Lancaster County Magazine | November-December 2025
PUBLISHER
Jocelyn Engle
EDITOR
Suzanne Starling-Long Sue@lancastercountymag.com
ART DIRECTOR Ashley Kendrick Kennedy Ashley@lancastercountymag.com
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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Yorgos Lancaster is open late, and our kitchen is open until 12:30 AM daily! Celebrate the season with our ultimate Happy Hours M-F, 4-6 PM. Enjoy casual pub fare on the 1st floor. Authentic Greek-influenced dishes, and an extensive craft beer, cocktail, liquor, wine, and champagne selection for dinner in our Kefi Dining Room on the 2nd fl oor then enjoy our live DJ at Little Mykonos on the 3rd fl oor. We have two beautiful venue options to accommodate small or large parties and events, including an outdoor terrace and elevator access to each floor Celebrate Every Reason & Season With Us! Make OpenTable reservations and book your event now.
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GIVING THANKS
Features
34. A Couture Christmas
Andrew Tran, who was born in Vietnam and spent several years in refugee camps in Thailand and the Philippines, has always loved Christmas and, as a child, dreamed of decorating trees American-style. His wish came true; the Lancaster resident fills his home with 14 trees and other decorations during the holidays.
48. The Best of Lancaster
It’s that time of the year! The results of our annual Readers Survey are revealed. See who LCM readers voted for in a wide range of categories.
62. Designing Christmas
Heritage Design Interiors in New Holland is celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2025 with an Open House that will surely put you in holiday mode.
68. History is Alive in Elizabethtown
At holiday time, the Winters Heritage House Museum shares how the holidays were celebrated centuries ago, while The Train Guys set up a model railroad display at the Elizabethtown Public Library that recalls companies and buildings that played roles in the town’s development.
Departments
14. Event-Full
November kicks off the holiday season with a full slate of events.
22. Life of a Party
Jill Brown takes you to Reist Popcorn Company’s 100th anniversary celebration.
84. Uptown & Down
Michael Upton learns why Prima’s holiday show, Illumination, has become a must-see event in Lancaster.
88.
Foodographer
Jordan Bush catches up with Francisco Gómez de la Torre, the owner of Frisco’s Chicken.
92.
Table for Two
Rochelle Shenk visits Zig’s Bakery & Café, which makes its home in a renovated barn in Lititz.
96. Neighbors
We offer our congratulations to companies, organizations, churches, towns and individuals celebrating significant anniversaries this year.
Special Advertising
28. & 76. Holiday Guide
This special advertising section will help make the holidays merry and even have you dreaming of spring.
On the Cover Nick Gould photographed the tree that Burberry-loving Andrew Tran decorates for Christmas.
From left to right, Alex King, Wendy Hess, Scott Haverstick, Brian Altimare
From left to right, John Spidaliere, Mary Tribble, Rachel Degler, Kalif Coates
Kalif Coates
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Thank you to the Lancaster County Magazine readers who voted for Muddy Run Park as one of the area’s Best Things to Do!
November Ushers in THE HOLIDAY SEASON
It’s November and the calendar is filled with activities that allow you to enjoy the waning fall season, support your community and welcome the holidays. Visit lancastercountymag.com for an expanded list. December events will be posted online later in November.
Eastland Alpacas Open House
November 1-2 & 8-9
Zurin Farm, Mount Joy
A perfect family-friendly event (WJTL’s Kids Cookie Break will be on-site the morning of Nov. 1), the annual open house provides the opportunity to see alpacas up close and even lead and feed them. An alpaca obstacle course will be operated by members of Lancaster 4-H. Wagon rides around the 30-acre farm will be available. Learn more about alpacas through talks that will be held. Products at the gift shop are guaranteed to provide “a warm hug from nature.” Food will be available for purchase. 2089 Risser Mill Rd., Mount Joy. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Information: Eastlandalpacas.com
Deck the Halls
November 5-December 30
American Music Theatre
Check in at the decked-out St. Nicholas Hotel where you’ll find dashing dancers and merry musicians ready to “Deck the Halls!” This musical holiday adventure brings together friends old
and new to celebrate the season with awe-inspiring performances designed to capture the hearts of the entire family. Days/times vary. 2425 Lincoln Hwy. East, Lancaster. Information: Amtshows.com
Distelfink
Country Christmas Show
November 7-9
Schaefferstown
This juried craft show features locally handcrafted items – holiday décor, ornaments, wreaths, baskets, needle felting, pottery, candles, stenciling and decorative paintings – that generally have a country/primitive theme. Show features more than 50 vendors. Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thomas Brendle Museum, 106 N. Market St., Schaefferstown. Information: Distelfinkcrafters.org
Thank
You Veterans Concert
November 11
Garden Spot Village Chapel
The New Holland Band presents its annual Veterans Day concert that features music popular with our service men and women from throughout our nation’s history. The program will include tunes that kept our GIs marching, as well as songs that reminded family members of loved ones stationed far away from home. 7 p.m. 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland. Information: Newhollandband.org
Dutch Winter Wonderland
November 15-December 31
Dutch Wonderland
This fun, family-friendly event features 20+ themed rides, 10 varieties of entertainment, warm holiday drinks and Merlin’s Magical Forest! Take in thousands of twinkling lights as the kingdom is fully decorated for a truly wondrous holiday! Days/Hours vary. 2249 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. Information: Dutchwonderland.com
ExtraGive
November 21
Lancaster County
During this 24-hour fundraiser, join thousands of community members as they make online donations to more than 400 local organizations that directly impact the quality of life in Lancaster County (and beyond). Launched in 2012 by the Lancaster County Community Foundation, the ExtraGive is considered to be Lancaster County’s biggest day of giving. Since 2012, 40,000 donors have raised over $110 million for more than 500 organizations. Donations per capita in Lancaster County are among the most generous in the nation, and the Foundation credits the dedication of participating organizations, members of the community, and sponsors that help stretch every dollar that is donated as the reason for its success. A festive countdown party is held at the Lancaster County Convention Center (8 p.m.-midnight/25 S. Queen St., Lancaster). Many participating organizations will be hosting their own fundraisers and celebrations throughout the day; details can be found on the website. Information: ExtraGive.org
Elf the Musical
November 21-December 28
Fulton Theatre
Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone
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embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear! Days/ times vary. 12 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Information: Thefulton.org
National Christmas Center
November 21-January 3
Stone Gables Estate
Nothing will put you in the Christmas spirit like a trip to the National Christmas Center! Until it moves to its permanent home, visitors can enjoy over 18,000+ square feet of nostalgic Christmas décor at a site that is a short distance from Stone Gables Estate. Experience Christmas through the decades, walk the streets
of Columbia, whose storefronts are decorated for the holidays. Stop into Woolworth’s. Displays include over 1,000 nativities from around the world depicted in their native culture. The National Christmas Center’s collections also include the Toy Soldier store with over 5,000 hand-painted soldiers as part of the world’s finest collection of brass and wood models including ships, planes, trains, and automobiles. Also on view is the
Anastasia’s Doll Emporium, a collection of the finest dolls and dollhouses from around the world.
Stone Gables Estate will also be the site of numerous events during the Christmas season including the Christmas Drive-Thru lighting extravaganza, Christmas Village, the Santa Express, and holiday dinners in the Star Barn.
Information: Stonegablesestate.com
Tree Lightings
November 28
Lancaster
Mayor Sorace will light the tree in Penn Square, signaling the start of the holiday season in Lancaster. Santa will also be on hand, as will live entertainment. Central Market will be open late that evening (5-8 p.m.) with select standholders offering warm beverages and yummy treats. Festivities start at 5 p.m. Penn Square, Lancaster. Other seasonal events will be held through New Year’s Eve. Information: Visitlancastercity.com
Ephrata
Walk down Main Street at Christmastime and you’ll feel as if you’ve landed on the set of a Hallmark movie (actually, drone shots of Ephrata have appeared in several of the network’s movies). Ephrata’s tree lighting is an extravaganza that also includes the arrival of Santa (who will be at Whistlestop Plaza on Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 21) and an appearance by the Belsnickel (according to German folklore, he visited homes ahead of Christmas to check on the behavior of children). Santa’s Big Book (an Ephrata tradition) will also be available for kids to sign. Food trucks and entertainment will also be offered. 5:30-8 p.m. Main St., Ephrata. Information: Mainspringofephrata.org
Voted Among The Best: Pet Grooming and Pet Boarding/Daycare/Sitter
Award-Winning Care Since 1971
Since it opened in 1971 as a boarding kennel for dogs and cats, Gochenauer Pet Resort has been providing beloved family pets with high-quality services, an advanced level of care and attentive caregivers.
Thehigh regard pet families hold for Gochenauer’s is evidenced in the fact that it has been voted “top dog” in the Pet Boarding/ Daycare category by Lancaster County Magazine (LCM) readers 9 times over the past 13 years.
That commitment to caring for your pet as if it were their own has endured for over 50 years. Today, in addition to longand short-term boarding services that include individual kennel runs with climate-controlled living quarters, Gochenauer Pet Resort also offers a customized, veterinarian-recommended dog daycare program through which pets enjoy private playtime in six outdoor yards, playground equipment and toys, undivided attention from dedicated and loving caregivers, rest periods in private climate-controlled bedrooms, snacks and meals. In addition, off-leash play and exercise packages are available.
Gochenauer’s, which has also been voted “Among the Best” for grooming services during that same time frame,
takes pride in the fact that its doggrooming salon and spa is staffed by a team with over 60 years of experience. Choose from a variety of haircut and bathing packages, along with add-ons such as blueberry facials, nail trimming, paw pad balm treatments, pawdicures, teeth brushing, deskunking and more. Gochenauer’s can also help you care for and pamper your pet at home, as its selection of retail pet supplies includes premium pet foods, toys and treats.
The Gochenauers and their staff are honored to be recognized by the readers of Lancaster County Magazine but it’s the honor of caring for their customers’ pets that means even more to them.
