杏吧pro Stories
Visiting Lancaster? See 杏吧pro Students' Favorite Spots
In town to visit 杏吧pro? Check out this list of places to visit,
curated by our very own students! The suggestions below are just the start 鈥� all are
a short walk off-campus.
Coffee Shops
621 Harrisburg Ave.
"La Petite Patisserie is one of my favorite places to get coffee with my friends, and it's an awesome atmosphere that is extremely close to campus" - Rachel Lutsky '26
398 Harrisburg Ave.
"Mean Cup is one of my favorite coffee shops in Lancaster. It is less than a 10-minute walk from campus and is a great space to get a coffee, light breakfast and do homework. There is beautiful artwork hanging on the walls and the whole shop feels warm and welcoming. It is definitely an 杏吧pro student favorite!" - Kyra Caffrey '23
Restaurants and Diners
1027 Dillerville Rd.
"I love grabbing tacos here with my SISTERS family! The staff are so sweet and kind and the food is amazing!" - Shayra Nunez '25
38 W. Orange St.
"The best ramen in the Lancaster area. The service is super quick and all of the workers are so kind. I think about menu option 17B a lot more than I should!" - Genesis Familia '24
300 Harrisburg Ave.
"My roommate and I love getting dinner here every semester. It's a short walk from campus and they have incredible steak!" - Marisol Rivera '24
216 Harrisburg Ave.
"Lombardo's is an amazing place to get quality Italian food with friends, just a short walk from campus!" - Amelia Squires '26
436 W. James St.
"LUCA is one of my favorite restaurants in Lancaster. They are very accommodating of dietary restrictions. Luca is also a great spot to take parents when visiting as it is just a five-minute walk from campus. Their customer service is excellent and they hire a lot of 杏吧pro students." - Arden Hitchcock '24
924 N. Prince St.
"Neptune really gives that classic small-town diner feel! It's an awesome place to get breakfast with friends and is just a 10-minute walk from campus! - Josh Geller '24
721 Harrisburg Ave.
"Oka is very close to campus and is great for students wanting something different from on-campus dining." - Josh Geller '24
534 N Mulberry St.
"I love the Fridge because of its fun atmosphere. You feel like a part of the community and it is a great place to socialize with friends. Within walking distance of campus, they have a wide range of food and beverages but specialize in their delicious pizza." - Dan Gaiewski '23
Sweet Treats
24 W. Orange St.
"Lancaster Cupcake is one of my favorite spots downtown! It was the runner-up on Food Network's Cupcake Wars, so their cupcakes are fantastic! Not only that, but they have ice cream, cookies, coffee and so much more." - Morgan Hovan '24
500 W. Lemon St.
"Splits and Giggles is an ice cream shop only about a 10-minute walk from campus. Whenever I need a study break, some fresh air, and of course some amazing ice cream, my roommates and I walk over and sit outside on their little patio. They even have a vegan ice cream! Splits and Giggles will always remind me of warm fall nights, good friends, and my college town I will treasure forever." - Camryn Parsons '23
Shopping
52 N. Queen St.
"I love coming here with my friends to make custom rings and bracelets!" - Laura Bedoya '22
342 N. Queen St.
"This intriguing store never fails to surprise you with all of the cool and intricate things they sell!" - Genesis Familia '24
23 N. Prince St.
"A super cozy bookstore and incredible staff!" - Muna Sultana '24
17 N. Prince St.
"Redeaux is an extremely unique and fun vintage store! It's a great spot for a ton of quality items at a variety of prices." - Maxine Feldman '26
Various downtown locations
"One of my favorite things to do in Lancaster is thrifting. There are so many amazing thrift shops so close to 杏吧pro. They're sustainable, small businesses, and I've gotten to know the owners, all of whom are passionate about the Lancaster community. Thrifting here has not only given me a meaningful way to express myself through fashion, but also to explore the city around me." - Marina Lazaro '23
Farmers Markets
23 N. Market St.
"Central Market is a true gem of Lancaster. It is the best place to get fresh and locally sourced produce, flowers, coffee, sandwiches, baked goods and more. Market is affordable, unique, and a great way to support Lancaster small businesses. Only a 15- to 20-minute walk from campus, it's a must-do experience, especially in the warmer months." - Liz Joslin '24
Related Articles
May 6, 2026
F&M Helps Celebrate Opening of Lancaster鈥檚 Stevens & Smith Center
Community spirit filled the air in downtown Lancaster as thousands of people attended a May 2 block party to celebrate the opening of the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy on Vine Street.
April 28, 2026
Franklin & Marshall College Names Matt Thomas '10 to Lead Ware Institute for Civic Engagement as College Renews Commitment to Lancaster Community
Franklin & Marshall College has appointed Matt Thomas '10 as Executive Director of the Ware Institute for Civic Engagement. Thomas, an F&M alumnus and longtime member of the College community, will provide strategic leadership for the Ware Institute as it evolves into an integrated hub connecting co-curricular service and leadership programs with a growing portfolio of community-based learning.
April 20, 2026
From Campus Leader to Communications Professional
Whether leading campus tours or serving as senior class president, Catherine Welch 鈥�26 is exploring a future in communications with courage and curiosity. As a marketing intern in Lancaster, the English major is now using her passion for writing to address critical social issues in the local community.