Spend your Pennsylvania vacations in Lancaster County at Swiss Woods B&B Inn and enjoy the area attractions and numerous activities.
Author Carol Martino from Good Life Destinations visited Lititz and wrote a truly wonderful blog post on the town. Her insight into the wide variety of things to do and see is inspiring and will give you a good idea of what Lititz is all about.
We do not pretend to have an exhaustive list of everything within easy reach of the Swiss Woods Inn listed here. We are smack dab in the middle of Lancaster, Hershey, and Gettysburg and within easy access of Longwood Gardens and Philadelphia, an area of the country just loaded with history, antiques, theater, museums, and parks. Following are some of our favorites, but there is so much more!
Lititz, the gem of Lancaster County! Check the local news, forums, event listings, and more. Enjoy the charm and history of the 18th century as you stroll along tree-lined streets with unique shops, inns, stores, galleries, and a variety of businesses. This small town is so well preserved and is lined with small shops, a tea room, and the newest addition, a chocolate cafe, is also home to Wilbur Chocolate.
The second Friday of every month, Lititz retailers promote special events in the downtown area. There are musicians, special food, and entertainment. Join us for these fun times. The Lititz web site has an up-to-date calendar.
For all you bird watchers out there Swiss Woods is the perfect spot to access some of the best birding in Lancaster County. Every year 10's of Thousands of Snow Geese and Tundra Swans migrate through the northern end of the county and stop at Middle Creek Wildlife Preserve. Many stay stay here at the lake as well during February and March. All year we are home to several hundred different species of birds being fortunate have both water fowl, meadowland, swamp, and forest. June: Bluebirds are nesting, Cardinals have raised a brood, Baltimore Oriels and Summer Tangers are both here and Guests have spotted several Pilated Woodpeckers in the woods.
Follow the Lancanster County Bed and Breakfast Association Blog for creative and up to the minute activities in Lancaster County. There is no end to the variety of activities available.
While we love the countryside and all it has to offer, we also enjoy a night out in the city. Down-town Lancaster has so very much to offer, from fine restaurants to excellent theater. The first Friday of every month, there are expanded activities as well. We will update this space with our favorites. For a complete list, visit this Downtown Lancaster web site.
Lancaster County Visitors and Conference Bureau
The Official Site of the Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau. Here you can find a list of all things open on Sunday as well as current events. Well worth a stop when planning your trip.
Red Rose Segway Tours
A totally unique way to see the city. Follow the link above to their website for the latest tours and schedules. Guest feedback on this tour has been exceptional.
Mennonite Information Center, Historical Society & The Tabernacle Reproduction
Our knowledgeable staff and exhibits interpret the faith and the practices of Amish and Mennonite peoples, explain the meaning and purpose of the original Old Testament Tabernacle, and help area visitors to better enjoy their visit to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Hershey, PA
Visit the "Sweetest Place on Earth." It is a short 25 min drive from the Inn.
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, Mount Hope PA, (just north of Manheim, just south of Lebanon and only 10 minutes from Swiss Woods) Thousands come for this weekend Faire and all the other wonderful varied activites available throughout the year.
Longwood Gardens
Just a little over an hour from the Inn, it is a wonderful drive through Amish country. We just love this botanical garden of the DuPont family. Their Web site is filled with special events. A must see if you are in this part of the country.
Renningers Flea Markets
This is the flea market of all flea markets. Several times a year they have Antique Extravaganzas.
Restaurants that we recommend:
The General Sutter Inn
On the square in Lititz, it has a wonderful outdoor patio for use in nice weather. It is the quintessential, old country inn, and you will enjoy dinner here. Adjacent to the General Sutter is the Bull's Head Public House specializing in craft beers on tap. Good pub food in an old-world style, we expecially love the fish and chips. If you enjoy craft beer, you will love this spot!
The Old Lincoln House
The Old Lincoln House is just a few miles from the Inn and has wonderful food and a great atmosphere.
The Log Cabin
Just a few miles from the Inn back a winding country road. This property just reopened with new chefs and a new menu. The buildings are fantastic.
Checkers Bistro
One of the newstest additions to Lancaster's resturant scene. Fresh ingredients, really great service and a touch of French on the menu.
Located near Franklin and Marshall College, focuses on local sustainable foods served creatively. Excellent choices in a great atmosphere.
Strawberry Hill
Strawberry is located in downtown Lancaster as well. Fine dining, and a fantastic wine cellar.
Gibraltar's Mediterranean Grill
This would be our recommendation if you are looking for a seafood dinner. It is in downtown Lancaster near Franklin and Marshall College
Lily's on Main
Who would think meatloaf could be served in such style! Our guests rave about the raspberry chicken.
