On the Map: Still Life with Lunch in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
By Mark McNease
We made another of our favorite getaway trips to Strasburg, PA, to visit friends. I’ve always told people we were going to Lancaster, but this was actually the first time we took a several-hour trip to that city just a short drive away. You can read about a previous trip HERE, complete with a slideshow, sites to see, and our recommendation for the wonderful Carriage House hotel. We always stay there, and it just seems to keep getting better. We book the large suite adjacent to the office, providing us a comfortable bedroom and a second room with a couch, second TV, and table perfect for my laptop.
This time we made sure to go to Lancaster proper, and I was nicely surprised. For some reason I’d always assumed it was a small-ish town like Strasburg, but it’s much bigger. It’s a historical city that has both a sense of history, and modernity, and an almost college-town vibe. I have to make special mention of the restaurant where we ate lunch, C’est La Vie. The food was outstanding, and our server, Ben, deserves stars of his own.
About Lancaster
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is located in the heart of Lancaster County. It’s the county seat, and with a population of over 59,000 residents, it’s the largest city in the county. It’s also one of the most populous cities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Lancaster has a rich history dating back to 1729 when it was first established by William Penn’s sons. It became an important center for trade during colonial times, and remained a commercial for most of its existence.
The historic downtown district features museums, galleries, art studios, and boutique shopping centers that all showcase the culture and charm of Lancaster. Visitors can also explore some of its natural beauty with lots of parks to choose from, and trails galore for biking or walking, with the added attraction of stunning views of the Susquehanna River.
Visitor looking for nightlife won’t be disappointed. There are plenty of bars, restaurants serving up local cuisine, and music venues where you can take in live performances from both local and national acts. The cultural scene’s alive as well with The Fulton Theatre being one of the oldest theatres in continuous operation in America.
Whether you’re visiting or looking to relocate permanently, Lancaster offers something for everyone, from young professionals to retirees. With a rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, stunning natural scenery, and modern amenities all within reach – it won’t take much convincing to see why so many flock here each year!
On the Map is a feature at LGBTSr highlighting travel experiences and recommendations.
Copyright MadeMark Publishing