Lancaster County Magazine | July-August 2025 Issue

NIKKI’S CUSTARD CHELLAS ON QUEEN POLO AT FORNEY FIELD

CHINCOTEAGUE, VIRGINIA

DATENIGHT

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EDITOR

Suzanne Starling-Long Sue@lancastercountymag.com

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SOCIAL MEDIA Shaun Lucas Slucas@engleonline.com

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS

WRITERS

Jill Brown Rochelle A. Shenk

Michael C. Upton Kathleen Wagner

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jordan Bush

Nick Gould

Kirk Zutell

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Mosaic is centered in the urban charm of Lancaster, PA, which consistently ranks among the nation’s best places to retire. Here, your daily adventure might take you to a historic market or modern food hall, a new art exhibit, or baseball game. Mosaic will offer world-class service, premier amenities, and a walkable, one-of-a-kind location, along with the proven excellence of Willow Valley Communities — recently named by Newsweek as the #2 Continuing Care Retirement Community in the country. Sitework is now underway. We invite you to learn more at our upcoming Open House on July 26, 2025. Visit mosaiclancaster.com/events for more information or call 888.893.1423

On the Cover:

Nick Gould photographed Ashley Kendrick Kennedy and Sean Kennedy at Lititz Clay Studio, where Date Night became popular soon after Nate Nixdorf opened its doors in 2017. And, yes, participants are always eager to recreate the famous scene from the movie, Ghost.

Feature

30. Date Night Lancaster

One positive thing to emerge from the pandemic is the concept of Date Night. It’s become a nationwide phenomenon! Couples are cooking, dining, exploring, dancing, crafting, biking, riding the rails and hiking together all across Lancaster County.

Departments

8. Event-Full

There are so many ways to celebrate July!

12. Life of a Party

The Lancaster Polo Club, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary in 2025, has a summer’s worth of polo matches on the calendar.

26. Uptown & Down

Michael Upton introduces you to his favorite beach getaway, Chincoteague Island in Virginia, where the annual Pony Swim will mark its 100th anniversary in late July.

38. Foodographer

Jordan Bush learns all about frozen custard courtesy of Nicole Dannehl, a Midwest native who missed her favorite frozen treat so much that she opened Nikki’s Custard.

43. Table for Two

Rochelle Shenk catches up with Luis Quiroz, who, with his brother Diego, opened Chellas on Queen earlier this year.

48. Neighbors

Swimming isn’t the only competitive sport for water-loving kids. Manheim Township’s recreation department offers an instructional water polo program.

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17. Staycation

Summer’s the perfect time to explore your own backyard, tackle home projects and treat yourself to some fun.

Celebrate July!

Fireworks! Festivals! Food! Music! Fun! July has it all. For a full slate of July events, as well as summer’s lineup of music events, visit lancastercountymag.com. August events will be posted online later in July.

PHOTOS: FACEBOOK

Goat Yoga

July

Amish Farm & House

You haven’t worked out until you’ve taken a goat yoga class! Classes are offered through the summer on Fridays (7 p.m.), Saturdays (12 and 7 p.m.) and Sundays (10 a.m.). Don’t worry, plenty of cuddle time is built into the classes. 2395 Covered Bridge Dr., Lancaster. Information: Amishfarmandhouse.com

Sunset Dinner Tour on an Amish Farm

Through August

Amish Farm & House Event

No doubt you’ll have visitors this summer and are wondering how to entertain them. The Amish Farm & House has the solution: you and your guests can tour the 15-acre farm and 1805 farmhouse and then board a bus for a ride through the country that will take you to the home of an Amish family. There, you’ll enjoy a traditional Amish

Note: July 4th events, which begin June 18 and end July 13, can be found on our website, lancastercountymag.com.

dinner and end the visit with dessert and conversation with your hosts. Fridays and Saturdays; 3:45 tour/5 p.m. bus boarding. 2395 Covered Bridge Dr., Lancaster. Information: Amishfarmandhouse.com

East Pete Summer Fest

July 11

East Petersburg Community Park

Celebrate summer at this annual event that includes a beer/ wine garden, food trucks and music provided by Modern Day Pharaohs. 5:30-9 p.m. Pine St., East Petersburg. Information: Eastpetersburgday.com

Washington Boro Tomato Festival

July 12 & 19

Washington Boro

You haven’t lived until you’ve tasted a Washington Boro Jet Star tomato! Washington Boro has been celebrating its tomato heritage for decades with a festival whose house specialty is tomato sandwiches (adding bacon is an option). Event also features games, raffles, live music and tomato sales. Proceeds benefit Blue Rock Fire & Rescue. 3-9 p.m. Washington Boro Park, 2010 River Rd., Washington Boro. Information: Facebook.com

Haiti Benefit Auction

July 18-19

Bird-in-Hand

This year marks the 26th anniversary of the collaborative effort on the parts of churches and individuals to raise funds for mission projects in Haiti. Friday’s events include a dinner (chicken BBQ, pulled pork, pizza, burgers), gospel singing and an auction of tools, crafts, quilts and specialty items. Saturday will feature breakfast fare, food stands and auctions entailing furniture, quilts,

play-sets, tractors, gardening needs, sheds and more. A craft auction will feature a 3D painting (1976) by Abner Zook. Friday, starting at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, starting at 6:30 a.m. 338 N. Ronks Rd., Bird-in-Hand. Information: Pahaitiauction.com

Farm-to-Table Dinner

July 19

Inn at Twin Linden Chefs John and Don will craft a menu highlighting local produce –notably tomatoes and peppers –at its summer peak. The complementary cocktail for the heart of summer is the Hugo Spritz, a light, bubbly and refreshing cocktail that entails a delicate floral sweetness from the elderflower and a hint of herbal freshness provided by mint. 6:30 p.m. 2092 Main St., Narvon. Information: Innattwinlinden.com

A Day with Doug Tallamy

July 22

Mount Gretna

He’s back! The renowned University of Delaware professor, entomologist, conservationist, wildlife ecologist and author

returns to the area to share his vision of how we all can play a role in saving nature. At 10 a.m. he will discuss his initiative, Homegrown National Park, through which homeowners can create naturefriendly environments in their own backyards. At 3:30 p.m., he will address the question of How Can I Help? and provide information on the whys and hows of creating your own eco-friendly environment.

Mt. Gretna Playhouse, 200 Pennsylvania Ave. (A $5 donation is requested; hosted by the Pennsylvania Chautauqua.) Information: Pachautauqua.info

Lititz Outdoor Fine Art Show

July 26

Lititz Springs Park

Presented by the Lititz Art Association, this remains as one of the definitive “fine art” shows in the area. Visitors will see original artwork and fine art reproductions from more than 130 artists. Oils, acrylics, watercolors, drawings, ceramics and sculptures can be seen and purchased at this show. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 24 N. Broad St., Lititz. Information: Lititzartassociation.com

Cruisin’ Cuisine Car Show/Taste of Mount Joy

July 26

Mount Joy

Now in its 22nd year, the event kicks off with a Pancake Breakfast at St. Mark’s UMC (8:30-10:30 a.m.).

Amy Spangler Photo

The car show will include classes such as classic, antique and muscle cars; street rods; Corvettes; motorcycles; and trucks. Local restaurants and vendors will comprise the “Taste of Mount Joy” portion of the event. 11 a.m.2:30 p.m. Downtown Mount Joy. Information: Voyagemountjoy.com

Bicentennial

Candlelight Dinner & Period Ball

July 27

Trust46

The historic Trust46 building will be the setting for a Dinner and Ball event that commemorates the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to Lancaster in 1825. The event

will feature a French-inspired candlelight dinner catered by former White House chef John Moeller, as well as an elegant period ball with English Country Dance caller Jenna Simpson and musicians Mara Shea, Kathy Talvitie and Bob Pasquarello. (Period attire is optional.) 5-9 p.m. 46 E. King St., Lancaster. The event is being hosted by The American Friends of Lafayette. For information about this and other Lafayette-related events, visit Lafayette200.org

A Summer Evening With Lafayette

July 28

Ware Center

Take a musical journey that depicts the life and times of the Marquis de Lafayette. Meet the important people in Lafayette’s life through this production that will feature the Allegro Orchestra, MFE Community Chorus, Central York Middle School Fife & Drum Corps and well-known guest performer, Lancaster’s own James Wolpert. 7 p.m. 43 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Information: Friendsoflafayette.wildapricot.org

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Lafayette Day

July 28

Historic Rock Ford

Historic Rock Ford welcomes the Marquis de Lafayette with fanfare and celebration, partnering with the organization The American Friends of Lafayette, which is re-creating the bicentennial of Lafayette’s exact step-by-step farewell tour through America that began in August 1824 and concluded in September 1825. Historic Rock Ford’s participation commemorates Lafayette’s stop in Lancaster in July 1825. Event also will feature live music, fife & drum performances, house tours, garden talks, reenactors, guest speakers, food and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 881 Rockford Rd., Lancaster. Information: Historicrockford.org

Lauren Fisher photo

The “Marquis de Lafayette” visiting Lexington, Kentucky during his year-long bicentennial visit to the United States. The American Friends of Lafayette photo.

