Let's Talk Christmas and Belsnickles!

It’s August and you know what that means – it’s time to start talking about Christmas!

The Authentic Bed & Breakfasts of Lancaster County are introducing the third annual Find Your Belsnickle Tour December 2 and 3 and tickets are on sale now.

Over 15 Lancaster County inns participate in the holiday tour, each carefully decorated from top to bottom for the holiday season. Innkeepers put their own flair on their Bed and Breakfast, showing different styles and genres for guests to enjoy. In addition to the decorated inns, guests have a chance to find the Belsnickle, a figurine hidden among the décor.

The Belsnickle, a folklore character who’s known as “Santa’s Evil twin,” will be hidden at each inn for guests to find and be entered to win a prize. Ticket sales benefit the local chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Inns will also serve homemade cookies for guests, complete with a recipe card, and an entry ticket for The National Christmas Center that is valid during the month of December. Located in Paradise, PA, and in its last season, The Christmas Center is home to many jolly Christmas displays, including a 1950's Woolworth Store, an antique emporium, Santa’s Workshop, a Toyland Train Mountain, a nativity scene and much more.

The winner of the drawing will receive a stay at one of the inns valued at up to $325. Ticket vouchers are $20 and must be exchanged for ticket packets, maps of the tour, the giveaway entry card, ticket for The National Christmas Center and other information. Vouchers can be exchanged between November 15 and the tour dates. 

For more information, call 717-464-1382.

Purchase tickets now and book a night or two at a local inn during the tour and take a few days to enjoy the holiday cheer in Lancaster County while benefiting a worthy cause. To reserve a room, visit www.authentibandb.com. For more information on the Belsnickle tour, visit http://www.authenticbandb.com/belsnickle.phphttp.

Bike rides, theater and beer!

It seems like years since the sun's been here in Lancaster County. Rain and overcast skies fell on what seemed like every day, but slowly and surely, we're seeing the sunshine more and more. And with the approaching summertime comes a lot of great events. As always, book a room at one of our many inns at www.authenticbandb.com.
Join the Strasburg Railroad now through November 18 for its Bingo Murder Mystery Dinner Train. The event features a Bingo-style murder mystery during a train ride through scenic Lancaster County and includes a full-course dinner. For more information, visit www.strasburgrailroad.com.

Strasburg Railroad

Over 20 antique shops and locations throughout Adamstown will participate in Antiques Extravaganza June 21-25. Shops will extend hours, offer more retail, discounts and specials. For more information, visit www.antiquescapital.com.
The Fulton Theatre presents Disney's Newsies now through July 23. Based on the Newsboy strike of 1899, Newsies follows the story of newsboys trying to survive in New York City selling papers after publishers inflated prices. Together the newsboys form a strike and become headliners in the same paper they sell. Check out www.thefulton.org for tickets and other information.

The Fulton's Newsies

Intercourse Bike Works hosts a Farmland Bicycle Tour with a wine and beer tasting June 17-August 12. The easy-paced ride takes bicyclists through picturesque Amish countryside and ends at Mount Hope Wine Gallery and Rumspringa Brewery, where guests can choose a wine or beer tasting. The cost is $50 per person and includes a bike, helmet and tasting. Visit www.intercoursebikeworks.com for more information. Their  Lititz location, Lititz Bike Works, features family bike tours June 17-October 7.The tour stops at historic landmarks throughout Lititz with stops for treats along the way. The cost is $50 for adults and $25 for children 12 and older and includes bike, helmet and treats.

Intercourse Bike Works

National Watch and Clock Museum

The National Watch and Clock Museum is hosting its tenth annual Hops 'n' Clocks event July 7 from 6-9 p.m. The event features beer tastings from local breweries, food from local eateries, live music and door prizes. Tickets are $30 per person and $15 for designated drivers.
From bike rides to theater and murder mystery, there is plenty to do here in Lancaster County. Check out or list of inns to find the best one to accommodate your visit at www.authenticbandb.com.

