Location: Ephrata
Top Things to do in Ephrata
Top 10 Things to do in Ephrata, United States
Ephrata (English: /ˈɛfrətə/ EF-rə-tə, Pennsylvania German: Effridaa) is a borough in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States, 38 miles (61 km) south east of Harrisburg and about 57 miles (92 km) west by north of Philadelphia. It is named after Ephrath, a biblical town in what is now Israel. Ephrata's sister city is Eberbach, Germany, the city where its founders originated. In its early history, Ephrata was a pleasure resort and an agricultural community.
Restaurants in Ephrata
1. Ephrata Cloister
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 307 reviews
One of America's earliest religious communities, the Historic Ephrata Cloister was founded in 1732 by German settlers seeking spiritual goals rather than earthly rewards. Gathered in unique European style buildings, the community consisted of celibate Brothers and Sisters, and a married congregation of families.At the zenith of the community in the 1740s and 1750s, about 300 members worked and worshiped at the Cloister. Today, the National Historic Landmark is open for tours, special programs, and on-going research opportunities.
Reviewed By munequa718 - Staten Island, New York
My experience there took me back to a time of religious persecution where one person began a following of faithful believers that began a century old religion. The tour guide was knowledgeable and gave us insight into daily life, the beginnings of their religion, and other tidbits about the buildings. The grounds were beautiful and there were many places to explore. Truly a wonderful experience learning about a bygone religion and their life.
2. Refreshing Mountain
Overall Ratings
5 based on 537 reviews
Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center provides Zipline and other Outdoor Adventures, as well as overnight accommodations and conference space for groups to enjoy. Our facilities are clean, restive, and refreshing to enjoy with family and friends. Come create great memories with us.
Reviewed By Matt S - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Spent the weekend at Refreshing Mountain with the family. We stayed in their Log Cabin units. They are clean and well cared for. The zip line course is the best around. Thank you to the staff for doing such a great job making our stay...MoreThanks for the review. It is rewarding to hear stories of family refreshment that we were a part of. So glad you had a fun and memorable time.
3. Lititz Springs Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 367 reviews
Reviewed By RicRei - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
We walked through the park a few weeks ago visiting my daughter. Very nice park, lots of ducks, geese, etc to feed, but nothing extremely special. Nice place to relax and perhaps read. Not very large, but appears good for local activities. Historical town to walk through as well. I would not go out of my way to visit this park, but if your in Litutz on a nice day, it's worth checking out.
4. Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area
Overall Ratings
5 based on 110 reviews
Many species of waterfowl call this lake / reserve home.
Reviewed By muffinwag - Wind Gap, Pennsylvania
A self-guided driving tour of the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area provides time for viewing fauna and flora. Birdwatching was the primary purpose of the visit, but the area provided so much more to enjoy. The Visitors" Center provides displays, a bird feeding station that is viewed from indoors with binoculars provided, programs, and a staff that is willing to provide oral and printed information. Bird lists and flower lists are provided if you keep checklists of what you observe. No matter how many times you visit or do the driving tour there is something to be discovered. We will return to visit.
5. Shady Maple Farm Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 193 reviews
Reviewed By nomastomasalready - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Flat out a foodie destination. The fresh vegetables and fruit, so many from the Amish and Mennonite soil of Lancaster Pennsylvania, will sate your figurative salad bowl. Watch out for half peck discount specials of slightly blemished produce, all of which would pass most any muster.
Their bakery rivals some of the best I have experienced in the Park Slope and Midwood sections of Brooklyn during their hay days.
Then there's Pizza, put together by Pennsylvania Dutch ladies. Plain, sausage, vegetable, and the ultimate, Philly Cheese Steak Pizza. The last is a perfect amalgam of regional comfort food. If you find an egg broken on your pizza superb, you'll understand the cheese steak pizza.
The fresh fish department vends cod fish cakes. Yes, fresh ones are hard to find. And indeed they offer a wide variety of whole fish too.
It's the meat department, though, where I discover fresh (unsmoked) kielbasa and try three pounds for a New Years feast. The results were worth the effort.
Cut into two inch pieces, I braised each slightly on two sides in peanut oil and remove to a crock pot. Then a Slavic sort of roux arises when I sautée two chopped onions, three cloves of crushed garlic, and two tablespoons of prepared mustard thinned with a dash of vodka in the remaining oil. To this gets added sauerkraut, drained but not rinsed, white pepper, paprika, salt and all mixed over heat to blend.
This roux is then layered with the kielbasa in the slow cooker to which we add 12 ounces of Belgian styled ale, and a quarter cup of Chablis to cover. Cook on low for eight hours. Overnight the crock pot in a cold barn or garage, then cook two more hours on high.
Some of my harshest critics (in laws don't you know) claim this to be the best I've ever made. I credit the Amish for a perfect Kielbasa z Kapusta Kiszona.
Happy new year!
6. Riehl's Quilts and Crafts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By Ken N - Toms River, New Jersey
While they do have beautiful quilts and a lot of them, they have become one of the more expensive places to buy quilts. They range in price from about $600 to over $1,000. Probably better looking at the small shops if possible, unless your main goal is to see a huge inventory. Most of the people working there are friendly, They do sell other items, including a lot of things which are homemade. they sell pillows , but are limited in the designs on them. This has become more for buses and tours than just the ordinary family coming in, but that is how a lot of the area is now. I usually try to deal from the locals and the less commercialized ones when possible.
7. The Green Dragon Farmer's Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 432 reviews
Reviewed By EMANUELE316 - Virginia Beach, Virginia
The temperatures were in the low 30s, so be prepared for the outdoor vendors not just the inside portion. The inside can be very crowded. Be sure to checkout the outside pretzel place. Worth the visit!
8. 272 Antiques Mall
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Ben S - Louisville, Kentucky
This is a good sized antique mall. I thought for sure there'd be a good selection in here and some reasonable deals. Not really. A lot of vintage stuff and high prices (2x book on items I am an expert on). A lot of vintage stuff advertised as antique. it's okay.
9. Zooks Mill Covered Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Tom B - Lancaster, Pennsylvania
We have used this bridge more times than I can count. I never realized it was anything special, but I guess most areas no longer have wooden covered bridges. More interesting for the tourist.
10. Wolf Sanctuary of PA
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 606 reviews
Wolf Sanctuary of PA is dedicated to providing as near a natural life home to the wolves and wolf hybrids that live here. We hope to share educational information with our visitors and introduce you to the world of the wolf.
Reviewed By Kare2Bme - New Cumberland, Pennsylvania
We visited late March on a Saturday with out-of-town guests. The youngest was 10 yrs and not really interested; though other 10 yr olds may have a bit more interest. The volunteer guides were very informative giving history and many stories. I went away knowing more & feeling good that I was supporting a worthy cause.
There is a free tour if you can show ID that you are a military veteran. Children under 16 yrs are not permitted to take the tour in the evening; perhaps they may be scared with the wolf howlings.
The interest in the wolf sanctuary has grown through the years from 12 to 250 visitors in about 12 years! There is no outside (government or private corp funding); so your ticket goes directly to the wolf preservation. Private tours of 2 or more can be arranged; but are booked solid for the next 6 months. On that tour you can see all 47 wolves. The best time to visit is in the cooler weather or probably evening as they are nocturnal animals. Several were awake and active when we visited Sat afternoon. Wear boots or old shoes...There is one steep hill at the end to climb.
TAGS