705 Graystone Rd. Manheim, PA 17545

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LANCASTER

POLO CLUB Celebrates 85 Years OF TAILGATES, TOASTS AND PONIES

BY JILL BROWN

Players greet the spectators. Lori

A young spectator offers congratulations to the winning players. Juliana Tomlinson photo

This page:

(Right): If it’s Sunday, Forney Field is the place to be during the summer. Juliana Tomlinson photo

(Below): The action in Rothsville has attracted teams from Canada, the Dominican Republic, California, Texas and the East Coast. Mike Freshwater photo

Chukkers! Divot stomps! Lancaster County’s polo season is in full swing! This year, the Lancaster Polo Club is celebrating its 85th year, with a legacy woven by generations of players, ponies and loyal spectators.

Inlate April, while the grass was still greening up on Forney Field in Rothsville, the Lancaster Polo Club’s patrons and players gathered for a pre-season party that gave a nod to the risks and thrills inherent in the “sport of kings.”

The Black & Blue Ball is named for the bruises that a player often receives while attempting to advance the ball to

the goal with a four-foot mallet, all while astride a spirited horse. In honor of such players, gentlemen are requested to wear formal black jackets paired with blue jeans. (Ladies have more liberal color choices for their cocktail attire.)

While the party is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Lancaster Polo Club, the event is also an opportunity for spectators, who line the polo field at their reserved spots each Sunday from early June through September, to socialize with season patrons who sit on the opposite side of the 300-by160-yard field. According to the club’s board president, Elizabeth Beck, it’s also a night to thank the club’s season sponsors, Tomlinson Bomberger Lawn Care & Landscape, Jack Daniel’s, Tequila Herradura and Events By Gillian and Co., for their support. “As we saddle up for our 85th year, we are filled with pride for the tradition and legacy we carry forward,” she said in her welcome remarks. “I often wonder what Ben Forney, whose love of polo laid the foundation for all that we enjoy today, would think of where we are now.”

Indeed, it was Ben Forney who brought polo to Lancaster County, when he and three other local cattle dealers rose to the challenge of a polo match by a team from York New Salem. The novice sons of Lancaster won that first game, played at the

Opposite, clockwise from top:

The action gets underway! Mike Freshwater photo

Paliy Photography

Below:

The Lancaster Polo Club’s annual Black & Blue Ball was held at Lincoln Shoe Co in Lititz in April.

Left: Table décor featured gold horseshoes, polo balls and floral arrangements by Lancaster Flower Company.

Right: Guests were treated to champagne and charcuterie along with other hors d’ oeuvres and small bites.

Party photos: Fern & Fountain by Emily Wilkerson

Karen and Kenneth McSherry discovered the polo matches after moving to Lititz in 1994. Ken is a former player, club manager, past/current board member and announcer. The McSherrys’ daughter, Gillian, began attending the matches at the age of 5; she is a board member and plans events for the club. She met her husband, Kyle Joseph, at the polo field in 2012.

Lancaster Polo Club Board of Directors includes (left to right): Sean McEvoy, Elizabeth Beck, Kenneth McSherry, Gillian McSherry and Marc Harris. (Not pictured: Jeff Eberly.)

Borrowing from the game’s halftime tradition, a champagne toast is made in honor of the milestone 85th season.

former Lancaster Fairgrounds, then continued playing where Overlook Golf Course is located. In 1956, Ben brought polo to the little town of Rothsville – current population 2,698 –when he created a polo field on his farm. Now called Forney Field, teams from Canada, Dominican Republic, California, Texas and the eastern U.S. have competed in Rothsville.

A dedicated horseman for decades, Forney rescued many of his dozens of polo ponies from the New Holland livestock auctions. Many of today’s Lancaster Polo Club players once groomed Forney’s ponies or leased them for competitive play.

Forney, who was deemed “America’s Oldest Active Polo Player” by Sports Illustrated, played into his 80s, before his final roundup in 1988 at age 84. Today, the club plays on at Forney Field every Sunday, June through September. Friendly tailgating, champagne toasts and divot stomping at halftime are just a few of the fun moments to experience. Having a front-row seat to the action on the field and feeling the thunderous impact of galloping horses’ hooves on the ground provide the thrills. All that makes it one of the best ways to spend a summer Sunday afternoon in Lancaster County.

Special Sundays will include the Cracked Pepper Cup on June 29, when Cracked Pepper Catering and its owner, Joe Hess, sponsor the day’s

activities. Be sure to wear white on July 13 for Polo En Blanc, and cheer on the young players at the National Youth Tournament Series qualifier match on July 20, which will include a market area of vendors. August 3 is Dog Days of Summer and August 17 is Hat Day. September 7 will see the Porsche Cup be contested, while the 14th will see a Chili Cook-Off be staged.

Admission is $10 (cash). Gates open at 1 p.m., the action gets underway at 2:30 p.m., weather permitting. For more information and a complete schedule, visit Lancasterpoloclub.com.

Owner of Jill Brown Publicity, Marketing & Events, Jill brings highlights of Central Pennsylvania’s social scene and special events to Lancaster County Magazine’s readers. Do you have an event that you would like to have covered by Life of a Party? Contact her at jillianbrown@live.com.

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Three generations of Lancaster Polo Club patrons and players include (left to right), Howard and Kelly Scarff; their granddaughter, Margaret Grace Beck; their daughter, Elizabeth Beck; and her husband, David Beck. Elizabeth is the board president. Margaret Grace is a polo player.

SUMMER Staycation

One-stop department store shopping is alive and well at the RE-UZIT SHOP OF NEW HOLLAND ! Voted the #1 Favorite Thrift Shop through LNP’s Reader’s Choice Awards. We are one of the largest thrift stores of its kind featuring multi-levels and large organized departments of clothing, furniture, house-wares, books, decor, toys, jewelry, tools and much more! You will find bargains around every corner. Through the help of our dedicated volunteers, staff and generous donors, our store has generated millions of dollars to support the work of the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), as well as many local charities and organizations since 1976. Visit newhollandreuzit.org for more store information and details on donating.

Your Summer Storage Solution

FOX COUNTRY SHEDS  has the perfect solution for any number of storage needs. Consider adding a contemporary touch to your backyard with the soaring slant roofline of the Modern Shed. Or opt to include striking, black-framed windows to your shed to match the appearance of your home. With some minor options you can convert your shed into a home office or gym. Our website allows you to customize and view your ideas in 3D. You can even “place” your new shed in your backyard virtually with the Augmented Reality feature! A “Fox Shed” will add valuable storage space to your home while enhancing the exterior of your property.

A historic house museum, the 1738 WRIGHT’S FERRY MANSION celebrates important examples of pre-1750 fine art, decorative arts and architecture. It also serves as a multi-generational narrative reflective of Columbia, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding region. Originally the home of Susanna Wright, it was beautifully restored by the Louise Steinman von Hess Foundation to accurately represent the period of 1700-1750. We invite you to visit this national treasure this summer.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, May through October, all tours are guided and commence on the hour, beginning at 10:00 am (last tour, 3:00 pm).

Admission: $5.00 for adults; $2.50 for children.

Enjoy family fun all summer long at SCOOPS ICE CREAM & GRILLE  and BOULDERS MINIATURE GOLF  in Mountville. Open through October, indulge your sweet tooth with over 24 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream, soft serve, sundaes, splits and shakes. Enjoy lunch or dinner with a full menu, including cheesesteaks, burgers, quesadillas, salads and more. Mini golf features fun for all ages with 19 challenging holes. Be on the lookout for Scoops food trucks in the community or book them for weddings, corporate events, employee appreciations and more. It’s food, ice cream and mini golf all in one great location!

Transform your backyard into an oasis with the help of outdoor specialists, EAGLE WINGS BUSINESS NETWORK (EWBN) . With over 30 years of industry experience and 20 years in business, owner Reuben Stoltzfus and the EWBN team are experts in transforming regular spaces into fun and exciting places to relax and create memories

with family and friends. EWBN can create your dream outdoor space by installing customized roof structures, outdoor kitchens, hardscaping, decks, fencing, firepits and more. Basement remodeling is also available. Because EWBN is committed to overdeliver, assistance and industry-experienced advice are offered every step of the way to ensure your complete satisfaction.

