I visited the First National Bank Museum this past Saturday and had a great visit. The building is…read morelarge and historic - and it served as other things before the two front corner rooms became the First National Bank of Columbia in 1864. The bank rooms have been preserved, and you can see the walnut paying and receiving teller cages, the walk-in vault, and many tools used by employees of the bank. It was really cool to see and explore the bank. I learned about the history of the building, the bank, and Columbia through my guided tour of the museum. But what made my time at First National Bank Museum extra special was Nora. If you want to take a tour, you go to their website and send them an email requesting a tour. Nora is who will email you back to arrange a time for your tour. And she's great. Nora's parents bought the building when it was for sale back in the 1950s. Her parents knew that it was very likely the building would be torn down and the building lost to history, and so they took it on themselves to protect it. Nora grew up in the house (only the front two rooms served as the bank, but the rest of the building was a house or hotel at various times), and now she and her husband operate the museum and are continually taking care of restoring different parts of the building (right now, they're working on restoring the front doors). This personal story of a family's dedication to preserving history and sharing it with visitors to and residents of Columbia really moved me. Not only is Nora a very personable and knowledgeable guide around the small museum, the museum is her family's history and that makes it an incredibly personal tour. If you're in Columbia, I recommend trying to include a visit to the First National Bank Museum. It's a great way to learn about and explore Columbia and its history. And you'll get to spend some time with the lovely Nora!

From the owner: Come visit one of the most fascinating and "undiscovered" historical treasures in Lancaster County,…read morePA,... the First National Bank Museum, in the heart of downtown Columbia. Enjoy a private guided tour of an original bank from the 1850's and learn about this bank's role in the extensive development of the industries and transportation systems throughout this area along the lower shores of the mighty Susquehanna River. The First National Bank of Columbia was created in the front two corner rooms of a stately Federal-style townhouse, built in 1814 for James Wright, Jr. It survives in tact today because of the extraordinary guts and vision of the late Lloyd and Jean Motter. Their legacy continues through the ongoing restoration, maintenance, and loving care provided by their daughter, Nora Motter Stark, and her husband, Michael.

A great little museum ( not that little ) to spend a few hrs. enjoying . They have nice bathrooms…read moreand gift shop . The museum presents a historiclal showcase of the evolution of timekeeping . There are sections( clock) full of various timekeeping instruments . Grandfather Clocks , Asian Clocks , Nautical , Automobile , Airplane . Further on , are sections devoted to the advent of pocketwatches and wristwatches . Many countries are represented . Pocketwatches developed with the burgeoning railroad system . Wristwatches with the outbreak of the first great world war . The dawn of aviation spurred further innovation . As always ... " necessity is the mother of invention ." Highlights include the monumental "Engle" clock , which was like a vaudeville show all its own , with many miniature mechanical , performances . A staffer is there to answer questions , and a shows off all of the Engles , bells and whistles, hourly. The section dedicated to the iconic Hamilton watch factory in nearby Lancaster city ( sadly defunct and exists as Condominiums today ) and the James Bond tributes , made this a museum of interest to a diverse crowd .

My last stop on my weekend trip to Lancaster County this past weekend was at the National Watch and…read moreClock Museum in Columbia. I love a quirky, specific museum, and this museum was no exception. The museum is operated by the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors and was founded in 1977. Its collection includes over 12,000 clocks and watches, with about 3,000 of them on display in the museum. The museum is large enough that they hand you a map when you walk in! To be honest, I don't know the first thing about the mechanics or history of watches and clocks - although I know much more after my visit to the museum - but I really enjoyed my stop at the museum! The museum might be a little dated (especially the "Learning Center," but there were signs saying they were working to upgrade that area soon), but they had some interesting and beautiful pieces, but whether you're a collector of watches and clocks or don't know the first them about them, the museum is worth a stop! I'd be happy to return for another visit with friends or family!

We had the privilege of joining Bill and Bonnie on one of their horse-drawn carriage rides around…read morethe farm. Their hospitality leading up to the ride was fantastic, the weather was a bit 'iffy' so we ended up pushing back to later in the afternoon. It was still a bit cold and overcast when we arrived and we ended up being the only couple to join them. Blankets were in the carriage waiting for us and we were greeted as soon as we pulled up, the ride was enjoyable and informative... we learned about the farm and a bit about the battle, both Bill and Bonnie were super friendly and it was a pleasure to meet them! After the ride was over we had the opportunity to go back to the barn and meet all the horses. We learned more about each of them and got to feed them carrots, absolutely worth the price and a ride we would definitely do again, hopefully under better weather next time!