The owners and staff at Gochenauer Pet Resort are committed to giving your pet individualized care and attention to ensure it adjusts to its temporary home. Request an appointment 24/7 at gochenauerpetresort.com or call 717-569-6151 during normal business hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to noon Saturday; and 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday.
BOARD WITH CONFIDENCE - PETS WILL ENJOY A CLEAN CLIMATECONTROLLED ENCLOSURE, A DIET OF PREMIUM QUALITY FOOD, AND PLENTY OF EXERCISE AND PLAYTIME AT GOCHENAUER PET RESORT.
Your pet is treated like family at Gochenauer Pet Resort
TO BUILD A VIBRANT COMMUNITY, IT TAKES A VILLAGE.
Brethren Village has so many ways to live a vibrant life, both physically and socially. From lifestyle and culture to dining and socialization, all available on our beautiful Lititz campus. And, of course, we have dozens of floor plans and financial options. See for yourself. Call 717-581-4227 to tour our community.
These FREE mobile exclusive scavenger hunt passports are a way to earn points towards special prizes, discover hidden gems, and support local businesses throughout Lancaster County.
This holiday season, join the Lancaster County Lititz and Columbia Scavenger Hunt Trails for a fun way to get out and enjoy shopping local while you explore for the holidays. Whether you’re hunting for prizes or in need of unique gifts, these trails make it easy to celebrate the season while giving back to local Lancaster towns!
To learn more visit DiscoverLancaster.com
COLUMBIA SCAVENGER HUNT
SCAVENGER HUNT
Poppin’ with Pride!
REIST POPCORN CELEBRATES 100 YEARS
BY JILL BROWN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD GEARHART, TODDG PHOTOGRAPHY
For 100 years and four generations, the Reist family of Mount Joy has been growing, processing and distributing popcorn to the world. They noted the century mark with a gala dinner for employees, customers, vendors, family and friends – and that was just the beginning of the celebration!
Inthe history of food, the popularity of popcorn is a rather recent development. Not until the 1930s, when movie theaters and amusement parks emerged as entertainment destinations, did popcorn assume a starring role in American snack-food diets. A hard-working Mount Joy seed
grower, Alvin Reist, was struggling through the Great Depression of the 1930s along with the rest of America. Searching for another way to generate income, he combined his knowledge of agronomy with the developing demand in popcorn as a mass-produced snack food. Thanks to a chance meeting with two investors through Alvin’s wife, Mary, who was a nurse visiting her patient, Alvin’s $1,500 in “seed money” popped to $7,500 to invest in transforming his seed business into a corn-focused enterprise, hoping to meet the demand for the new-fangled snack – popcorn.
Two more generations of Reist family’s sons led the company through the 1970s to 2019, during which Reist Seed Company became Reist Popcorn Company. A son-in-law, Mike Higgins, assumed the reins in 2019, introducing
organic products and furthering the company’s growth in global markets.
ON A GLORIOUS September evening, Elizabethtown’s historic, beautifully restored Star Barn at Stone Gables Estate was filled with 240 guests, each of whom has played a role in Reist’s success, from Midwest corn growers to its 26 employees to product distributors, and, of course, family. Customers traveled from Japan, Argentina, Canada and throughout the U.S. to join the celebration.
Following dinner, the current and immediate past company presidents, Mike Higgins and Dave Reist, took questions from the crowd, moderated by 4th generation Reist daughter, Erin Higgins. From advice on a happy marriage (“do the dishes,” according to 50-year-wed Dave) to
The Star Barn at Stone Gables Estate in Elizabethtown –restored and reconfigured as a rustic-elegant event venue – provided the setting for a gala dinner that celebrated Reist Popcorn’s 100th anniversary.
from top left:
Dave
greets guests who came from as far away as Japan for the celebration.
Prior to dinner, guests could enjoy cocktails and charcuterie.
Employees, customers, vendors, farmers, family and friends joined in a Champagne toast to the past and future of Reist Popcorn Company.
“Popcorn is fun,” said current president Mike Higgins (left) during the Q & A. “We’re in the business of creating memories.” His predecessor, Dave Reist, who has authored a book, And They Left Me Off at $1500, theorized, “When you keep the business healthy, everyone wins.”
Guests added their names and good wishes to the Reist Popcorn Company sign.
Clockwise
Reist
Portraits of Reist Popcorn’s past presidents were on view.
acknowledging many challenging kitchen-table conversations, the two company leaders agreed that focusing not on one’s own strengths but on the other partners’ unique skills is a strategy for success. “Our company DNA is trust, honesty, integrity, communication and collaboration,” said Mike, “which helps us improvise, adapt and overcome.”
Guests were invited to add their signatures to a Reist sign, provide their ideas for a company time capsule, and take home a signed copy of Dave Reist’s book chronicling the history of the family business. As the celebration continued with dancing, one floor below complimentary childcare was provided by Connecticut-based NannyTainment Event Childcare, allowing out-of-town parents to enjoy the evening stress-free, guilt-free and with their children close-at-hand.
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION continued the following day with a
100 Year Anniversary Popcorn Festival at the Reist Family Farm, a free event for the entire community. More than 5,000 guests enjoyed a corn maze, hot air balloon rides, hayrides, corn hole and mini golf, as well as kid-friendly activities, live music, food and dessert trucks and, of course, popcorn, leading up to a festive fireworks display.
“In the agronomy world, often things do not go as planned,” Dave observed. “But the right product, the right quantities, the right time on the dock – when they come together, it’s magic. And it’s so gratifying.”
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.
Clockwise from top left:
A poppin’ photo op for happy visitors!
The Reist family opened its farm to thousands of visitors for its 100 Year Anniversary Popcorn Festival.
Lots of kid’s activities kept the youngest visitors busy.
The day ended with fireworks.
Live music kept guests entertained.
Guests passed by the silos that are a familiar site around Mount Joy. No festival is complete without funnel cake!
Holiday Guide
Get in the Christmas spirit at STONE GABLES ESTATE ! The historic property is home to three exquisite venues – The Star Barn, St. Michael’s Vineyard and Ironstone Ranch –that sprawl over 280 acres and come to life during the holiday season with lights, familyfriendly events and Christmas cheer. Enjoy a narrated train excursion on the Santa Express, experience a 3-mile Christmas Light Drive-Thru (featuring over 1 MILLION lights), then enjoy dinner and a live show in the beautiful Star Barn. Explore the National Christmas Center, one of the largest collections of Christmas memorabilia in the world. Or stroll through the Christmas Village at Ironstone Ranch and enjoy fun activities and delicious treats. Visit stonegablesestate. com for details
A beautiful backyard shed from FOX COUNTRY SHEDS is the perfect storage solution for many homeowners. The new Modern Studio shed offers contemporary appeal while providing a variety of uses, from backyard storage to a pool house or even a work-from-home space. Adding additional windows will create the perfect potting shed with contemporary appeal. Our website allows you to customize and view your ideas in 3D. You can even “place” your shed in your backyard virtually with the Augmented Reality feature. A “Fox Shed” is sure to add valuable storage space to your home while enhancing the exterior of your property, ensuring it remains both functional and appealing.
The FROGTOWN CAFÉ , located in Marticville, is just a hop away from access points for the Enola Low Grade Rail Trail. Stop in for classic bar fare such
as wings, burgers, brick-oven pizza and stromboli (all dough and sauces are made in-house). Seasonal dinner specials are created by our chef on Friday and Saturday evenings. We also offer Steak Night every Wednesday evening, specialty Mac-and-Cheese on Thursday evening and Peel-and-Eat Shrimp every Sunday. We have a rotating selection of standard and craft beers along with seasonal signature cocktails. Follow us on Instagram @thefrogtowncafe.
For the last 25 years, GUS’S KEYSTONE FAMILY RESTAURANT has been the spot to go for comfort food, fresh seafood, homemade desserts, specialty Greek cuisine and breakfast that’s served all day. Gus’s can also host your next get-together, accommodating up to 100 guests! Family owned and operated, Gus’s offers two convenient locations in Mount Joy and Ephrata to serve you. The menu can be viewed at guskeystone.com.
Amish Christmas Cookie Tour
Celebrate the Christmas season with a new tradition. Join as we visit three Amish homes to sample cookies and enjoy conversation and camaraderie! Fridays and Saturdays, November 21- December 20.
Santa and Goats
Santa is coming to the farm with his little goat helpers!!!
Come for a fun-filled afternoon with hayrides, petting zoo and more! December 13 from 1-3pm.
Goat Yoga Gift Certificates
Give the gift of baby goats!! Certificates are available for 45 minute classes with farm visit.
Celebrate the holidays at THE AMISH FARM AND HOUSE , which offers a glimpse into Amish life through guided tours of the countryside, as well as authentic farmhouses and farms. In addition to tours, find interesting learning opportunities and fun activities on the 15-acre, pet-friendly farm.
On December 13 (1-3 p.m.), Santa and Goats will enable you to capture the cutest family Christmas picture with Old Saint Nick and his baby goat helpers.
On Fridays and Saturdays through December 20, the Christmas Cookie Tour will stop at three Amish homes for homemade cookie samples and recipes. (Reservations are required.)
Need a gift for the person who has everything? Goat Yoga gift certificates are available. For details, visit amishfarmandhouse.com
Celebrate the holidays with family and friends at the beautiful CONESTOGA RESTAURANT . Serving lunch and dinner, our chefs have created a menu with delicious mouthwatering dishes and desserts. Stop at the bar for nightly specials or to catch a game. Make your reservations now for the holiday season!
Where can you find something for every person on your holiday list? TANGER OUTLETS has all the stores and brands you love. Join Tanger Text Updates to stay in the know about all things Tanger! Text TANGER to 826437.
A COUTURE CHRISTMAS
Andrew Tran, who was born in Vietnam, was envious of the manner in which Americans celebrated Christmas, especially where decorating was concerned. “I wanted to decorate the American way,” he explains. Never in his wildest dreams did he think he’d ever be living in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, or decorating 14 trees for Christmas.
