Lancaster PA in the winter

[kilee]

We are headed to D.C. for a few days in late February. I'd like to tack an extra 2 days onto the trip somewhere else between there and home (WNY area). Anyhow, I originally thought of staying at the Great Wolf's Lodge in the Poccono's. BUT- my son and I are the only one's that would enjoy this (dh and my parents aren't into the idea). Anyhow, I was thinking of the Lancaster PA area. I think this might suit everyone's tastes. However, is it primairly a summer place to visit?? Also, it's going to be mid-week. Not sure if that is going to make a difference.

 

[tmt martins]

Can you say OUTLET shopping and some train stuff .

Might want to stop at Baltimore lots always going on at the inner harbor.

 

[motherhen17404]

I live about 40 miles west of Lancaster. Sorry to say winter is not really the best time to visit Lancaster. The best time to visit the Lancaster area is in the fall. We love watching all the farmers harvesting their crops using only work horses and wagons. But there still are things to do in the winter. The Strasburg railroad is a fun place to visit. http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/ And the small towns around Lancaster have plenty of shopping. Bird in Hand and Intercourse are really fun to walk around and explore. Sometimes DH and I just like to drive around and look at farms. I am a country girl so that stuff is interesting to me. There are also several musical theaters around that put on some good shows. And there are some good places to get PA Dutch food. For some fun, look for a place that says the serve "family style". You sit with other people and just pass the food around. We have met some very interesting people that way. Hope this gives you some ideas. Oh, a small warning. A lot of people like to do the Hersey Choc. World tour ride at Hersey Park. It is open year round, but that is closed down for a few months, other wise I would recommend that.

 

[kilee]

Thank you for letting me know about the Hershey Tour. That was one of the possibilities on my list.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I live in Lancaster County. If you want the farming portion, then not much to see in the winter. I love the spring when the fields are just coming alive. It is so beautiful. The restaurants are open and very tasty. The tours are still done and the Amish are more likely to be out and about in their buggies since winter is a slow time for them. The Central Market is in full swing. Any other questions please feel free to PM me.

 

[hentob]

Also at Hershey is a 4D movie (think Muppet Vision 3D & Tough to be a Bug movie at Animal Kingdom) that is really cute. It is inside the same building that houses the Chocolate Factory Tour (the tour is free, the movie is not). Outlets in both Lancaster and Hershey.

I second the Baltimore Inner Harbor! The Maryland Science Center is fantastic!!! And of course, the aquarium and ship tours are nice too.

Have fun

 

[luvmyeor]

I would not recommend Lancaster in the winter. The spring or fall would be a much better time to see Lancaster. I think Baltimore would be a better choice. There's plenty to do at Inner Harbor: aquarium, science center, shopping and plenty of nice restaurants.

 

[disneysteve]

I'm going to disagree. We often go to Lancaster for a weekend in the winter - Jan. or Feb. There is plenty to do and it isn't nearly as crowded as in the summer months. Lots of outlet shopping, as mentioned: Rockvale Square, Tangiers and others. A short drive to Strasburg for all the train related attractions: Strasburg Railroad, Choo-Choo Barn, PA Railroad Museum. A couple of nice dinner theaters in Lancaster. Some great buffet restaurants. Isaac's Deli.

You can easily find enough to amuse yourselves for a couple of days. A great place to stay is Willow Valley. It's a little ways off the main drag but has a couple of indoor pools/waterpark, restaurants, a tremendous Sunday brunch. Very nice place to kick back and relax.

 

[PaulaSue]

Ditto on not the best in the winter time. You can shop all year round but other stuff much better in warmer weather.
(I'm in York too.)