Steven
Happy Cinco De Mayo to everyone !!! This is usually the day that gets mistaken for the Mexican Independence Day but it is in fact the day that 4,500 Mexican fighters beat over 6,000 professional French soldiers in 1862. It was a triumphant victory that Mexico sorely needed. The Mexicans fighters were agricultural workers armed with only machetes and antique rifles and NO military training whatsoever ! The French soldiers on the other hand were considered the best army in the world at the time with significant military training and tactics. The French Army had not suffered a defeat in over 50 years so when they lost their battle against the Mexican agricultural farmers it was a huge surprise to everyone, including the Mexicans and that is why there is always a huge celebration on May 5th.
This is a reminder of the Mount Hope Estate & Winery Brewfest happening this weekend on May 10th with two different sessions, one from 11AM-3PM and another at 4:30PM-8:30PM. Guests aged 21 and over will get to enjoy all of the festivities of hand crafted beer from around the country and complimentary food along with entertainment. There are different priced tickets depending on whether you buy them at the gate or online ahead of time so visit their website and see how you can get tickets. This year will be the 6th annual Mount Hope Brewfest at the beautiful sprawling mansion in Northern Lancaster County and it is always a treat.
The Mount Hope Estate also hosts events throughout the year as well so check out the Mount Hope website to see everything that they have in store for the 2014 year !
The Rough & Tumble Museum in Kinzer, PA is bringing you the Woodworking Show this May 9th & 10th. Located not far from Lancaster, PA this event will bring woodworking specialists all in one place at one time and for one purpose…..to celebrate their love of wood !!
This event will include demonstrations and classes for all attendees to enjoy. Tickets can be bought in advance online and HURRY there is limited classroom space ! BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE !! In addition to tickets to the show you will also get an admission into the Rough & Tumble Museum that is hosting the event. For more information you can visit the Woodworking Show Website . To book your stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites you can visit our website or call our toll free number at 888-STAY-FFI.
Lancaster County is rapidly becoming a destination for tourists from near and far. There are plenty of things to do in and around Lancaster to keep you from boredom on your trip here. One of the more relaxing things to do here is to visit one of our wineries. There are multiple locations in the rolling hills of Lancaster to sip a nice glass of wine and take tours around a winery.
Wineries in Lancaster County
The Mount Hope Estate & Winery is located on the North end of Manheim, PA in a historic mansion that also hosts the annual Renaissance Faire from August- October. With wine tastings available year-round, visitors can come anytime they’d like to get a sampling of their fantastic wine selection that includes sparkling, award winning and more. Visit the Mount Hope Estate website for more information and a calendar of events happening throughout the year.
Tamanend Winery in Lancaster, PA is owned and operated by a California born and raised wine maker that helps bring out the absolute best taste. Located between Rt. 72 and Rt. 741 it is easy to find and an even more wonderful experience to have with a loved one or some good friends. To check out their website you can go HERE.
Moon Dancer Vineyards & Winery is located on the York County side of the Susquehanna River. Set in a French Chateau overlooking the Susquehanna River, vineyards and rolling hills of Pennsylvania, you couldn’t ask for a better view. Tours of the wine cellars are available daily and they also have events going on year round. To see the events that they have scheduled coming up visit the Moon Dancer Vineyard website.
The Vineyard at Grandview is located in Mount Joy, PA in Lancaster County. It is a family owned winery located in the North Western corner of Lancaster County that takes pride in the wine that they produce since day one in 2009. What started out as a hobby quickly transformed into something that Larry Kennel (the father) could actually make enjoyable to other people that enjoyed wine. Visit their website to see all of the fun events that they have happening as well as seeing how you and your loved ones can schedule your own wine tasting visit.
As you can see there is a broad range from where you can visit to get a little bit of the “Napa Valley” feel when visiting Pennsylvania Dutch Country. For a full list of wineries you can visit the PA Dutch Country website .