Celebrate May, Markets, Music and a Flower Moon

We experienced lots of April showers here in Lancaster County and are looking forward to May flowers and plenty of sunshine to accompany them. As the land comes alive this month, so do all our little towns with plenty of events. Be sure to book your stay at one of our inns at www.authenticbanb.com.
The Vineyard at Grandview in Mount Joy kicks off its May Wine by the Vine - On Deck music series May 5. Each week from 6-8:30 p.m., guests can enjoy live music, soak in the evening sun, sip local wine and grab a bite to eat from a featured food truck. Bands include Vinegar Creek Constituency Duo, Fire in the Glen, The Jeanette Stillman Band and Adam Blessing. Food varieties include hoagies, pork barbecue and more. Cost is $8 per person (does not include wine and food). Visit the website for more details.

The Vineyard at Grandview

Downtown Lititz, rich in pretzel history, will host the fourth annual Lititz Pretzel Fest May 6. The event features pretzel tastings, twisted minute to win it competitions, music, sketch artists, and a dunk tank.
Local distillery, Thistle Finch, will host a Cosmic Cocktail Party May 11. Paired with the Flower Full Moon, the event focuses on self-reflection and assessment, drawing power from the May full moon. Featured holistic healing remedies include sage-infused gin, hibiscus- and rose hip-infused vodka, black pepper rye, and more, all served with a fortune-telling fish. Guests can also get a Tarot reading and enjoy music by Maharishi Effect.

Thistle Finch Distillery

Visit Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum May 12 and 13 for its Herb and Garden Faire, welcoming more than 80 vendors featuring herbal skin care products, garden art, and jewelry. Tours will also be available. The fair also welcomes informative speakers and will have food vendors onsite. Cost is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $8 for kids 6-11 years old (children five and under are free). 
The Wolf Sanctuary of PA is hosting a Flower Full Moon tour May 13. Guests can enjoy self-guided tours, a bonfire and live entertainment. Visitors are encouraged to bring marshmallows or hot dogs to roast on the fire and blankets to enjoy a nice evening under the moon. Admission is $20 and benefits the sanctuary.
Downtown Lancaster will transform into a nighttime market during MEDA World Night Market on May 19. Held downtown at Binn's Park, the international block party features music, culture, arts and food from around world, and tuktuk rides. MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates) is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating business solutions in poverty areas internationally. Hours of the market are 6-10 p.m. and admission is free.

Meda World Market

Lititz Farmers Market

Lititz Farmers Market opens for the season May 18. The market has been revamped this year and will be held at the parking area along North Broad Street beside Parkview Hotel. Old and new vendors will be featured as well as some new additions like entertainment, kids' activities, and pop up spots for local stores. Farmers Market is now held on Thursdays from 4 p.m. to dusk.
Theses are just a few of the many great attractions Lancaster County has to offer in May. Hope to see you soon!

Unique Ways to Explore Lancaster County

Whether you're visiting Lancaster County to explore its vast Amish country and farmlands, or to check out downtown, there are many unique and fun ways to tour the county. From tuktuks to scooters, to horse and buggies, and hot air balloons, visitors are sure to get a one-of-kind look at Lancaster's beautiful countryside. As spring weather approaches and the sun begins to shine, these tours are a great way to get out and see all of Lancaster County. Be sure to look up an inn to accommodate your stay at www.authenticbandb.com.

Tour downtown Lancaster in a tuktuk.

This spring, Tuktuk Lancaster will be introduced to downtown Lancaster. Tuktuks, a three-wheeled open-sided vehicle, offer a unique view of Downtown Lancaster's landmarks and eateries. Guests can choose sightseeing or restaurant tours. The tours stop at historic landmarks and eateries where riders will receive samples from participating restaurants. The rides begin and end at The Hotel Lancaster. For tour times and prices, visit www.tuktuklancaster.com. 

The Amish Farm and House offers countryside bus tours of Lancaster County. Guests will tour hidden treasures of Amish Country, learn about the culture and get a classic Pennsylvania Dutch meal at a local Amish-owned restaurant. The bus also stops at local Amish homes and businesses for guests to get an up-close look at the Amish lifestyle.

Take a bus tour with Amish Farm and House.

Tour Lancaster's countryside in an authentic Amish horse and buggy with Aaron and Jessica's Buggy Rides. Located in Bird-In-Hand, the buggy rides take guests through Amish farms and homes and stops at stands for local food and drinks along the way.
A great way to tour Strasburg's Amish farms, rolling hillsides and covered bridges, is by scooter. At Strasburg Scooters, visitors can choose from a single or double-seat scooter or a scoot coupe (a three-wheeled scooter). After a brief lesson in driving, experienced guides take riders through beautiful Strasburg, stopping at landmarks and covered bridges. Tours include a covered bridge tour, date night in Amish Country, an Amish Country mystery tour, bridges and beer tour, Nikki's Sunday picnic tour and more.