Feeling stuck staring at the same four walls? Transform your space with a fresh coat of paint! For over 37 years, VILLE PAINTERS ’ ViP Team has been breathing new life into Central PA’s homes, workplaces and historic landmarks with expert craftsmanship, attention to detail and outstanding customer service. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial services, including interior and exterior painting, historic preservation, kitchen cabinet refinishing, wallcoverings, decorative finishes, signage, drywall, plaster repair and more. Ready to revitalize your space? Call us today at 717-396-1176 for your free estimate!

Enjoy PA Dutch Favorites at The Family Restaurant

Serving Our Friends & Neighbors Since 1975!

Celebrating 50 years of Farm Fresh Family Fun!  Make it a fun adventure with a trip to OREGON DAIRY ! Enjoy a farm-fresh meal at the restaurant ending with our delicious signature ice cream. Join us this summer for our Barnyard Express Train Ride and check out events on our website at oregondairyfarmstead.com.

Since our founding in 1974, LANCASTER ASPHALT SYSTEMS, INC . has remained family owned and operated. Central PA business owners, municipal leaders, school districts and homeowners have relied on our team’s experience for quality sealcoating, athletic surfaces, power sweeping and line-painting services that are completed with quality materials and expert technique. We provide onsite evaluation of your needs and turn around quotes within 24-48 hours. Estimates are always

free and reflect an honest assessment of the work needed. We strive to build long-term relationships with our customers. Call 717-626-8788 or visit lancasterasphalt.com.

Cool off this summer with a sweet treat at LITTLE DIPPERS ICE CREAM ! We have 50+ hand-dipped ice cream flavors including 25+ from Penn State Berkey Creamery! We also hand-dip Creamery 1/2 gallons to take home. (Online ordering for 1/2 gallons is available.) The menu also features soft-serve ice cream, shakes, banana splits, sundaes, candy blendins, malts, floats, Italian Ice and gelati. We also offer vegan/dairy-free, NSA, sherbets and much more! Visit us and enjoy our patio or utilize the drive-thru. Summer hours are 12-10 p.m. every day! Open yearround! Visit us on FB/IG.

KEYSTONE GUN-KRETE  specializes in concrete solutions for commercial, residential and agriculture industries. Owner Richie Zook says, “The costeffective option of lifting sunken concrete using our Poly Foam equipment instead of replacing the slabs is a message we’ve been spreading throughout the region. When homeowners see the cost savings from lifting their sidewalks, patios or pool decks in lieu of tearing them out and starting over, they are delighted. Plus, there is no mess.” He adds that homeowners “will generally level sidewalks to make them more beautiful; however, at Keystone Gun-Krete, we are passionate about safety, and once our work is complete and we’ve eliminated the trip hazards, our customers and their guests will be much safer.”

KREIDER’S CANVAS SERVICE, INC . has been installing awnings in Lancaster County for over 40 years. Leslie Kreider shares that Kreider’s Canvas offers an option that makes outdoor areas more useful and comfortable. “We developed a ‘Roof Vent System’ that can be used on the flat back wall of a deck or patio canopy. This increased venting area provides more air flow and minimizes trapped hot air,” Leslie says.

What’s trending? “There has been an increased use of clear drop curtains around porches and pavilions to block the cold, wind and rain when needed. The clear inserts in the curtains block the cold, but not the view,” Leslie notes.

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Experience the ultimate breakfast and lunch destination at WHISK CAFE , Elizabethtown’s top spot for local, made-to-order cuisine.  Our breakfast menu, which is served all day, boasts unique, fresh, seasonal options that will satisfy every foodie. The lunch menu includes a great selection of salads and sandwiches. On the run? Grab a freshly made baked good. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee, signature lattes or indulge in a cocktail for a memorable breakfast, brunch or lunch experience.

Uptown & Down and all around

Chincoteague

Follow Me to Chincoteague

BY MICHAEL C. UPTON

Looking for a beach getaway that offers a change of pace? Here’s my guide to making the most of Virginia’s wild and wonderful beach destination, Chincoteague.

Much to my family’s embarrassment, I always ask Amish or Mennonite visitors in Chincoteague, Virginia, where they are from. Most say “Pennsylvania,” and when I explain I live in New Holland, there is instant amity. I have met folks from Gap, Leola and other places around Lancaster County in Chincoteague.

“Chincoteague is still a familyfriendly community,” explains Joanne

Moore, executive director of the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce.

“Obviously, we’ve changed over the years, but the Amish community still feels comfortable coming here. They are going to be respected and welcome.”

I get many comments on social media when I post pictures of wild ponies, quiet beaches and my favorite highlight, ice cream. So, to help anyone planning a trip to The Tump, which is Chincoteague’s unofficial nickname used by old-school residents – meaning “a small, rounded hill or mound” – here is a starter guide to my favorite beach vacation spot.

GEOGRAPHY BASICS

Chincoteague is a town of 3,000+ residents built on a barrier island

on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, 200 miles south of Lancaster City. A sister barrier island, Assateague, is a National Seashore and straddles Virginia and Maryland, with the southern portion designated as a National Wildlife Refuge. There is a distinct difference between the two sides of Assateague, with the northernmost point ending at the Ocean City, Maryland inlet, while the Virginia side is known for its wealth of flora and fauna.

PONIES

Made famous by the 1947 novel, Misty of Chincoteague (and subsequent film), the wild ponies of Assateague are a top tourist draw. The most famous explanation for the

fuzzy, wide-bellied ponies’ existence involves their predecessors having survived the shipwreck of a Spanish galleon centuries ago.

The Chincoteague Pony Swim, held the last week of July since 1925, helps to manage the southern herd of wild ponies. Spectators (as many as 30,000) watch from Memorial Park and other points as ponies swim across the channel to Chincoteague, where they are led by Saltwater Cowboys (fire department personnel) to the carnival grounds. The next day, an auction is held, with foals fetching anywhere from $2,000-$8,500. Proceeds (last year’s event raised nearly $550,000) support the fire department.

Sharing everything about the

Opposite: The island of Chincoteague was originally used as free-range grazing land for livestock, which gave rise to the tradition of “penning” animals each spring so that farmers could claim their herd members. The name of the island is derived from a Native American word that means “beautiful land across the water.” Photo: Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce

Above: Capt. Zach’s is known for its “meal-sized” Bloody Mary.

Photo: Michael Upton

Right: They’re off! The ponies of the Southern Herd begin their swim across the channel as part of the annual Chincoteague Pony Swim that will celebrate its 100th anniversary July 30-31. Photo: Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism

pony swim, the history of firefighting on the island, and the month of activities at the carnival would fill these pages alone. (FYI: Garden & Gun magazine has a comprehensive article on the event in its June-July issue that even contains a shoutout to Lancaster.) Still, as this marks the event’s 100th anniversary, it’s worth noting that the aftermath of two devastating fires in the early 1920s spawned the creation of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. In need of funding, the idea for the carnival and pony swim was born. The organizers were shocked to see 15,000 spectators show up. The rest, as they say, is history. For some, the pony swim is an experience of a lifetime. For others, it is an annual ritual.

OYSTERS

The island’s other famous creatures are Chincoteague oysters, known for their salty and clean ocean flavor. The oyster industry – now just a “shell” of its former self – dates to 1864 and currently survives on ecological planting and harvesting methods.

To dive into some oysters, check out happy hour at Chattie’s Lounge (located above Don’s Seafood Market & Restaurant) or shuck your own after visiting Gary Howard Seafood or Seabest Seafood Market. To learn more about these delicious bivalves, the 2-hour, interactive Shellfish Tour offered by Cowboy Cruise Company takes guests by boat to oyster-

growing locations. The company, a Beacon Award nominee for Emerging Business, shares their aquafarm experience from seed to shuck, and guests can walk away with the freshest shellfish on the island.

ICE CREAM

There are three distinct destinations when it comes to ice cream on the island. Island Creamery offers a creative selection of handmade flavors like cantaloupe, bourbon caramel crunch and java jolt (coffee ice cream with brownie chunks and chocolate-covered espresso beans). Wendy Massey had the idea of turning her homemade cookies into ice cream sandwiches and BYOC (Build Your Own Cookie) was born; look for her truck on the island’s main thoroughfare, Maddox Boulevard. Soft serve is king at Mister Whippy, which started selling cones for a nickel back in the ’50s.

