Home to rich religious history, the northeastern Lancaster County town of Ephrata represents cultural diversity, while still incorporating many Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish traditions. The surrounding countryside blends with the bustle of the downtown district to create a unique small-town destination.

Founded in 1732, Ephrata was historically known as a pleasure resort and agricultural community. It became home to America's first communal religious society, the Ephrata Cloister, which is still a popular historical attraction today. In addition, the town also offers a nice mix of local shops and boutiques, farmers' markets, theatre, restaurants, events and homey lodging. Explore many of these destinations, plus beautiful countryside and covered bridges, by driving the Northern Amish Countryside Trail.

Ephrata Events

• Third Friday's a Charm, third Friday of every month
• Tour de Ephrata, late April
• Community Days at Ephrata Cloister, late April, May, and October
• Ephrata Street Fair, late September
• Apple Dumpling Days at Ephrata Cloister, early October
• Christmas at the Cloister, mid December
• Lantern Tours at Ephrata Cloister, late December
• Live music, shopping events and tea nights at Ten Thousand Villages, throughout the year