Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Lititz, PA
Year Listed: 2009 Nestled in the heart of the quiet, verdant fields of Pennsylvania's Lancaster County, Lititz is the perfect antidote to high-powered city living. The town, located just 60 miles west of Philadelphia, possesses a picturesque charm rooted in its Moravian heritage that dates back to the middle of the 18th century. Against a backdrop dotted with old stone mills, log homes and wooden covered bridges, and echoing with the clip clop of horses' hooves, Lititz offers a variety of attractions within easy walking distance of its appealing downtown district. Established as a Moravian religious enclave, Lititz is a town rich with history. Its tree-lined streets are home to German, English and Victorian styles of architecture spanning more than 300 years. Many of the original buildings constructed by the Moravian Church still stand today and retain their distinguishing architectural features. The community's legacy also resides in the seven-acre expanse of Lititz Springs Park. The site of noteworthy historical events, the park boasts shaded walkways, gurgling streams and a pristine landscape that has offered serenity and incomparable beauty for 200 years. This natural haven continues to host a variety of events throughout the year, most notably, the oldest continuous 4th of July celebration in the country. Visitors looking to fulfill more than just their "historic" appetite can do so by snacking on some of the local homemade delicacies. Known for its culinary creations, Lititz is home to the Wilbur Chocolate Factory, which produces more than 170 million pounds of chocolate every year, and the Sturgis Pretzel House, where Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels are still baked in stone ovens, just as they were 145 years ago. Visitors can even tour the factory and try out the twisting process themselves. Although there are plenty of outlet shopping malls surrounding Lititz, the real buys are to be found in the town's mix of independently owned boutiques and galleries, which are emporiums of authentic local country crafts and antiques. The 19th century General Sutter Inn offers lodging and dining on Main Street, and a number of bed-and-breakfast inns have been established in historic homes around town and early taverns and farmhouses in the surrounding rural countryside. Lititz has a long history of recognizing and protecting its historic buildings. The town has kept commercial sprawl at bay while blending modern development with its original history and scale. Lititz is said to be the first community in Pennsylvania to establish a local historic district ordinance. The district was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Interested in visiting Lititz? Check out their Convention & Visitors Bureau and learn even more at Venture Lititz. Stay at an Historic Hotel of America.
Main Street in Lititz, Pennsylvania.
Credit: Ron Reedy History
Good Eats
The 4th of July Candle tradition in Lititz, Pennsylvania.
Credit: George Sayles Shopping & Lodging
Preservation in Pennsylvania
Now it's your turn! Share your experiences or impressions of this Distinctive Destination: Unique restaurants, sights, family-friendly activities, hang outs, art galleries... tell visitors what they shouldn't miss!
Submitted by John R. at: November 16, 2009
Lititz is one of my favorite Pennsylvania towns, an excellent example of the value of historic preservation. There are beautiful log, stone, and brick houses along the main street; the Moravian Church square with its historic buidlings; numerous shops and coffee houses; and of course the chocolate company and pretzel bakery. Just outside of town is the Shaker Shoppe, where amazingly beautiful reproductions of Shaker furniture are made. It is worth the trip if only to look! We go to Lititz a couple of times a year and alwyas come away with a great feeling. We even flirted with the idea of taking one of the condominums now being built inside a historic building on the main street.
Submitted by J P L at: November 15, 2009
It's a gem, I especially like the Wilbur's chocolate factory and historic charm; my family from Se PA feel likewise
Submitted by sasnfras at: July 23, 2009
We loved Litiz. We were only there for a short few hours and would love to go back some day.
Submitted by David at: July 6, 2009
Lititz is a charming town with so much to do. It is a great place to live and raise a family. I have lived here for two years and love it!There are activities and festivals often and the beauty of it all is that it is within walking distance from most homes.
Submitted by JEANNETTE NY at: June 4, 2009
I HAVE BEEN TWICE, IT IS WONDERFUL I PLAN ON VISITING AGAIN, WILBURS IS AMAZING!!!
Submitted by Connector at: April 28, 2009
Lititz is an awesome community. The people are friendly, the shops are unique, and the town itself is beautiful. As to Linden Hall I would recommend you visit their website www.lindenhall.org. You will find the school to be on the cutting-edge of education with SATs exceeding 1800. If you want the best give it a try.
Submitted by Maddy and Bri at: March 15, 2009
Does anybody know anything about Linden Hall boarding school in Lititz? me and my friend would really like to go there, and we want as much information as possible about it! please help us!
Submitted by LauraW at: March 6, 2009
I loved buying Gelato last summer from the bike on Main Street. What a perfect find. She had a blackberry merlot that was to DIE FOR! I have never had anything like it. I hope to find her again the next time I visit. Does anyone know where I can find her? I would love to have it shipped down to VA.
Submitted by Barb at: January 14, 2009
Cherry Acres is one of my favorite stores in Lititz. The merchandise is very unique and the handcrafted furniture is made locally, with reclaimed barnwood lumber. There's always something new to discover there! Whenever family or friends visit me from out-of-town, they always insist on a trip to Lititz. Beautiful town, friendly people and lovely shops.
Submitted by Teresa at: January 14, 2009
Im a resident here in Lititz..its such a safe feeling place to be, Id have no problem walking the streets at 1..2am..whenever..very pretty place..nice little shops..take a walk to Freeze & Frizz for ice cream or Grecos for water ice with scent of Wilbur chocolate in the air & over to Lititz Springs Park, see the ducks playing in the streams..kids playing in the playgrounds..4th of July fireworks are great,tons of people all over..parades for everything..they close down the main rds for art shows & other things..