Day Trip to Ephrata, PA

•America's first communal religious society, the Ephrata Cloister.•

Home to rich religious history, the northeastern Lancaster County town of Ephrata represents cultural diversity, while still incorporating many Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish traditions.

Ephrata is a thriving small town that joins by a bike trail to Lititz. It has it's own unique character, and charming main street with restaurants & shops.

Mainspring of Ephrata

Founded in 1732, Ephrata was historically known as a pleasure resort and agricultural community. Over a century later, Ephrata enjoyed a reputation as a popular pleasure resort due to its renowned "spring waters" where today stands the Mountain Springs Hampton Inn and Suites. The surrounding countryside blends with the ambiance of the historic downtown district to create a unique small-town destination.

Ephrata also became home to America's first communal religious society, the Ephrata Cloister, which is still a popular historical destination today. This national landmark attracts many visitors with its unique architecture, original music, remarkable art, and more. It also hosts many exciting annual events, such as its Apple Dumpling Days in early October, Christmas at the Cloister in mid December, and Lantern Tours at Ephrata Cloister in late December.

In addition, the town offers a nice mix of local shops and boutiques. Ephrata is also home to one of the largest farmers' markets in the country, Green Dragon Farmers Market & Auction. Open on Fridays, Green Dragon features tons of Amish-made items, baked goods, books, candy, collectibles, quilts, toys, jewelry, and so much more, and is a great way to support local businesses and experience that tight-knit community feel that Lancaster County boasts.

On top of all this, Ephrata also has plenty of live theatre, restaurants, craft breweries, wineries & distilleries, events, and homey lodging. Explore many of these destinations, plus beautiful countryside and covered bridges, by driving the Northern Amish Countryside Trail.

Popular Events in Ephrata, PA

Community Days at Ephrata Cloister, late April, May, and October

Ephrata Firecracker 5 Mile Run & 1 Mile Kids Fun Run, July 4th

Ephrata Street Fair, last full week of September (Tues-Sat) & Parade (Wed)

First Saturday, June-September

Annual Veterans Day Luminary Trail

Christmas at the Cloister

Spectacular of Lights/Tree Lighting/Santa's arrival, Black Friday

Holiday Market, Small Business Saturday

Ephrata Unexpected, New Year's Eve Celebration

Where to Eat

Ephrata is not short on tasty places to eat! If you’re looking for a good place to eat a hearty meal, try Black Forest Brewery, which features plenty of top-quality beers in addition to delicious sandwiches, burgers, and rich entrees. If after dinner you’re craving something sweet, the Fox Meadows Creamery is a great place to stop by with its welcoming atmosphere and handcrafted creamy assortment of ice cream flavors made on-site with milk from the owner family’s dairy farm. De-lish!

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