EATS and DRINKS

Chincoteague’s first food truck, Woody’s Serious Food, is a testament to success; over the years businesses such as Having a Meltdown, Shark & Manders and Better. have joined a delicious food truck scene. Eateries like Pico Taqueria have moved from food truck to brick-and-mortar, while venerable spots like Steamers Restaurant & Sports Bar and Don’s Seafood Market & Restaurant continue to please crowds. Bill’s Prime and AJ’s on the Creek offer elevated dining experiences. One of the hottest “newer” spots on the island is Capt. Zack’s, a seafood purveyor turned beach-themed eatery that serves a meal-sized Bloody Mary (by special request).

Here: LOVEwork is a project of Virginia Tourism that promotes the state’s family-friendly vacation destinations. In Chincoteague it takes the form of oversized Adirondack chairs that are 10-feet high and weigh over 500 pounds. Visitors are encouraged to take a seat, snap photos and share them via social media. Photo: Michael Upton

If visiting during the off-season, swing into the Chamber of Commerce welcome center on Maddox Boulevard and pick up a list of open restaurants conveniently provided by local foodie Deanna Bredbenner, who posts as “A Girl Loving Food on Chincoteague” on social media.

THE BEACH

What is now the public beach on Assateague will soon be a thing of the past, as natural erosion is making it fiscally impossible to maintain it in its

The Chincoteague Oyster Festival will take over Tom’s Cove Park on October 11.

Photo: Michael Upton

Above: The Chincoteague Seafood Festival celebrated its 55th anniversary on May 3. The event features any and all things seafood, area artisans and live music. Photo: Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce

Michael C. Upton works as a freelance writer specializing in arts and leisure covering subjects ranging from funk punk to fine wine. He graduated with a BFA in Creative Writing from the University of Maine at Farmington and is actively published by trade journals, specialized websites, and regional and national magazines. Upton lives in Lancaster County with his wife, Mel, and two youngest children, Halligan and Teagan. Tyler, his oldest son, is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America.

current location. After a joint study by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service, a new route to the beach will parallel the park’s Wildlife Loop and end two miles north of the existing beach area.

“A new beach location is a bit of a contentious thing, but … one good storm and it is gone,” says Joanne. “There are mixed emotions, for sure.”

Construction is happening now with completion expected in April 2026. All amenities, like lifeguard towers, showers and bathrooms will move north next year.

STAY

Like any beach town, Chincoteague has its fair share of chain hotels and independent rentals. It also has nice spots for campers. However, the hottest new spots have a bit of flash. BluFin, located on the quiet, southern part of the island, offers waterfront pet-friendly bungalows and floating houses. When crossing the causeway onto the island, one of the first things visitors will spot are the pastel Key West Cottages, well-appointed bayside retreats that sleep two to five guests.

For those who want more of my take on Chincoteague (like why you need to attend the annual Seafood Festival that is held in early May, and where to drop off your recycling), find me on social media. Or head to the Chamber’s welcome center where you’ll find a new 24-hour digital kiosk to help with recommendations, trolley info and more. Who knows, maybe I will see you around The Tump.

For more information, visit Chincoteaguechamber.com.

Key West Cottages provide visitors with charming bayside retreats. Photo: Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce

The Chincoteague pony became an official registered horse breed in 1994.

Photo: Michael Upton

Date Night Lancaster

BY SUE LONG

Three Things That Emerged from the Pandemic

1. A fascination with stargazing.

2. Date Night (especially for married couples).

3. An obsession with true-crime movies, books, podcasts and television shows like the longrunning NBC series, Dateline, which began airing in 1992. According to the polling service, Civic Science, “true crime has taken the entertainment world by storm” and is especially popular with GenXers, Millennials and Baby Boomers.

If you’ve checked out upcoming events being held in Lancaster, you’ve likely noticed the many Date Night opportunities that businesses, art studios, venues and organizations are including on their calendars. Apparently the phenomenon, which is sweeping the nation, is one positive thing to emerge from the pandemic.

LANCASTER COUNTY MAGAZINE, FACEBOOK AND STOCK PHOTOS. date night. Most people, whether they’re in the beginning of a relationship or have been married for decades, find that planning “dates” can be a challenge. After all, the old standby, dinner-and-a-movie, can even lose its luster after a period of time. Now, thanks to destinations such as Zest Cooking School, the Strasburg Rail Road, Conestoga House & Gardens, Lititz Clay Studio, Lancaster Creative Factory and many more, you can let the planning to them! In addition, there are plenty of summer events that easily fit the mold of Date Night.

What’s the connection between Date Night and Covid? Actually, they are connected in two ways. First, because we were homebound for so long, couples found themselves reconnecting through cooking together, conducting wine tastings for two, playing board games, putting puzzles together, gardening, taking walks, etc. Even Zoom came into play, as social-distancing couples used the service to share dinner and have long conversations over their computer screens. Couples in those two camps enjoyed the one-on-one time so much that they vowed to “make a date” to keep the fun – and more importantly, the communication – flowing.

On the flip side, working parents found themselves challenged and, in some cases, overwhelmed, by not only working from home, but having to monitor their children’s school work and take care of their usual household responsibilities. As a result, their relationships suffered. Fortunately,

many of them recognized the damage Covid had done, which prompted them to made a commitment to spend more one-on-one time together.

Studies Show …

In 2023, the National Marriage Project (NMP), which was founded at Rutgers University in 1997 and moved to the University of Virginia (UVA) in 2009, released a report that substantiated the importance of date nights as being a way for couples to share some much-needed alone time. The NMP, which studies and reports on the health of marriage, pointed to the success of Date Night activities that began popping up across the country in 2022-23, spearheaded by “a range of civic, corporate and religious organizations.” Titled The Date Night Opportunity, the report’s co-authors were W. Bradford Wilcox, director of the National Marriage Project and a sociology professor at UVA, and Jeffrey Dew, a faculty fellow of the project who now teaches at Brigham Young University.

As part of the report, 2,000 married men and women were asked, How often do you do the following: Go on date nights where you have the chance to talk, catch up and do something fun with your spouse?

The results: 52% of the respondents said the frequency ranged from never to a few times per year. Of those respondents 68% of women and 70% of men described themselves as being “very happy” in their marriages. As for the remaining 48%, they reported having date nights at least once or twice a month. Of these respondents, the “very happy” statistics grew to 83% (women) and 84% (men).

Benefits of Date Nights

The report listed a number of ways in which Date Night can strengthen a marriage or relationship. One points to the fact that date nights are “valuable for their novelty.” The report noted that “couples who engage in novel activities that are fun, active or otherwise arousing –from hiking to dancing to travel to card games – enjoy higher levels of relationship quality.” The report also pointed out that “date nights may strengthen or rekindle that romantic spark.” Date nights are also a way to

relieve stress, as they allow a couple “to enjoy time with one another apart from the pressing concerns of their ordinary life.” (Some savvy couples even devise parameters as to what can and cannot be discussed during the date.)

In an article that appeared in The Washington Post, it was noted that marriage counselors have begun to “prescribe” Date Night to couples.

As for the group concept of dating that younger generations embraced, that appears to be losing favor. Even Yelp has noticed it and reports that reservations for tables for two were up 30% in 2024.

Through compiling our monthly Event-Full column and To-Do blogs, I began to notice the variety of Date Night events being held in Lancaster County. Who knew! So, if you’re in need of some ideas, follow along.

Dining … Taste the World

While dining out is the obvious and tried-and-true Date Night option, you could put a spin on it. How about infusing your dates with international flavor? On each of your outings you could sample a different restaurant that offers a taste of another part of the world. Some that come to mind include Flora’s (Latin America); Issei Noodle (Asian); Himalayan Curry & Grill (Nepalese and Indian); Diyo Fusion (Nepalese); Cocina Mexicana (Mexican), Yorgos (Greek specialties), Callaloo (modern Caribbean), Lombardo’s (Italian), Chellas Arepa Kitchen (South American) and Annie Bailey’s (Irish Pub). For one-stop global dining, head for Southern Market, a food hall that is filled with an array of vendors. All the above are located in Lancaster City. The burbs also offer possibilities, including Lititz, where you’ll find Brazilian Table (South American),

Southern Market

Piccolo Eatery (Italian), Beccafico (Southern Italian) and Chilangos Authentic Mexican Restaurante (Mexican).

Chinese? Head for Hong Kong Garden on Columbia Avenue. A taste of Egypt? Koshary Station in Millersville.

At Columbia Market House, vendors such as George Christopher’s Greek Cuisine and Momma Son’s (Cambodian) host special after-hours dinners on occasion.