BY SUE LONG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK GOULD
Sitting in Andrew’s kitchen that offers a view of the backyard, I glimpsed colorful umbrellas hanging from the pergola that covers the patio. “Do you like them?” he asked. “I bought them when I last visited Vietnam.”
Becoming Andrew
April marked 50 years since Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese Army. Andrew’s grandparents, who had previously relocated to Lancaster (the late Richard Good, the owner of the former Good’s Furniture, was their sponsor), could only witness their homeland’s downfall on television.
Following the communist takeover, Andrew’s father, who had served in the South Vietnamese Army, traveled to Texas, where other relatives were living, to determine whether he and his family would be happy living there. Homesick for Vietnam, he returned, only to be arrested for being a spy. He was sentenced to a prison term of 15 years that would entail hard labor. “My family wondered if he would even survive,” Andrew recalls. “Under communism, they make all the rules,” he adds.
Upon his release, the head of the family started making plans to leave Vietnam. When Andrew was three or four years old, the family of seven made their escape.
The holiday décor in the living room is very traditional and emphasizes the color red, which in Asian cultures symbolizes good luck, happiness and prosperity.
Clockwise from top left: On trend for 2025 are table-top trees (the egg-shaped ornaments are from Neiman Marcus); nostalgia in the shape of Santa; and deer of all sizes. While Andrew loves to splurge on designer décor, he’s also a savvy shopper as is evidenced by the Renaissance angel he purchased during a store’s closing sale.
“We got in a boat with 31 other people and spent seven days on the ocean,” he recounts. The family ended up in a refugee camp in Thailand, where they subsisted for two years before being moved to the Philippines and eventually, the United States, where they settled in Lancaster County. The family took up residence in New Holland. Andrew was enrolled in a local elementary school. “I didn’t know a word of English. The kids were very cruel to me. It was very hard,” he says, sharing that he had to repeat fifth grade twice. There were two bright spots: a teacher who worked nonstop with the newcomer and a boy named Andrew, who befriended the new kid.
Later, the newcomer from Vietnam would learn of a high school named McCaskey. “I heard the kids who attended McCaskey came from all over [the world]. I asked my parents if I could please go to school there, and they agreed. I was so happy. I
was no longer the only Asian kid,” he explains. Andrew thrived at McCaskey, where he made good grades, played tennis and headed up the yearbook staff. He was named as a Who’s Who of American High School Students.
He also became an American citizen. Choosing to change his name, the boy born as Tran Loc became Andrew Tran. “I chose it in honor of my friend, Andrew,” he notes.
His dream was to become a fashion designer like his idol, Gianni Versace. Biding his time, he worked at WarnerLambert. He eventually made it to New York, where he worked as a runway model. However, family matters took precedence and he returned to Lancaster in order to help his parents manage the nail salon they owned. “Family loyalty is important in Asian cultures,” he explains. “I don’t regret anything,” he says of choosing to leave New York and return to Lancaster.
Back in Lancaster, Andrew dedicated himself to the family
business, moving the growing salon from Centerville to Lime Spring Square. Earlier this year, he became a commercial property owner with the purchase of a former salon on East Roseville Road. After extensive cosmetic upgrades, The Nail Studio made its debut in early summer, offering nail care, eyelash/eyebrow services, waxing and facials. The salon is open seven days a week. Andrew takes Tuesdays off, although he usually “pops in” to check on things. “I can’t help myself!” he laughs.
Embracing the Holidays … American Style
“I have loved Christmas since I was a kid,” Andrew shares. Living in America allowed him to become fully invested in decorating for Christmas. His love of couture fashion is reflected in the themed trees he designs and decorates, notably those devoted to Burberry and Louis Vuitton. Collecting (American style) is also an interest, as
Andrew is pictured in the lower level of his home, where the tree in the background is decorated with wooden ornaments made in Germany. Another tree is decorated with Radko ornaments and souvenirs of his travels.
Gold is very much ontrend this year, and the
embodies that.
Decorative plates pay homage
Details from the gold tree.
The tree in the breakfast room has a culinary theme, as it’s decorated with ornaments that depict fruit, as well as faux varieties of grapes, apples, oranges, pomegranates and other seasonal fruit.
Opposite:
A tree in another part of the living room is decorated with ornaments and other decorations that exude the trademark Burberry pattern.
Clockwise from top left:
tree in the kitchen area
to Andrew’s idol, the late Gianni Versace.
Clockwise from above:
The formal dining room sparkles with the addition of a tree that is bedecked in crystal ornaments.
The gold crystalencrusted deer bring yet another element of sparkle to the dining room.
Details from the crystal tree.
is reflected in trees that are decorated with Wedgewood ornaments, Tiffany crystals, German-made wooden ornaments, fruit (little works of art) and souvenirs of his travels. “It’s taken me years to collect all the ornaments,” he notes. “I don’t decorate a tree until I’m satisfied that I have enough to carry out the theme.”
The décor extends well beyond the trees. The china cabinet is filled with place settings and serving pieces that pay homage to Versace. Another cabinet is filled with Wedgewood pieces, while another is dedicated to hand-painted dinnerware from Japan. Mantels and staircases are hung with swags and garland. Sparkling deer, small trees and other accessories bring a touch of Christmas to tables and other surfaces throughout the house. “Each tree takes about a day to
decorate,” he comments.
Andrew views his hobbies in his own terms. “I’ve gone through a lot in my life,” he theorizes. “I work hard, and I play hard. If I see something I like, I buy it. Life is short and it’s meant to be enjoyed.”
ANDREW, WHO IS the father of a 26-year-old son, Anthony, and his extended family are proud to be Americans. In addition to celebrating Christmas, they have become devotees of American holidays such as Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July. “I want my son to know the American way,” he says of establishing new family traditions, as well as honoring Asian holidays such as Chinese New Year.
For Thanksgiving, invited guests are welcome to bring along family and friends. “We never know who’s
going to show up!” he says of the feast that includes turkey and Vietnamese specialties. “Last year, we celebrated with some people from Ukraine.” Fourth of July parties are all-day affairs that feature guests from all over Central Pennsylvania, endless food (hot dogs to Vietnamese treats), tasty drinks (with a tropical theme), live music, karaoke and fireworks. “We came here for freedom,” Andrew states. “That needs to be celebrated.”
As for Christmas 2025, the family will be ushering in the New Year with approximately two dozen guests from D.C. and as far away as California. “Family, friends, food and singing carols, it doesn’t get any better than that!” Andrew says.
Andrew’s blue-andwhite-themed tree is very on-trend for 2025. It’s decorated with his collection of Wedgewood ornaments.
December 5, 4:00-7:00pm
St. James Episcopal Church, Lancaster. Décor by The Gilded Lily, Nick Gould photo
Columbia, Columbia Merchant’s Association Facebook
Elizabethtown, Jordan Bush photo
Mount Joy, LCM photo
The Belvedere Inn, Nick Gould photo
PHOTOGRAPHY: LCM AND SOCIAL MEDIA PHOTOS
It’s that time of the year! You’ve cast your votes and they’ve been counted. As has become a tradition, the results of our annual Best of Lancaster survey are shared in the NovemberDecember issue.
INlooking over archival material, we decided that Lancaster is best in a way that wasn’t covered in the survey. At holiday time, Lancaster is simply beautiful. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, we hope you have the most wonderful holiday season.
The Star Barn, Jordan Bush photo
Ephrata, Mainspring of Ephrata Facebook
Lititz, Donald Reese photo
Nissley Vineyards, LCM photo
The Fulton Theatre. Décor by The Gilded lily, Facebook photo
Fortunately for us, Lancaster County is brimming with parks, trails, conserved spaces and waterways that allow us to exercise without even realizing it! If you’re not the outdoorsy type, our rec and fitness centers and yoga studios offer the latest innovations in classes and
From dogs and cats to horses, goats, chickens, exotic birds, lizards and the list goes on, Lancaster loves its furry, feathered and scaly animals. Fortunately, the love extends to animals who are not fortunate enough to have homes, thanks to the many shelters and rescue organizations that exist in the county.
Professional Services
Whether you need financial advice, the expertise of a realtor or attorney, or a head shot for a website, Lancaster is home to a “wealth” of professionals who can help you navigate the issue.
Attorney
1 Thomas J. Sabatino, Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, Lancaster
2 John T. Reed, Barley Snyder, Lancaster City
3 Justin J. Bollinger, GKH, Lititz
Insurance Agent
1 Greg Sallade, State Farm, Mount Joy
2 (tie) Lynda Evans, Hinkle Insurance, Lancaster
Corey Faus, Hess Agency, Mount Joy
Liz Martin, Martin Insurance Agency, Lancaster
Stacy Zook, Aetna Insurance, Elizabethtown
Accountant
1 Brian Rosenberg, CPA, MBA, Brown Plus Accountants & Advisors, Lancaster
When it comes to healthcare, Lancaster is fortunate to have access to facilities, doctors and other medical professionals that are associated with the foremost medical schools in the state, including the University of Pennsylvania, Penn State University and the University of Pittsburgh. Our dental and eye professionals also represent some of the best schools in the state, as well as the country.
