This Pennsylvania Town Has The Biggest Heart
In the 18th century, a group of German Protestants immigrated to Pennsylvania in hopes of developing a model Christian community. Little did they know that this settlement, now known as Lititz, would one day grow into one of the friendliest towns in the state. Today, it welcomes visitors from around the world with annual culinary festivals, historic inns, and a beloved pretzel bakery. If you are seeking a bit of wholesome fun, this southeastern Pennsylvania town is just the place to be.
Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery
Founded in 1861, the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery has been a beloved Lititz institution for over 160 years. As the first commercial pretzel bakery in the country, it is filled with a rich history that visitors can experience during an interactive tour. Each tour lasts roughly 25 minutes, beginning when the bakery opens and continuing throughout the day until 30 minutes before closing. Guests will have the chance to view the original ovens that Julius Sturgis built, hear about the country’s pretzel-making history, and even learn how to twist their own pretzel! Concluding the tour, visitors can browse the bakery shop for a savory treat or purchase a souvenir. Make sure to schedule your tour ahead of time, as all tours are by appointment only.
Events & Festivals
The community of Lititz takes its festivals seriously, hosting some of the most creative celebrations you will find. In February each year, the town beats the winter gloom by hosting the annual Fire & Ice Festival. Over the course of 10 days, the festival features a variety of events that play with contrasts of heat and cold, including ice sculpting, fire shows, an ice cream festival, a fire-and-ice-themed farmers market, and a family-friendly Winter FUNderland event with events and games for the kids. The festival also promotes the town’s culinary scene by bringing in some of the most beloved restaurants and food trucks to serve some hearty grub. This past year, the town’s restaurants offered an impressively diverse lineup, including wood-fire grills, southern Italian cuisine, brunch spots, coffee shops, and Brazilian desserts!
Speaking of good food, consider checking out the Taste of Lititz festival that takes place in June. Set on Main Street, you can compare this cherished event to a food-themed block party. Local restaurants from throughout town set up food booths, offering samples of their best bites, perfect for strolling, sipping a drink, and trying out all the tasty treats. To further liven the atmosphere, there will be a lineup of live music that will last throughout the evening! Main Street is closed to traffic during the event, so you can stroll carefree and fully enjoy the festivities.
Local Inns
Lititz’s local inns are some of the best places to experience the town’s hospitality. The Alden House, which is located on Main Street in the town’s historic district, is a wonderful option for travelers seeking historic accommodations. This bed and breakfast, which has been running since 1987, is housed in an 1850s federal-style home and features 4 suites, 2 guest rooms, and a private carriage house. Regardless of the room they stay in, guests will have access to a variety of amenities, including complimentary snacks, hot and cold drinks, a daily newspaper in the dining room, and wifi. A full breakfast is also served each morning.
The Lititz Springs Inn is another historic favorite, welcoming travelers since 1764! On the property, visitors will find two floors of guest rooms, a large outdoor patio, two restaurants, and several private event spaces. The inn’s second-floor rooms have a more historic feel, featuring period architecture and furnishings, while the third-floor suites are more contemporary, each designed by local craftsmen and designers. If you are hungry, head down to the inn’s dining room for an elegant meal. The dining room has a robust menu, serving entrees like swordfish, braised short ribs, chicken tikka masala, and shepherd’s pie. If you are simply craving a drink, the cocktail bar has an extensive drink menu as well, with hand-crafted cocktails, wines, draft beers, cellar beers, and espresso drinks.
Final Thoughts
While you may sometimes crave an adrenaline-filled vacation, there are also moments when a slower pace is exactly what you need. In Lititz, you can rejuvenate by exploring the country’s first commercial pretzel bakery or unwinding with a book in the cozy cocktail bar at the Lititz Springs Inn. If you visit in February or June, you might be able to attend one of the town’s welcoming festivals. Regardless of how you spend your time here, you will quickly discover what makes this small Pennsylvania town so special.
