Explore Lancaster's Creative Side

What is your creative side?  Fine arts, crafts, antiques, music and theater, food and even fun for the kids, we've got ideas for everyone!  Check out our ideas below and let your creativity begin.

Fine Art Admirer

From paintings and sculpture to photography and mosaics, the streets of Downtown Lancaster (particularly its "Gallery Row") and the neighboring towns and villages hold plenty of art for any taste and style. Varieties of pottery, drawings, homemade jewelry and much more are available for purchasing or simply admiring. Peruse galleries for that perfect painting, and meet artists in person throughout Downtown Lancaster during First Fridays. Many museums are also filled with artistic creations, ranging from historical collections to hands-on activities.

Handmade Goods Collector

Not all art is presented as a canvas to hang on your wall; many of Lancaster County's treasures are made by hand for the rest of your home. Stroll along the streets of small towns and villages and duck into charming local shops filled with unique handmade crafts, hand-stitched quilts and fine Amish furniture. Tour the Lancaster Quilt & Textile Museum to learn more about these cozy creations. Factory tours such as the Susquehanna Glass Company offer a sneak peek into what it takes to make these unique wares.

Antiques Explorer

Searching for that perfect bargain on a treasure of the past? Lancaster County is filled with antiques and local treasures, starting with the antique malls in Adamstown that pack in more than 3,000 dealers. (Hint: grab your coffee for the fantastic deals that can be found at early-morning auctions.) Shops throughout the county also house historic gems, so head to Downtown Lancaster and other villages to hunt down the rare finds. 

Theater-goer

In the mood for a dramatic tale? Craving a musical comedy? Or, perhaps, an evening show that offers a hearty meal to go with it? Whether it be dinner theatres featuring original musicals or historical theatres with Broadway classics, sample all Lancaster County has to offer in theatrical entertainment for the thespians at heart.

Music Lover

If you're a finger snapper or toe tapper, Lancaster County promises to live up to your musical expectations! Listen to the classics and original musical stylings of the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra or at the world-class The Ware Center at Millersville University, or hit up a theatre for one-of-a-kind musical performances found nowhere else! During the summer, relax under the stars on with family and friends during outdoor concert series at local parks and wineries.

Edible Art Seeker

See how our edible creations are made, and sample them too! Sweet tooths will enjoy chocolate attractions such as Wilbur Chocolate Factory Store in Lititz or Hershey's Chocolate World. Make your own twisted creation at the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery in Lititz or Intercourse Pretzel Factory. See how salty snacks are made on the the Herr's Snack Factory Tour. Check out the art of canning delectable jams, jellies and salsas in Intercourse at Kitchen Kettle Village's Jam & Relish Kitchen or the Intercourse Canning Company. In the mood to try your own hand at edible creativity? Grab a big basket and construct a feast of fresh produce, meats, cheese and baked goods from local farmers' markets.

Imaginative Youngster

No need to worry about your kids getting bored exploring the creative side PA Dutch County! Take them to kid-friendly museums such as the Hands-on House Children's Museum, North Museum of Natural History & Science, National Toy Train Museum and the new Lancaster Science Factory - all offer interactive activities and events designated to show the little ones an educational and entertaining time. They'll also love digging their hands into pretzel-twisting and chocolate-making tours, so check out our edible art ideas!

Creativity Escaper

There's no need to be afraid of the wide word of creativity, especially when Lancaster County makes it so simple for you to ease right in! Hop in your car and admire the drive-able art that is our historic covered bridges on five unique tours. Take a historic walking tour through Downtown Lancaster and pop into the Fulton Theatre for a ghost tour. Round out your day with lunch or dinner at a fine restaurant, where gourmet chefs create masterpiece dishes using fresh local ingredients. And don't forget our wineries and breweries; there's certainly an art to making these local delicacies!