Take a scooter tour with Strasburg Scooters.

Check out Lancaster County from a hot air balloon.

To get an aerial view of Lancaster County, take a hot air balloon ride with the United States Hot Air Balloon Team. Guests can help the crew prepare the balloon for take off and then set sail for a breathtaking view of Lancaster County. The flight is approximately an hour. Riders will be treated to a champagne toast after the ride and receive an official flight certificate.
There are so many great reasons to visit Lancaster County, especially since spring is here. And our inns are the perfect compliment to your visit. Hope to see you soon.

Pack your Bags for Lancaster County this Spring

March certainly came in like a lion with frigid temperatures here in Lancaster County. Let's hope we go out like a lamb and welcome some warmer weather for all the awesome upcoming events. There are some great activities lined up during the next few weeks so be sure to make reservations at one of our always-accommodating inns at www.authenticbandb.com.
Ephrata Performing Arts Center will welcome King Lear to its stage March 16-25. Hailing as one of William Shakespeare's greatest tragedies, the play follows King Lear and his three daughters as he slowly goes mad. For tickets, show times, and other information, visit the Ephrata Performing Arts Center's website.

King Lear at Ephrata Performing Arts Center

Quilting enthusiasts can visit the New Holland Quilt Auction held at the Garden Spot Fire Hall March 21 and May 23. The sale features talented needlework from many different quilters. Items are available for viewing the day before the event and the auction typically starts at 9 a.m. Food and beverages are also available.

Quilt Auction

The Garden Spot Village Marathon hits the ground running on April 8 with full, half and kid's marathons. The 9th annual event takes runners through beautiful Amish Country. Not a runner? Not a problem because the spectating is just as fun.

Garden Spot Village Marathon

Attention lovers of beer and trains! The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania will welcome its Second Annual Rails and Ales Benefit April 8. The train museum will open its doors to breweries, food trucks and live entertainment featuring Columbia Kettle Works, Mad Chef Craft Brewing, Wacker Brewing Company and many more. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many local food trucks including Lancaster Burger, Speckled Hen or Rocky's BBQ. Entertainment is provided by Mark DeRose & The Dreadnought Brigade and Vinegar Creek Constituency.

Rails and Ales Benefit

Head to Ephrata between April 13 and 29 and check out the Best Kept Secrets Tour, featuring stops at stores, log cabins, Victorian mansions, old factories, private homes, cafes, and gourmet shops. Tickets are $9 each with $1 per ticket benefiting the Domestic Violence Services of Lancaster County. Guests will receive a booklet with the 40 participants, a map, coupons from businesses, entry forms to win a shopping spree, and a goodie bag for the first 2,000 people.
There's so many wonderful events happening in the coming weeks in Lancaster. Our Authentic Bed & Breakfasts are the best choice when it comes to overnight stays, so visit us at www.authenticbandb.com and reserve your room now.

Lancaster County's Winter is Sizzling with These Great Events!

As one holiday comes to a close, another quickly approaches. That's right, love is in the air with Valentine's Day right around the corner. Think outside of the box of chocolates and consider a weekend getaway to Lancaster County. There's a lot to do here in the upcoming weeks and the innkeepers of Authentic Bed & Breakfasts of Lancaster County would love to help plan your stay. Visit our website to see which inn works best for you and check out one of these events for a weekend you'll both remember.

Fire & Ice Festival

For a cool night out, head to downtown Lititz February 17-20 for the Fire & Ice Festival. Lititz Springs Park is filled with ice sculptures, live entertainment and food vendors. You can also check out a downtown block party at Main and Broad streets, a chili cook off, the winter wonderland carnival, vendor fair and a movie night.
Downtown Lancaster is heating up February 24-26 during the Lancaster Roots & Blues. The three-day show features artists rocking at different venues in downtown Lancaster. Featured artists include Clarence Spady, David Bromberg, 3rd Power Family Soul Band, Alanna Royale, Annie Mack and many more.

