Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
4.
Lancaster
Thiswasoneofthelargestinlandcitiesinthe13coloniesduringtheAmericanRevolution,
and its Central Market provided the beginnings of the town in 1730. Today it is a thriving
outlet for much of what is produced in Pennsylvania Dutch farm country. Arrive early to
see families set up their stands under Pennsylvania-German nameboards that have been
usedforgenerations.Offeringsrangefromsuchlocalspecialtiesasshooflypie,snitz(dried
apples), and Bavarian pretzels to heaps of farm-fresh corn, tomatoes, celery, and other pro-
duce.
The market is just one of the stops on a 90-minute walking tour of the city, which also
includes the refurbished and still-operating 1852 Fulton Theatre. You can also explore the
artistic creations of Gallery Row or cheer on the hometown Lancaster Barnstormers pro
baseball team at Clipper Magazine Stadium.
5.
Marietta
Heading west out of Lancaster on Rte. 23, stop at Wheatland, the perfectly preserved
Federalist home of James Buchanan, the only president from Pennsylvania. Farther along,
asyouapproachtheSusquehannaRiver,theexpansesofplowedfieldsyieldtosizablehills
and then to the charming riverfront town of Marietta, nearly half of which is on the Na-
tional Register of Historic Places. In its two centuries the town has been a boisterous port
(well-knownbyrivermenforitstaverns),alumberdepot,andaniron-smeltingcenter.Each
role is reflected in the lovingly restored buildings along the main street—including several
converted to charming shops and restaurants.
Just south of Marietta on Rte. 441, you will soon reach the historic river town of
Columbia, site of the new Turkey Hill Experience, featuring more than 26,000 square feet
of interactive exhibits that highlight Turkey Hill's role in the agricultural and dairy herit-
age of Lancaster County. Situated in the former Ashley & Bailey silk mill, the venue also
includes a café, creamery, and retail store.
6.
Hans Herr House
Continue south on Rte. 441, where Chickies Rock juts 200 feet above the Susquehanna.
A short trail to the river overlook opens onto a watery vista studded with islands. The
biggest—Three Mile Island—was made widely known after the accident at its nuclear fa-
cility in 1979. It lies a few miles to the north.
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