In Lancaster County, summer is a time to celebrate, explore, and enjoy all that our beautiful county has to offer.
However seniors wish to spend their day, fun summer activities are everywhere you turn across the Lancaster County area. All you just have to do is know where to look!
To help you plan the perfect day or weekend trip here in Central Pennsylvania, our Pleasant View Communities team compiled this list of our favorite summer activities for seniors in Lancaster County.
Head to a Local Farmer’s Market
Lancaster County earned the name “Garden Spot” for a reason. Late Spring and Summer are the best time to visit local farmer’s markets and roadside stands. Enjoy a morning wandering around Root’s County Market and Auction here in Manheim, or take
a short trek into Lancaster City and visit Lancaster Central Market, the oldest continuously running public farmer’s market in the United States.
These are our two favorite markets, but they’re not open every day, so check their hours before you go!
For a little more adventure take a drive around Amish Country and stop at a few roadside stands. Most farmer’s markets and almost all roadside stands are cash only, so be sure to have a few bills in your wallet.
Explore the Lancaster Countryside
Seniors will enjoy the rolling hills and bright summer flowers dotting Lancaster County’s beautiful countryside. The County is packed with hundreds of acres of preserved natural land. A simple and memorable way to spend the day is to visit a local park or nature preserve for a stroll through the woods.
If you’re up for a beautiful scenic drive to Conestoga, one nature preserve worth exploring is the Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve. It was recently updated with additional benches and a parking area to make it easier to access – perfect for seniors looking for a relaxing hike among beautiful scenery.
Lancaster County is also flush with miles and miles of rail trails. A few of our favorites include the Enola Lowgrade Trail, Warwick-to-Ephrata Rail Trail, and the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail. Each trail is flat and level, perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride.
Enjoy Dinner and a Show Downtown
If the sun is too strong to spend the day outside, seniors can find respite in fun indoor activities this summer. A short drive intoLancaster city is all it takes to find world-class performing arts. The historic Fulton Theater offers a wide range of classic plays and musicals, performances with a modern flair, and a family series.
Enjoy a delicious meal before your show at one of Lancaster’s best restaurants, and prepare to be amazed by the talent found in our little city.
Step Back in Time to Live Lancaster’s Rich History
Inquisitive seniors may enjoy a trip to one of Lancaster County’s local museums. Central PA is home to a rich history of agriculturalists and religious groups. Learn more about both at the Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum in nearby Lititz.
Or travel back to the early 1700s at the Ephrata Cloister in Ephrata and the 1719 Museum, in Willow Street (formerly the Herr House and Museum). Each venue offers tours on limited days, so check each website for availability.
Transportation buffs will love the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, which sits next to the Strasburg Rail Road in Strasburg, America’s oldest continuously operating railroad. The Strasburg Rail Road has something to offer every generation, not just seniors. So, invite your family and enjoy a train ride through Amish Country.
Journey to Mount Hope Estate
For seniors who want an excuse to get away for the day, Mount Hope Estate is a short drive from Manheim. The venue is the
home of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire in August and October, but during the summer months, visitors can enjoy other events hosted on the grounds, including the Flavorfest wine event, a craft Brewfest, the Celtic Fling & Highland Games, and the Blues & Brews event, featuring blue crabs and local brews.
Advance tickets are required for some events, so be sure to visit the venue website for more information before you go.
Mount Hope is also home to one of the many wineries along the Lancaster County Winery Trail – a lovely way for seniors to sip and snack their way through the county this summer.
Experience Summer with Us in Lancaster County
While you’re enjoying our picturesque county, don’t forget to visit our beautiful Pleasant View campus. We’ll take you on a tour to show you the beauty and joy of carefree living and how our on-site care services will be there for you through every phase of senior life. Contact us to learn more and to schedule a tour.
