all ages and levels. The courts are Har-Tru courts that are open daily. Like the golf community at Bent Creek there are events, competitions and U.S.T.A. team leagues to enjoy! 

On property there is also the Bent Creek competitive-sixed heated pool. WIth 6-lanes for laps and space to swim recreationally this is the ideal summer spot. Whether lounging by the pool with a new book is your go to in the summer or enjoying a nice snack after a swim, the pool is the best spot to enjoy time with your friends! If your children are interested in swimming there is a swim team they can join, family pool parties to attend and raft & grill nights! 

Aside from the snack bar at the pool within the clubhouse there is a wonderful option of fine dining. They offer casual seating at the bar, have a beautiful outdoor patio, a cafe, and formal dining room. The food is magnificent with a variety of pallets and cuisine options. The culinary staff ensures great experiences every time you go! Bent Creek offers lunch, brunch and dinner options throughout the week and a wonderful reservation system. 

While the club provides safety within the gates, activities for all to enjoy and multiple ways to get involved within the community through teams, and associations they also offer the opportunity for you to host an event on property from weddings, meetings, reunions, outings you name it! You can work with the staff to plan and execute the event of your dreams. 

This year Bent Creek has worked to get us all in the holiday spirit in a safe way with a Santa Parade! There was a parade throughout Bent Creek with Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, reindeer and more! You were able to go out into your yard to watch the parade and receive a Christmas surprise from santa. Neighbors within the community could join in on the parade by decorating their golf carts for the holiday festivities, and the bar at the clubhouse provided an opportunity to watch the parade with beverages. The holiday feeling was so present you could see smiles on everyone’s faces young and old! 

Whether it is to find a place where you can reside with just a short walk to enjoy wonderful amenities or you are searching for a family friendly community look no further than Bent Creek their efforts to ensure neighborhood feeling mixed with wonderful events, competition and safety are unlike any other! 

 Contact Mary Sue Wolf to look at homes and properties that could bring you to live in a wonderful community like Bent Creek where you could enjoy wonderful holiday traditions with your loved ones, days on the course or games of tennis and wonderful dining.  You will love it here!

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

Walking in Lancaster Wonderland

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane snow is glistening! A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight walking in a Lancaster Wonderland! As we continue through the month of December and the holiday season it may be hard to get into the spirit. The weather is getting colder and amidst the pandemic it can be hard to find fun things to do. While Lancaster County has always gone above and beyond during the holidays that has not changed during the pandemic. Our favorite holiday activities, events and traditions are continuing in new, unique and safe ways! I would like to share three of my holiday favorites within Lancaster that you can enjoy with your family! 

Elizabeth Farms is a year round establishment located at 262 Hopeland Road Lititz, PA 17543. This 8th generation family owned farm is a beautiful location to buy your Christmas tree  and home to many animals including Mangalitsa pigs! These pigs are 100% natural, free range and GMO free treated. With the pandemic the farm has moved to 3 ways of distributing their products, you can pick from pick up, have it delivered or have it shipped! A great way to support local and enjoy your favorites! What makes Elizabeth special is their annual Christmas celebrations at the farm and this year is no different! Following safety procedures and protocols the farm has been able to create their wonderful holiday ambiance for so many to enjoy! This year they are pre-cutting their Christmas trees for purchase. While at the farm you can enjoy their delicious free hot chocolate stations. Their gift shop is open and full of wonderful gift ideas for those on your list! While this year they are not hosting their horse drawn wagon ride to cut your own tree it is important to note that is an annual opportunity they offer for families, be sure to check back next Christmas for hopeful rides! A family favorite of ours is their Christmas Fantasy Barn that holds their model trains, holiday window display and Santa’s workshop where you can get your photo taken with Santa! Photos are offered 10:00am-4:00pm each weekend! The farm now has transformed into a farm to table experience where their food and drinks are unlike any other! This is a great way to enjoy local draft beer, season cider and other wonderful cocktails with friends! This family owned farm is truly bringing the Christmas cheer this year! 

Another Lancaster favorite of my family’s is Hershey Park’s annual Christmas Candylane! Every year Hershey creates a light show like no other! With millions of lights this walking lane brings you to Santa his reindeer, rides and tasty treats! To maintain social distance tickets are needed to be purchased ahead of time. If you are not comfortable with walking through their Candylane Hersey is offering a drive through opportunity for families to enjoy over 600 light displays. Get your favorite cozy clothes on, stock up on your favorite chocolate treats and enjoy cruising through this winter wonderland! Not from the area or unable to do a day trip and enjoy these holiday events? Hershey is offering cookies from the Santa room package that includes free milk and cookies to enjoy as a family before, after or during your park exploration! Before heading home a must in our family is stopping at their gift shop to stock up on all our favorite sweets-these are wonderful stocking stuffers, or little extras to add to holiday gifts! 

