October Treats
Pumpkin-everything is on the menu, root vegetables are in season, chocolate is in high demand, Oktoberfest festivities are in full swing, benefits are being held, fairs are wrapping up and a local restaurant is celebrating its 95th anniversary.
Miller’s Smorgasbord Anniversary Celebration
Month of October
Miller’s Smorgasbord
If by chance you’re not familiar with Miller’s Smorgasbord, it has an interesting story behind it. In 1929, Enos Miller established a truck repair/gas station along Lincoln Highway East in Ronks. His wife, Anna, who was known for her warm hospitality and home cooking, began offering her culinary delights to Enos’s customers. Word quickly spread about Anna’s PA Dutch specialties, such as Chicken and Waffles, and soon, diners were coming from near and far just for a taste of her cooking. As demand for Anna’s home-cooked dishes grew, the dining area expanded, eventually taking over the space where the repair shop once stood. A restaurant was born!
Two decades later, the Millers sold the restaurant to their long-time employees, Beatrice and Thomas Strauss. Under their guidance, the restaurant flourished, and in 1957, they officially renamed it Miller’s Smorgasbord and introduced the now famous “seven sweets and seven sours,” a staple of the smorgasbord that continues to be served to this day.
The business grew with the addition of Miller’s Bakery in 1973, allowing for their signature baked goods and desserts, which had become just as famous as the main dishes, to be sold directly to the public. Today, visitors can purchase beloved favorites like raisin bread, chocolate pecan pie, sticky buns and shoofly pies at the Locally Made Food Shop.
As Miller’s Smorgasbord observes its 95th year, the establishment remains family-owned and dedicated to preserving the traditions that have made it a culinary icon. Dan Strauss), who is the son of Beatrice and Thomas Strauss and literally grew up in the business, is now a managing partner. “My youth is filled with cherished memories – from living on the property to working in the kitchen, rolling pie crusts,” he noted in a press release. Strauss is confident the next generation of family members will continue Miller’s legacy of playing an important role in Lancaster’s hospitality industry. “We are excited to know that our next generation is set up to continue this legacy into the future,” he says.
To mark this milestone, Miller’s has updated its entrance and lobby, infusing it with a 1920s ambiance reminiscent of Enos’s original garage. A new gift shop, Anna’s Gifts & Sundries, has also opened at The Shoppes at Miller’s, offering a selection of jewelry, home decor and Lancaster County mementos that honor Anna’s legacy. As for the food selection, guests can still enjoy the same tried-and-true recipes, cooked from scratch and served with a smile. From the soup and salad bar featuring over a dozen Lancaster County salads to the carving station, Anna’s chicken and waffles, award-winning fried chicken, and more, there’s something for everyone, which explains why the Miller’s continues to be named one of the USA Today’s 10 Best Buffets.
“As we celebrate 95 years, we are reminded of the deep roots and rich traditions that have made Miller’s Smorgasbord a cherished part of Lancaster County,” notes CEO Tom Neely in the aforementioned press release. “It’s an honor to continue the legacy that began with Enos and Anna Miller, serving up the same hearty, home-cooked meals that have brought generations of families together. We look forward to the next 95 years of sharing our love for great food and warm hospitality with all who walk through our doors.”
To commemorate 95 years of success, Miller’s Smorgasbord will host special events throughout October, including weekly giveaways and Saturday Meet the Artisan Days.
2811 Lincoln Highway East, Ronks. Information: Millers1929.com.
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
October
Ronks
Through October 26, you can enjoy the displays of sunflowers (22 varieties) and zinnias (12 varieties). Buy a stem or a bucketful to take home. The pumpkin patch will be open, as well. The popcorn field is also ripe for picking. Choose some ears, take them home for popping and tune into a scary movie.
