Why Lancaster, Pennsylvania?
Lancaster has a distinct eye on the future, which is rolling smoothly into an energetic resurgence of the downtown area. The beautiful city of Lancaster is located in south-central Pennsylvania amidst Amish farm country, just minutes away from Harrisburg, York, and Reading. Falling just east of the mighty Susquehanna River, Lancaster was originally settled in 1718 and is the oldest inland city in the United States.
Lancaster is rich with historical heritage and houses a vibrant and ever-thriving art community. The city’s culture is centered around its community, and its citizens passionately support the incredible restaurants and small businesses within its perimeter.
Studies have shown that when you support an independent, locally owned business (rather than nationally owned) a significant amount of your money is then used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers, and farmers—thus creating sustainable communities.
Lancaster thrives because of the amazing businesses within it. Come visit and enjoy the city with us!
Some Local Attractions
- Central Market – fresh local goods sold in a historic downtown atmosphere
- Lancaster Barnstormers – Atlantic League professional baseball
- Eastern Market – local fresh produce, ethnic foods, music, special events
- North Museum of Natural History & Science – exhibits, special events, lecture programs, field trips and 3rd largest planetarium in PA
- Fulton Opera House – National Historic Landmark, providing theater since 1852
- Rockford Plantation – elegant 1794 mansion of Gen. Edward Hand, the Adjutant General of the Continental Army
- James Buchanan’s Wheatland – tour the Federal mansion of America’s 15th president
- Demuth Museum – Charles Demuth’s restores artists’ studio, gardens & 18th century home & art gallery – oldest U.S. tobacco shop
- Lancaster Museum of Art – local, national & international artists’ visual arts exhibits
- Lancaster County Historical Society – exhibits of fine art, crafts, artifacts & documents, library – archives available for genealogical research
- Lancaster Cultural History Museum – regional 18th and 19th-century furniture, quilts, silver & fraktur
- Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church – a station of the Underground Railroad, presents living historical productions
- Pennsylvania College of Art & Design – offers BFA in fine art, Illustration & graphic design, plus certificate, credit, and non-credit courses