Hospital
1 Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital, Lancaster CIty
2 Penn State Lancaster Medical Center, Landisville
3 WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital, Ephrata
Family Physician
1 (tie) Scott C. Conley, MD, LG Health Physicians Family Medicine Norlanco, Elizabethtown
Christopher G. McCarty, DO, WellSpan Health/ East Earl
Christopher J. Putney, MD, LG Health Physicians Family Medicine, Strasburg
Robert Sallavanti, MD, Sillavanti & Cotter Family Medicine, Lancaster
Pediatrician
1 Pia Boben Fennimore, MD, Lancaster Pediatric Associates, Lancaster
2 Katherine J. Kereshi, MD, Penn State Health, Elizabethtown
3 (tie) Heidi J. Erdman, MD, Penn State Health, Elizabethtown
Nathan H. Keller, DO, Eden Park Pediatric Associates, Lancaster
Vinitha M. Moopen, MD, FAAP, WellSpan Health, Lititz
Dentist
1 Edward E. White, Jr., DDS, White Family Dental, Elizabethtown
2 Conner C. Diminick, DMD, Herres Dental, Mount Joy
3 Karen Otto-Sullivan, DDS, White Family Dental, Elizabethtown
Roy D. Brod, MD, Lancaster Retina Specialists, Lancaster
3 (tie) Richard M. Hope, OD, Hope’s Vision, Mount Joy
Francis J. Manning, MD, Manning, Rommel & Thode Associates, Lancaster
Community
It’s the people who define a place and in Lancaster, that extends to creative artists, devoted church members, caring teachers, people who take pride in their neighborhoods, media members and the very generous people who support the many nonprofit organizations that play an important role in making Lancaster the caring community it is. Don’t forget: November 21 is Lancaster County’s community-wide day of giving, otherwise known as the ExtraGive.
Neighborhood
1 Lititz
2 Chestnut Hill, Lancaster City
3 Grandview Heights, Lancaster
Dr. Scott C. Conley, MD
Dr. Christopher G. McCarty, DO
Dr. Christopher J. Putney, MD
Dr. Robert Sallavanti, MD
Dr. Pia Boben Fennimore, MD
Dr. Edward E. White, Jr., DDS
Dr. Bethany Rommel, MD
Roy D. Brod, MD
Willow Valley Communities
Manheim Township School District
Susquehanna Waldorf School
Randy Gehman
Jere Gish
Brian Roche
Frieman Stoltzfus
Anchor Lancaster LCBC Scenic
Holidays Designing the
BY SUE LONG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDAN BUSH
One of the defining looks for Christmas 2025 includes color, embellished garland, nostalgia, deer motifs and sparkle.
Anita Yoder launched Heritage Design Interiors (HDI) in a bedroom of her home 35 years ago. Today, it’s located in a former 19thcentury inn that features six fireplaces, which are perfect for decking the halls at this time of the year.
“ itstarted as a hobby and grew from there,” Anita says of her design business that has been at its present location for the past 23 years. The former rental property that dates to the 1830s, “spoke” to Anita. “When I saw it for the first time, I fell in love with it,” she says of envisioning a glass-enclosed front porch and using the individual rooms to create vignettes for her accessory- and décor-driven business. Fortunately, the building hadn’t been “modernized” and retained quite a few design and decorative aspects from the era in which it was built.
Christmas Past
Once upon a time, Christmas decorating was a rather low-key affair. The tree would get decorated a week before Christmas and come down New Year’s Day (or earlier). A Nativity would be given its place of honor. A wreath would decorate the front door, while lights would illuminate a tree or two. That was about it. “My mother is always amazed at the extent I go to decorate for Christmas,” Anita says. How did we become so obsessed with holiday décor? Anita traces it back to about 35 years ago. She names Martha Stewart as being a spark plug, thanks to her dream-inspiring magazine, which debuted in 1990, and her Christmas-decorating specials that aired in prime time and were considered to be “must-see TV.” Her devoted baby boomer fans, who love “stuff,” jumped on the sleigh and vowed to replicate Martha’s holiday décor. It can also be traced to HGTV, which began airing its own Christmas specials, namely a tour of the White House that is always decorated to the hilt for the holidays. Then, as Anita points out, the king of ornaments,
Embellished garland defines a staircase. Anita calls this look, “dressy casual.”
Visitors are greeted by a 100-year-old sleigh that Anita bought at auction.
Anita Yoder (center) and her staff (left to right): Sherri Gilbert, Carolyn Weaver, Pam Leisey, Marcil Kaufman and Michelle Spina, start decorating the shop in mid-September. HDI photo
It’s the season to sparkle!
Don’t forget to accessorize!
Red and kiwi-green define this design. As for wreaths and swags, Anita says, “I love to use two or three different ribbons that coordinate to make an impressive bow. The mix of colors, textures & patterns adds a fun twist instead of a boring plain bow.”
Nostalgia is reflected in multicolored lights.
Bold colors accented in gold speak of quiet luxury for 2025.
Blush delivers a soft and tranquil look to holiday décor.
Christopher Radko, came along. He almost singlehandedly created a craze for ornaments that spoke of Old-World artistry. The 21st century has brought us inspiration via social media and sites such as Pinterest. We also can’t forget Hallmark, whose trademark holiday movies keep upping the ante where set décor is concerned (thanks to a partnership with Balsam Hill).
Christmas Future
Home-related businesses such as HDI took notice. “Our first year here, we decorated one mantel and one tree,” Anita recalls. “Now, we do five mantels and eight themed trees.” In addition, tabletops, shelves and other surfaces are laden with accessories.
Christmas has become a yearlong endeavor for businesses such as HDI, which begins contemplating the upcoming holiday season soon after the New Year arrives. Gift shows that are held in Dallas, Atlanta, Las Vegas and New York take place from early January through March (and again in July). Anita explains that it’s critical to attend the early shows, as product is often sold out by the
time the later shows are held. She still has nightmares about the 2020 holiday season. “Only one-third of our shipments arrived,” she recalls of the pandemic playing havoc with holidayfocused manufacturing and deliveries.
For HDI, Christmas in July signifies more than a promo; product begins to arrive just as the Fourth of July fireworks fade. Decorating begins in earnest in mid-September, when the rooms on the upper floor of the shop begin their transformation.
Christmas Present
Of course, Anita does her homework ahead of the shows and shops with the knowledge of what her customers were attracted to the previous year and what is predicted to be on trend for the upcoming season. “I’m always looking for unique, quality items,” she says.
With that said, Anita shares the various directions holiday décor will take in 2025. In a philosophical nutshell, it’s individualism paired with social consciousness. Throw in cocooning and you have the look and feel of Christmas 2025. “Last year, people just loved the fact that they
were seeing color during our Open House event,” Anita recalls. “I think people are tired of the white-onwhite-on-white modern farmhouse look. They are craving color!”
CASTLECORE: Think opulence, grandeur and Old World. “The look is defined by colors such as gold and burgundy, as well as velvet and bejeweled items,” Anita says, adding that no doubt it’s being inspired by tufted furniture and color drenching.
BOWS: The choice is yours … oversized and dramatic or petite and sweet. “I like to tuck bows into trees,” Anita says of the trend that was first spied on fashion runways and seems to have struck a chord with younger generations.
MULTI-COLORED
LIGHTS
: Those who love vintage will welcome this return to color. Even faux trees are offering the option of white or multicolored lights. “You’re going to see multi-colored lights everywhere,” Anita predicts.
GET PERSONAL: Whether you like whimsical, traditional or glam décor, this is your year to indulge! “Buy what you like,” says Anita.
A black-andwhite color scheme is paired with gold and silver accents.
BOLD, NONTRADITIONAL
COLORS: Think pink, turquoise, orange, blue, purple, buttery yellow … “Orange is the hot new color,” says Anita. “It’s made the transition from the runway to home décor, including holiday,” she explains of how color trends emerge. “I understand the new iPhone with the orange case is backordered for weeks.”
ANTIQUE AND VINTAGE: The look is both old (nostalgia) and new (sustainability).
MEMORY TREES: “This is huge,” says Anita of mixing ornaments you’ve collected (or inherited), with homemade items and even souvenirs of your travels on one tree. “It makes for a very personal tree. I like to see this theme used in a family room,” she says.
METALLICS: “Anything gold” will be a recurring theme this holiday season. “I love the look of combining gold and bronze,” Anita notes, adding that metallics bring the glow factor to décor.
TREES IN EVERY ROOM: No, not floor-to-ceiling specimens; table-top trees of all sizes and made of metal, glass and other materials can bring a subtle holiday touch to any room.
GARLAND GOES BIG: Fluff up a garland with ornaments, picks, lights, tinsel (it’s back) and natural elements to create a wow factor for staircases, mantels, doorways, etc.
ANIMALS: While deer still rule, Anita reports that bears have staged a comeback. You’ll be seeing both of these forces of nature depicted in ornaments, accessories, dinnerware and outdoor décor. “Bears are perfect for a lodge look,” Anita points out.
Christmas Creep
Indeed, Christmas décor is big business. Billions of dollars are spent every year. It’s been a boon for businesses such as HDI, which once spent the last two months of the year spinning its wheels, waiting for the holidays to be over and spring redecorating projects to get underway. Now such businesses are kept busy decorating clients’ homes for the holidays. “The requests for dates are getting earlier and earlier each year,” Anita says. “Now, people want to be decorated by midNovember. Outside of a few lastminute items, we’re finished by early
December. I think people go all out to decorate because entertaining at home continues to be popular. For a lot of them, the holidays start with Thanksgiving.”
Anita also finds that people want their homes to stay decorated well into January. “They go to the expense of decorating and want to enjoy it for as long as they can,” she theorizes. She counts herself among them. “I leave my tree up until late in January,” she admits. She also engages in what she calls an “accessory shuffle” and gradually removes decorative items that definitely harken to Christmas and replaces them with seasonal items. “Taking everything down in one swoop makes the house feel so empty,” she says. “So, I gradually remove things. The poinsettias are the first to go,” she says. “I like to replace them with magnolia blooms.”
Heritage Design Interior’s annual Holiday Open House will be held November 6-15 (closed Sundays). HDI will also be part of the Best Kept Secrets Holiday Tour, December 4-13. Address is 1064 E. Main St., New Holland. Information: Heritagedesigninteriors.com
Those who love Coastal décor will be glad to know that blue-andwhite is another popular color combo for the holidays.
Small Firm/Big Results
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At Marinaro Law, you will not be handed off to an associate attorney. Attorney Michael V. Marinaro will handle your case from beginning to end. You will not be bounced around and lost in the shuffle, or suffer from poor communication, long delays, and huge fees.
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Contact Marinaro Law Firm today. Mr. Marinaro has over 31 years of private criminal defense experience. Prior to becoming an attorney, Mr. Marinaro was a successful Forensic Chemist/Toxicologist with the State Police for 10 years.
