Sep 19 2014
Fall Farm Days
October 11, 12, and 13
Amish Farm and House
In addition to our guided house tours, guests will be able to join us out on the farm for a variety of family-friendly activities that include a burlap slide, pumpkin launching, hay wagon rides, hay pile scavenger hunt, corn maze, and much more.
(717) 394-6185
Sep 15 2014
Day Out with Thomas
September 15-21
Strasburg Rail Road
Join Strasburg Rail Road™ for a special Day Out with Thomas as Percy travels from the Island of Sodor for his national debut in Strasburg. For the special event, your ticket includes a train ride with Thomas, opportunity to meet Percy, lots of exciting activities, and a complete selection of
Thomas merchandise. Tickets range from $21-$29.
(866) 468-7630
www.ticketweb.com
Jul 07 2014
2nd Sunday Flavor Fair
Held right outside of BUiLDiNG CHARACTER on the 300 block of North Queen St in Downtown Lancaster, this fair is held every second Sunday and is open to all who decide to attend at no cost. There is free parking and the only thing you need to pay for is the food. To get more information please visit BUiLDiNG CHARACTERS website.
Intercourse Canning Company Anniversary Food Extravaganza
This month the Intercourse Canning Company will be holding a special event every Saturday to celebrate the 17 years that they have been in business. To get more information about the events being held you can visit their Facebook page.
Bridges and Beer Tour
The Bridges and Beer tour happens only a couple times out of the year so it is always better to book in advance to reserve your spot. This backroads tour of Amish Country in Lancaster County will leave you yearning for a nice cold one. Lancaster County is also home to historic Covered Bridges, also known as “Kissing Bridges”. The Bridges and Beer tour will take you through some of the most beautiful and rare sights these days to these covered bridges and will also teach you some history about it. To get more information about this tour visit the Strasburg Scooters website.
Taste The World:Lancaster
Downtown Lancaster is known to locals as the food paradise because of all of the new trendy restaurants that are popping up everywhere. With all of the new restaurants appearing on the stretch of Downtown it’s now wonder that locals decided to team up and make an event that is held from May- November called Taste The World Lancaster. Since Lancaster has so many different restaurants with so many different flavors and ethnic food from hispanic food, Vietnamese, Indian, Italian, French.. everything !! To get more information about this event please visit the Taste The World Lancaster website.
To see all kinds of foodie fanatic events Lancaster County holds throughout the year you can visit the PA Dutch Country website and click on events. To book your stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Lancaster please call our toll free number at 888-STAY-FFI or visit our website.
Jun 30 2014
Image taken from parenfaire.com
The Mount Hope Estate & Winery is a MUST whenever in the Northern Lancaster area. With events happening year round this is a destination that can be visited at anytime throughout the year but the Summertime is an especially fun time to visit. There are always summer events happening from the Celtic Fling this weekend to the Renaissance Faire that takes over from August to October. A lot of these events do have the presence of alcohol so please keep that in mind when bringing small children to this event and also keep it in mind to have your valid identification card ready to show proof of age.
On the weekend of July 19th they will be having an extra fun event called Blues and Brews ! This event will let guests enjoy the wonderful tastes of Maryland with all you can eat blue crab, brisket and much more. There will be two different sessions held at different times, one in the morning and one in the evening so you have an option for which one you would like to attend. For more information click HERE to see prices and see how you can get your tickets for this fun event.
In July there will also be concerts held during the week. The first concert will be held on July 9th and will be presenting Tartan Terrors for night that the whole family can enjoy. To get more information about the band and how to get your tickets click HERE. On July 23rd Mount Hope will be presenting Dawes, a band from the Los Angeles area that has brought their talents to the East Coast. To get a full biography of the band as well as purchase tickets visit this website.
Last but not least the event of the season is the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire !! This year it is starting on August 2nd and will continue every weekend until October 26th. Every weekend there is a different theme; pirates, Scottish & Irish and closer to Halloween there will be Halloween & Spooky Nights themed weekends.
To book your stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Lancaster, PA you can visit our website or call our toll free number at 888-STAY-FFI.