A Little Romance

You can’t beat a romantic night out and Lancaster has quite a few restaurants that fit the bill. At the top of the list is The Belevdere Inn, which, earlier this year, was named as one of the most romantic restaurants in the country by Open Table. You also can’t go wrong with Josephine’s Downtown or 401 Prime (both in Lancaster City), The Log Cabin (Leola), the Railroad

House Inn (Marietta) and John Wright Restaurant (Wrightsville), which offers a view of the river. At El Serrano (Lancaster), you’ll find tables for two that are tucked into private alcoves. The outdoor areas are also swoon-worthy.

1906 Nights

Speaking of a romantic night out, Longwood Gardens’ new restaurant, 1906, is offering special evening dining hours (4-8 p.m.) that enable guests to experience the restaurant’s adventuresome menu and become acquainted with the new Longwood Reimagined gardens. These special dining hours are offered most Friday and Saturday evenings, and often coincide with music, dance and theatre events. Information: Longwoodgardens.org

Jazz Up Dinner

Jazz on the Patio is back for another summer at The Barn at Paradise Station

in Ronks. Guests can enjoy the talents of Lancaster’s best jazz groups while they enjoy drinks and dinner on the blue flagstone patio that overlooks the Strasburg Rail Road and the countryside. Food, wine, beer and specialty drinks are available for purchase. The series continues Thursdays, July 10 through August 28. Information: Barnatparadisestation.com

If You Must …

Go the dinner-and-a-movie route, consider Zoetropolis in Lancaster, which is one part restaurant, one part bar/distillery and one part movie theatre that specializes in Indie films, documentaries, classic movies, live music, art and crafts, trivia and more. In May, the theatre hosted a PitchA-Friend singles event that enabled people to take the stage and extol the redeeming qualities of a friend (power-point style) in hopes of fixing them up with a date. Information: Zoetropolis.com

The Belvedere Inn

The Barn at Paradise Station

Zoetropolis

El Serrano

Go Old School

You could go bowling at Decades in Lancaster City, which is home to what might be one of the most beautiful bowling alleys in the country, thanks to the chandeliers that came courtesy of the Netflix series, House of Cards. Ah, but there’s more, including vintage video and arcade games, a fun menu and tasty cocktails. Information: Decadeslancaster.com

Get Adventurous

Have you ever tasted mead? If not, it’s high time you did! Head for Meduseld Meadery in Lancaster to sample tasty meads with names like How to Choke Your Dragon, Just Honey and Cunning. You can also engage in axe-throwing … there’s nothing like throwing an axe to unwind! Or, travel to Meduseld’s sister location, Artifice Ales & Mead in Manheim, for food, mead, beer, trivia, live music, karaoke and more. Information: Meduseldmeadery.com and Artificeales.com

Hit the Trail!

The Craft & Cork Trail, which is spearheaded by Discover Lancaster, will be in operation through October

31. With over 40 participating breweries, wineries and distilleries, you’ll have no problem finding a Date Night destination. The Craft & Cork Trail is a free mobile passport that allows you to check in at participating businesses to redeem special offers and earn points towards prizes. If beer isn’t your thing, Discover Lancaster’s new version of its popular Ice Cream Trail is up and running. Information: Discoverlancaster.com for details about both trails.

The Lancaster County Brewers Guild also operates an Ale Trail that is passport driven and awards prizes. More than two dozen breweries participate. Information: Lancasterbreweries.org

Tip Toe Through the Tulips

Conestoga House & Gardens offers Date Night in the Gardens on designated Thursdays (5-8 p.m.); upcoming dates include July 17, August 21 and September 18. Enjoy the beautiful gardens, stroll the grounds, listen to live music and BYO picnic/wine or pre-order wine and food that’s being provided by

Proof of Lancaster. Another datefriendly event at Conestoga House is Music on the Lawn. Held on Fridays (5-9 p.m.), dates include July 11, August 8, September 12 and October 10. Same format as Date Night re food and drink. Information: Conestogahouse.com

Take a Cruise

The Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA) is home to a 112-year-old yacht that was once owned by Adolphous Busch, the co-founder of Anheuser-Busch. Now restored, the Chief Uncas is used to acquaint visitors with the many unique aspects of the Susquehanna River. The River Discovery Tours include Date Night and Sunset cruises. Guests are welcome to BYO food and beverages for the cruises that depart from the Zimmerman Center for Heritage in Long Level, York County. Afterwards, head for John Wright’s fun Pizza Patio. Information: Susqnha.org

Ride the Rails

The Strasburg Rail Road has joined the Date Night phenomenon by offering events such as the Wine &

Decades

Meduseld Meadery

Craft & Cork Trail

Conestoga House & Gardens SNHA

Cheese Train that entails seating in a First Class car, wine from Waltz Vineyards and select cheeses and other accompaniments. The trains operate late afternoons/early evenings on weekends. Other possibilities include dinner events (held in First Class cars); Whiskey on the Rails (with Stoll & Wolfe) on August 30, October 25 and November 8; and packing a picnic and riding the train to Groff’s Picnic Grove, where picnic tables, charcoal grills and other amenities are available. Information: Strasburgrailroad.com

Take a Cooking Class

It’s probably fair to say that Sharon Landis, the owner of Zest! and the Zest Cooking School in Lititz, is the godmother of Date Night in Lancaster County. When she began holding classes in 2018, she noticed that the classes involved more than learning to cook. “There’s a relaxing quality to them, people have fun, they mix and mingle. It’s a pressurefree environment,” she notes. Those qualities provided the perfect ingredients for Date Night, which is typically held twice a month on a Friday night and invites attendees to BYOB. “The rule is, bottles can be opened only after the knives are put away,” Sharon says. Helen Chudakova-Sanya, who manages the cooking school and is one of the instructors, says, “Date Nights are so much fun!” She estimates that attendees consist of 50% married couples, 25% dating and 25% friends, parents, children or siblings.   How popular are Zest’s Date Night

cooking classes? They fill very quickly. May 3’s Cinco de Mayo event had already sold out by mid-February. Next up is A Taste of Cape Cod with chef Joe Hall on July 18; Summer Focaccia and Tiramisu with chef Stephanie Willette on August 1; and a Luau Party with instructor Cat Alwine on August 6. Information: Zestchef.com

Make Something … a la Ghost

Thirty-five years after making its debut, the movie Ghost still renders visions of the scene in which Demi

that he notices 20-somethings seem to be in the

and have no clue what it references.

Moore and Patrick Swayze share a very romantic interlude while making pottery to the music of Unchained Melody. (FYI: Demi Moore still has the pieces she and Swayze made during filming.) That enduring scene has no doubt impacted the continuing popularity of Date Night at local pottery studios.

Strasburg Rail Road

Zest Cooking School

Lititz Clay Studio

In helping photographer Nick Gould establish a shot, Nate Nixdorf, the owner of Lititz Clay Studio, took a seat at the wheel and created a work of art. While he can’t guarantee you’ll leave with a masterpiece, he’s confident you’ll have fun at the Date Night events he hosts. And, yes, he finds that everyone wants to recreate the Ghost shot at the start of the evening, adding

dark

by how fast the Date Night sessions he offers

Lititz Clay Studio

Nate Nixdorf, who has operated Lititz Clay Studio since 2017, offers Date Night on a semiregular basis. “I try to have two to three each month, as I like to also leave room for private parties, which are like Date Night, but everyone knows each other. I would offer more date nights,” he says of their popularity, “but I teach at Warwick fulltime, and have two young kiddos at home.” Nate, who has been teaching ceramics for nearly 20 years and markets his work through local shops, galleries and online, says the idea for Date Night was inspired by the fact that “working on the pottery wheel is more fun with friends! The pottery wheel is a lot harder than it looks, so Date Night provides the opportunity to try it with a friend or significant other for two hours in a laid-back atmosphere. I ensure that everyone has something to keep at the end of the night, and participants are always excited to pick up their pieces once they are fired.” Information: Lititzclaystudio.com

Date Night with the Kennedys

Ashley Kendrick Kennedy and Sean Kennedy, who both grew up in Northeast Philadelphia, met as children through a youth group. The longtime friends officially began dating the summer before their senior year of high school. Ashley went on to graduate from the Tyler School of Art (fine art and graphic design), while Sean is an alumnus of Temple University (biology).

Sean ended up in Lancaster by mistake. One of his teaching mentors told him he had an interview for a teaching position lined up for him in Langhorne, when, in reality it was in Lancaster. Sean kept the appointment anyway, was hired and taught for 11 years. He is now the director of Esports at the Lancaster Recreation Commission, plus teaches Esports on occasion at PCA&D.