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Attorney Michael V. Marinaro
isHistory Alive in ELIZABETHTOWN
BY SUE LONG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDAN BUSH
November and December are red letter months in Elizabethtown. During that time of the year, the Winters Heritage House Museum holds its annual craft fair and decorates for the holidays. Meanwhile, The Train Guys set up shop at the Elizabethtown Public Library, with proceeds benefitting the library.
Saving a Block of History
Back in the 1980s, speculation centered on the fate of several buildings that stood along East High Street. The buildings were significant because of their age (18th century) and the fact that they represented German and Scots-Irish log-construction methods. Despite their historical significance, it appeared the buildings would not survive.
Concerned citizens formed Elizabethtown Preservation Associates. “That original group was very passionate,” says the museum’s director, Teresa St. Angelo. Thanks to a successful Capital Campaign, the buildings were ultimately saved and restored, becoming the Winters Heritage House Museum, a center for research, education and community.
The museum is named in honor of Esther Winters, who was a dedicated volunteer and benefactor. “She loved this place,” says Teresa. Winters and her husband, William, were the owners of Central Rexall Drugs, where she served as the pharmacist from 1959 until December 2000. Both were graduates of Elizabethtown College and were very active in the community. Esther passed away in 2003 (at the age of 99) and asked that memorial contributions be sent to the museum. She also donated a neighboring property, the H.U. Coble House, to the museum. Items from her life and the pharmacy are on display in the house. “She was an interesting woman,” says Teresa, noting the couple resided above the store all their life and that Esther did not receive her pharmacist’s degree until she was in her 50s.
The museum is also home to the Seibert Genealogy Library and Resource Center, which was founded by another woman, Ruth Seibert. The Center enables museum members and guests to research all aspects of Elizabethtown’s history, as well as
The parlor of the H.U. Coble House was decorated with a Victorian theme in 2024. Volunteers pool their talents and resources to decorate the museum properties for the holidays.
their own family history.
“The history here is fascinating,” says Teresa, who moved from New Jersey to Elizabethtown to retire. “I fell in love with Winters House and became a volunteer. Being a history major, it was right up my alley! When they needed a new director, they asked me to take it on.” One recent project the museum oversaw was revitalizing a mural that artist Wayne Fettro had painted on a building owned by Groff’s Meats. The elements had taken their toll on the mural, which tells the story of the Scots-Irish leaving Donegal in Northern Ireland and settling in what became the Donegal townships in Lancaster County. Several local artists (Nancy Landis, Susan Wheelersburg
and Cecile Madonna) took part in restoring/recreating the mural, which was unveiled in September 2024.
As Teresa discovered, operating a nonprofit is challenging, especially from an economic perspective. Maintaining buildings that are more than 250 years old is not for the faint of heart. Events help to ease the burden, as do invaluable donations of furnishings and other items. “The spinning wheel we have dates to the 1700s and was donated,” Teresa reports. “We have wonderful volunteers,” says Teresa of people who provide the museum with community spirit. The museum gives back to the community in various ways. For example, the gardening group donates produce to the local food bank.
Last month, Winters House
hosted its inaugural Historic Lantern Tour that entailed costumed guides, historic figures and storytellers who were stationed along a one-mile route. Afterwards, tour goers were invited to the Coble House for Victorian-inspired refreshments and dancing.
This month marks the 35th anniversary of the museum’s Heritage Craft Show. “Everything is removed from the buildings to make room for the vendors,” Teresa explains. The juried show, which will be held November 14 and 15, will feature 25+ vendors whose work reflects timehonored skills and crafts. “Everything has to be handmade,” Teresa notes.
The dining room of the Coble House was equally as festive.
Girl scouts decorated a tree for last year’s event.
Participating vendors will be displaying wooden items, jams and jellies, felted soap, furniture, crafts, quilted items, table linens, jewelry, paper products, stained glass and more. Food will also be available. “It’s our major fundraiser,” Teresa points out.
After the show, the museum takes a week off and then goes into holiday mode. Volunteers take charge of turning the rooms of the buildings into historical renditions of Christmas. When we visited last year, the theme of the display was Holidays Through the Ages. Volunteers, scouts and the
“The history here is fascinating. I fell in love with Winters House & became a volunteer.”
Teresa St. Angelo, Director
museum’s quilting and gardening groups transformed rooms into festively decorated time capsules. The museum stays decorated through the holidays for visitors to enjoy.
In spring, the museum hosts a Quilt Show, which celebrated its 34th year in May 2024.
Teresa is excited by the direction Elizabethtown is taking as a community and credits business owners Clint and Tony Gibble for energizing the downtown area.
“Our businesses are working so well together. It’s great to be a part of
it. We love taking part in Second Fridays; the museum hosts arts & craft projects that evening.”
Looking even further into the future, Teresa is excited for 2027.
“That will be Elizabethtown’s 200th anniversary,” she says of 1827, the year the town was incorporated.
Winters Heritage House Museum is located at 47 East High Street in Elizabethtown. Hours for the Heritage Craft Show are Friday, 4-8 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: Wintersheritagehouse.org.
Next door, volunteers created a period look in the kitchen of a building that dates to the 18th century.
Forty years ago, the historic properties along East High Street were in danger of being razed. Community concern led to the founding of Elizabethtown Preservation Associates.
Rosalind DeLuca Womack and her daughter, Angel, transformed a meeting room in the museum into a general store during last year’s Holidays Through the Ages event.
The Train Guys
HELPING TO KEEP A LIBRARY ON TRACK
More than 25 years ago, a group of model railroad enthusiasts set up a Christmas display that launched an annual event that continues to benefit the Elizabethtown Public Library.
Each year, an average of 3,000 visitors tour the display, helping to generate more than $10,000 in donations during the month of December.
The roots of the display extend back to the 1980s, when several of the town’s churches held Christmas bazaars that always included model train displays.
“The bazaars kind of fizzled out,” says Craig Coble, whose love of model trains began during childhood and continues unabated to this day. Townspeople missed the train displays. That’s when someone suggested the men who created the displays pool their talents and create one display. “Then, someone suggested the display could serve as a fundraiser for the new library,” Craig recalls. “It wasn’t a hard sell,” says Mike Myers, another collector who serves as a greeter when the display is open to visitors. The consolidated group’s first effort took place in a vacant Ben Franklin store in the late ’90s. Then, it moved to the bank building that would eventually be razed and replaced by the library.
When the library became reality, the group was game to keep their fundraiser chugging on. The library agreed and provided them with some space in the basement of the building. The next year, they asked for additional space. “We just kept asking for more,” Craig recalls. Now, the display fills the entirety of the expansive room, providing space to operate 15 trains on wide-radius tracks. It also spills into the adjacent hallway, where a circus and amusement park theme entertains those waiting in line.
“The library staff kept referring to us as ‘the train guys,’” Craig recalls, “so that became our name.” Currently, the group is composed of 40 members, with 25 or so being actively involved. Craig, Mike and another member, Ken Stehman, add that additional volunteers include wives, children and
grandchildren. “They range in age from 6 to well into their 90s,” Craig reports of members and volunteers. Ken is a rarity. He didn’t grow up with trains but when a fellow carpooler regaled him with stories about The Train Guys, he decided to lend his support after retiring from teaching.
A Lifelong Hobby
Mention model trains and Craig and Mike can wax on poetically about their hobby. “We’re just a lot of guys with a lot of toys,” Craig says. Model trains became a phenomenon in Germany in the 1830s. The earliest models, designed as wind-up toys, were made from wood and then metal. Craftsmen, including those in America, kept improving on the appearance and functionality of model trains throughout the 19th century. By the 20th century, steam-driven trains that were remarkably detailed in design captured the imaginations of men and boys alike. Electric-powered trains would take the hobby to another level. The period between the world wars is considered to be the Golden Age of model railroads.
Following World War II, model railroading became a national obsession from a hobby perspective. Over the decades, rail travel had captured America’s fancy, as it represented progress and modern living. Rail transportation had revolutionized American lifestyles. Railroad companies had become industrial powerhouses and thus held the promise of good jobs and careers. “Back then, boys wanted to become railroad conductors,” Craig says.
The power of advertising helped to make products from Lionel and American Flyer even more alluring. Retail outlets such as furniture, hardware, toy and auto supply stores sold model trains and all the accessories with which a boy could build a fantasy world. During the ’50s and ’60s, it was almost uncommon to visit a home at Christmas time and not see a train chugging its way around the tree.
Show Time!
The display begins to take shape in mid-October, utilizing elements that are owned by The Train Guys, items that have been donated and equipment that is on loan. “We just come in and do our thing,” Craig says of the operation he equates to clockwork. “Everyone knows
what they’re doing. It takes about six weeks to get it all set up.” Ken, a former industrial arts educator, is in charge at the outset, as he knows exactly where to position the tables. From there, tracks are laid and the decorative elements that help to tell a story are put into place. The age of the model trains ranges from 100+ years to modern day (G-grade trains that comprise a garden railway set-up).
As you make your way around the display, history comes alive through businesses that once defined the town and events that took place there. “A. Buch’s Sons was a farm implement company that was absorbed into Sperry New Holland,” Craig explains of the significance of one scene. “Their wheelbarrows are highly collectible.” A baseball game being contested on Klein Chocolate Company Athletic Field recalls memories of the day Babe Ruth played in a game there. “That’s what’s neat about the display,” Craig notes. “It’s a teaching tool. It not only tells the story of toy trains, but of railroading in general. It also provides a look at the history of manufacturing. And it shares the history of Elizabethtown.”
Incredibly, kids (of all ages) are mesmerized by what they see. Buttons that are stationed throughout the display add an interactive element – such as a fire – to scenes. “Those buttons have gotten a workout!” Craig reports. Mike adds that it’s not unusual for families to visit several times during the schedule. He can also count on the nostalgia factor kicking in among older visitors waiting in line. (Cue memories of visiting Farmer’s Supply on East King Street in Lancaster to see the large set-up.) “It’s also not unusual to see three generations –father, son and grandson – taking in the display,” he says.