Jun 24 2014
Downtown Lancaster will host the Craft Beerfest this September right on North Queen St across from Binns Park. On September 6th Lancaster will be hosting the second annual Beerfest to feed the growing number of people that love the creative and vibrant feel of Lancaster. There are expecting to have more than 2,000 attendees coming out and enjoying a refreshing brew rain or shine. Not only are attendees going to have the benefit of tasting crafted beer from around Lancaster County but also from around the country alongside some great food that is going to be served and awesome live music.
There are very specific rules about this event because of the presence of alcohol. People attending will need to be 21 years of age or older, NO EXCEPTIONS. This includes anyone who is attempting to gain access with a stroller, you will be turned away at the gate. These rules are very strict but only because of the alcohol that is going to be given out to people during the beerfest. There is the price of tickets for guests who come and drink as well as those who are attending to be there for their friends as a designated driver.
To get individualized pricing for tickets as well as more information about this event feel free to visit the Beerfest website. To book your stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Lancaster, PA you could visit our website or call our toll free number at 888-STAY-FFI.
Jun 12 2014
As I always say Lancaster County always has something going on. This weekend is Father’s Day and for all you foodie dads out there you might want to hint to your kids about sampling the Taste The World walking tour of Downtown Lancaster. This is a foodie MUST ! You can literally “taste the world” in a small 5-10 block radius from Indian to Hispanic and everything in between. This Friday, June 13th, the theme for taste the world is meat dishes so for the carnivores this is an especially fantastic treat for you all !
Baron Von Schwein is a food truck that is participating in this months meat themed week. They will be serving char siu bau which is a baked semi sweet bun stuffed with slow cooked pulled pork. YUM ! Check out their website to see all of their menu items as well as their schedule, just in case you completely fall in love with their delicious food !
Tellus 360 is a new spot in Downtown Lancaster for fresh food, live music and much more. They will be having Caribbean food served at their location. Caribbean Chez Nous will be serving stewed or fried goat, a hearty meal to get you off to a great walk.
The Commonwealth on Queen dedicated itself to delivering local fresh produce and food so that it reflects on the food that they serve. This Friday the Commonwealth on Queen is participating in this meat themed, taste the world event and they will be serving sausage roulade with herb gravy. I don’t know about you but that just sounds like a whole bunch of yummy richness in a bowl !
For all lovers of Asian cuisine the Sakura Asian Fusion on North Queen st will promise not to disappoint you with their delicious meal this weekend. They will be serving curry chicken with coconut milk, chili paste, string beans, carrots and pineapple. A little bit of everything to satisfy the palettes of everyone ! 
Spyro Gryros takes you to the Mediterranean with the wonderful flavors of Greece coming through in every dish that they serve. This week they will be serving souvlaki, meat cubes and fresh vegetables grilled on a skewer. Good fresh food on a stick, what can possibly be better?
Want to keep it homey with good ol’ Southern comfort food? Then make Willie Jame Soul Food at Lancaster your stop ! To keep along with meat inspired dishes, Willie James Soul Food will be serving Bettye Sue’s country fried chicken that is savory seasoned and fried to a nice golden crisp.
Last but certainly not least you can finish your carnivorous adventure of Lancaster at the Dolce Vita Courthouse Bakery. In my opinion there is nothing better then chocolate, chocolate dipped, covered, filled whatever. As long as there is chocolate it is going to taste amazing ! So to finish up your meal they are going to be serving their decadent chocolate cake…..literally does not get any better.
Photo was taken from La Dolte Vita Courthouse Bakery website.
Writing about all of this makes me want to get a ticket and explore the flavors of my hometown ! Be sure to purchase your tickets in advanced on the Taste The World website to reserve your spot for this delectable treat that happens only one time a month.
Jun 11 2014
Lancaster County has changed so much in the past 15 years that it’s kinda hard not to take notice. There is always something to do and somewhere to go for people from all different backgrounds and hobbies. From the artsy folk to the ones that love the great outdoors to the history loving aficionado there will never be a minute of boredom here !
The lovely outdoors in Lancaster County has a little bit of it all and it is all so close by you won’t need to go out of your way to be able to enjoy some fresh clean air.