From the owner: Come enjoy a one-hour horse-drawn carriage tour at Silvershire Farm just a 15 minute drive north of…read moredowntown Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Ride with us through the picturesque countryside landscapes and orchards of Adams County. In the spring witness the beauty of the orchards as the trees begin to blossom. In the fall view the majestic colors of the mountains and surrounding hills as the trees change to yellows, ambers, and scarlets of the fall. The rest of the year enjoy the beauty of the rolling hills, countryside fields, and orchards as they begin to fill up with various fruits and crops in preparation for harvest. Enjoy the leisurely and relaxing pace of your carriage as it is pulled by two gentle giants, our Shire draft horses. Along the way you will also see an Elk herd as well as a variety of other animals. We will narrate your journey with a history of the area during the Civil War Battle at Gettysburg, as well as that of the orchards and the history of the Shire horse. At the end of your one-hour ride, you can meet and take pictures with your team and feed them treats. *Kids and adults like this part of the tour.* Click the “Book Now” button on our website to view available tour dates. Costs for one hour rides are as follows: Adults $32 (13 y/o and older) Children $16 (6-12 y/o) Youngsters 5 and under free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Rides can be booked 24 hours a day on our website.

I chose this experience as my wife and I did something similar in Annapolis and really enjoyed it…read more Our guide, Elizabeth, was engaging and shared many historical stories with enthusiasm, reverence, and injected humor from time to time. She did a good job of pausing to allow loud traffic to pass ensuring we didn't miss anything. My favorite story was about the experiences folks had in the Fulton Theater - are any of us surprised the most intense experience occurred in the basement?? The tour starts at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, at the junction of King and Queen Streets, across the street from the main entrance to the Hotel Marriott Convention Center. Street parking available but it's just easier to park in one of the many garages located a block or two away. The tour is roughly 75 minutes, all sidewalk; those with mobility challenges would likely do just fine. I added this business to Yelp because it's a cute experience and I'd like for them to get a little more exposure (booking websites have reviews but I came to Yelp looking to schedule fun activities). Didn't snap any pics along the way as it was dark and it didn't dawn on me to do so; photos are from other websites

Incredible experience! From the moment we arrived, the staff thought of absolutely everything. They…read moreexplained the process clearly, made everyone feel comfortable, and genuinely wanted to ensure that every participant had the best possible experience. The yoga session itself was fantastic, and the baby goats were the stars of the show! I smiled more in that hour than I have in a long time. It's impossible to be stressed, unhappy, or take yourself too seriously when baby goats are climbing on you and demanding attention. If you're even remotely considering goat yoga, stop thinking about it and sign up. Seriously. It was one of the most fun and joyful experiences I've ever had, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I'm so happy we got to visit this farmhouse and take the tour. It was very entertaining and…read moreeducational. If you're visiting the area, this is a must do. We got to learn a lot about the Amish community, how they live and how they farm. The tour of the land was beautiful and we really enjoyed getting to see the animals.

Wings of War (WoW) is just starting out as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. We have…read moreacquired a 1941 WWII Cessna T-50 Bobcat that was a Crane MK1 during WWII with the RCAF. The aircraft is currently portrayed as a U.S. UC-78 and will remain in U.S. colors. We believe this aircraft is the oldest, flying Bamboo Bomber in the world. We are actively pursuing nose art for this plane that will link it back to its Canadian lineage. Please go to our FB PAGE and add your ideas there. Call if you want to schedule an appointment to tour the aircraft.

From the owner: Wings of War (WoW) is just starting out as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. We have…read moreacquired a 1941 WWII Cessna T-50 Bobcat that was a Crane MK1 during WWII with the RCAF. The aircraft is currently portrayed as a U.S. UC-78 and will remain in U.S. colors. We believe this aircraft is the oldest, flying Bamboo Bomber in the world. We are actively pursuing nose art for this plane that will link it back to its Canadian lineage. Please go to our FB PAGE and add your ideas there. Call if you want to schedule an appointment to tour the aircraft.

Awesome experience with Becka our very knowledgeable and fun guide! I learned so much and I'm a…read morenative of Lancaster!!!

I was fortunate enough to find Kendra's tour company. I cannot recommend Kendra's tours highly…read moreenough! (If I used all the superlatives in my mind, my review would sound unreal.) I have never had a better city tour experience, or a more attentive, sensitive, personable, professional guide. I felt like I was visiting a friend, and getting to share her day as she visited with her friends. If you're looking for an amazing experience with absolutely scrumptious food, history told with heart, and a chance to meet some of the most welcoming people in one city, Kendra's tours are for you.