Marching Into Spring!
Have you been laying low since the holidays? With spring on the doorstep, it’s time to get out and have dinner at a favorite restaurant, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, sample some whiskey (while you ride the rails), attend a fundraising event, take a cooking class, or simply indulge in something tasty (sampling food is a must when attending a Mud Sale).
Little Shop of Horrors
Through March 21
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Based on the 1960s film, this rock musical follows a hapless florist shop worker who stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” after his coworker crush. The foul-mouthed, R&B singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune … but at what price? For PG13 audiences. Lunch and dinner buffets precede the shows. 510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster. Information: Dutchapple.com
1776-1876: Murder at Mount Hope
Through April 26
Mount Hope Estate
While the modern world celebrates America’s 250th, Murder Mystery Dinner Theater at Mount Hope is going back in time to 1876 and celebrating America’s 100th birthday. The culinary whodunit will be held at the historic Mount Hope Mansion, where the menu will include a four-course meal and plenty of intrigue. Weekends/times vary. 2775 Lebanon Rd., Manheim. Information: Parenfaire.com
Zest Cooking School
March
Lititz
In the words of Julia Child, everyone should learn how to cook and, in the process, try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all, have fun. The professional instructors who lead the classes at Zest! aim to have you do all the above whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook. Most classes begin at 6 p.m. or as otherwise noted. 1180 Erbs Quarry Rd., Lititz. Information: Zestchef.com.
Available classes for March include:
- March 4: The Sweet Side of Sourdough with Chef Faith Kennedy
- March 6: Cozy Korean Table with Chef Cat Alwine
- March 13: Modern Middle Eastern with Chef Helen Chudakova-Sanya
- March 17: Cooking with Beer with Chef Josh Noll
- March 25: Bakes from Spring Market with Chef Faith Kennedy
Sip & Stitch Night
March 9
Lititz Springs Inn
Hosted by the Lititz fiber arts shop, Ewebiquitous, this monthly (second Monday) event gathers local knitters, crocheters and other needle artisans for an evening of kinship, creativity and inspiration. Bring a project to work on, treat yourself to some adult beverages and fare, socialize and have fun. 5:30 p.m. 14 E. Main St., Lititz. Information: Lititzspringsinn.com
Ephrata Eats
March 10
Pour Man’s Brewing
What’s the perfect recipe for a great evening out? Taste-tempting food and drink, fun games and a great cause! Now in its third year, Ephrata Eats is a celebration of local restaurants, bakeries and caterers, who will be serving samples of their best bites, with beverages provided by Pour Man’s Brewing Company. Proceeds benefit Good Samaritan Services. 6-8 p.m. (with a VIP Happy Hour at 5 p.m.). 24 E. Main St., Ephrata. Information: Goodsamservices.org
Gordonville Mud Sale
March 13-14
Gordonville Fire Company
This is the big one! If you’ve never attended this Mud Sale, put it on your Must-Do list. It’s something to see and experience. You name it and they probably have it. (FYI: there’s a ginormous selection of quilts.) It’s a perfect way to get a jump-start on spring gardening, outdoor living, etc. Now in its 58th year, the sale offers craft items and books on Friday (4-8 p.m.), with the main sale getting underway Saturday at 8 a.m. There’s always an incredible selection of food, too. Old Leacock Rd., Gordonville. Information: Facebook.com
Shamrocked Beer Fest
March 14
Penn Medicine Park
Get a jump start on your St. Paddy’s Day celebrations! Event will feature samplings of beer, cider and canned cocktails. Food will be available for purchase. Live music, too. Ticket options available. 21+ only. 3 p.m. 650 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Information: Pennmedicinepark.com
Lititz History & Whiskey Tours
March 14 & 28
Lititz
Sponsored by the Lititz Historical Foundation, the guided tours are designed to acquaint participants with the history of Main Street, which is lined with buildings that date as far back as the 1700s and include America’s first commercial pretzel bakery, Lancaster County’s first pharmacy, Lititz’s first bank and a Revolutionary War hospital. Guests will then visit Stoll & Wolfe Distillery, where they will enjoy a guided tasting of three local whiskeys and learn about the whiskey and distilling history of the Lititz area. Tours are limited to 16 participants, ages 21+. 4-6 p.m. Tours depart from the Square in Lititz. (Note: the tours are held throughout the year.) Information: Lititzhistoricalfoundation.com
St. Patrick’s Day
March 17
Lancaster County
Like many holidays, St. Patrick’s is no longer relegated to just one day. It’s celebrated over the course of several days! On March 17, however, it seems everyone is Irish and local restaurants, bakeries, bars, pubs, breweries and distilleries join in on the fun. However, two really get into the spirit of the day. They are:
Annie Bailey’s Irish Public House (28-30 E. King St., Lancaster), where the festivities will get underway March 13-15 and continue on March 17. Here, it’s all-things Irish, including food (think rustic), drink (beer and whiskey), music and dance. Information: Anniebaileys.com