Old Greenfield Inn
Casual but nice atmosphere and great food. Our guests bring home rave reviews!
The Cameron Estate Inn and Restaurant
This is also the spot that we send folks looking for an inn wedding.
Carrs
Carrs offers a menu which is simple, direct, yet fine-edged. The offerings are best described as an eclectic combination of flavorful dishes, with regional tastes.
Scooters
If you are looking for casual bar food, Scooters is hard to beat. Plenty of TVs to catch whatever sports is going on as well.
The Chocolate Cafe
A "not to miss" place even if only for a cup of their amazing hot chocolate. This is a perfect place for lunch while roaming the fun streets in Lititz.
Other Area Attractions:
The PA Wolf Sanctuary
Located just a short mile from the Inn on the upper side of Speedwell Forge Lake, this sanctuary is fascinating and well worth a visit. If you are interested in the rescue of this type of wild animal, this is a must see. Our guests have especially enjoyed their monthly full-moon tours. These take place on specific Saturday evenings and include music and a bonfire. For a complete description and full list of dates, visit the events part of their Web site.
Rainbow Dinner Theater
We love dinner theater and this is one of the best. Comedy at it's best.
The Fulton Opera House
Built in 1852, the Fulton features the graceful elegance of the Victorian Era. This national historic landmark offers behind-the-scenes tours with stories of some of the biggest names in entertainment and the rich history that makes this theatre unique. Check out their schedule. We recommend dinner at Effie Ophelias followed by a performance at the Fulton.
Sight and Sound Millennium Theater
Inspirational theater with sets to rival Broadway! Follow the link for current productions and tickets.
American Music Theater
A wide variety of shows from Anne Murry to the Capital Steps. The link will take you to their events for 2010. Plan your stay around a performance by your favorite entertainer.
Nissley Vineyards
One does not usually think of vineyards in Lancaster, but Nissley Vineyards is located in Marietta along the Susquehanna River. In the summer, their lawn concerts are a must do. Ask about our Picnic Baskets. Tickets are available here at the inn. We would love to help you plan your evening in the vineyard. Watch for our special picnic packages!
Waltz Vineyards
The Waltz family started the vineyards on the family farm that has been theirs for generations.. Not only does the location have an amazing view over Lancaster County farmlands, but the wines are wonderful. They are a short drive from the Inn and well worth a visit. Closed Sunday.
The Ephrata Cloister
National historic landmark founded in 1732. German religious community. This is a beautiful place to walk and interesting to visit. The tour of the restored buildings is also fascinating.
If you are visiting with us in December, the evening candlelight choral performances are a must see. Ask us for the schedule. We update our calander with the most current activities going on here.
Cornwall Iron Furnace
Cornwall Furnace, in blast from 1742 to 1883, is one of the best-preserved, 19th-century, charcoal, iron-making facilities in the world. The massive stone furnace, steam-powered, air-blast machinery, and several related buildings survive intact. Primarily a producer of pig iron products, Cornwall Furnace cast cannons for the American Revolution. .
Demuth Foundation
Restored home and garden of early American, modernist painter Charles Demuth (1883-1935), in historic Downtown Lancaster, are open to the public as a museum with a permanent collection of Demuth art and memorabilia and rotating exhibits. Adjacent to the Demuth Tobacco Shop c. 1770 - the oldest operating tobacco shop in America.
The Hans Herr House
The Hans Herr House, built in 1719 by Hans' son, Christian, is the oldest surviving dwelling place of European settlers in what is now Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It is the oldest still-standing Mennonite meeting house in the Western Hemisphere. It is reputed to have been the home of Hans Herr and his wife, Elizabeth. It was certainly the home of Christian Herr and his wife, Anna, and several of Christian and Anna's children. Both Hans Herr and Christian Herr were bishops of the Mennonite faith.
Landis Valley Farm Museum
Landis Valley Museum is a nationally significant, living-history museum that collects, conserves, exhibits, and interprets Pennsylvania German material, culture, history, and heritage from 1740 through 1940. Parts of the movie, "The Color Purple," were filmed here.
Horst Auction
This is the classic estate auction site that has auctions most Wednesdays.
Hot Air Ballooning
For those wanting a balloon ride over Lancaster County, the views from the air are simply amazing. Be sure to let them know you found them on our website.
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
Experience the fantasy of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire! This venue is just 10-15 minuites from the Inn and well worth the trip.
Wheatland
The Lancaster estate of President James Buchanan.
Lancaster's Central Market
The oldest inland farmers market in the US. The building has been beautfully restored and is open Tuesdays, Friday's and Saturday.