Meanwhile, Ashley was working in Philly and sharing a house with seven roommates. She liked visiting Sean in laid-back Lancaster and when he encouraged her to move here, she agreed to try it for a year. She secured a graphic design position at Engle Printing & Publishing in 2014 and became Lancaster County Magazine’s art director four years later.

The city dwellers were married in June 2018. Because of their busy schedules, date nights are important to them. Most recently, they celebrated Ashley’s birthday by attending a Date Night activity at the Lancaster Creative Factory. Sean’s birthday was celebrated at Meduseld Meadery (with axe throwing). They also enjoy taking in music events, art exhibits and sampling the area’s pizza offerings. “Lancaster offers a good cross-section of art, music and dining,” Ashley notes, adding they also like the walkability of the city.

Lancaster

Creative Factory

Date Night is very popular at this studio that was once the home of Posey Iron Works. Operated by multi-media artist Kevin Lehman, the enterprise offers classes and workshops that are taught by Kevin and other artists. Kevin explains that Date Night at Lancaster Creative Factory began as an experiment. “We heard about Date Night events being held at Goggleworks in Reading and how successful they were, so we

decided to try it.” That was five years ago and since making its debut, Date Night has grown into a multifaceted event that extends to pottery, glass and painting. “It lets people come in and try something new,” Kevin says. “A lot of people taking our classes were introduced to us through Date Night.” Stacy Martin, Kevin’s life partner, enjoys helping with Date Night events. “The energy is always upbeat,” she says. “I think people are excited to be doing something special and unusual for a date night.” Just recently, one young man got extra creative during a

Nate Nixdorf is always surprised

at Lititz Clay Studio sell out.

Paint Your Partner Date Night and used the moment and his canvas to propose. The offerings include Date Night Wheel Class, which allows twosomes to throw a pottery piece, choose a glaze and LCF takes care of the rest. Taught by Carlo Jury, it’s offered Saturdays at 6 p.m. Date Night Glass Class, which is held April-June and resumes October-December, is led by Kevin on Fridays at 6 p.m. Basically an intro to glass-blowing, students create flowers during the class. Paint Your Partner is a class in which partners paint each other’s portraits, using 16x20-inch canvases. Instructor Lauren Terry leads the classes on Saturdays at 6 p.m. Adult Paint Date Night, which is also led by Lauren Terry, offers a different theme for students to tackle each week. It’s offered Saturdays at 6 p.m. Information: Lancastercreativefactory.org

Inspire Pottery Studio

Owned by Joel Hildebrand and his uncle, Matthew Hildebrand, the studio makes its home in a barn in Denver, where 12 wheels and three kilns are in operation. Matthew brings 40+ years of experience (and renown) to the studio. The Hildebrands opened the studio as a way to connect to the community and help budding artists take their talents to the next level.

Date Night at Inspire is held Fridays (6:30 p.m.) and Saturdays (2 and 6:30 p.m.). The two-hour classes, which are led by an instructor, include a snack break. Inspire’s website notes that Date Night provides the perfect opportunity to take a beginner’s lesson and determine if you’d like to advance. Information: Inspirepotterystudio.com

Go for a Bike Ride

Lancaster County has become a mecca for rail-trail enthusiasts and bike shops are answering the call for renting bikes (including E-bikes) to those who want to see the sights. Lancaster’s Let’s Roll Electric Bike Shop has expanded to Columbia, where it maintains a presence that’s in close proximity to the Northwest Lancaster County Rail Trail. Take a test ride or rent a bike for a two- or four-hour (or longer) period of time. The shop also provides shuttle service to the Enola Low Grade Trail at Turkey Hill. Information: Letsrolllancaster.com

Bikeworks in Lititz offers rentals (including E-bikes) through its Rock Lititz store. Rentals include helmets and maps of routes that are deemed safe and scenic, including the Warwick-to-Ephrata Rail Trail. Another option is Bikeworks’ bike-share program that has locations along the trail in both Lititz and Ephrata and allows riders to gain access to bikes through a text message. Information: Lititzbikeworks.com

Go For a Joy Ride

Strasburg Scooters offers a Date Night in Amish Country Tour that provides couples with a guided tour of the backroads around Strasburg and Ronks. Guests have the choice of tooling around in a two-seater coupe or on a double-seat Honda PCX. In addition to the (up to) twohour tour, guests have the choice of selecting passes to Village Greens for a round of mini-golf and ice cream, or $25 gift cards to Fireside Tavern or Bespoke Brewing. Tours are offered Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings (6 p.m.) through September 30. Information: Strasburgscooters.com

Go Stargazing

Stargazing became hugely popular during the pandemic, which led to Hallmark incorporating it (and the Northern Lights) into quite a few of their movies as a Date Night activity. Did you know that you can get a beautiful view of the night skies during events that are held at the Ryan Observatory, which is located at Muddy Run Park in Holtwood? The observatory is a public outreach facility whose educational programs are provided by Rittenhouse Astronomical Society under contract with Constellation Energy. The observatory is open to the public for monthly stargazing and presentations. During the Open House events (July 12 and August 9), you can visit the observatories, attend an indoor program and visit the outdoor amphitheater. Those attending are encouraged to bring binoculars to see deep sky sights. Information: Ryanobservatory.com

Go Dancing

Speaking of the stars, Nissley Vineyards will again be hosting Music

in the Vineyards on Saturday evenings, July 12 through August 30. Bring your own dinner/snacks or purchase items from the food trucks that will be onsite. Wine, craft beer, wine slushies and zero-alcohol beverages can be purchased, as well. Music will be provided by Central PA’s top bands including Maxwell Project, Central City Orchestra and Jess Zimmerman. 5:3010 p.m. Information: Nissleywine.com

Connect With Nature

Experience nature with certified nature- and forest-therapy guide Elizabeth Mills, who is the founder of Willow Street-based One With Nature. Here’s an opportunity to slow down, relax and form a connection to nature and each other. Such therapy benefits the body, mind and spirit, which is why nature is being prescribed by the Mayo Clinic and other physicians around the world. It is not about hiking a long distance or exercising. It’s about reconnecting through walking in nature. For twosomes, Elizabeth offers a Partners Nature Experience, with the goal being to relax, have fun and reconnect with nature … and each other. The walk concludes with a traditional tea ceremony and light refreshments. Destinations vary. Information: Restawhile.us

Play Golf

Blue Collar Restaurant is partnering with Four Seasons Golf Course to help you end each of the summer months on a fun note by playing nine holes of golf in late afternoon and then relaxing over dinner in Blue Collar’s fireplace lounge area, where a special menu will be available. The Nine & Dine promotion is being offered on the last Friday of each month, i.e., July 25, August 29 and September 26. Information: Bluecollarlanc.com

Get Lost

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm isn’t just for kids! The 5-acre corn maze, with its 2.5 miles of paths, would make for a fun Date Night, especially on weekends in September and October, when visitors can negotiate the maze in the dark with the aid of flashlights. There’s plenty of food available and a brewery and winery are onsite most weekends. Information: Cherrycrestfarm.com

Blue Collar Restaurant

Lancaster Creative Factory

Inspire

Pottery Studio

Let’s Roll Electric Bikes

Strasburg Scooters

Ryan Observatory

Nissley Vineyards

One With Nature

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Foodographer

Nikki’s Custard

Better Than Ice cream? Better Than Ice crea m ?

Travel to the Jersey Shore or to the Midwest, and you’ll find abundant options of frozen custard. In Lancaster, the place to go is Nikki’s Custard, where both traditional and modern-day flavors are creating a growing fan base. Once you’ve tasted the custard, a new standard is set.

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY JORDAN BUSH

Frozen custard brings some nostalgia to the 21st century tasting experience. Back in the ’50s and ’60s, signs advertising frozen custard beckoned Lancaster residents to pull into many a drive-in on a hot summer’s day and savor a cup or cone of the confection. Custard then seemed to disappear, replaced by gourmet ice cream and other frozen

desserts. Thanks to Nicole Dannehl, frozen custard has made a comeback.

A Moment of Zen

Driving down Oregon Pike in Lancaster, a bright and colorful building stands out: Nikki’s Custard.

“I grew up in the Quad Cities,” says Nicole, the owner of the frozencustard and soft-serve shop. For the

unfamiliar, the Quad Cities refers to the metropolitan area along the Mississippi River in Iowa and Illinois. It started as three cities, then four, now five (Bettendorf, Davenport, Moline, East Moline and Rock Island). “It’s ice cream heaven out there, and I loved it,” she says.