The last holiday attraction I would like to share with you is at Stone Gables Estates. The Estates offer a variety of Christmas attractions, there is something everyone in your family will enjoy! Every Friday and Saturday from 5:00pm-9:00pm you can drive through their Christmas Lights, a beautiful trail full of bright lights! This is a 2.6 mile drive decked out in over 600,000 LED lights. On Saturdays and a few weekdays you can hop on the Santa Express and enjoy a Christmas experience through a narrated train ride, this includes holiday sing alongs, meeting Santa and enjoying delicious hot chocolate! The Estate also offers Christmas dinner at the Star Barn. This event gives you the chance to relax in a Christmas wonderland while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, and a delicious dinner. You can enjoy their gift shop, live christmas music and their village. Each of these Christmas attractions require tickets, I suggest booking in advance to ensure you and your loved ones can enjoy all that the Stone Gables Estates have to offer! 

While these are three of my favorite holiday attractions in Lancaster they are not the only ones. Be sure to check out downtown Lancaster, Lititz and other towns to enjoy their holiday season with gift shopping, enjoying their holiday decorations and local delicacies (always a great gift idea for someone you love). The holidays are always a wonderful way to get the family together, enjoy each other’s company and reflect on the year behind while looking forward to the year ahead. Get in the holiday spirit this year by trying one of the many wonderful attractions Lancaster has to offer or get creative with your family to create a new holiday tradition! Whether you and your family hop in the car to see the christmas lights, support a local business by buying one of their cookie kits or find a group of friends to host a virtual secret santa with Lancaster County is here to make this holiday season one that is unforgettable full of laughter, joy and love! 

 Contact Mary Sue Wolf to look at homes and properties that could bring you to live in our winter wonderland every year.  You will love it here!

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

Frying up Some Good Eats

What makes a community full of life, culture, laughs, smiles and happiness? Many would say good people, kindness and nice things to do but I would add good eats to that list! Great food and wonderful restaurants truly make a community flourish creating a space for neighbors to enjoy one another, great meals, laughter and time with their loved ones. Lancaster County is known for not only good eats but GREAT eats! The cities and towns that make up our county are full of some of the most tasty spots! Let’s celebrate those restaurants, delis, bakeries, cafes and eateries! Check out some of my go to favorite spots around town! 

Back in 2016 the New York Post highlighted our wonderful Lancaster and how great it is including the food scene being one of the best! 3 years later the New York Times took to their pages to praise our food spots as “a global feast”, you cannot disagree with that! While Lancaster has hundreds of wonderful spots to enjoy a meal I am just going to touch on two of my favorites so be sure to take time next time you are in the area to walk the streets of our wonderful towns and see if you can find some more great spots, truly a diverse array of food and atmospheres there is something for everyone! 

The first spot I would like to highlight is Rachel’s Cafe & Creperie. This spot has two locations, one in downtown Lancaster and the other in Richmond Square. They are open Tuesday thru Sunday 8:00am-3:00pm. Full of so many delicious options there are breakfast crepes, specialty crepes, dessert crepes, wonderful drinks and smoothies! Crepes were started in France back in the 13th century, this is just one of the many ways Lancaster food spots bring different origins to our community through food! With such an array of options this is a fun spot for a quick catch up with friends or trying a few crepes. A fun way to adapt with the pandemic is that their Richmond Square location offers crepe kits for pickup, talk about a fun way to spend your Saturday, learning to make crepes and enjoy them in the comfort of your home! 

The second spot I want to highlight for you all is Flora’s Restaurant. They are open Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays taking reservations and also offering take out. Their menu changes frequently which makes this spot a fun place to go to with a variety of options and new foods to try! Flora’s is a Latin restaurant, with the menu changing daily it gives restaurant goers a large palette of options within Latin food! A few unique aspects about Flora’s, their atmosphere is creative and fun with tables made out of instruments. They also have a podcast where people can submit questions that will then be featured on the podcast. Currently, Flora’s is in the process of manufacturing their sauces for retail! Flora’s also works to highlight local artists as they have a gallery on their website where you can see commissioned pieces as well as at their restaurant. Such a creative and great way to connect with local businesses and help one another! 

And Lancaster County is continuing to shape, grow and change within the food scene with wonderful chefs coming to our space to new regions of food being highlighted at restaurants and places opening! The excitement around the food scene is ever growing and changing! One spot I am excited to try is Collusion Tap Works coming to Lititz soon, it is going to be located in the Lititz Shirt Factory…what a cool piece of history. I am excited to see how it turns out! 

With so many great spots in Lancaster County it is hard to just pick a few favorite spots! It doesn’t matter how long you have been here you are always bound to run into a new food joint you have never tried! A great way to continue your Lancaster food journey is appetizer hoping! A fun activity for you and your friends, all you need is to pick one of our towns or a block in the city. Then one day or evening meet up with your friends and go to a handful of spots you’ve never been enjoying an appetizer or two before moving onto the next restaurant. This is a great way to try multiple places, support our local businesses and enjoy time with your loved ones! As the days get colder another great way to safely try new spots is ordering takeout once a month or a couple times depending on your routine! Enjoy the creativity and art of our wonderful restaurants, you’ll be full of delight! 

