Lititz Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, food, accommodations, and local customs of Lititz, Pennsylvania, with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Lititz

Nestled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Lititz is a charming small town in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Lititz is famous for its rich heritage, quaint architecture, and peaceful countryside. Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, foodie, or culture enthusiast – Lititz has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the best places to visit, eat, stay, and enjoy in Lititz.

List of Places to Visit in Lititz

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Lititz Historical Foundation

Located on Main Street, the Lititz Historical Foundation is the perfect place to start your tour of Lititz. The museum includes nine historic buildings, each offering a glimpse into the town’s past. Visitors can explore the Johannes Mueller House, an 18th-century home that showcases early Pennsylvania German architecture, and the Lititz Museum, which features artifacts and exhibits from the town’s founding in 1749.

Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery

No visit to Lititz would be complete without a stop at the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, the birthplace of the pretzel in the United States. Visitors can learn how pretzels were first made and try their hand at twisting their own pretzels in the bakery’s historic kitchen.

Natural Attractions of Lititz: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Lititz Springs Park

Lititz Springs Park is a beautiful 16-acre park located in the heart of Lititz. The park features natural spring-fed streams, a large pond stocked with fish, walking trails, and picnic areas. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the park or enjoy a relaxing picnic while surrounded by nature.

Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area

Located just a short drive from Lititz, the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is a stunning natural oasis that offers hiking trails, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can spot diverse bird species, including snow geese, as well as deer and other animals.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lititz

Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail

The Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail is a beautiful 6-mile trail that runs from Warwick Township to Ephrata. The trail offers scenic views of the countryside and is perfect for hiking, biking, and jogging.

Lititz Borough Bike Routes

Lititz Borough Bike Routes are a series of bike paths that run through the town and surrounding countryside. Visitors can enjoy picturesque views of the Amish farmland and the historic architecture of the town.

Best Things to Do in Lititz: Activities and Tours

Wilbur Chocolate Factory Tour

The Wilbur Chocolate Factory tour is a must-visit for chocolate lovers. Visitors can learn how the world-famous Wilbur Chocolate is made and even create their own personalized chocolate treats.

Moravian Church Tour

The Moravian Church tour is another unique experience that visitors to Lititz should not miss. The tour offers visitors a chance to see inside the beautiful Moravian Church and learn about its history and traditions.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lititz

Day Activity
Day 1 Lititz Historical Foundation and Johannes Mueller House
Day 2 Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery and Wilbur Chocolate Factory Tour
Day 3 Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area
Day 4 Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail
Day 5 Moravian Church Tour and Lititz Springs Park
Day 6 Lititz Borough Bike Routes
Day 7 Local Shopping and Dining

Food and Drink Scene of Lititz

Must-Try Dishes

Shoo-fly Pie

Shoo-fly pie is a major Pennsylvania Dutch dessert dish that originated in Lancaster County. It’s a molasses-rich pastry that comes in two varieties: wet-bottom and dry. Both are delicious, but the wet-bottom shoo-fly pie is especially popular.

Ham Pot Pie

Ham pot pie is a regional specialty consisting of squares of dough filled with ham, potatoes, and onions in a thick gravy. It’s a hearty and comforting meal that will fill you up.

Local Beverages

Lancaster County Wineries

Lancaster County is home to many vineyards and wineries, with over 25 wineries in the area. Visitors can sample a variety of wines, including traditional Pennsylvania Dutch fruit wines

Root Beer

Root beer is a quintessential American soda beverage with a long history in Pennsylvania. Visitors can try locally made root beer at several restaurants and cafes.

Where to Stay in Lititz: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

General Sutter Inn

The General Sutter Inn is a historic hotel located in the heart of Lititz. Built in 1764, the inn has been recently remodeled with modern amenities, including an on-site restaurant.

The Lititz House Bed and Breakfast

The Lititz House Bed and Breakfast is a charming and cozy retreat located just a short walk from downtown Lititz. The inn features five uniquely decorated rooms and a beautiful garden for guests to enjoy.

What to Buy in Lititz: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Sturgis Pretzels

Visitors can take home a bag of fresh-baked pretzels from the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. Packaged in a traditional brown paper bag, the pretzels make a tasty and unique souvenir.

Craft Beer

Lancaster County is home to many craft breweries, offering visitors a chance to take home unique local beers.

Local Culture and Customs of Lititz

Lititz is known for its rich cultural heritage, including the Amish and Mennonite communities that are still very much a part of the town’s life today. Visitors should respect the town’s cultural values and customs, including dressing modestly, refraining from taking pictures of the Amish people, and showing general respect for their conservative lifestyle.

Best Time to Visit Lititz

The best time to visit Lititz is in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild, and the colors of the countryside are vibrant. Summer can get quite hot and humid, while winter can be cold, with snow and icy roads.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lititz

Do:

  • Respect local customs and cultures
  • Take a walking tour of the historic downtown area
  • Try local food specialties like shoo-fly pie and ham pot pie

Don’t:

  • Take photos of the Amish people without permission
  • Cause disruption or disturbance through loud noise or rowdiness in public areas
  • Litter or damage any natural or historical sites

Safety and Health

Safety in Lititz

Lititz is a safe town with relatively low crime rates. Visitors should take normal safety precautions, like locking their cars and securing their valuables.

Health in Lititz

The nearest hospital to Lititz is Lancaster General Hospital, located just a short drive away.

Getting to Lititz: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Lititz

The closest airport to Lititz is the Harrisburg International Airport, located about a 40-minute drive away.

Bus Stations Near Lititz

The Greyhound bus station is located near Lancaster city, about a 20-minute drive away from Lititz.

Other Options

Visitors can also opt to rent a car to explore Lititz and the surrounding area.

How to Get Around in Lititz

Visitors can explore Lititz on foot or bike, as the town is small and easy to navigate. Taxis and rental cars are also available for visitors who prefer private transportation.

Where to Go Next from Lititz: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Lancaster City

Lancaster City is a vibrant and bustling town located just a short drive away from Lititz. Visitors can explore the city’s art galleries, visit the historic Central Market, or take a tour of the Amish countryside.

Strasburg Rail Road

Strasburg Rail Road is just a short drive away from Lititz and offers visitors a chance to take a scenic train ride through the countryside on restored steam trains.

Conclusion

Lititz is a charming and picturesque town that offers visitors a chance to experience Pennsylvania Dutch Country’s unique culture and heritage. Whether you are interested in history, nature, food, or culture – Lititz has something for everyone. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your trip to Lititz, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

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