Written by Yana Alderfer
If you have read any of the Garden Spot Communities blogs before, then it comes to no surprise to you that Lancaster County has so many things to do no matter the time of year. The season of winter is no different, so grab those winter jackets, your friends and family and explore winter adventures in Lancaster County.
MUD SALES
Starting late-February to mid-April on Saturdays, the Amish community holds what are called mud sales, named for the condition of the ground that the end of winter and the beginning of spring brings. These events sell locally-made crafts, livestock, furniture, produce and baked goods, and so many more items as fundraisers for the volunteer fire companies in the Amish community.
LITITZ FIRE & ICE
Each February, Main Street of Lititz shows incredible ice sculptures for everyone to see. Not only can citizens and visitors of Lancaster County see the unbelievable art, but each day of the 10-day event, plus the day before, offers opportunities for people to see what life is like on the Main Street of Lititz from the shops, to the food, and to hear live music being played. Click for the itinerary here: Lititz Fire & Ice Festival.
TRY NEW FOOD PLACES
All over Lancaster County, citizens and visitors have the opportunity to try hand-made and freshly made food and drinks in so many areas. Right in New Holland, we have New Holland Coffee Co. (about 10 minutes from Garden Spot Village) that offers freshly made coffee, food, and bakery items. There are many options in Downtown Lancaster as well, for example, Annie Bailey’s Irish Public House (about 35-40 minutes from Garden Spot Village) serves modern American cuisine with the aesthetic of a traditional Irish pub. But if coffee and food isn’t what you’re craving and you want something sweet, then Fox Meadows Creamery, located in Leola (about 15 minutes from Garden Spot) gives people to the chance to try home-made ice cream of all different flavors in forms of a milkshake, in a dish, in a cone, or even served in between a warm cookie.
SEE A SHOW
Whether you’re bringing the kids, it’s date night or a night out with girls, Lancaster County has so much to offer when it comes to seeing live entertainment shows. For the kiddos, Fulton Theatre is the spot; Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre is a great spot for date night; and The Trust Performing Art Center is the perfect spot for seeing a show after dinner with the girls. Don’t miss the chance to watch many types of shows come to life with amazing actors, music, and dance.
TRY A NEW HOBBY
From upcycling projects to pottery classes or following an instructor while painting, Lancaster County offers so many opportunities for you to find your newest hobby or reintroduce a hobby from the past. These opportunities can be something you do for yourself on a solo date (an intentional, enjoyable activity you do alone) or you can invite your friends or family to join you. Explore painting classes at Painting with a Twist, pottery classes at Inspire Pottery or jewelry-making classes at The Beadworks.
FAMILY FUN
Good friendly competition with family is always fun. On a cold winter evening, bowling offers a delightful diversion for everyone. Dutch Lanes, located in Ephrata (about 20-25 minutes from Garden Spot) provides something for everyone with bowling (bumpers are available so everyone can play!), an arcade, and a snack bar. Groups larger than five are encouraged to make a reservation ahead of time.
If you want a chance to see the abundance of opportunities Lancaster County has to offer in the winter or any other season, visit Discover Lancaster.