On June 11-14, 2009, the City of Lancaster will be the proud host of the Annual Convention of the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women.
Lancaster will still be holding the convention but at a new location.. More details to follow.
One of the oldest inland cities in the United States, Lancaster is home to historic attractions dating back to the 1700’s including Central Market, the oldest, publicly owned, continuously-operating farmers markets in the country. The 60+ Market stand holders offer a wide variety of food items including fresh local produce, deliciously made baked goods and wonderful meats and cheeses. Central Market also offers numerous non-food items such flowers and plants, crafts and locally made primitives. Central Market is open Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year; so if you are planning on attending the PLCM conference in June, make sure that your stay includes a trip to Central Market.
Just steps away from the Market, is the Lancaster Heritage Center Museum. Housed in two historic buildings, the former City Hall and the Masonic Lodge No. 43, the museum preserves and interprets Lancaster County's history and decorative arts through its permanent collection, annual exhibitions and education programs. The museum is operated by the Heritage Center of Lancaster County, Inc, which also runs the Lancaster Quilt and Textile Museum. This museum includes the finest collection of authentic 18th through 20th century Amish quilts, decorative needlework, clothing and other textile arts all indigenous to this region. The hallmark of this, Lancaster's newest museum, is the famed Esprit Quilt Collection.
Not far from the both of these museums is the Fulton Theatre, considered the oldest continuously operating theater in the nation and only one of eight theaters named a National Historic Landmark. The Fulton Theatre produces professional theater year round for all ages. It is also home to the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra and Opera Lancaster.
Lancaster City is not only home to historic places, but was home to several historic faces. Famed artist Charles Demuth was born in Lancaster City in 1883. His home on King Street was a source for many artist inspirations and is now the location of the Demuth Foundation, a organization that exists to promote the work of Charles Demuth, maintain his home as a museum and art gallery, and to preserve the adjacent 18th century buildings that belonged to the Demuth family for five generations, including the Demuth Tobacco Shoppe, the oldest tobacco shop in the country.
The 15th President of the United States, James Buchanan, also called Lancaster home. His Wheatland estate is now a place where one can learn more about Pennsylvania's only United States President and to explore the important story of his presidency, the fractious political issues of the times, and his private life in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
As we preserve the past, we embrace a thriving and expansive future. Over the past year, the City has seen great growth in its retail sector with over 40 new businesses, 30 new retail expansions, and 1,500 additional parking spaces within the Downtown.
Perhaps the largest growth in the City has been the interested in investment in the arts. There are over 90 art venues located within the city including museums, galleries, and artist studios. Numerous galleries line North Prince Street, now known as Gallery Row.
Art lovers will not want to miss First Fridays in Downtown Lancaster. With over 90 art venues concentrated in Lancaster's charming Downtown district, it is easy and fun to stroll the streets, browse the galleries, meet the artists, and purchase fine art to grace your home and office. Held every month of the year, First Fridays are a great way to experience the city’s creative side.
And if live music is what you’re looking for, visit Downtown every third Friday of the Month for Music Friday. Listen to live music while you shop at numerous boutiques, galleries and restaurants.
Bring the whole family to Lancaster City, where kids of all ages can take in a baseball game at Clipper Magazine Stadium, home of the Lancaster Barnstormers. The Barnstormers will celebrate their fifth year at the Clip with exciting games, giveaways and fireworks all season long.
Other family friendly attractions include the North Museum of Natural History and Science. The North Museum has temporary and permanent exhibits and is home to south central Pennsylvania’s largest Planetarium. New to the city is the Lancaster Science Factory that provides hands-on, interactive technology and science center offering dozens of exciting exhibits relating to the physical sciences, engineering, technology and mathematics.
Among the variety of attractions, you will find over 200 distinctive shops and boutiques with one-of-a-kind items that you can’t find anywhere else. Complete your visit with a meal or treat at one of the numerous excellent Downtown restaurants that offer menus from casual to fine dining.
And the best part about enjoying all of these things in the City is that most are within walking distance of the Convention Center. So with over 300 attractions, shops, and restaurants - whether you are looking for sophisticated or funky, retro or edgy, antique or contemporary - you will find it in Lancaster City.
For those who would like to wonder past the city limits, Lancaster County offers small towns and villages, Amish heritage and family fun attractions. Step back in time at one of the many historic villages where you can go antiquing, fish or hike in our River Towns and learn of Lancaster’s early settlers. Get a glimpse into Amish life by taking a buggy ride or visiting a working Amish farmhouse.
So if you’re in the mood for a quiet retreat within the rolling hills of the Amish farmlands or looking for thriving city life, a visit to Lancaster is a must. But whatever you do, make sure you schedule enough time to experience it all.