TC Shadowlight’s Guide of Things to Do in Lancaster County, PA

You might think Lancaster County is a quiet, rural area, but don’t let the map fool you. Within a 55-mile radius of our studio, you’ll discover a vibrant community offering a wealth of experiences. From world-class shopping and dining to historical sites and unique entertainment options, there’s a local activity for everyone near TC Shadowlight. 

To help you make the most of your visit, we created a guide of things to do in Lancaster County so you can plan some fun on your trip. In a hurry? We created some easy maps with some of our favorite places highlighted.

Places to Eat

A good meal can make or break a trip. We take our food seriously here and have tested out the best restaurants in Lancaster County, so you’ll get a good meal no matter what. 

Luca

If you love Italian, Luca is a must.  They showcase fresh, locally sourced ingredients in their dishes, from vibrant vegetables to succulent roasted meats and handmade pasta. The beverage program complements the menu perfectly, with an extensive selection of Italian wines from various regions and classic Italian cocktails. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Italy but without the plane ride.

Plough

Located in the middle of Downtown Lancaster’s historic district, Plough features a menu that combines Lancaster’s culinary history with a modern twist. Dedicated to sourcing local produce and meats, they offer seasonal menus to make sure you get the best and freshest ingredients.

Horse Inn

A Lancaster City staple since 1920, Horse Inn is a favorite of locals and out-of-town guests. Originally a stable transformed into a speakeasy, this historic spot boasts a rich history, a menu featuring local favorites, and a constantly evolving drink list. It’s easy to see why the Horse Inn remains a popular destination.

Josephine’s

Originally located in Marietta, Josephine’s relaunched in Lancaster in late 2019. Specializing in French cuisine, the chef and staff turn each meal into an unforgettable dining experience. Conveniently located near several theaters, Josephine’s has become a popular pre-theater and post-theater spot, usually featuring live piano music on the weekends.

Zoetropolis 

There aren’t many places like Zoetropolis. It boasts an on-site microdistillery and also functions as an independent movie theater. The theater can be rented for private events, making it ideal for celebrations and gatherings.  Zoetropolis is the destination for anyone who loves film, food,  drinks, and music.

Cabalar Meat Co.

Cabalar Meat Company is a family-owned neighborhood butcher and eatery based in Lancaster, PA. Specializing in delicious fries, burgers, and sandwiches, their goal is to be the place you’ll tell everyone about. And you will–we did. They also have a food truck you can rent for events to bring the happiness to you.  

Double C

A causal neighborhood spot that embodies PA farm-to-table, Double C has become a staple just off Gallery Row in Downtown Lancaster City. Their menu features a variety of burgers, tacos, seasonal salads, and rice bowls plus the bar offers, among other things, fresh squeezed margaritas. What more can you ask for?

Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar

At Harvest, sustainable, health-conscious, and locally sourced cuisine isn’t just a trend; it’s their foundation. They’re dedicated to featuring locally sourced ingredients that are in season so you’re guaranteed to get the best quality for your meal.

Passerine 

Named one of the New York Times Favorite Restaurants of 2024, Passerine is a neighborhood restaurant and bottle shop celebrating regional producers’ hard work and abundance of fresh ingredients. They specialize in French-American cuisine with batch-driven beverage programs, so you can try something new every time. 

Places to Visit

Now we know you’re probably visiting TC Shadowlight for business but there’s always some time for a little fun. In addition to places like Downtown Lancaster City and Downtown Lititz, Lancaster County is filled with every activity you can imagine for exploring rural Pennsylvania. From outdoor adventures to historic sites, you won’t be bored when you visit. 

Relaxation

If you’re looking for somewhere to relax and treat yourself, down the street is The Inn at Leola Village Spa. As Lancaster’s only Forbes Travel Four Star Awarded Spa, the Spa is a peaceful and relaxing wellness sanctuary where you can get facials, massages, and other wellness rituals. And with Gracie’s on West Main next door, you can get yourself a treat to reward yourself. 

Shopping and Antiquing

Lancaster County is a shopper’s paradise, offering a diverse range of retail experiences. From outlet stores to independently owned shops, you’ll find something for everyone. Our art galleries showcase the work of talented local and national artists, while our boutiques offer one-of-a-kind treasures, from vintage clothing to handcrafted glassware. 

Some of our favorite places to shop are:

• Kitchen Kettle Village
• Lancaster Central Market
• Bird-In-Hand Artisan Village
• Antiques Capital

Taking in a Show

Lancaster County has a strong performing arts culture. You’ll find a variety of theatres featuring musical, dramatic, magical, spiritual, and comedic productions, as well as dinner theater and interactive experiences. 

• Fulton Theatre
• Sight & Sound Theater
• American Music Theatre
• Mickey’s Black Box
• Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
• Prima Theatre

Historical Sites

Lancaster County is steeped in rich history, offering a diverse range of historical sites and attractions. From the early American colonial period to the vibrant arts and culture scene and the significant role of religion in the region, there’s something for every history buff.

Top attractions are:

• LancasterHistory and President James Buchanan’s Wheatland
• Ephrata Cloister
• Historic Rock Ford
• Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• The Demuth Museum

Nature Preserves and Parks

Sometimes, the best way to refresh your mind and spark creativity is to reconnect with nature. Lancaster County offers a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to kayaking and birdwatching.

• Long’s Park
• Theodore A. Parker III Natural Area
• William J. Morton Bird Sanctuary
• Lancaster County Central Park
• Chickies Rock County Park

Also, Chiques Rock Outfitters offers outdoor recreation equipment rentals, whether you prefer to explore solo or join a guided tour. Located on the Susquehanna River in Columbia, PA, they offer rentals for the following activities:

• Climbing
• Whitewater Kayaking
• Cycling
• Floating
• Biking

Convinced Yet?

We told you Lancaster County isn’t your average place, right? With so much to see and do, you won’t be bored when you visit. From historic sites to trendy shops, and outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone. It’s why we love it here. 

Now that you know there’s no shortage of things to do in Lancaster County, what’s stopping you from working with us? Let’s partner up and create something amazing together. After all, we’re not your average media production company, and Lancaster County isn’t your average location.