Lititz, PA is having its Lovin’ Lititz Every Second celebration on Friday June 13th. It is an opportunity to explore the gems in this small town that was voted the coolest of America in 2013. Shops and restaurants stay open later for visitors to enjoy all of the “fruits of their labor”. To get more information visit the Lititz, PA website.
The Bridges and Beer Tour in Strasburg, PA is also a cool and informational tour that guests can go on to see the farmland of Lancaster County. Lancaster, PA is also known for its collection of historic covered bridges so this is another plus that attendants will get to enjoy. To get more information go onto the Strasburg Scooters website.
Wine By The Vine is a wonderful Summer concert series that is held every Friday at the Vineyard at Grandview in Mt. Joy, PA. Great for adult children to bring their parents or for a getaway with your sweetie this Fathers Day weekend. To get information on how to get tickets and see the Live performers this weekend visit the Vineyard at Grandview website.
In Lancaster, PA the Longs Park Ampitheatre also hosts a Summer music series that takes place on a grassy patch of land in this beautiful estate complete with pavilions, parks, a lake and plenty of activities to keep everyone occupied. This Sunday June 15th John Nemeth and the Bo Keys are playing their blues tracks. This is a rising band that will sure make you satisfied of your trip. To get the full Summer concert series you can visit the Longs Park Amphitheater website.
If your father is more of an indoor person that loves the arts and appreciates a good performance, than Lancaster is not in shortage of that either ! There are multiple theatres that can be visited through out Lancaster County.
Fulton Theatre is located in the center of it all. A block away from Gallery Row in Downtown Lancaster you can not only watch a show but also take a trip the the art galleries and see the works of art from artists that are local. This June they are showing the Les Miserables production at the Fulton Theatre. To purchase your tickets visit the Fulton Theatre website.
The American Music Theatre in Lancaster, PA is always putting fantastic productions. They vary from week to week so definitely check out their website before planning your trip. American Music Theatre website.
Take a step back and enjoy the simple things in life, all that can be found in Lancaster County. To book your stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suite you can visit our Facebook page, our website or call our toll free number at 888-STAY-FFI.
Jun 03 2014
Lancaster County is known as the center of PA Dutch Country, so it makes sense that there are a lot of farms in the area. Some of these farms give visitors the ability to take a look at what goes into keeping a farm running.
This fascinating tour in Manheim, PA shows you how dedication, hard work and state of the art technology can produce amazing product that the Kreiders are proud to call theirs. This hour and a half tour takes you into their facilities to see the cows and their resting place, a birds eye view of the milking carousel and of course a very informative travel guide giving you the latest information about these precious animals. To set up your tour you can visit the Kreider Farm website or call Deborah Lobb at 717-665-5039.
Are you and your family hands on ? Like to get involved in different activities together? Have a love for animals? Then the Farmland Fun Tour is just for you ! On this tour visitors will have the opportunity to milk a cow, collect eggs and so much more. You could even speak with a farmer and talk about the experiences of living on a farm. Along with the farm tour that is available here you could also become the farmers apprentice learning the tricks of the trade. To get more information about these tours and rates please visit the Farmland Fun website.
The Amish House and Farm is a wonderful insight into the lifestyle that the Amish have. Lancaster County has some of the more densely populated Amish Communities that have stayed here since they first settled. This is a very informative tour that kids will love and parents can appreciate because it can show kids the more laid back lifestyle that so many of us has forgotten. To get more information about this event or to book a tour visit the Amish Farm & House website.
This may not be a tour like the other locations but it sure is a wonderful treat to families with children. There are plenty of activities that the whole family can join in on from the corn maze to the barnyard there will not be a moment of boredom on this family trip ! As well as the activities that can be found year round the Cherry Crest Adventure Farm also has events that are held throughout the year. To get more information or to plan your visit, go onto their website and look at all the fun things you and your family can do !
Plan your trip to visit beautiful Lancaster County and its many treasures that can be found here. To book your stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites you can visit our website or call our toll free number at 888-STAY-FFI.
