As the days get longer and the temperatures warmer, Lancaster residents venture out to explore all their community has to offer. Luckily, retiring in Lancaster, PA means there is no shortage of summer fun! From lush landscapes and exciting cultural events to decadent restaurants and warm hospitality, Lancaster has something for everyone.
Residing at Homestead Village puts you at the center of it all. Keep reading to discover fun summer activities you can enjoy both on and off our active living community campus.
Outdoor Adventures
Summer in Lancaster, Pennsylvania can be enjoyable for people of all ages. In fact, Lancaster is among the country’s top age-friendly cities, and for good reason. The region offers many outdoor activities for people of every age.
Hike or take a bike ride along the scenic Susquehanna River with friends or family. A few trails to explore include the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail, Conewago Recreational Trail, and Lancaster County Central Park.
Love music? Pack a picnic and take a trip to Long’s Park for their Summer Music Series, with outdoor concerts taking place every Sunday throughout the summer. You can also take a stroll by the beautiful pond, or have fun with the grandkids at one of the many playgrounds or the petting zoo.
You can also take the grandkids on a day trip to Dutch Wonderland. Sit back and relax in a private cabana while the children play at the splash pool, or enjoy laughs and smiles while they ride rollercoasters or tot-friendly trains.
Want to stock up on fresh fruits and veggies? Check out one of Lancaster’s many farmer’s markets, including Lancaster Central Market, a historic public market located just 2.6 miles from Homestead Village in Penn Square, in downtown Lancaster. It‘s open on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and offers a wide variety of produce, gifts, meats, and baked goods. Lancaster Central Market is also the oldest continuously operating public farmers’ market in the United States.
Looking for libations? Lancaster is home to plenty of breweries, wineries, and more; eat and drink as you discover locales like Grandview Winery, Thistle Finch Distillery, or Lancaster Brewing Company.
Are you a history buff? Take a trip to the Strasburg Rail Road, one of the nation’s oldest operating railroads. President James Buchanan’s Wheatland estate (just 2 miles from Homestead Village) is also worth visiting. Explore the 10-acre property of America’s 15th President and get a rare glimpse into life during the Civil War.
Cultural Activities, Dining, and Shopping
In addition to exciting outdoor activities, Lancaster, PA is also chock full of intriguing cultural destinations. Catch a show at The Fulton Theatre, one of the oldest working theaters in the U.S.
Swing by the North Museum of Nature and Science to explore captivating exhibits and events, including planetarium shows and ancient fossils. You can also visit Demuth Foundation and Museum on King Street to take in more than 400 pieces of historical artwork. While there, walk down Prince Street to Gallery Row, where you’ll find numerous fine art galleries and unique boutiques.
Speaking of shopping, Lancaster has plenty of that too! Explore the streets of Lancaster City, particularly the shops along Queen and King Streets for unique gifts, hand-crafted goods, and beautiful decor and fashion.
Where to Eat
You’ve probably worked up quite the appetite with all of that fun! Grab a bite at one of Lancaster’s many casual restaurants, including Annie Bailey’s Irish Pub or Rachel’s Cafe and Creperie, or Fox Meadows Creamery if you’re craving farm-fresh ice cream.
Feeling a more high-end ambiance? Try these renowned downtown restaurants, like The Pressroom, Josephine’s, and The Belvedere Inn.
Events for Residents of Homestead
Want to stay on campus? Homestead Village offers endless life-enriching programs and events, including happy hours, educational opportunities, musical programs, and golf tournaments. Residents can also volunteer, take fitness classes, garden, or take a day trip to Philadelphia, Baltimore, or Washington, DC. Let’s look into some of our exclusive events and programs Homestead residents have access to.
Residents enjoy seminars from the Homestead’s Education Committee around topics like the history of Native American in the Susquehanna Valley. Lastly, enjoy some fun special treats from the Good Humor Ice Cream Truck that stops at different parts of the campus. These events offer a range of activities for residents and visitors to enjoy, from shopping to learning about history to indulging in a sweet treat.
Looking for even more adventure on (and off) campus? Check out Homestead’s Adventures in Life activity series all Summer long, which includes live concerts, theme dinners, and additional informative seminars.
As you can see, here at Homestead, our residents enjoy many exclusive benefits. Explore all that Lancaster, PA offers while making new friends and learning new skills at our active senior living community.
Want to learn if retiring in Lancaster, PA is right for you? Contact us today to schedule a tour.