The corn maze is also open, offering 2.5 miles of pathways. This year’s theme is “Cattle on the Farm.” During October, the Flashlight Maze is offered Friday and Saturday nights until 10 p.m. Also on October weekends, guest breweries and wineries will be onsite. Fireworks will also be held Saturday nights. Dates/times vary. (Note: Admission is charged.) 150 Cherry Hill Rd., Ronks. Information: Cherrycrestfarm.com.
Macktoberfest!
Through October
Blue Collar Restaurant, Bar, Catering
Stop by and celebrate the season! The menu will feature special beers such as Spaten Oktoberfest, Weihenstephan Festbier, Ever Grain Oktoberfest and pumpkin flavors such as Fat Head Spooky Tooth, Southern Tier Warlock and Lancaster Baked Pumpkin. The food menu will feature Burrata with Fall Fruits & Toasted Naan, Wurst Mack Ever Mack n’ Cheese (with bratwurst, peppers, onions and German mustard cream sauce), Pumpkin Ravioli and Baked Apple Creme Brulé. Open Tuesday-Sunday. 949 Church St., Landisville. Information: Bluecollarlanc.com.
Oktoberfest
Through October 6
Iron Hill Brewery
This year’s Oktoberfest menu continues Iron Hill’s tradition of blending culinary creativity with brewing expertise. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to pair perfectly with Iron Hill’s signature and seasonal beers; many are made with beer for an extra layer of flavor.
The Oktoberfest menu includes:
- Spinatsalat: Baby spinach salad with hard-boiled egg, dill-pickled onion, bacon, blue cheese and warm bacon vinaigrette. Suggested pairing: Pig Iron Porter.
- Bratwurstbrotchen: Bratwurst egg roll with Vienna Red Lager-bacon sauerkraut, cheddar, green onion and beer-mustard dipping sauce. Suggested pairing: Oktoberfest Lager.
- Schlachtplatte: Grilled butcher’s plate featuring garlic pork sausage, glazed ham, pork loin medallion, German-style potato salad, Vienna Red Lager-bacon sauerkraut and beer-mustard sauce. Suggested pairing: Vienna Red Lager
- Jaegerschnitzel: Crispy pork medallions with smashed Yukon gold potatoes, Vienna Red Lager-braised red cabbage and roasted-mushroom sauce. Suggested pairing: Oktoberfest Lager.
- Huhnerschnitzel: Crispy chicken medallions with green beans, buttered egg noodles and lemon-herb sauce. Suggested pairing: Homestead Ale
- Kasekuchen: German cheesecake with brown-butter graham-cracker crust and apple-brown sugar compote. Suggested pairing: Pumpkin Ale.
Iron Hill’s Oktoberfest Lager offers a smooth, malty experience with notes of dried fruit, yeasty bread, caramel and spicy hops that is a perfect companion to the festive fare. 781 Harrisburg Ave. Information: Ironhillbrewery.com
Okberfest Beer Dinner
October 2
Harvest Seasonal Grill
Usher in October at this celebratory dinner that will feature a five-course meal paired with special beers. Dinner begins with Smoked Salmon Kartoffelpuffer paired with an Italian pilsner; continues with House-Made Applewood Smoked Cheddarwurst & Bavarian Soft Pretzel paired with Madtoberfest (a traditional festbier);moves to Bratwurst and Potato Soup paired with Mr. Dynamite Brown (mildly hopped ale); features Schweinshaxe (Bavarian pork shank) paired with F-18; and ends with Apfel Strudl paired with Vintage Buenas Noches (an imperial Stoudt). 6 p.m. 1573 Fruitville Pike (Belmont). Reservations needed, call 717-740-5282. Information: Harvestseasonal.com
New Holland Farmers Fair
October 2-5
New Holland
The 92nd edition of the fair includes a parade, midway, competitions, exhibits, livestock shows, kid’s events and plenty of tasty food. There’s even a Long John-eating contest sponsored by Achenbach’s Bakery, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. Hours vary. Fair is held along Main Street and intersecting streets. Information: Newhollandfair.org.
