CELEBRATING LANCASTER COUNTY'S PEOPLE, SCENERY,

HERITAGE, STYLE & POINT OF VIEW SINCE 1987.

Visit Conestoga

Because of the coronavirus situation, we suggest that you check with restaurants and stores on their status beforehand.

 

Now that you’ve put Tudbink’s on your shopping agenda for spring, why not plan to spend the day in one of the most beautiful areas of the county? Some suggestions …

Conestoga Area Historical Society

51 Kendig Road

Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; Opening date TBA

Details: Pennmanorhistory.org.

If you are a history buff, you’ll love the Conestoga Area Historical Society. The grounds feature several furnished buildings, a barn filled with artifacts, gardens and a gift shop. Founded in 1990, the CAHS’s mission is to preserve and share the history of the Penn Manor area, including Conestoga, Manor, Martic and Pequea townships, as well as Millersville borough. The season kicks off in April  and continues through mid-December. Several special events will dot the calendar.

Gather Home Boutique & Furniture

29 Kendig Road

Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (open til 7 p.m. on Friday)

Details: Facebook.com/gatherhomeboutique

A treasure trove of unique signage, furniture, clothing, home décor, garden art and more, with the work of local artists and makers well represented.

Conestoga Wagon Restaurant

2961 Main Street

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 6 a.m.-8 p.m.

Details: Theconestogawagon.com 

Known for its home cooking, the Conestoga Wagon’s menu ranges from filling breakfast fare to wraps, sandwiches, soup, salads, subs, pasta and entrees. Where else can you get roasted turkey and filling year round? While specials are offered daily, Wednesdays are extra special – the chicken pot pie (all you can eat) is legendary!

Enola Low-Grade Rail Trail

Access: Parking is available at the end of Colemanville Church Road

Hours: Dawn-Dusk

Details: Conestogatwp.com

In Conestoga Township, the trail stretches from just below the Safe Harbor Dam, south into Martic Township. This portion of the trail is perfect for walking (dogs must be leashed) or bike riding. There is also a scenic overlook at the dam and trestle bridge that spans the Conestoga River; the bridge is being restored in order to connect the trail to its northern end.

Uncharted Lancaster

Title: Safe Harbor Adventure

Access: Park at 5365 River Road

Details: Unchartedlancaster.com

Part adventure, part history lesson, this trek will introduce you to 19th-century Safe Harbor. The relatively easy 1.25 mile hike will reveal the remnants of a long-gone village, a building that was home to an Odd Fellows Hall (1871-99), the site of the Safe Harbor Independent School, the former site of St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (1853-83) and a graveyard that is the final resting spot of Civil War veterans and Italian immigrants who helped to build the Enola Low-Grade Railway.

Shenk’s Ferry Wildflower Preserve

Address: Green Hill Road in Conestoga

Details: Lancasterconservancy.org  

Maintained by the Lancaster Conservancy, this 92-acre preserve boasts one of the largest concentrations of wildflowers on the East Coast. (April is prime time to view the blooms.) Wildlife, including more than 50 bird species, is also evident. An easy-to-walk trail follows almost two miles along Grubb Run. A secondary trail connects to the Enola Low-Grade Rail Trail. Ranger-led walks will be held April 4, 5, 18 and 19. Registration is required; visit the website for details.

Pine View Dairy

2225 New Danville Pike

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Details: Pineviewdairy.com

If you’re craving a sweet treat, Pine View Dairy is the place to go. Made on the farm since 1971, Pine View’s homemade ice cream is available in 25 flavors. The specialty cones only add to the fun. Sundaes, shakes, banana splits, moo mixers and the delicious chocolate chip (cookie) sandwich are also on the menu.

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