 Contact Mary Sue Wolf to look at homes and properties that could bring you to experience the delicious restaurant life of Lancaster County whenever you desire.  You will love it here!
For more information on wonderful homes call Mary Sue at 717-333-9653 or visit her website at WolfandWebb.com

Declutter Help Others

Many people think about Spring being the season of cleaning but why not make it the end of Fall too! Any time of year can be a good time of year to do some decluttering and cleaning within your house. As the pandemic has had many of us at home more than usual you may be noticing that you have A LOT of stuff! Maybe your grown children are back home and you are realizing you have old things from their high school days that haven’t been used in years, or you are starting to get ideas for decorating this holiday season and you are realizing with each bin you sift through there are more an more items you don’t even remember what you used them for, possibly you have been wanting to make the move to a smaller home and can’t take all the stuff with you that you’ve accumulated over the years. 

Whatever your reasoning is it is always a good idea to take some time to declutter within your home. I try to do it a few times a year to make sure we aren’t holding on to things we will never use, or have grown out of. Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks to start the declutter process and be successful:

  • Make it a family affair, set a few dates throughout the weekends that way everyone is able to help out
  • Create new organizational habits, consider folders or shelfs that become designated spots for your needs. You can label the folders-bills, mail, receipts
  • When going through papers, photos, magazines or documents consider having three options shred, file and recycle this way in the moment you aren’t adding it to a pile because you don’t want to deal with a private document or are finding doubles of old photos (with doubles a great thing to do is use it as a card for the person, write their birthday, thank you or even just a thinking of you on the back before mailing it and this is a great way to make a card personalized while saving on greeting cards)
  • Find a playlist you enjoy or tune in to a new artist and play music during your day of  decluttering, this keeps everyone in a good mood
  • Set goals-go through your closet, the garage, basement or house closets. Setting up goals for the declutters can keep you on track when trying to work through what might seem like a daunting task
  • When going through a drawer pull everything out and have a garbage bag nearby, take time to go through medicine cabinets and look at expiration dates of medicine or makeup. When you take everything out of a drawer or cabinet you are more likely to find things that need to be thrown out
  • When going through items many times I stop and question an item unsure if I should keep it or get rid of it- I now ask myself if I was shopping now would I buy this? Or, when was the last time I used this? If you are honest with yourself answering those two questions you know right  away what to do with the item
  • When going through books I have read I enjoy thinking about the story and passing it along to a friend I think would enjoy the book leaving a note for them to pass it to someone they think would like it once they finish the book, this is a great way to share something you enjoyed with someone and thoughtful for the individual’ that is receiving a new read
  • Stay organized, having designated bags, boxes or bins for donation, garbage, and giving to someone or selling. This is a great way to not mistake what might be able to be donated versus what has had it’s fair use and is time to get rid of
  • Be okay with taking time to reminisce, when decluttering you may come across old momentums that make memories flash before you. Take a moment and take in those memories or share a laugh with who it reminds you of
    • Take a lunch break, sometimes decluttering can cause some disagreements. It is always a good idea to take a break when everyone has worked for a few hours to enjoy a nice meal together. This is a great way to decompress before starting up the work again and remember what you are gaining by working through the decluttering-such as space, time, less to clean
  • Lastly, pick locations you can donate your stuff to. Finding local organizations that take appliances, furniture, clothing and other household favorites can be very easy

If you live in Lancaster County consider contacting Off the Street to donate your items. Off the Street is a non-profit that works to end homelessness helping individuals and families transition into housing. This organization takes furniture and other household items. Be sure to check their website for their current donation wish list. When donating to an organization checking their wish list or contacting the organization first is important you do not want to give them items they either do not need or can’t use. This makes more work for the volunteers at these sights. 

If you have gone through your closets and have a lot of clothing in good condition you have a lot of options consider making a bag of hand-me downs for someone you know, look at the consignment shops in the area if you would like to try to sell items, or contact Lancaster Food Hub! Lancaster Food Hub has a clothing bank where community members in need can shop for free! Clothing donations make up all the clothing that is distributed to community members, your donations truly are making a difference! As the pandemic continues it is important to note that more people than ever are looking to organizations like these to find support, if you have the ability to donate gently used items I am sure it is greatly appreciated!

These are both great organizations where you know that neighbors within the community are able to benefit from the materials you donate. Should you declutter your house and realize you have a lot that needs to go to the garbage and is not necessarily salvageable to be donated consider a monetary donation or volunteering your time. Both organizations have monetary donation spots on their websites as well as volunteer inquire forms. It is important to note these are not the only two nonprofits to donate to there are many wonderful organizations within our county working to help others! Organizations are taking precautions with the pandemic to ensure safety of volunteers, community members using their facilities and donations, look up how they are accepting donations, some are doing contactless pick up or contactless drop offs. 

As we make the season of Fall a new season of decluttering our homes or spaces let’s make it the start of the season of giving. Take time to give gently used items to wonderful organizations in Lancaster County who work to help those in need! This is one of the many reasons why Lancaster’s sense of community and neighborly love is ever present in the organizations and people who reside in our County. Be a part of that reason! 

 Contact Mary Sue Wolf to look at homes and properties that could bring you to experience the community of Lancaster and ability to join a space of supporting your neighbors. You will love it here!
For more information on wonderful homes call Mary Sue at 717-333-9653 or visit her website at MarySueWolf.kw.com