Hairspray
October 4-November 2
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
It’s 1962 and Tracy Turnblad, a girl from Baltimore, has won a coveted spot on a popular TV dance program. As a result, Tracy goes from being a social outcast to a teen celebrity. A relevant storyline and great music have made Hairspray a beloved musical. Times vary. Before the show, enjoy lunch or dinner buffets (served dinner is available Thursdays). 510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster. Information: Dutchapple.com.
Dine on Harvest Moon
October 4
Lancaster County Convention Center
Celebrating its 15th year, proceeds from this Lancaster Conservancy-sponsored dinner will benefit the organization’s mission to conserve, protect and care for the area’s natural areas, including Kelly’s Run Nature Preserve, which will provide the inspiration for the evening’s décor. Event features a reception, dinner and program, a raffle, live auction and afterparty. (Note: This is a ticketed event.) 5 p.m. 25 S. Queen St., Lancaster. Information: Lancasterconservancy.org/harvestmoon/.
Maize & Snitz Fest
October 5
1719 Museum
Tour the home built in 1719 for the Hans Herr family and learn about local Indigenous life at the Lancaster Longhouse. Interpreters and craftspeople will conduct demonstrations throughout the day near the two dwellings, offering insight into historic cultures, industries and art forms. Artisans who specialize in traditional crafts will also be on hand. Food with local flavor will also be on the menu. (Note: Admission is charged.) 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1849 Hans Herr Dr., Willow Street. Information: Mennonitelife.org
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
October 5
Ewell Plaza/Binns Park
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), the event will feature foods that represent Hispanic cultures, music, dancing, performances, crafts and more. 1-6 p.m. Downtown Lancaster. Information: Cityoflancasterpa.gov
StoudtoberFest
October 5
Stoudtburg Village
Live music, delicious food and craft beer are sure to create a lively atmosphere! Breweries will include Pour Man’s Brewing, Saint Boniface and Rural City Brewing. Live music will be provided by Bob’s Bigfoot and Caulfield’s Radio. DJ Koolie Kirk will also be on hand. (Note: This is a ticketed event.) 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Stoudtburg Village, Market Plaza, Adamstown. Information: Stoudtburgvillage.com
Walk-A-Bout Brewery Tour
October 5, 12, 19, 26
Lancaster City
Presented by Brewery Tours, LLC, this tour takes attendees to three breweries in the city, through which you’ll enjoy a guided tasting tour of 12 craft beers, meet the brew masters, experience behind-the-scenes access and hear local and historical anecdotes. Must be 21+. Advanced reservations needed. 12 p.m. Information: Ultimatecraftbeerexperience.com.
Manheim Community Farm Show
October 7-11
Manheim
This family-friendly fair is celebrating 70 years in 2024. The fair features a parade, shows, competitions, demonstrations, kid’s activities, food vendors and more. Hours vary. 502 Adele Ave., Manheim. Information: Manheimfarmshow.org
Apple Dumpling Days
October 11-12
Historic Ephrata Cloister
Apple dumplings – those tasty desserts that feature apples wrapped in pastry and covered in sweet cinnamon syrup – will be sold to help raise funds for the Back to the Cloister Fund. Proceeds from this annual event allow the Cloister to compete with private collectors and other institutions on the open market for original items made at the settlement. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day (or until sold out). 632 W. Main St., Ephrata. Information: Ephratacloister.org
Kiwanis Chocolate Walk
October 12
Lititz
Regarded as trick-or-treating for grownups, each year chocoholics converge on Lititz for a day of chocolate bliss! With more than 25 locations, participants visit the shops and other venues in downtown Lititz in search of mouth-watering chocolate treats donated from some of the region’s top chefs, bakers, ice cream shops, chocolatiers and candy makers. All the money raised from ticket sales goes to support children-focused charities in the Lancaster County region. (Note: This is a ticketed event.) 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: Lititzchocolatewalk.com.
