The Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, established in 1861, is the first commercial pretzel bakery in America.  Visitors can tour the original 19th century pretzel bakery, get a hands-on lesson in pretzel twisting, and learn the history of pretzel making in the United States.  You can also see old-fashioned soft pretzels being made by hand.

The Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery retail store features hand-made soft pretzels, as well as many varieties of hard pretzels baked by the direct descendants of Julius Sturgis at Tom Sturgis Pretzels in Reading, PA.  These include traditional Dutch, Hard, and Thin pretzels, as well as new flavored pretzels like Honey Mustard and Onion, Hot Cheese, Sesame and Cinnamon & Sugar.  For sweet lovers, the store offers a wide selection of chocolate-covered pretzels. 

The Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery underwent extensive renovations in 2007 and is newly restored and updated. Since reopening, the bakery is once again operated by the Sturgis family, the oldest pretzel baking family in America."

If you can't make it to Lancaster County, you can buy Tom Sturgis pretzels online at www.tomsturgispretzels.com