To book your stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites you can visit our website or call our toll free number at 888-STAY-FFI.
Below is a video of another winery in Lancaster County. Thorn Hill’s Vineyards are open 7 days a week and bring California wines over to this side of the US. Visit their website HERE.
[embedyt]http://youtu.be/m-7byIWOxMQ[/embedyt]Spooky Nook Sports Complex is going to house Lancaster Countys 50 Plus Expo for the second year in a row ! Last year was the first year that the complex was able to house the convention because it had finally been completed and now they’re up for round two ! On May 5, 2014 from 9AM – 3PM baby boomers and seniors alike will have the opportunity to come out to the Spooky Nook Sports Complex to try their expansive selection of different activities to do. From yoga, to health screenings and much much more.
In addition to having an expo in the next few weeks, they will also be bringing it back in November for another round for seniors in the area. For more information about Novembers Expo click HERE.
To get more information about the upcoming 50 Plus Expo you can visit their website. Take the time out to take care of yourself and see all of the exhibitors and what they have to offer you.
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The Lancaster Barnstormers games are always a treat when visiting Lancaster, PA. The Lancaster Barnstormers that play at the Clipper Magazine Stadium have been a staple in Downtown Lancaster for over 10 years now. The park includes a kids park that has different amusements for children to enjoy while the game is in full “SWING” (Haha did anyone see what I did there?). There is a carousel, various inflatables and other activities that children can get into so they can burn up all of that extra energy.
Along with the Kids Park there are also benefits that adults can benefit from. There is FREE parking, a team store, outside food stands and a PA system that announces what exactly is going on at all times. The first home game for the Barnstormers will be this Thursday May 1st against the Sugar Land Skeeters. To see a calendar of their full schedule click on HERE. Every now and again there will be fireworks at the end of the game for everyone to enjoy. *There is a schedule of the firework nights on their calendar so please take that into consideration when bringing noise-sensitive and young children.*
To see all of the amenities and to get the game schedule you can visit the Lancaster Barnstormers website. To book your stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott you can visit our website or call our toll free number at 888-STAY-FFI.
Zenkaikons 8th annual Convention is coming to Downtown Lancaster for the second year in a row ! This convention is for all of the Anime fanatics as well as those that love Japanese art. Not only will guests be able to see the wonderful artwork but they will also get to enjoy in the science fiction and fantasy literature that will be sprinkled throughout the convention. Convention goers will also be able to attend the multiple events and special themed activities happening during the entire convention. There is a schedule and map posted onto their website that you can visit by clicking HERE.
This convention will start on Friday April 25th and continue until Sunday April 27th with varying times. The location of the convention is going to be at the convention center in Downtown Lancaster so there will be plenty of place to go eat or catch a couple of drinks to afterwards. To book your stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites you can visit our website or call our toll free number at 888-STAY-FFI.
Oldest home that is still standing in Lancaster County.[/caption]
Lancaster County, PA is full of history at every corner. It is one of the oldest inland establishments in America and has thrived over the years making it a successful area for Amish settlers to make their homes here and make it one of the most successful areas of agriculture. Since there is so much history in Lancaster there are a lot of museums scattered all over Lancaster County from the Susquehanna River all the way to Old Philadelphia Pike towards Philadelphia & Coatesville.
American Military Edged Weaponary Museum
With relics and history dating back all the way to the Spanish-American War this museum has a lot that a person interested in preserved artifacts will enjoy. On your visit here (for only $3 for an adult!) you can see knives, a rocket, grease gun, swords and so many other cool things here. This museum is open only from May- November, Monday through Saturday. Visit the American Military Edged Weaponary Museum to see so you and your family can see some of the weapons that helped our country be where it is today.