It’s not just nostalgia that drives her interest in frozen custard. Nicole’s husband, Bill, lived in St. Louis before they married and moved to Wisconsin.

“Between the two connection points, we were exposed to traditional Midwestern custard, and that’s where the love for it [started]” Nicole explains. “The first week we had it, we went every day. Five days straight of having custard! By the end of the

week, between the burgers, fries and the custards, I don’t think I fit in my jeans anymore. It was so good!”

PURSUING THEIR CAREER PATHS, the family moved to York and later to Lancaster, where Nicole worked behind the scenes in the healthcare system. “In 2020, 2021, nobody knew what was going to happen,” she recalls. “The project I was on was almost done, my kids were all in college.” Ready for a career change, she said goodbye and took some time to consider what she would take on next. “My iPhone had a Notes list [asking]: Am I going to go to culinary school? Be a yoga instructor? Volunteer? Run a marathon? Whatever it was, it didn’t matter.”

Then, a light-bulb moment occurred. “All of a sudden, I’m in a yoga class going, ‘Oh, my God, you know what I miss? Custard!’” In that moment of zen, Nicole decided to open a custard shop. “I don’t know how to do it, but I’m gonna do it,” she promised herself.

Upon arriving home, Nicole explained her vision and ideas to Bill. “He had a glazed look in his eyes, I can tell he’s thinking,” Nicole recalls. As it turned out, Bill was supportive and thought it could work. “So I put my business plan together,” she continues. “It was detailed. I would expound on my ideas. We would do research. He would go right, I’d go left, we’d come back together.”

Scoop School

Once the business plan was solid, they needed to go to school. Scoop School, to be precise. “I didn’t work at an ice cream shop,” she explains of the need to learn how to make custard. As a family, the Dannehls traveled to

Opposite: On the menu: orange custard, an Orange Dreamsicle, soft-serve vanilla and vanilla and chocolate custard topped with sprinkles. New to the menu (not shown) is a collaboration with KelSas Sweetbox: custard cookie sandwiches.

Top to bottom:

Nikki’s Custard is hard to miss! Outdoor seating is available, as is a window for mobile take-out orders.

The idea of opening a custard shop occurred to owner Nicole Dannehl during a yoga class.

St. Louis to attend Scoop School, helmed by Steve Christensen. The program self-describes as “an internationally recognized education and training facility helping entrepreneurs open and grow their own ice cream or frozen dessert business.” They set up a weeklong course just for the three of them with Christensen, who started a chain of frozen custard shops in Australia before moving to the United States. He’s trained entrepreneurs and businesses globally, working with companies such as Costco, Whole Foods and Shake Shack. With formal training, Nicole could start to build the business.

Custard, Compared

What differentiates custard from ice cream? Frozen custard and ice cream are similar in that both use milk, cream and sugar (but in varying amounts). The key difference is that egg yolks are added to frozen custard. The FDA classifies custard as containing 1.4% egg yolk or higher. If kept frozen for too long, custard will become solid, meaning it requires calculated planning and is more labor-intensive than making ice cream. Gauging how much frozen custard to make each day, essentially on demand, is part of the juggling act. If you like soft serve, custard is on another level. While dense, it has a clean, refreshing finish. The chocolate has a fudge-like sweetness and creamy texture. You can expect to find familiar flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, cookies & cream, birthday cake and rocky road, as well as combinations such as Oreo cheesecake, coffee caramel pretzel and other flavors.

There are also daily special flavors –recently, the Dubai chocolate was a huge hit – outlined on a massive, 365day calendar filling the better part of a wall of Nicole’s office. Visualizing each day of the year in a comprehensive manner puts life and work into a unique perspective.

The flavors are also used to create specialties such as milkshakes, cold brew floats, Rocksolids (think very thick, concrete-like shakes), and Orange Dreamsicles that are made

with custard, orange soft serve, orange juice and whipped cream. Sorbet and low-sugar soft serve are also on the menu. Of course, there’s the old standby: custard served in a cup or a cone.

An interesting sidenote: As the story goes, frozen custard first appeared in the United States at Coney Island, New York, in 1919, courtesy of Archie and Elton Kohr, the Kohr Bros. They sought to solve a functional problem: creating a firmer ice cream that doesn’t melt as quickly in the salty ocean air.

A Cashless Business

Operating as an independent business, not as a franchisee, Nicole had to develop her own operational manual in order to create the Nikki’s Custard experience.

Many business owners will say “cash is king” in order to eliminate significant credit card processing fees as a way to keep costs down. In the food world, Nicole sees cash as having strings attached, so Nikki’s operates as a cashless business. “There are three reasons why we do this,” says Nicole. First, ease of closing at the end of the day. “We had young people who worked for other smaller businesses, and they told us they were sometimes there until 10:30 p.m. on a school night. That’s not good for them,” she states. “They work hard, they’re good students, they do everything we ask. I like this next generation. I think they’re gonna do great. When we close at 9 p.m., everybody’s out of here by 9:30. It’s a 30-minute close.”

The second is efficiency. Cashless operations have fewer tasks to manage, no trips to the bank, and no cash registers to reconcile or close. Real-time tracking of revenue, sales and demand metrics informs and improves the business. It integrates with mobile ordering platforms for delivery pickup at their walk-up window, particularly for offering a daily flavor.

“Third, it’s to protect the kids,” Nicole notes. Without cash on hand, the business is more secure. “Shops like ours have been robbed,” Nicole says.

No Tipping

At checkout, there are no requests for tips. “It’s simpler, and it usually means that employees are well cared for,” says Nicole. “Why don’t you want to treat your staff well?”

As a result, employees stay with the business for the long haul, help with social media suggestions, and provide feedback to improve the business. “How do I take care of my employees responsibly as an owner? That’s partly why we are slow and methodical,” says Nicole. For their managers, “Our next big thing is, how are we going to [provide] health insurance?”

Nicole has taken more than good wages into consideration for the staff, some of which are simple but impactful. Benefits include snacks and personal hygiene items like hair ties and employee uniforms that are washed onsite. “You know a high school kid’s going to go home, drop their shirt on the floor, [then] go to the next thing. That shirt’s not going to be washed every day. So part of what we do is wash uniforms here so that they smell clean and they look presentable. We work hard to take care of our people so they don’t want to leave,” says Nicole.

The Taste Test

That Nicole is from the Midwest and brought her love of frozen custard to Lancaster County is serendipitous. In the 1900s, the Midwest, with bountiful access to dairies and ice harvesting, made ice cream and frozen custard mainstream delights. As for current day, all I can say is try it; you may find yourself enamored of custard. Its velvety, rich texture makes for a divine experience. It’s not frozen solid or so dense that enjoying a bowl becomes heavy. (However, first-timers might want to go easy on toppings, as custard can be rich.) A bowl of chocolate or vanilla custard with caramel sauce is perfection. Zen, indeed.

Nikki’s Custard. 1831 Oregon Pike, Lancaster. Nikkiscustard.com.

Clockwise from top right:

Nicole begins the process of making batches of chocolate (and vanilla) custard. As custard is made each morning, so too is the day’s special flavor. The week’s special flavors are posted on social media.

Fresh batches of frozen custard move through the machine. After each batch is prepared, the machine is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.

A limited selection of frozen custard is available for purchase.

Perfect on a hot summer’s day (or anytime): a cone (or cup) of frozen custard.

Jordan Bush is a commercial photographer. His work has allowed him to discover and document cultures and food across five continents. A graduate of Garden Spot High School and Millersville University, Jordan and his fiancée, Jessica, reside and cook together in Ephrata.

Table for Two Chellas on Queen

A Dream Becomes Reality A Dream Becomes Reality

Chellas

Arepa Kitchen launched as a food stand in 2018. The location along Hempstead Road proved to be a success for brothers Luis and Diego Quiroz. Their ultimate dream to operate a brick-and-mortar restaurant came true earlier this year, when Chellas on Queen opened on the 300 block of North Queen Street.

BY ROCHELLE A. SHENK PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK GOULD

Travel to South America this summer courtesy of Chellas on Queen, where Peruvian and Venezuelan specialties await. If you have a hankering for a beer or cocktail, Mad Chef Craft Brewing operates a taproom onsite.

“Thelocation is perfect – my brother and I wanted to be downtown, and this block was our target area. There are a lot of retailers on this block, so there’s a lot of foot traffic,” explains Luis Quiroz, adding that the original food stand continues to welcome customers, as well.

“Chella” was the family’s nickname for Luis and Diego’s grandmother. “At Chella’s home, it was about more than the food; it was also about flavors and conversation. I wanted to keep the legacy of my grandmother’s cooking alive, even though the location is far from home,” Luis says of his Peruvian roots.

