The Ephrata Cloister or Ephrata Community was a religious community established in 1732 by Johann…read moreConrad Beissel at Ephrata, in what is now Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. By the early 1750s, Ephrata Cloister was home to nearly 80 celibate Brothers and Sisters who lived in striking Germanic-style log, stone, and half-timbered buildings. Alongside them, nearly 250 family members, known as Householders, resided in nearby homes and farms. Ephrata became known for: the German calligraphic art of Frakturschriften; self-composed a cappella music written using Beissel's rules for four-part harmony; and an ambitious printing establishment creating works for the use of the community and neighbors. During the American Revolution, Ephrata served as a hospital for nearly 250 American soldiers, some of whom rest in the Mount Zion cemetery overlooking the historic grounds. The Society declined after the death of Beissel in 1768. The last celibate member died in 1813, and the next year the remaining Householders incorporated into the German Seventh Day Baptist Church. Members continued to live and worship in the Cloister buildings until the close of the Church in 1934. After that, the buildings were turned over the state and became the museum you can visit today. I learned all this and more, when I visited the Ephrata Cloister this past Sunday. When you arrive, there's plenty of parking and then a short walk over to the visitor center, where you can purchase a ticket. Inside the visitor center is a small museum, which provided plenty of history and helpful context for exploring the grounds - especially if you're not taking advantage of the excellent guided tour. With the map you receive when you pay for admission, you can explore the grounds, and there's also an phone-led audio guide that tells you about each building (they're numbered). On the day I visited, there were two guided tours (one at 1pm and one at 2:15pm), and I highly recommend joining the guided tour if you can. It starts with a video in the auditorium space in the visitor center, and then a very helpful guide (ours was Sue) walked us to the grounds and explained more about the history and architecture. After that, she walked us to two buildings you cannot enter without a guide (the Sister's House and the attached Meetinghouse/Saal the Sisters used). I learned so much about this community - which I knew almost nothing about before my visit - and they were fascinating: they ate one (vegetarian) meal a day, they slept few hours each night (with a break from 12-2am in case the second coming arrived), and lived as an religious, pious, and equal community. Sue our tour guide pointed out which buildings were recreations and which were original. There were several that were original to the 18th century, and the architecture is really stunning. There's plenty to learn about this historic community and society and no wrong way to do it (although I highly recommend the guided tour, which I got so much out of - Sue was great). Don't forget to stop by the gift shop on our way out, too! A fascinating piece of American history right near Lancaster. If you're exploring Lancaster County for a weekend, including a visit to Ephrata Cloister is well worth it!

You have the option of touring it urself or with a group and an option of watching the 15 minute…read morevideo before the tour. WATCH THE VIDEO. Good combination of informative & comedic & good acting. Tour guide was very information and kept a comfortable atmosphere for questions. I would recommend walking around in the yard to find the water (idk if it's a river) and these stairs that kinda stop in the forest

Book your event today! The Brickstone's beauty and charm was the perfect setting for my daughters…read morebaby shower. The owners, Dorcas & Rod are very accommodating and easy to work with. He guests loved the spacious layout and the attention to detail. The owners did a great job designing the space. This venue does not disappoint.

From the owner: The Brickstone is a venue for special events including weddings, bridal showers, baby showers,…read morebirthdays, photoshoots, and corporate parties in Myerstown, PA.

Food excellent Service, outstanding…read moreVery friendly The portions were large. The food was all very fresh. The employees were all very nice, helpful, polite, and outgoing. I have been there many times and I'll be there many times again

They're advertising is deceiving they make it sound like a place where you can go at any random…read moretime this is not so it is strictly a banquet hall.

This hidden gem is a place that your guests will talk about for years to come. If you are looking…read morefor a unique, intimate location for your event, Twistback is the place. In addition to gorgeous grounds and breathtaking backdrops for your photos (field of wildflowers-hello!) the history and art that is housed here is on another level. The family that tenderly cares for these surroundings is heavily invested heart and soul, so there is no question about the details being important. Twistback is a great place to just visit for a tour as well (excellent opportunity for homeschool art history lessons) and they also offer art restoration and precious rug cleaning and repair. Put Twistback on your list if you are in the area-you won't regret it!