Jun 02 2014
Lancaster Online is always the source for breaking news, tips and highlights from past events. One article that I came across this morning was “21 Tips: How to pick the freshest summer produce”. This article gives tips on how to assure the freshest produce from the countless farmers markets that are dotted throughout the rolling hills of Lancaster County. Visit the Lancaster Online website for more information about Lancaster County !
Perfectly ripe berries are sweet-smelling and dark-blue. Avoid any with green or light-purple parts.
A cantaloupe that’s ready to eat has a sweet aroma and a good color (not too green). The fruit shouldn’t be too firm. The area around the stem should be starting to get a little soft.
Look for full ears and green husks. Steer clear of anything that looks brown or shriveled.
Choose a firm, green cucumber that isn’t too big or beginning to yellow. Like other veggies, once a cuke reaches a certain size, the rind and seeds will be too tough to chew.
Choose eggplant that is firm, not soft, and free of blemishes and brown spots. Leaves should be green and tight, not wilted or dried.
Look for a firm pepper with a green stem and an even color, free of wrinkles or skin defects.
Choose plump, juicy-looking berries that smell great. Berries that appear moldy or dry are a sign to move on.
Strawberries should be firm, red and sweet-smelling, with green leaves. As berries age and dry up, seeds will begin to pop out.
Beans should be firm, with good color (no brown spots) and slender, straight pods. Beans that are more bulbous can be stringy and not as tender.
The best tomatoes have a green stem and blemish-free exterior that’s still slightly firm. A brown stem is a sign that the tomato has been off the vine for a while. Tomatoes that aren’t yet deep, dark red will ripen up fully in a day or two.
This one can be tricky, even for farmers. The best way to determine freshness is to sample before buying. If that’s not possible, try thumping the watermelon. It should sound not quite hollow. After some trial and error, you’ll learn to recognize the sound of a ripe watermelon.
Squash should be firm, not rubbery, and free of brown spots (It bruises easily.). Any size tastes equally good, but gargantuan “baseball bat zucchini” generally isn’t worth the hassle.
Jun 02 2014
Galley Row on a First Friday
With the warmer weather in Lancaster County comes more outdoor activities !
The Summer concert series at Longs Park in Lancaster, PA will kick off on Sunday June 1, 2014 at 7 pm with Mingo Fishtrap performing. Every Summer Longs Park hosts its Summer music series that takes place on Sundays, rain or shine. Attendees are invited to bring their blankets, coolers, picnic baskets and lawn chairs to enjoy their Sunday night full of music and a relaxing evening. This event is free so everyone can come on and join in on a night of fun. To get more information about their Summer concerts and who will be playing visit the Longs Park Ampitheatre Foundation website.
The Vineyards at Grandview is an extraordinary location surrounded by the rolling hills of Lancaster County. Located Northwest of Downtown Lancaster in the town of Mount Joy this vineyard is a wonderful escape for anyone who loves the country as well as wine. This Summer the Kennel family brings visitors a Summer concert series named “Wine by the Vine: On Deck”. Every Friday night this Summer visitors can come and enjoy a live outdoor concert for a small fee by purchasing tickets at the door or by purchasing them online. To get more information about this event you can feel free to visit the Vineyard at Grandview website.
Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery is also participating in this Summer Concert trend in Lancaster County. Their shows are put on every two weeks on Saturdays with entertainment starting at 5:30 pm. A small admission fee applies to every person that attends this event. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs, blankets and anything else that makes you comfortable. To get information about this event visit the Waltz Vineyards website.
Among the special locations that these events are held at Downtown Lancaster has a First Friday that is held on every first Friday of the month and a Music Friday that is held on every third Friday of the month with special events happening throughout downtown for visitors to have the chance to take in all of the fun and excitement of Lancaster.
Lititz, PA, voted 2013 Americas coolest small town also has Lovin’ Lititz Every Second with takes place in the center of Lititz on every second Friday of the month. For both events shops and restaurants are open late and people are buzzing around in these cool downtown areas for visitors to browse and shop around and see all the cool knick knacks that can be found here.
Visit Lancaster Onlines website to see photos from Mingo Fishtrap performance at the ampitheatre in Long’s Park on Sunday June 1.
Hospitality | Commercial | Residential | Storage