Lititz Has Small Town Charm

First, A Little History. . .

In the 18th century, a renewal of the Moravian Church came through the patronage of Count Zinzendorf of Saxony. Moravians, fleeing persecution, began arriving in the New World in the early 1700’s.

When Count Zinzendorf came to America, local resident John George Klein was so moved by his preaching that he made arrangements to transfer his lands over to the Moravian community in 1755.

The following year the town was named Lititz, the German spelling for Lidice, where European Moravian reformers had taken refuge in 1456.

The year 2006 marked the town’s 250th anniversary.

Lititz Today. . .

Right across the street from Wilbur Chocolate on Route 501 is a whimsical shop called Teddy Bear Emporium full of special bears and plush pets for your kids and the kid in you.

As you stroll down Main St. from the fountain at Main and Broad Sts. (also called Rt. 501), you’ll see many quaint shops that attract visitors from near and far. One of the most interesting, not just in Lititz but also in Lancaster County is a stone’s throw away from the fountain. Cherry Acres is an unusual shop that has antiques, Talavera pottery, and hand made kitchen islands from antique barn wood. Don’t be surprised to see a 9-foot standing metal bear guarding the door, and a metal rusted rooster sculpture in the window standing next to colorful Mexican pottery.

Ladies, need something fantastic to wear? Just next door at 25 East Main, Destination Jewelry offers unique sterling and fashion jewelry, designer handbags and shoes, all with a passion for what women love.

Just a couple of doors down is a really fun, eclectic gift shop specializing in stained glass related gifts, A Colorful Past. Come and browse the other gifts with a colorful past, like estate jewelry, antiques, and lots of unique collectibles.

Keep heading east on Main Street at the corner of Sturgis Ln. (there’s a parking lot here) for a coffee stop. Spill the Beans has their own special blend of coffee roasted fresh locally. You’ll notice the coffee mug wall is filled with all the cups of the locals. So you know this is a great stop for a quick but relaxing breakfast, lunch, or for a casual supper.

Right across the street is a lovely store featuring rustic furniture, accessories, and the most beautiful fall wreaths hand made by the owner. The shop? Day’s Gone By Creations.

Of course a visit to Lititz is incomplete without a stop at the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, the first commercial pretzel bakery in America. The Sturgis family has recently reopened the store after extensive renovations. Tours are offered where you learn to twist a pretzel, and learn the history of the pretzel itself. You can even see the original ovens where pretzels have been made for over 100 years.

Across the street is the historic Moravian church square. In the church cemetery is the grave of John Sutter, of California Gold Rush fame. The old Sutter home is at 19 East Main St. Lititz is also home to Linden Hall, the oldest continuously operating residence school for girls in the United States.

Just one mile north of town is a must stop for the whole family. High Sports is a unique place where there is something for everyone. While the kids are in the batting cages, you can grab your golf clubs and go to the driving range. Or have fun together at the Go-Kart track and mini-golf course, and have a snack. Before you leave, wash the car and take along some spring water for the trip back. All in one location.

A short drive north on Rt. 501 at the top of the hill, look for Lexington Rd. on your left and turn at the sign for Kreider’s Mum Farm. They have been one of the largest growers of quality mums for over 50 years, with literally thousands of colors to choose from.

Another destination you want to be sure to include in your travels is just north of Lititz about 5 minutes away. After you pass High Sports, keep heading north on Rt. 501, and you’ll come to the intersection of Rt. 322 and a quaint miniature village of shops called The Brickerville House and Shops.

Here, you’ll find a delightful group of unusual shops, and an historic restaurant, clustered around a lovely courtyard for just relaxing in between shopping.

Country Clothes offers women the latest in clothes and accessories, and the friendliest staff that loves to cater to their customers.

Glass Accents has an artistic assortment of glass styles from a myriad of artists, and offers everything from glass jewelry to glass paintings, many one of a kind.

Right next-door is an amazing shop full of eclectic European jewelry and accessories, Vintage Jewelry Designs By Linda. This year, they are celebrating their 20th anniversary in creating unique new designs out of vintage jewelry pieces. They also have antiques, collectibles, and scarves.

Next-door is the Ball & Skein Shop. Here, you’ll find the latest fibers and an array of knitting, and crocheting accessories to help each customer with their project.

Next-door is the charming Calkins Vine and the Branches. The owner’s father gives old furniture new life by recreating them into great useful home accessories for today. They also have primitive home decorations and wreaths.

Brickerville Antiques is just steps away in a converted 19th century barn. This Co-OP is filled to the rafters with a wide array of every antique genre. This is a quality market for antique and collectible lovers.

As you can see, you should allow for time to explore all the great shops here.

The Lititz area is such a great location for exploring the county that you may want to spend the night. Head south just a mile or so after the Square and stay at one of the newest hotels in town, the Holiday Inn Express . This hotel offers an indoor swimming pool, and a great breakfast bar to start your day.

We’ve only scratched the surface of the many wonderful shops in town, so be sure to put Lititz on your list of places to visit, and explore for yourself! Lititz has the small town charm that has made Lancaster County’s villages famous across the nation.

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