Many activities are planned to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the town, if you visit www.Lititz250.org you can check them out. The Pennsylvania Dutch Country Flavor Fest has kicked off this year, as well, featuring a variety of culinary trails that will take you through Lancaster County’s finest Farm Markets, Microbreweries, Dairy Farms, Water and Winery, as well as the Sweet & Salty Trail. I explored several of these trails on a recent visit to Lititz and Lancaster County. You can choose to take a tour of these trails or go on your own, I opted for the “on my own” and had a delectable time exploring Lancaster County.

After checking into Lancaster’s newest hotel in Lititz, the Holiday Inn Express and Suites, I headed a mile down the road to explore the quaint town of Lititz. There are many fine shops and restaurants, many of the shops featuring handmade jewelry by Lititz residents. I bought a gorgeous necklace that was a bit too long for me. After talking with the owners of the store, they called the jewelry designer who said she’d adjust it for me and sent it my way, now that’s small town hospitality! I couldn’t wait to visit Sturgis Pretzel House, on the “Sweet & Salty” culinary trail. Located at 219 East Main Street in Lititz, Sturgis Pretzel House is America’s first pretzel bakery, established in 1861. Tours are given and guests are allowed to twist their own pretzel and taste yummy hot samples fresh out of the oven. The staff was very pleasant, working under very hot
circumstances, with no air-conditioning. I was given a hot pretzel right out of their ovens and told to let it cool, I couldn’t wait. I admit, I ate it right then, steaming hot and oh-so amazing. Next stop on the culinary trail, the sweet side of the trail, Wilbur Chocolate Company Candy Museum. Located around the corner from Sturgis at 48 North Broad Street in Lititz, Wilbur is famous for its “Wilbur Buds,” little
heavenly chocolate bites in dark or milk chocolate. Step into the store/museum and the smell of chocolate permeates the air. Watch as fudge is being prepared and chocolates are being molded. The museum features chocolate memorabilia including old tins, molds and antique pots. There is also a short film on the history of chocolate. There is no admission charge to view the museum, however, I can tell you after smelling all that chocolate, you will be tempted to splurge on a few tasty morsels for yourself.

After perusing the shops on Main Street, I stopped for lunch at the landmark General Sutter Inn located at 14 East Main Street. The General Sutter Inn, over 200 years old, offers 15 spacious Victorian rooms and suites and delectable food at the 1764 Restaurant. Offering lunch and dinner, including everything from specialty salads, seafood, Black Angus beef, to chicken and
sandwiches. I had a luscious hamburger and delighted in the surroundings which reminded me of my grandmother’s precious antiques. After lunch, head a few doors down to Cafe Chocolate at 40 East Main Street for a sweet treat. Whether it be fondue or a mocha drink, Cafe Chocolate has
something for every chocolate lover. They also offer breakfast and lunch Tuesday-Sunday.
I headed back to the hotel , which by the way offers a complimentary breakfast with your stay including waffles, hot cinnamon rolls, assorted fruit and more, and enjoyed a dip in the indoor pool.
You will want to have dinner at Doneckers in Ephrata, about a 15 minute drive. Doneckers is first class and features world-class cuisine by Chef Greg Gable. Their relaxing atmosphere, sophisticated wine list and exquisite cuisine make this a must when visiting the area. Piano music plays in the background in the elegant bar area while you dine on the freshest in seafood, lamb,
crab or filet. The entrees are presented beautifully, almost too artistically to eat. Once you take your first bite, as I realized with my Chilean Sea Bass, you are in heaven. I opted for a memorable Port for dessert, however, the dessert list was very tempting. Next time I will be sure to save room for
the Chocolate Sampler. My visit to Lancaster County, including the towns of Lititz and Ephrata, was
a tasty, impressive journey. Experience the small town atmosphere and the kindness of the town people with a visit to Lititz as they celebrate 250 years. For a Foodie’s Guide to touring Lancaster County, visit www.PADutchCountry.com