Apple Fest
October 12
Kauffman Orchards
This family-friendly festival celebrates farming heritage and fruit. Event will feature food and beverages (for purchase) including barbecue, tacos, fresh-popped Amish Country popcorn, cider doughnuts, fresh apple cider, frozen drinks and more. Entertainment will consist of antique cider-press demonstrations, a corn maze, pumpkin carving, a petting zoo, hayrides, tractor-barrel train rides, walking tours, cornhole, apple slingshots and crafters. (Note: Admission is charged.) 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 53 S. Weavertown Rd., Ronks. Information: Kauffman.Farm
Blues, Brews & “Boos”
October 12
Marietta
Marietta is the place to be as the open air festival will feature seven musical acts on four stages, 20+ artisans/makers/vendors, a family-friendly carnival, 10 food trucks, four adult beverage stations (must be 21+) and a ghost-themed costume contest. In addition, many restaurants and bars will have special festival-themed beverages and promotions. Free admission, but a $5 donation will support Marietta’s beautification efforts/projects. 1-6 p.m. Front Street. (Note: rain date is October 13.) Information: Discovermariettapa.org.
Harvest Days
October 12-13
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
The property’s oldest and largest family-friendly event features demonstrations and exhibits relating to farm life, as well as live music, kid’s activities, food, a pumpkin patch and more. (Note: Admission is charged.) Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 2451 Kissel Hill Rd., Lancaster. Information: Landisvalleymuseum.org
Halloween Days & Spooky Knights
October 12-13, 19-20, 26-27
PA Renaissance Faire
It’s that time of the year: Ghosts, goblins, fairies, vampires and creatures make their presence known at the Shire at Mt. Hope. Don your costumes, take part in a treasure hunt, go trick-or-treating and have fun. Gate open at 11 a.m. 2775 Lebanon Rd., Manheim. Information: Parenfaire.com.
Taste of Science
October 17
Lancaster Science Factory
It’s an evening of entertainment, food, drinks, and science – all to benefit the nonprofit Lancaster Science Factory and its goal to ensure that STEM experiences are accessible to all students across Lancaster County. Event will feature dinner provided by Hess’s Barbecue, science-themes cocktails, wine and other beverages, a Science of Beer Competition by the Lancaster Brewers Club, a Live Science trivia contest, raffles and silent auction and so much more. Must be 21+ to attend. (Note: This is a ticketed event.) 6 p.m. 454 New Holland Ave., Lancaster. Information: Lancastersciencefactory.org
AppleUmpkin Festival
October 19
Adamstown Grove
Everyone’s favorite fall treat, apple dumplings, will be the focus of this family-friendly fall festival. Event features other food for sale, pumpkin decorating, craft vendors and carnival games. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Note: Rain date is October 20.) 339-341 W. Main St., Reinholds. Information: Adamstowncommunitydays.com
Homebrewers Festival
October 19
Hell in a Bucket Brewing
Twenty homebrewers will be on hand for this event. Attendees can peruse and sample the offerings at their booths. Prizes will be awarded to the top three Peoples’ Choice and Brewers’ Choice winners. (Note: this is a ticketed event.) 1-5 p.m. 392 E. Front St., Marietta. Information: Hellinabucketbrewing.net
Yummie’s Halloween Boo Bash
October 26
Kitchen Kettle Village
Ticketholders for this family-friendly event will receive a lunch voucher, can participate in a costume contest, visit the Whoopie Pie Experience and Hot Chocolate bar, pose for photos with the village’s mascots, take part in a scavenger hunt (kids) and a treasure hunt (adults). There will also be a pet parade and more. (Note: This is a ticketed event.) 9:30-10 a.m. check-in. 3029 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse. Information: Kitchenkettle.com
Argentinian Themed Dinner
October 31
John Wright Restaurant
Travel to Argentina and enjoy a 3-course dinner and wine pairings. 6:30 p.m. 234 Front St., Wrightsville. Information: jwpa.com.