Ephrata Cloister
Founded in 1732, the Ephrata Cloister lets visitors take a step back in time and see how people lived life in the 1700s. Ephrata Cloister takes you on lantern lit tours to REALLY get the feel of it. Aside from showing you how people lived their lives they also do events there like indoor and outdoor weddings and picnics. Visit their website to see when you and your family can make a trip to see this wonderfully preserved ground and estate.
Hans Herr House & Museum
The Hans Herr House & Museum is the oldest structure that still stands in Lancaster County. It is located in Willow Street, PA, about 15 minutes from Downtown Lancaster. As the oldest Mennonite meetinghouse in Lancaster is it very historic and still has features that gives visitors a feel like they are stepping back in time. Open from April through December visitors will have the opportunity to see medieval German architecture and learn about the early settlers lifestyle and beliefs. To get more information about this location you can visit the Hans Herr website.
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Landis Valley is a village that is beating with life as they are open throughout the year for many events to let the public see their wonderful grounds and exhibits that they have here. Visitors will get to learn all of the wonders of living a Pennsylvania Dutch lifestyle that include horse-drawn buggy rides, traditional crafts and even how to cook like them ! The Landis Valley Museum also has an amazing selection of artifacts that guests can take home with them to remember their wonderful trip there. To learn more visit the Landis Valley website.
Visit Lancaster County and the PA Visitors Bureau to find out more locations that you and your family can visit during your stay in beautiful Amish Country.
Buddy Holly was an eccentric person that came onto the music scene in his mid teens to change the face of music forever. Tragically his life was cut short at the tender age of 22 when his plane crashed in Clear Lake, Iowa along with Richie Valens and J.P (The Big Bopper) Richardson. All three men were music pioneers who still had a lot of talent yet to show the world.
The Fulton Theatre will be showing a production that has some of the best 50s hits to make all of the attendees want to get up and dance ! From April 22nd – May 11th come and experience the musical talents of the cast and crew at the historic Fulton Theatre in Downtown Lancaster. Following his fast rise to fame they will act out all of the hardships of the “Young Man With the Glasses”.
To check availability and seating, visit the Fulton Theatre Website or call their box office at 717-397-7425. You can also visit the Fulton Facebook page to see all of the updates that they post on there as well. To book your stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites you can visit our website or call our toll free number at 888-STAY-FFI.
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Lancaster County is having tons of fun all weekend long to celebrate Easter. From Easter Egg hunts to Easter themed events there is something here that the whole family can enjoy !
Wilbur Chocolate Store
Join the Wilbur Chocolate Factory & Store this weekend to get your picture with the Easter Bunny ! From 11AM- 12:30PM and 1PM- 2:30PM, on Friday the 18th and Saturday the 19th, the Easter Bunny will be on set ready to have its photo-op with children of all different ages. The photos will then be posted onto the Wilbur Chocolate Facebook page. Visit the Wilbur Chocolate Facebook page for more information or call them at 717-626-3249.
Barnyard Kingdom
Barnyard Kingdom in Lancaster, PA is an outdoor playground for youngsters and adults alike. Cheer on the only pig races in Lancaster, PA here at this location and tour the working farm on one of their wagon rides. There are ponies, goats, chickens, sheep, bunnies and much more in their very own petting zoo ! This weekend only take the little ones to meet the Easter Bunny and take one of their wagon rides around the property. To get more information about the event and location you can visit the Barnyard Kingdom website or call them at 717-872-1554.
Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Market
Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm Market will be hosting its first ever Spring Fest on Saturday, April 19 from 10am-2pm. Activities will include an Easter egg hunt for children from 1-12 years of age and hunting for apples in a straw bale maze. Spring Fest is complete with face painting, egg dying, basket decorating and live bunny rabbits, chicks and guinea pigs for children to interact with too. The farm and orchards will be in full blossom, not only making it beautiful but perfect for the wagon rides through the orchard. Food concessions will be available for lunch items too. Registration for children is accepted by phone, email or in person at the Market. Admission is $5 per child and is due on the event day. To get your child registered you can go onto their website to see where to call or email.