Clarence Spady

Venues include Tellus 360, Federal Taphouse, Main  Stage at Lancaster Square, The Chameleon Club, The Elks Club, The Ware Center and other downtown hotspots. Tickets range in price from $60 to $300 for a VIP pass.
For the theater lovers, there are plenty of great shows hitting local stages. Take your date to the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater for dinner and a show. On stage through February 4 is "Shear Madness." The whodunnit comedy invites the audience to help solve a murder mystery that takes place at a salon. February 9-March 18, the theater presents "Jesus Christ Superstar," a story of Jesus's last seven days of life through the eyes of Judas. The dinners won't disappoint either with plenty of options to satisfy each guest including chef-carved top round, polluck, pork loin, and a variety of side dishes. Rainbow's Comedy Playhouse will welcome "Mama Won't Fly" to its stage January 27-April 1. This comedy tells the story of a cross-country trip with all sorts of twists and turns.

Mama Won't Fly at Rainbow's Comedy Playhouse

Entree items include beef, chicken, a fresh-catch and pasta option and sides and desserts.
There you have it, folks. Just a few of the many events held here in Lancaster County for you and your Valentine to enjoy. From live music to outdoor events and theater productions and a cozy inn to stay at, we've got your getaway covered. Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook, instagram and Twitter for more events and activities around Lancaster County.

'Tis The Season for Holiday Events in Lancaster County

Lancaster County is decking the halls from corner to corner with decorations, holiday shows, events and more. Theaters, local attractions and our bed and breakfasts are alive with the Christmas spirit. Take train ride with Santa, watch a Magic Lantern Christmas Show, or visit one of many theaters for a holiday show. Be sure to make your overnight reservations at www.authenticbandb.com.
The Strasburg Railroad hosts Santa's Paradise Express through the month of December. The train takes passengers on a tour of Paradise, PA, while Santa visits guests with treats and stories. Visit www.strasburgrailroad.com for a complete list of events.

Through December 23, the National Christmas Center will host the Christmas Market and Village of Lights. Guests can stroll the grounds and enjoy Christmas light displays, life-size nativity light shows, singing Christmas trees, a bonfire and hot chocolate. You can also check out Santa's Peek-a-Boo cottage and make Christmas crafts.
Experience a historical Christmas at James Buchanan's Wheatland during the Yuletide at Wheatland through December 30. Join LancasterHistory.org as they take you back to the holidays of 1867 when Miss Emily Baker organized a Christmas party for President Buchanan. Guests can take a step back in time for the Victorian Christmas in the former president's home at the historic Wheatland Grounds. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays and tickets are $6-$12.
One of Lancaster County's most unique theaters is the Magic Lantern Show at Plain & Fancy Theater in Bird-In-Hand. The Magic Lantern, popular in the 1800s-1900s, was one of the first projector screens and paved the way for motion pictures. The Lantern projects motionless hand-painted slides onto a screen while Mark Sullivan, artistic director at the theater, narrates the show. "We are the only Magic Lantern Theater in the last 130 years," says Sullivan. The show begins with Sullivan, dressed in character, interacting with the audience with comedy, singing, trivia and followed by the lantern slide show. The Christmas Show includes classic stories like "Twas the Night Before Christmas, "A Christmas Carol," and the birth of Christ. New to this year's show is the little-known Charles Dickens story "Gabriel Grub and The Goblins." The new slides date back to 1860s and are from England. "It's a unique mixture of animation and live models as well as some Magic Lantern effects like dissolves," adds Sullivan. Visit www.amishexperience.com for tickets and more information.

Other local theaters are featuring holiday performances on their stages. Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre is performing the variety show "Holly Jolly Christmas, A Holiday Revue" through December 31. Rainbow's Comedy Playhouse presents "Green Holly and Gray Potatoes." Hilarity ensues when a family gathers for the holidays only to try to convince mom and dad it's time for them to move to a retirement home. Check out the 2016 Christmas Show "Winter Wonderland" at the American Music Theatre. This variety show has a little bit for everyone including singing, dancing, instrumentals and more. Bird-In-Hand Family Restaurant & Stage brings "Our Christmas Dinner" to its stage. There are surprises and humor around each corner when a bunch of strangers are thrown together during the holidays. And through December 17,

The Fulton Theatre will perform the timeless classic, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas."
Complement your holiday stay at one of our bed and breakfasts in Lancaster. Each is dressed for the holidays and is ready to spread holiday cheer. Visit www.authenticbandb.com for more information or to make reservations.