Suffice it to say, travel during the COVID-19 pandemic is different. But rest assured, there are still plenty of opportunities to get away, to relax and to recharge – even close to home. For Berks residents looking for a change of pace just a short trip away, invest in an overnight or weekend in Lancaster County.
Photo courtesy The Inn at Leola Village
A Place to Call Home
Start by figuring out where you’ll rest your head. If you’re looking for homey, romantic and beautiful accommodations, we suggest a stay at The Inn at Leola Village, A Historic Hotel of America. Certainly a place for lovebirds (they’re known for hosting weddings), the boutique-style property offers an assortment of room types and packages, with some spaces featuring cozy fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs, too. If you’re visiting in the spring, summer or even early fall, be sure to explore the onsite gardens. You’ll feel like you’re a world away, and at times, like you have the place all to yourself.
And don’t dismiss the Inn’s own dining experiences. Osteria Avanti serves up refined Italian cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. Dishes on the menu are crafted with hand-picked produce from the onsite herb garden and wine lovers can choose from a list with more than 450 selections. Remember that while reservations are not required, they’re certainly recommended.
Pampering is also a must-do here as The Spa at Leola Village is Lancaster’s only Forbes Travel Four Star Awarded Spa, offering services including Bamboo Massage, CBD Massage, an assortment of facial treatments, the Aromatherapy Oil Wrap, Men’s Mani/Pedis and much more. theinnatleolavillage.com
Photo courtesy Venture Lititz
Cool Finds by Car
Because you’ve driven to your destination, a quick hop in the car and short drive can whisk you to some wonderful spots just minutes from Leola. Among them is Lititz, one once dubbed “America’s Coolest Small Town” by Budget Travel magazine.
Head downtown and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a southern spot like Savannah, GA, or the charming Charleston, SC. It’s an independent shop lover’s find with fun stores like Aaron’s Books (aaronsbooks.com) for new and used reads, Candy*ology (litizcandyology.net) for lovers of nostalgic candies as well as more modern creations, Indulge Lititz (indulgelititz.com)
for 35 flavors of uniquely flavored ground and whole bean coffee, and Paw Print Gifts
(pawprintgifts.com) to bring home a gift for your feline or canine family member.
Don’t leave without stopping into the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery if you’re a fan of the crunchy snack. Did you know the Sturgis Family is the First Family of Pretzels? Learn more about the 150-year company housed in a 1784 property that is one of the original buildings in Lititz by booking a tour (advance at juliussturgis.com). You can also get a hands-on lesson in pretzel twisting, and of course, shop all of the delicious finds on site.
Pair your salty snack with a taste of sweet chocolate when you visit the Wilbur Chocolate Retail Store (wilburbuds.com), home of the famous Wilbur Buds. Pick up some of their famous milk or semi-sweet chocolate drops which were first introduced in 1894.
If lunch is on the agenda, make a stop at the Tomato Pie Café (tomatopiecafe.net). Enjoy items from what owners deem a “simple but artful menu,” including the namesake Signature Tomato Pie, a Fisher Family original featuring seasoned red tomatoes baked in a flaky pie crust and covered with a rich, cheesy topping. Quiche is also a popular choice – try the featured flavor during your visit! The café serves up coffee creations galore, too, so feel free to grab your favorite beverage to-go.
Discover more of what downtown Lititz and beyond has to offer at lititzpa.com.
Photo courtesy Kitchen Kettle Village
More to Explore
Outside of downtown Lititz, on 80+ acres of natural woodland is a place that is truly unique and a must-visit for animal and wildlife enthusiasts: the Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania (wolfsanctuarypa.org). The property, owned by the Darlington Family, is home to 40 or so wolves and wolf dogs, providing them with necessary food, shelter and veterinary care, as well as acting as an educational facility regarding the animals. The nonprofit offers guided tours of the property and celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2020.
If you’re a foodie, head to nearby Gordonville for Kitchen Kettle Village, a historic Pennsylvania Dutch district featuring more than 40 specialty shops, restaurants, a canning kitchen, a bake shop and more. Here you’ll find locally crafted goods and goodies, as well as name-brand items and sometimes unexpected entertainment along the Village’s quaint walkways. The seasons are often celebrated here with fun events. Visit online at kitchenkettle.com for more details.
Love goats and farm animals? You can find them in abundance in Lancaster County. Just a short trip from The Inn at Leola Village is Misty Creek Goat Dairy, a stop where you can feed the goats and purchase items including goat’s milk, scented soaps and even kombucha. Ask how to get there as it’s a locally-owned Amish business without a website.
Kids might especially love a visit to The Lil’ Country Store and Miniature Horse Farm (lancasterminihorses.com) where they can visit and pet miniature horses, as well as goats, alpacas and chickens. Treasure hunts can also be booked on the property for a private experience with a member of the Stoltzfus family, as can horse workshops, cart and saddle rides.
As you can see, there’s plenty to explore and discover just one county over and about an hour away!
