An Arts Itinerary

What’s your creative side? Whether it's fine arts, hand-made crafts, music, or theater, you’ll find inspiration here in Lancaster, PA. Stroll the streets of Downtown Lancaster or even get hands on and create a work of your own. Our Creative Side itinerary can guide your art-filled trip around the county.

Morning

The Pottery Works provides inspiring artists with the space and supplies to paint the perfect piece of pottery in Downtown Lancaster. Select your item - from bowls, plates and mugs to piggy banks and figurines for kids - and paint it to your liking. If beading jewlery is more your style, neighboring BeadWorks and Gem Den feature a beautiful array of beads and gems to inspire even more crafting fun.
Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

Inspired by the pottery you saw at The Pottery Works? Then head down to the Lancaster Creative Factory to indulge in beauty works for other artists or create your own masterpiece.

Maybe pottery isn't your thing, maybe you like to paint or get crafty. Horst Arts is the perfect space to create whatever your heart desires. They offer thoughts of different activities that is perfect for anyone, any age.

Afternoon

Intercourse is home to Julia Swartz Gallery and Dutchland Galleries, where there is plenty of art to gaze at. Dutchland Galleries features works from many artists, while Julia Swartz Gallery focuses on oil paintings created by Julia Swartz herself.

Depending on the time of year, Lancaster County hosts expertly currated shows that bring artists from around the nation to the area. Typically in July, Lititz Art Association hosts their Outdoor Art Show in Lititz Springs Park, which makes for a beautiful background for this annual event. While in Lititz swing by Pebbles & Lace to check out their beautiful curated shop full of stationery, home décor, fragrant candles, soaps, and artwork crafted by local artisans. Just outside Lancaster County, the Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show is beloved by locals. Held in August, this event features a wide range of fine art exhibitors. Over Labor Day Weekend, Long's Park holds their yearly Art Festival where art lovers gather at the park to enjoy fine art and high-quality crafts, along with tasty food, beer & wine, and activities for kids.

Evening

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre combines an all-American buffet and world-class entertainment for a memorable evening. Swing by for a musical featuring upbeat hits or take in the heart-felt melodies featured in a classic drama.For show schedule, click here.

For a more intimate performance ranging from dance, plays, lectures, and films, check out the Ware Center or Trust Performing Arts Center in Downtown Lancaster. Both are associated with local universities and bring in performances that typically run for one evening in a cozier setting. Don't foreget! The Ware Center is also the home of the Regitz Gallery where you are able to find exhibits by local and regional artists that rotate monthly during the academic year.

What a day! After a day of creativity and music galore, it's time to rest. Consider these artful options:

Lancaster Arts Hotel is located in Downtown Lancaster, and lives up to its name with currated art throughout the lobby and rooms. This boutique hotel offers amentities that will help you to relax and recharge for another day in Lancaster.

Artist Inn and Gallery is a romantic Bed & Breakfast in Terre Hill, PA that combines cozy accommodations with the Amish Countryside and an art gallery featuring pieces created by the innkeeper himself. Enjoy a good night sleep, then listen to the clip-clop of horse and buggies as they pass in the morning.