The Fundraising Aspect
Initially, fundraising efforts were based on admission (a suggested donation of $2 per person is requested). “People will throw a $20 bill into the box,” Mike relates. “There’s also a guy who always arrives with a check for $100.” Then, members got the idea to conduct sales of excess equipment to augment the admission donations. That led to the introduction of custom rail cars that relate to local businesses. The threesome laugh at the memory of having one designed for Groff’s Meats. “They wanted pigs inside their car, so we bought up all
Fundraising efforts have grown over the years and now include sponsorships through which companies receive to-scale billboards within the display.
A replica of the A. Buch’s Sons warehouse recalls a local business that eventually became part of Sperry-New Holland. A member’s brother-in-law creates historic buildings for the display.
The baseball scene recalls the time Babe Ruth played in a game contested at the Klein Chocolate Company’s field.
Over the years, the display has grown to encompass the entire room in the library’s basement.
the miniature pigs we could find,” Craig recalls. A silent auction also joined the proceedings. “We also sell raffle tickets for a new train set,” he adds. Private tours for school groups, daycare centers and even birthdays generate more revenue. The latest addition is sponsorships, which provide businesses with to-scale billboards that dot the display. “That’s been well supported,” Craig says. The Train Guys are grateful that the library values their contributions not only from a monetary perspective but also from the viewpoint that it generates traffic for the library long after the display is disassembled.
The Train Guys give back to the community in other ways. On opening night (December 2), first responders are treated to free admission. On December 6, 13 and 20, The Train Guys will once again partner with train enthusiasts from Masonic Village to provide shuttle service between the two locations, enabling visitors to take in what Craig considers to be “the best and biggest display on the East Coast.”
The Elizabethtown Library is located at 10 S. Market Street. Dates/hours for the train display are December 2, 4, 11, 12 and 18, 6-8 p.m. On December 6, 13, 20 and 27, the hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Note: On December 6, the Holiday Parade begins at 4 p.m. December 12 is also Second Friday. It’s suggested that you arrive with sufficient time (at least 30 minutes) to view the display; doors close promptly at the given closing hour. Information: Facebook.com/EtownTrainGuys
Clockwise from top left:
Craig Coble at the controls of the display that The Train Guys operate at the Elizabethtown Public Library each December.
Holiday Guide
DUTCH APPLE DINNER THEATRE is “Your Ticket for Great Entertainment at a Great Value!” Experience award-winning dinner theatre right here in Lancaster. Dutch Apple, one of the longest-running dinner theatres in the U.S., has been entertaining audiences since 1987 with live Broadway performances, stunning sets, brilliant costumes and delicious dining options. It features a simple yet sophisticated charm you won’t find in many theatres. Voted one of the “20 Best Things To Do in Lancaster County,” Dutch Apple offers something for everyone. Enjoy contemporary shows, classic musicals, tribute concerts, and children’s productions all year. Free parking conveniently located onsite.
Looking for unique gifts this holiday season? Visit THE SHOPPES AT MILLER’S to find something for everyone on your list. The Quilt Shop at Miller’s offers a huge selection of locally hand-stitched quilts, quillows and crafts. At Locally Made Food Shop, you’ll find locally made jams, jellies, spice mixes, tea, coffee, baked goods and kitchen items. At Anna’s, you’ll find jewelry, whimsical gifts and more. We also have gift boxes, baskets and gift cards available. Plus, refuel for your holiday shopping fun at Miller’s Smorgasbord. This holiday season, your shopping starts at The Shoppes at Miller’s.
Block the Cold ... Not the View!
Awnings & Canopies
Handcrafted with Pride in
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.
Thirsty? Head over to HELL IN A BUCKET BREWING COMPANY in Marietta. Enjoy our fullservice bar serving Pennsylvania wine and spirits, not to mention our own fabulous beer selection brewed in-house. Hungry? You’ll love our locally sourced menu where everything is made from scratch in our
Residential Drop Curtains/Enclosures
Use your porch throughout the winter months! Curtains roll up and out of the way when not in use. Custom-made to fit almost any porch, canopy, screen room, pavilion or pergola!
Add windows as desired or keep solid for privacy and shade.
kitchen. Visit hellinabucketbrewing.net to check out live music and events. Dogs (on the patio) and kids are always welcome. Good Music-Good Vibes-Good Beer sums up Hell in a Bucket. Visit us at 392 East Front Street in Marietta.
Spend Christmas ... in Paradise! THE BARN AT PARADISE STATION is delighted to present the Annual Barn at Paradise Station Christmas Dinner. Enjoy a delicious holiday meal provided by C&J Catering, followed by our original production of Christmas in Perfect Harmony - part musical theater nostalgia and comedy, part take-it-tochurch worship concert, local sensation Perfect Harmony performs stunning original arrangements of favorite holiday classics in (of course) threepart PERFECT HARMONY. Featuring a live band, beautiful costumes, concert-quality sound and lighting ... it even SNOWS! For tickets, call 717-687-5000 ext. 118 or visit barnatparadisestation.com/events to view all our holiday events.
Happy Holidays
One of the many popular specialties at WILBUR CHOCOLATE is their signature Wilbur Buds. They can be purchased in many different gift formats or in casual pouches for total chocolate Bud enjoyment! Other favorites include chocolate-covered fruit, triple-coated almonds and the kitchen-made Lititz Bark. Stop by the Lititz store today to find all kinds of sweet treats for yourself or the perfect gift for any occasion! Visit wilburbuds. com to find out more about their long and unique history or to shop for your favorites online.
CRAVINGS is an apt name for this gourmet deli that was founded in 1992 and has been owned by Steve Marinos since 2012. His goal is to provide guests and catering customers with food made from high-quality products such as Dietz and Watson’s cheeses and meats, and local fresh produce. He also sources bread products from bakeries in Philadelphia, and desserts from Sweet Streets in Reading. The extensive menu
features starters, salads, soups, sandwiches, wraps, subs, burgers, cheesesteaks, grilled and char-broiled items and, of course, desserts. The deli’s unique variety of 31 specialty sandwiches and wraps – Special Cravings – are named after family and friends and have proven to be popular additions to the menu.
In 1954, the late George Grove Sr. started what later became GEORGE J. GROVE & SON, INC. The family-owned business, now in its third generation, is built on a firm belief in quality products and installation and in maintaining professionalism, integrity and fairness in their relationships with their customers. George J. Grove & Son, Inc. provides all types of home improvements. Their product lines include windows and doors, roofing, vinyl siding, spouting, gutter protection systems and patio enclosures. They also carry skylights, shutters, railings and retractable fabric and metal awnings.
Creating living spaces for every season. In these colder days, now is a great time to update your basement or begin planning a Spring outdoor project.
Creating Outdoor Living Spaces for Family Memories
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 nearly 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.
With a breathtaking view of the Susquehanna River, locally sourced food and dedicated staff, JOHN WRIGHT RESTAURANT is an all-in-one location for your special occasion. As a full-service venue, they can accommodate bridal and baby showers, rehearsal dinners, corporate parties, weddings, and any other
reason to celebrate. Large events can be held in the River Room, while smaller celebrations can take place in the main dining room. The outdoor dining room and the seasonal pizza patio are available during warm-weather months. John Wright Restaurant is proud to offer a wide variety of options to make your special event memorable and hassle-free.
KEYSTONE GUN-KRETE,
LLC specializes in lifting sunken concrete slabs of all sizes. Owner Richie Zook says, “If you’re looking at a sunken pool deck, patio or a section of sidewalk at your home or business, the cost savings to have it lifted instead of replaced can be huge. Plus, it’s done in hours instead of days and without the mess.” Keystone Gun-Krete simply drills small holes through the slab and injects their expanding foam below to raise the concrete back to its original location. The holes are then filled with mortar, so the concrete is ready for foot traffic immediately.
Uptown & Down and all around
An intimate blend of music and candlelight, Illumination offers a deeply moving holiday experience.
PRIMA’S ILLUMINATION
Oxygen for the Soul
This year marks the fourth iteration of Illumination, the immersive candlelit holiday concert that draws people together as one. Incredibly, the genesis of the experience was born out of the necessity for separation.
BY MICHAEL C. UPTON | PHOTOS COURTESY OF PRIMA THEATRE
Prima, like all theatres around the world, searched for creative alternatives when the pandemic shuttered doors and darkened halls in 2020. Mitch Nugent, the founding executive producer of Prima, literally took the theatre’s holiday show to the streets. “We were bringing singers dressed all in white on a retro trolley throughout the county,” explains Mitch of the solution Prima settled on. The singers performed classic carols with fresh twists about them, “sort of inspired
by [the a cappella pop group] Pentatonix,” he adds.
Bringing theatre to the masses hit a high note and when the doors of the physical theater reopened, Mitch wanted to recapture that same energy and the experience inside a shared space. Thus, Illumination was born. Once again, Prima had a hit on its hands.
“Guests are soaking in this universal experience of the holidays – it is wonder and beauty, and awe. It is a peaceful kind of joy that sticks with
you,” says Mitch. “Amidst the noise of the holidays, we have to make room for a bit of peace. Illumination is oxygen for the soul.”
The Show
As guests enter the candlelit chamber of Prima, light, sound and emotion fill the space unlike any other holiday show. “It begins in stillness and this idea of the ache of what is missing, and with each song there is a flicker of laughter or joy
that finds its way in. By the end we are doing Joy to the World by Three Dog Night,” says Mitch.
Each year the show is born anew, but some songs must remain permanent fixtures due to popular demand, explains pianist and music director, Ali Murphy. “Two-thirds of the [show’s music] is new each year. We always have a song that is not as well known or a song that is well known but is not traditionally associated with Christmas. I love that we can find different ways to be new
and exciting while still honoring things that people love,” says Ali.
