Although many of our travel plans got disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic this summer, there are still plenty of ways to relax and recuperate via a staycation right here in Ephrata!
Although many of our travel plans got disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic this summer, there are still plenty of ways to relax and recuperate via a staycation right here in Ephrata! No matter how well you think you know our cozy hometown, both locals and visitors alike are bound to discover something new to do.
We’ve compiled a few fun activities to include in your next staycation itinerary that lets you enjoy the best Ephrata has to offer all while staying safe and close to home.
If you’d like to incorporate an overnight stay into your staycation, there are several charming Bed and Breakfast options to consider! The 1777 Americana Inn B&B is perfect for a cozy, historic getaway. Built in 1777, the Americana Inn offers hotel-level amenities in an idyllic country setting. Kimmell House B&B—a 1795 Shaker Colonial farmhouse featuring wide plank floors and an open hearth fireplace—is another great option, and wine lovers should consider staying at The Historic Smithton Inn & Wine Tasting Room, which features cozy rooms, a wine bar, and a tasting room conveniently located downstairs.
A day in Ephrata can’t begin without a cup of coffee from Javateas. Their delicious selection of fresh roasted coffee and light dishes is where friends and family come to relax and catch-up. Or wander over to Scratch Bakes on W Main Street for a zesty breakfast burrito or a grilled fresh-baked muffin. Grab a coffee or a latte, a baked treat, and a breakfast sandwich or a bagel to start your day off with some scrumptious Ephrata fare.
Following a leisurely morning reading, window shopping, or strolling the streets of Ephrata, grab some authentic Colombian to go from Aromas Del Sur, savor a hot-pressed sandwich at a patio table outside of The Pressed Plate, or head to Gus’s Keystone Restaurant for a hearty, home-cooked meal for lunch. A local favorite, Gus’s sports an extensive menu featuring classic Pennsylvania Dutch, Greek and American dishes, and all-day breakfast. You also won’t want to miss hot-pressed sandwiches at The Pressed Plate. Their paninis are on another level! If you’re not feeling American, Aromas Del Sur’s Colombian cuisine is heavenly, and the spices and flavors of their dishes can’t be beaten.
To round off the day, take a break from cooking entirely and treat yourself to a fun dinner! For American pub food and a dine-in experience, head to The Hill for pizza, salad, or a burger. We also highly recommend takeout from Three Sisters Park for authentic flavors from Cambodia and Thailand. Does sushi or more varied Asian fusion cuisine sound preferable? If so, Golden Triangle Asian Cuisine is Ephrata’s local spot for sushi, rice, noodles, and soups from Japan, Thailand, and beyond! No matter where you choose to go, we’re sure you’ll be delighted.
Photo from 360 Building Scans
Once your stomach is satisfied, drive or walk the short 1.5 miles to the Ephrata Public Library—a quiet local treasure filled with pages upon pages of books of all kinds. Browse the shelves for a good read, and settle into one of their comfy chairs inside or take the book with you to go to peruse throughout the rest of your day’s adventure! Spend a few hours reading or head on to another destination—whatever sounds best to you.
Photo from LancasterOnline
Pause a couple of minutes after lunch to let your food digest before adventuring to the brand new Bike Park @ Heatherwood, which sports a beginner trail and an advanced trail totaling 1.5 miles for cyclists of all levels. We recently partnered with Susquehanna Area Mountain Biking Association, Ephrata Borough, Green Mountain Cyclery, and local brewers at St. Boniface Craft Brewing, Black Forest Brewery, and Pour Man’s Brewing Co. to complete this project! With a pump rack, a balance bike track for young children, two bridges, dirt jumps, and three skills areas, the Bike Park @ Heatherwood is a great place to enjoy mountain biking. If you’d rather not bike on the trail, bring a blanket to cozy up nearby with your chosen read from the morning’s excursion to the Ephrata Public Library.
To end the day with a relaxing activity exclusive to adults, consider visiting Black Forest Brewery or Pour Man’s Brewing Co. to round out the day with drinks! Black Forest is currently offering plenty of brews on tap to-go that will delight your tastebuds, and their appetizer menu is quite fine, too. On the other hand, Pour Man’s Brewing is open for dine-in and take-out services, and they always offer 10-12 rotating handcrafted beers to enjoy as well as wine, cider, and food. Order a few drinks to celebrate the end of your staycation day with some pizzazz!
Although we can’t list them all, Ephrata is bursting with great local destinations like Warwick-to-Ephrata rail trail, Green Dragon Market, and Weathered Vineyards, which are all well worth a visit. Whether you prefer biking, running, walking, or just sitting in nature with a view, the rail trail is a great place to visit before stopping for a homemade treat at the market or a glass of wine at the vineyard. To discover more Ephrata favorites, be sure to check out our local directory and build your own Ephrata adventure!