Chellas also continues the family’s legacy of being involved in the restaurant industry. “I grew up working in the restaurants, and Chellas is very much a family business. My mom makes the arepas by hand,” he says of the cornmeal cakes that are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside and are filled with a variety of savory ingredients. “My brother, my uncle and I are all part of the team,” Luis says of the family’s involvement in Chellas.

For the downtown location, which people may recall as the former location of Cabalar, Luis notes the family made some small changes. Since the focus is on South American food, notably Peruvian and Venezuelan specialties, they “wanted to add a visual element that represents the

cuisine and the culture,” hence a mural was added to represent a small town in Brazil. Peru’s famous llamas are also depicted on the walls of the restaurant. “We also wanted to bring a bit of the vibe of the food stand to the new space,” Luis remarks.

Both locations essentially offer the same menu. Luis describes the selections as South American-inspired comfort cuisine. “We combine the flavors we grew up with a bit of a twist,” he notes. The menu, which is 100% glutenfree, has “choices and flavors that will appeal to everyone, whether they prefer savory or sweet,” Luis says.

Popular menu items include La Roxanne Arepa, which is filled with grilled steak, sliced tomatoes and avocado and topped with shredded cheese. Vegetariano Arepa’s filling is comprised of black beans, sweet plantains and cotija cheese or avocado. Lomo Saltado, a Peruvian staple that is available as an arepa or as a bowl, features grilled steak sauteed with red onions, fresh tomatoes and cubed

Left: Cosmetic changes included adding colorful murals that take you to a small town in Brazil.

Below: Guacamole is made fresh daily using Hass avocados, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeños and cilantro. The chips are made in-house, as well.

Bottom left: The South American cousin of French fries, yucca fries are made with a root vegetable that delivers a mild and nutty flavor.

Bottom right: Inca sprouts are made with Brussels sprouts and a pineapple glaze.

with customers. “We frequently had customers at the food stand tell us they plan a visit to Lancaster around tasting our food,” Luis proudly reports. Such devotion has not gone unnoticed. Earlier this year the restaurant was named to Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the United States, coming in at #5. (That achievement was shared on sites such as Travel & Leisure magazine, in the food sections of newspapers, on television and of course, via social media.) It wasn’t the first time Yelp singled out Chellas: In 2021 it was among the country’s Top 25 restaurants for Peruvian food. It was also included in an October 2024 Food & Wine magazine article about Lancaster’s restaurant scene. In January 2023, Chellas’ food was part of the culinary offerings at Gov. Shapiro’s inaugural celebration.

Chellas on Queen is located at 325 North Queen Street, Lancaster. Online ordering is available on the website. Delivery is also available via DoorDash. Hours are Tuesday-Thursday & Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Closed Monday. 717-650-0773 or eatchellas.com.

Chellas Arepa Kitchen is located at 1830 Hempstead Road, Lancaster. Hours are Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.3 p.m. Closed Monday. 717-575-9171 or eatchellas.com.

yuca. Luis names Lomo Saltado as his favorite item. “I grew up eating it all the time. At the restaurant, we use my grandmother’s special sauce.”

Chellas also offers other homemade sauces including mad llama hot sauce; homemade chimichurri, an uncooked sauce of fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil and vinegar; and cilantro aioli. “Our sauces are the cherry on top of the meal,” Luis says.

Sides such as guacamole (which is made fresh daily) and chips; yuca fries; Inca sprouts (Brussels sprouts with a twist); white rice and black beans; and sweet plantains are also available. Another favorite, ceviche, is exclusively available at the downtown location. Luis is also expecting to add smoothies and quinoa grain bowls to the downtown menu sometime in the future.

As for beverages, Chellas offers soda (including the Mexican brand, Jarritos) and other no-alcohol choices. Mad Chef Craft Brewing continues to operate a taproom onsite from which guests can purchase craft brews and cocktails.

THE FLAVORS AND THE MENU have been a hit

Above: The Choripan Arepa is comprised of homemade chorizo, tomatoes, chimichurri and remoulade.

Below: Here, Loma Saltada is served bowl-style. It’s made with grilled steak, sauteed onions, tomatoes and cubed yucca. Grandma Chella’s signature sauce provides the finishing touch. It’s served with white rice and black beans.

Right: Luis Quiroz and his brother, Diego, launched their wildly popular Chellas Arepa Kitchen food stand in 2018. Their dream of opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant was realized earlier this year with the debut of Chellas on Queen.

in the Neighborhood in the Neighborhood

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REUZIT ON STATE

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1054 S. State Street, Ephrata Reuzitonstate.org

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Melanie B. Scheid Funeral Directors & Cremation Services

Melanie B Scheid has been known and trusted in the local community since 1995. Melanie B. Scheid Funeral Home is conveniently located in Conestoga and Downtown Lancaster. Specialties include prearrangements and unique tributes to your loved ones.

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BY JEFF FALK

Water Polo is Making a Splash

The Manheim Township Recreation and Park Planning (MTRPP) Department recognizes that everyone is unique and has different interests. That’s why it offers a wide range of programs, one of which is water polo.

“Ithink it gives kids an outlet to try something they haven’t tried before,” says Matt Hutchison, Manheim Township’s assistant director of recreation. “A lot of our programs are like that. It’s an opportunity to learn a new game or sport, and you might pick up a new friend along the way.”

MTRPP sponsors and organizes two instructional and recreational water polo sessions. The first is conducted at Manheim Township High School’s (MTHS) indoor pool from March to May, while the other is held outdoors at Overlook Park Pool and runs through the end of July.

“[The program] gives youths of all ages a chance to learn the game,” Hutchison notes. “It’s a lot of instructional time and learning the rules. It’s a recreational program. It’s really conducive to beginners and learners.”

MTRPP’s water polo program, which is now in its sixth year, is designed for both

township and non-township youths ages 14 through college. The two-hour sessions consist of learning fundamentals, the rules of the game and basic strategies, as well as putting those basics into practice in the form of scrimmages. (Participants do not compete against clubs or teams outside of Manheim Township.) About 13 students were involved with MTRPP’s water polo program this spring; the summer program attracts 15 to 20 participants. Chris Flores serves as the program’s instructor.

Water polo is an aquatic sport played in an all-deep pool between teams each consisting of seven players - six field players and one goalie. The players swim or tread water and employ passing, teamwork, shooting and strategy to score goals. “It’s [for] kids who can swim and want something different from the swim team,” Hutchison says. “It’s something new that they can’t get anywhere else. There’s a curiosity piece to it. People who play need to be really good swimmers and need endurance and strength. You can’t be a poor swimmer and be a water polo player.”

“A lot of these kids have never played water polo before,” he added. “We have enough kids to run the program. But if we had more kids, we might be able to do more with the program; it could evolve into something else.”

SOME BACKGROUND

Water polo was developed in the British Isles during the mid-1800s. It became a popular part of water and running events that were staged at county fairs and festivals in England and Scotland. Originally known as aquatic football, then water rugby and finally, water polo, it became a men’s team sport during the 1900 Olympic Games. Women’s water polo was added to the Olympic schedule in 2000. Since its introduction, Hungary’s men’s team has emerged as a powerhouse, winning nine gold medals, as well as three silver and three bronze. Among the women, Spain, Australia, the Netherlands and the United States dominate the sport.

Like other sports, Olympic coverage of water polo has increased interest in the United States, resulting in teams and clubs that span all age groups. Water polo is especially popular on the West Coast (namely California), where pool access is more widely available. It’s popularity in the state is reflected on the NCAA level, where UC-Berkeley is the winningest college team, with 14 championships. The next 10 winningest colleges/universities are based in California, as well.

Water polo is also making an impact on the high school level, with an estimated 40,000+ boys and girls participating nationwide. In Pennsylvania, the sport is sanctioned by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA). Of the 22 sanctioned programs (all of which have both boy’s and girl’s teams), a majority are in District 1 (Philly area) and District 3 (Berks, York, Harrisburg area). Thus far, no schools in Lancaster County offer water polo as a varsity sport.

As for the future of MTRPP’s water polo program, Hutchinson is hopeful. “We think it’s a neat little program. We’d like to see it grow. It’s got its own little niche. People want to know what it is and how to play it,” he says of water polo.

For more information, visit manheimtownship.org

Jeff Falk writes for the community newspapers – Merchandiser, Advertiser, and Pennysaver – that are published by Engle Printing & Publishing, Townlively.com.

Instructors Mike McKenna (left) and Chris Flores teach fundamentals to participants in Manheim Township’s water polo program.

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