As 2025 marks the 15th anniversary of the theatre, Mitch admits he has had a bigger part in the creative process for this year’s show. He teased some songs making an appearance this year: Vince Guaraldi Trio’s Linus and Lucy from A Charlie Brown Christmas; Carol of the Bells done in the style of Pentatonix; Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah; and Happy Xmas (War is Over) by John Lennon and The Plastic Ono Band with
the Harlem Community Choir.
“A lot of offerings around the holidays are big spectacles. This is not,” says Mitch of the approximately 140-seat show. “You are no more than four rows from the action.”
Putting it Together
Ali is center stage. “Selfishly … it’s a baby grand piano in the middle of the room that caught my eye instantly when they pitched this concept,” she says from her home in Nashville. After
Lancaster native Jonathan Groff (right) joined director Cody Smith (left) for Illumination last year and called the show “exquisite.”
Center stage features a pianist, cellist, drummer and guitarist. Lancaster native and Nashville-based artist Ali Murphy directs Illumination’s music and performs at the piano.
The audience is only feet away from the four-sided stage.
graduating from Penn Manor High School (class of 2018), Ali attended the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami before heading to Music City. In Nashville she works as a solo artist, performing at the city’s numerous venues. She also teaches piano and voice.
“Before I was born my mom bought herself a baby grand piano, so I joke that was her first child,” Ali recalls. “There was always a piano in the house, and there are home videos of me at age two climbing up on the piano bench and plunking out certain things.” She recently rewatched some of these videos that essentially trace her growth trying to pick up the instrument. It was about age nine when she started playing by ear, so her parents decided to get her into piano lessons. “It’s always been a part of my life,” she notes.
For Illumination, Ali is tasked with creating an intimate show despite having an audience on all four sides. She starts working on the show in the summer, when most people have not even thought about holiday shopping. “I just love the holidays,” says Ali, whose birthday is soon after Christmas. Her most memorable Christmas gift came when she was around nine years old: her first
keyboard. The gift sparked a new level of creativity. “I love Christmas music, and I love that we have created this thing that isn’t like anything else in the Lancaster area. It blends and blurs the lines between theatre and concert. My job is everything that is music related. I’m involved in picking the music, arranging that music, scheduling rehearsals …”
As fall approaches, Ali contacts the show’s four vocalists and members of the four-piece band – cello, piano, drums, and guitar – to go over the show piece by piece.
Prima
Founded in 2010, it wasn’t until 2018 that Prima found a permanent home in Lancaster City’s West End by reshaping an underused space into an intimate stage for powerhouse concerts and fresh, contemporary theatre. Complimentary parking and an in-theatre bar add to this venue where no seat is a bad seat. The theatre has built a following of younger-than-thenational-average theatregoers, proof of its energy and style.
And like the perfect gift, Prima gives back to its community. Through its NextGen Initiative, Prima brings local youth and their families
into the theatre with production, marketing and project management internships. “Creative Current” is Prima’s partnership with community groups, bringing live performances to underserved youth, low-income families, the unsheltered, refugees and those with disabilities. Participants receive more than tickets, as they are welcome at artist talkbacks, workshops and behind-the-scenes training opportunities.
Illumination runs November 21 through December 23 with shows at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit primatheatre.org.
Discover Winter Adventures
Experience the charm of a steam train ride this winter. Whether you’re looking for festive family fun, an elegant dining experience, or wine tastings, we have the perfect journey for you.
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.
Foodographer Frisco's Chicken
Abundant Gratitude
PHOTOGRAPHS AND TEXT BY
JORDAN BUSH
If you savor hot and juicy charcoal-cooked chicken, pay attention. Frisco’s Peruvian rotisserie chicken is perhaps the best version you’ll ever enjoy. It’s founder (and namesake), Francisco Gómez de la Torre has been on quite a journey that ultimately brought him to Lancaster.
In2002, at age 30, Francisco Gómez de la Torre took the first of many great leaps in his lifetime. In search of a better life, he left his home and his family in Arequipa, Peru, to move to the United States. Francisco’s wife, Veronica, and their one-year-old daughter, Daniela, remained behind without any assurances. “I came here because things in my country weren’t good,” says Francisco of his quest to “look for a future for my family, to support my family,” all the while “not knowing if it was going to be ok.”
“Some days… some days were harder than others,” says Francisco. Daniela was the greatest source of his strength. Without her, Francisco admits, he might not have made it. “I remember once she called, and I couldn’t pick up. She left a voicemail, and I saved that voicemail for years,” he says. “I would listen to it whenever I was down. I don’t think people realize how difficult it is to immigrate to another country,” he continues. “I can tell you this: people don’t do it [for] the heck of it. People don’t do it because it’s fun. Especially if you are a father, you have the obligation to provide for your family, and that’s what I did.”
To The Marriott, by Motorcycle
Stepping off the plane in Miami, Florida, Francisco initially found a job in Lexington, Kentucky, working in hospitality. He eventually moved
to New Jersey, commuting to New York City to work at the Hyatt Grand Central. Five years into his plan, the 2008 recession hit, and Francisco lost his job. “In one day, they had like a $50 million loss on the books and cancellations after Lehman Brothers went down. I was looking for a job anywhere on the East Coast. Nobody was hiring. The only hotel that was hiring was the Marriott; that’s how I ended up here in Lancaster.”
Construction of the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square and Lancaster County Convention Center had finished three months prior, opening in June 2009.
Francisco landed an interview at the Lancaster Marriott and traveled to it by motorcycle. After the interview, “I went and drove around Lancaster County,” says Francisco.“I loved it. I stopped on the side of the road, called my wife, and said, ‘This is it. This is where we can raise our family.’” Francisco got the job. A year later, Veronica and Daniella were able to move to Lancaster after living apart from Francisco for seven burdensome years.
Frisco’s Chicken
In early 2020, the pandemic struck, and travel came to a grinding halt. Now working at the downtown Holiday Inn, Francisco lost his job yet again. This time, he considered it as “a perfect opportunity to open the restaurant,” he says. “I already had the idea, but it was very hard to leave my job to do something that I didn’t know was going to be successful. With a family, there’s no way you can just give up a salary, unless you have a lot of money saved up, which I didn’t. The scenario was set up for me to [make a] move,” says Francisco.
In Peru, restaurants serving chicken, fries and salad are extremely popular. Francisco’s version, Frisco’s Chicken, would offer Peruvianstyle rotisserie chicken cooked in a charcoal oven, with the focus being
Founding partner, Francisco Gómez de la Torre, and his daughter, Daniela, at Frisco’s restaurant on New Holland Avenue in Lancaster. Daniela recently graduated from Millersville University with a bachelor’s degree in communications. Along with her younger sister, she helps her father with the business.
take-out offerings. “I’m very proud of the sauces, especially because two of them, the medium [Aji] and hot [Rocoto], are made with Peruvian ingredients,” he says, explaining that “Aji and Rocoto are Peruvian peppers that are very characteristic of Peruvian food, a heat you find on many dishes.” The signature Cilantro is the most popular, being a mild but incredibly delicious recipe developed by Veronica.
Frisco’s Chicken opened for business on New Holland Avenue in Lancaster on October 31, 2020. A few weeks into the opening, a second shutdown was enacted, limiting the number of tables restaurants could utilize. “That really didn’t matter. Everybody was taking their food home,” Francisco recalls. “That was our success, because this food is so good to take home. Even today, I think 80% of our sales are still to-go.”
Following the success of the Lancaster location, three others quickly opened in Lititz, Mount Joy and Willow Street.“I used to explain it, ‘If you dig a little hole and you find gold, wouldn’t you keep digging?’” Francisco theorizes. After experiencing explosive growth during the pandemic, the business wasn’t
prepared to endure the slowdown that followed. Simply put, Frisco’s Chicken grew too fast.
Closing… Or, So It Seemed
On Friday morning, July 12, 2024, Francisco realized the business wasn’t financially solvent enough to cover costs. “It was the day when I realized we wouldn’t have enough money to pay our staff,” explains Francisco. “In hindsight, maybe that was a mistake. We should have made harder decisions much earlier, so that the pain wouldn’t have been that big,” he continues. “I couldn’t consciously ask people to work for me knowing that they weren’t going to be paid. But actually, they did it anyway.”
Two days later, on Sunday, July 14, all four of Frisco’s locations closed.
The community response was tremendous. “That’s literally the reason why our landlord helped us,” explains Francisco. “They put their resources [at] our disposal to reopen and keep going. The whole month of July last year was just an incredible experience. The day we closed, I can say with confidence that it was the worst day of my life, and I’ve had bad days. My father passed when I was
eight years old. I moved to America by myself, leaving my family behind,” he recounts. “People might think that I am a failure because I just, you know, closed three entities. I’m left with the baggage of closing three stores, but at the same time, it was so amazing to see what we had created.”
Lessons Learned
“Since the very beginning, this was very personal. The business makes you money, it’s important, but it was always about people. I see these restaurants as a way to literally bring happiness to people. I realized that early. Two weeks after we opened for the first time, this woman came to me and said, ‘Thank you. Thank you. I got your food, and you brought back memories of my dad growing up … my dad bringing home this kind of food on Sunday evenings and sharing it with the family.’ I’ve tried to make that personal connection with our customers, which I think we’ve been very successful doing.”
Two weeks after closing, on July 25, Frisco’s Chicken announced the Lancaster restaurant would reopen. On August 1, the charcoal oven was reignited. Since reopening,
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.
Francisco Gómez de la Torre removes rotisserie chickens from the charcoal oven, accompanied by a wave of savory and smoky aromas.
Fried plantains have a caramelized glaze on the outside, tender on the inside, with a candy-like sweetness.
Frisco’s Chicken has continued to evolve, adding new menu items and services. From wings to crispy chicken sandwiches, there’s also Frisco’s salad sandwich with red onions, a classic Peruvian-style sandwich inspired by meals Francisco enjoyed as a child. Catering for local events and businesses is on the menu. Additional parking is also now available (across New Holland Avenue from the Science Factory, next to Quips Pub).