In Marietta, the place to go is McCleary’s Public House (130 W. Front St.). The festivities will commence over the weekend and continue through the 17th. Here, the day will definitely be Irish themed in the way of food, drink, music and dance. Information: Mcclearyspub.com
Quilt & Consignment Auction
March 21
West Earl Fire Company
West Earl’s Mud Sale includes quilts galore and lots of other donated items for farm, home and garden. Food will also be on the menu. All proceeds benefit the volunteer fire company’s annual operating expenses. 8 a.m., with quilts being auctioned at 11 a.m. 14 School Lane Ave., Brownstown. Information: Facebook.com
Chopped for Charity
March 21
Country Barn
The benefit for the Columbia Animal Shelter will feature a buffet dinner followed by a “Culinary Showdown” (inspired by Food Network’s Chopped) that will see three chefs (John Hartzell of Thai Restaurant Group, Jason Billett of Susie Q BBQ and Jeff Gray, a home chef) compete to create a work of culinary art using mystery ingredients. Judges will include Kim Beck of King’s Butcher Shop, Mark Miller of Hefty Lefty’s Hoagies & Grinders and Gerrianne Currey of The Wild Batch Bistro, plus the winner of an auctioned seat on the panel. The competition will be followed by a live auction that will feature prizes such as private farm tours, in-home dinners prepared by top chefs and much more. Reserve by March 16. 6 p.m. 211 S. Donnerville Rd., Lancaster. Information: Columbiaanimalshelter.com
Celebrate Spring with Ice Cream
March 22
Lickity Split
Lickity Split is welcoming spring by giving out free ice cream! Visitors will be gifted with a free petite scoop of ice cream. (Note: restaurant service not available.) 2-5 p.m. 209 E. Main St., New Holland. Information: Facebook.com
Spain: A Tour of Wine & Sherry
March 26
John Wright Restaurant
John Wright Restaurant takes you to Spain via a menu that features tapas (paired with Fino Sherry), Croquetas de Bacalao (paired with Cava), Zarzuela de Marsico (paired with white wine), Carillada (paired with Rioja) and a dessert trio (paired with Pedro Ximenez Sherry). 6 p.m. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville. Information: Jwpa.com
Rails & Ales
March 28
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Now in its ninth year, the annual craft-beer-tasting event is held among the world-class collection of historic trains inside the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania’s 100,000 square foot Rolling Stock Hall. The event features craft breweries and food vendors (separate charge for food vendors). VIP hour begins at 5:30 p.m., General Admission begins at 6:30 p.m. Attendees must be 21+ and present a current ID for entry. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. 300 Gap Rd., Strasburg. Information: RRmuseumpa.org
Whiskey on the Rails
March 28
Strasburg Railroad
Lititz-based Stoll & Wolfe is known for its award-winning small-batch bourbon and rye whiskeys, vodka and gin (local distilling traditions date back to 1753). They proudly serve craft cocktails featuring those spirits, along with PA craft beer and wine. All guests must have their photo ID ready when boarding the Lee E. Brenner Dining Car. After boarding, guests can sit back, relax and enjoy the journey to Paradise, while sampling delicious whiskeys paired with food prepared by Café 1832. 21+ only. 5:45 p.m. 301 Gap Rd., Ronks. Information: Strasburgrailroad.com
Breakfast with Yummie and the Easter Bunny
March 28 & April 3, 4
Kitchen Kettle Village
Add some magic to your Easter holiday with a visit to Kitchen Kettle Village, where you can enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast at the Kling House Restaurant, take part in an egg hunt and meet Yummie and the Easter Bunny. Seatings at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Reservations needed. 3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse. Information: Kitchenkettle.com
Breakfast With the Easter Bunny/Egg Hunts
March 28, 29 & April 3, 4
Country Barn
The Easter Bunny is making a special stop at the Country Barn Farm for a delightful Farm-to-Fork breakfast. Guests can get photos taken with the Easter Bunny and participate in fun-filled activities including coloring contests, egg hunts and exclusive access to Bunny Village. Times vary. 211 S. Donnerville Rd., Lancaster. Information: Countrybarnmarket.com
Easter Bunny Trains
March 28-29 and April 3-5
Strasburg Rail Road
The Easter Bunny Train is a unique and memorable way to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. This train is extra special because the conductor is none other than Peter Cottontail! As you travel, the Easter Bunny will hop from car to car spreading Easter happiness to the little ones on board. New this year is Candy Drops, which is hosted by the Easter Bunny and his friends and will occur on the hour between 12 and 5 p.m. at a designated location along the pedestrian mall area. Children can head to the Candy Drops area after their train ride and try to collect as much Easter candy as possible! Other activities include breakfast or brunch with the Easter Bunny and live entertainment. There’s also an egg hunt at neighboring Paradise Station. 301 Gap Rd., Ronks. Information: Strasburgrailroad.com