From the owner: Twistback Center for the Arts is a heritage museum and venue space that showcases a wide display of…read moreAmerican, European, and Asian art of all kind. While also being a beautiful venue for parties big and small. Curators of this museum are direct descendants of many important figures in history including Benjamin Franklin, Furness, Rembrandt, etc. This museum can also be used for any party needs from small private parties such as showers and birthday parties to weddings. Curators of this museum are also experts in conservation and restoration of fine art that have years of training from Timonthy Jayne who was the main conservator of the Winterthur, Andrew Wyeth, and the Brandywine River Museum. Services ranging from retouching, cleaning, varnishing, and frame repair. Also specializing in rug restoration from cleaning, reweaving, colorization, and fringe work. All these services come with a free consultation of your beloved items.

My husband and I visited Litiz on 5/2. Food was great! Drinks are extremely limited. Two…read morecocktail specials on menu and they were out of an ingredient to make one of them so I ended up getting a canned cocktail as they also couldn't make an unlisted simple cocktail that I requested. The man who waited on us at the bar area was rude. He greeted us as well as other customers with "what's up?" which I thought was so ignorant. Almost 50 years old and never had that kind of greeting at a food establishment. Also left us standing there for a decent while to just pay for tab as he was assisting all the bar customers with making sure they were completely taken care of first. Only helped us as the line was growing. There was one other woman working so they could definitely use help. Aside from the staff taking your orders at the bar area, it is completely self-serve. I would recommend this place for the food but not the drinks or the staff.

Patty Melt was delicious and the Jalapeño Chicken dip??? Amazing and the Pastry Stout was superbread more

Love the converted old farmhouse. You can really feel the history and the character of the…read morebuilding, which enhances the wine tasting experience. It feels like you're visiting the home of an old friend. We particularly enjoy the dry red wines and the sweet wines that Ridgewood offers. For the reds, the Merlot and Cab Franc were noteworthy for their balance and nice finishes. The Merlot was silky, oaky and smooth approach. The Cab Franc is a bit spicier, bolder and robust - wine to pair with a nice, hearty meat dish. On the sweet side of things, the Diamond is a subtle, light choice for those who are prone to be turned-off by heavier, acidic reds. The Peach Splendor is a pleasant surprise with a fresh, light, fruit-forward feel. Pair this with some chocolate squares if you're enjoying it after a meal. The Olde Orchard has a great "fall season" feel, complete with elements of apple pie, a hint of tartness and a blend of sweet. Finally, the Underground is a rising star that everyone seems to be discovering lately. It's a Merlot family member that gains a unique, but delicious flavor thanks to be un-oaked. Elements of blackberry and rose petals, with a semi-sweet finish and a nice, fuller body. This one has a little bit of everything and is probably the most intriguing option on the menu. Very clean. Very smooth. Be sure to give it a shot.

Absolutely beautiful winery! Loved the seasonal watermelon wine this summer. The sangria was so…read moregood, too. I'm more of a sweet wine kind of person and they had a sufficient supply of choices for someone like me.

I did not play the course myself but came to watch the Susquehanna college golf team play. This is…read morea pleasant course to walk through and it is very easy to navigate. We also grabbed lunch on site. I loved the chicken chili. It hit the spot on a crisp, fall day. All in all, a nice way to spend the weekend!

One of my favorite public courses in the Lancaster area! Greens and fairways are always maintained…read morewonderfully even in the dead of summer. Pro shop employees are personable and very nice. The price is also nice! Depending on what time you go, you can get a round of 18 in for under $40!Only thing that I can find to complain about would be the tee boxes. On occasion, they can be pretty hard and difficult to get a tee into. But, with even that, this course is fantastic. The course itself is relatively easy, but can offer challenges to golfers of all skill levels. 10/10. Highly recommend if you are in the area!