Giving Thanks
Last month, on October 31, Frisco’s Chicken celebrated its fifth anniversary. “I truly believe that being grateful is more important than being happy,” says Francisco. “I’m thankful. It’s a state of mind to me; it helps me be resilient. Be appreciative. It doesn’t
matter how much or how little you have. Every day, I get in my car and look at my house and say, ‘Thank you. Thank you for the family I have, the house I have, the health I have.’”
“It’s not difficult for me to be thankful. That’s what helped me always keep going. It’s a simple concept, but very hard to put into practice. I’m 53 years old; it’s been a long journey to come to these realizations. Everything is going to
be all right. I believe that if you have your heart in it, if you always try to do good, things are going to be alright. No matter how hard or how painful, with a little bit of hard work, things are going to be ok.”
Frisco’s Chicken is located at 454 New Holland Avenue in Lancaster. For more information, visit friscoschicken.com.
Frisco’s rotisserie chicken is packed with rich flavors from the charcoal oven. Fried yucca is crispy yet tender on the inside, with a starchy flavor. Fried plantains have a caramelized glaze on the outside, tender on the inside, with a candylike sweetness. Rich in antioxidants, it is sweet with welcoming notes.
Signage in the restaurant relays Francisco’s journey to becoming a business owner.
Seasonings that are used to prepare chicken, sauces and other menu items.
Thanks to public outcry, Francisco was aided by his landlord to allow for the original restaurant to reopen only weeks after it closed in July 2024.
Table for Two Zig’s Bakery & Café
Barns are a familiar sight throughout Lancaster County, and many have been repurposed to serve as restaurants, event venues, etc. Zig’s Bakery & Café is one such example, as it makes its home in a renovated barn along Newport Road outside of Lititz.
SWEET AND SAVORY
BY ROCHELLE A. SHENK | PHOTOS COURTESY OF ZIG’S BAKERY & CAFÉ
“Igrew up in this area,” says Brandon Ziegler, owner of Zig’s. (His nickname is “Zig”, hence the name of the business.) “It’s fun to be able to use an old barn as a gathering space. The café has a lot of warmth to it – there’s stone, wood and a bit of a modern feel.” Ten years ago, Brandon partnered with family members to repurpose an 1800s brick-end barn. It’s now home to not only Zig’s Bakery & Café but also Brick Gables, an event space operated by family members.
ZIG’S BAKERY & CAFÉ’S roots can be traced back to Minnich’s Farm Bakery, which opened in 1970 and operated from a farmhouse on Green Acre Road in Lititz. New owners took over in 1988. Brandon became its owner in 2006, combining his business degree with his culinary skills to operate the bakery, which he initially called Zig’s Bakery and Deli. With the move to Newport Road, he renamed it Zig’s Bakery & Café.
ZIG’S COZY SEATING area, with a mix of hi-tops and tables, can accommodate about 70 people. There’s also a patio for seasonal outdoor dining. Brandon describes Zig’s as offering fast casual dining. Guests take a menu, select a seat and then proceed to the counter when they’re ready to order.
Included among Zig’s offerings are coffee, espresso, tea and specialty drinks such as frappés, smoothies
and hot chocolate. “Coffee is a big part of what we do, but it’s not our main focus. People come for coffee and a bakery treat, as well as deli items, which are all made in-house. Our focus is quality food and great customer service,” he explains.
Bakery treats include cupcakes, scones, biscotti, pies and cookies, as well as items such as bear claws, pecan sticky buns and apple dumplings. Specialty cakes can be ordered, as well. Zig’s also specializes in Moravian sugar cake. “It’s something that’s unique to Lititz, and is one of our more popular items,” he notes of the yeast-raised coffee cake. Zig’s also bakes its own breads and rolls. Deli items include soups, side salads, quiche, cream dry beef, barbecue, tuna, chicken and ham
Left: Brandon Ziegler has been the owner of Zig’s since 2006.
Right: A taste of the holidays: pecan pie.
Zig’s version of a Rueben sandwich uses shredded coleslaw in place of sauerkraut.
salad, cracker pudding and coleslaw. Soups and deli salads are available by the pint or quart to go.
THE BREAKFAST MENU includes baked oatmeal, bagel with cream cheese and egg & cheese sandwich. There’s also a kid’s menu (for kids of any age) with fun favorites such as fluffernutter sandwich, PB&J and grilled cheese (made with American cheese).
The sandwich selection includes ham-and-brie panini; turkey bacon; meatball sub (available only on Mondays); grilled cheese (sharp cheddar cheese on toasted white, wheat or rye bread); and veggie (portobello, cucumber, roasted red pepper, tomato, cheese, with hummus on toasted rye or flax bread). “The café’s sandwich menu is pretty stable, but people can change them. The tuna melt can become tuna on a croissant,” Brandon points out. The menu also features two hot soups daily, and Brandon says they’re based on what’s fresh and in season. Soups are available by the cup or bowl. The café menu also includes quiche, yogurt parfait, granola, and ranch or honey-nut snack mixes.
WITH THE HOLIDAYS fast approaching, Zig’s selection will pivot to include seasonal favorites. “In November, it’s all about pumpkin –pumpkin pies, pumpkin whoopee pies, pumpkin bread and pumpkin roll,” Brandon says. The cookie selection includes holiday favorites such as sand tarts, snickerdoodles, sugar cookies and Wilbur chocolate chip. The deli offers a wide range of items that make entertaining easy. Zig’s does take holiday pre-orders. “We ask that pre-orders be placed about two weeks prior to the holiday or event to ensure that we have adequate prep time,” Brandon notes.
Zig’s Bakery & Café is located at 800 East Newport Road, Lititz. Regular hours are 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday and 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday. Thanksgiving eve hours are 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Christmas eve hours are 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Zig’s also has stands at Lancaster Central Market and Lebanon Farmers Market. 717-626-7981, zigsbakery.com and Facebook.
Clockwise:
A 19th century barn was repurposed to serve as a café/ bakery and events venue.
A holiday treat: peppermint mocha. A lunchtime favorite: chicken Caesar wrap Biscotti is made festive with the addition of cranberries and pistachios.
Soup to go is appreciated at this busy time of the year.
in the Neighborhood in the Neighborhood
RED RAVEN
ART COMPANY
Red Raven Art Company is a vibrant art gallery, representing over 60 artists, both local and regional. We offer a diverse array of original artwork & over 1000 fine art prints. Each month you will find something new & exciting, from traditional to contemporary, realistic to whimsical, sensible to playful.
138 North Prince Street, Lancaster. 717-299-4400
redravenartcompany.com
LANCASTER COUNTY’S CHRISTMAS TOUR
December 4-13, 2025
Fourteen shops and three eateries are ready to WOW you! Receive tons of perks (coupons, gifts, discounts, drawings) for shopping small! Tickets are $12 ($1 per ticket sold will be donated to CAP - Community Action Program).
For more info or to order tickets, call 717-721-9409 or email melissa@bestkeptsecretstour.com. Bestkeptsecretstour.com
Melanie B. Scheid Funeral Directors & Cremation Services
A NCHOR L A NC A STER ANCHOR LANCASTER
To love, serving God and our neighbors in practical, concrete ways, remembering the words of Jesus, “I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you welcomed me”
Matthew 25:35
WATER CHECK WATER SYSTEMS, LLC
Established in 2005, Water Check is a small, family-owned waterconditioning business. Performing professional testing and designing custom water systems that best fit the need of your water has been their mission for over 20 years. No matter what your water-quality issues, Water Check has a system for you. Proudly serving the Lancaster and all of south-central PA areas.
Call to set up your free water testing and take the first step toward cleaner, safer, better water.
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. 317 E. Orange Street, Lancaster 717-393-1776
3225 Main Street, Conestoga 717-872-1179
melaniebscheidfh.com
Mon day- Friday Monday-Friday
29
308 E. King St, Lancaster Case Management available 10:30 AM–4:00 PM to connect unhoused neighbors with resources including:
Job
Documentation
Referrals
At Hong Kong Garden, you’ll find consistency in taste, generous portions, a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere and excellent service. We offer lavish lunch and dinner menus, made with
Galebach’s Floor Finishing, founded in 1924, is the oldest floor finishing company in Lancaster County. We specialize in residential wood floor refinishing and have extensive experience with historic restorations. Our dust containment system keeps your home as clean as possible while our workers are on-site sanding and finishing. (#PA019030) 1148 Old Line Road, Manheim 717-898-9680 Galebachsfloorfinishing.com
MCC Thrift Shop. Donations Accepted. Join us for our Bag Sale every third Friday of the month and fill one of our shopping bags with clothes and shoes for $5. Treasures can be found for everyone and every purchase is a gift to the world. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 9a.m.-4p.m. 363 Locust Street, Columbia. 717-684-7621. GALEBACH’S FLOOR FINISHING, INC.
COLUMBIA RE-UZIT SHOP Happy Holidays!
Care for Rare
For over 36 years at the Clinic for Special Children, we have provided exceptional care for patients with rare genetic disorders in Lancaster County and beyond. We’ve grown from treating a handful of genetic disorders in 1989 to over 485 disorders today.
From participating in cutting-edge gene therapy trials to treating a common cold, we’re dedicated to providing compassionate, accessible, and affordable care for families, especially from the Amish and Mennonite communities. We invite you to learn more about our work and mission of fighting genetic illnesses with innovative research and compassion.
MY FAVORITE ACCESSORY
“An abundance of gratitude to the genius and superb prosthodontic talents of the Weierbach & Genetti Prosthodontics team!
They embraced me as family and I felt like I was their most important patient whenever I was in their presence.
As a woman with a passion for fashion and accessories, I can tell you that there’s no better accessory than a stunning smile.
Thank you to Drs. Weierbach and Genetti and their team for the unique skill sets they bring to the treatment process.”
American Dental Association (ADA)recognized specialists in restoring and replacing teeth for a timeless display of confident beauty and Members in the American College of Prosthodontists.
717.560.9190
- Antionette “Toni” Schreder Advanced Wellness Director
