Foodie February Events
The shortest month of the year will be here and gone before you know it! Pass the time during February by enjoying festivals, tasting tours, tea parties, theatre, food sales, Date Nights and more.
Photos are from Social Media and LCM files
1776-1876: Murder at Mount Hope
February 6-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 celebrate 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
A Taste of Western Lancaster County
February 6
Elizabethtown Public Library
Enjoy a night of great food, drinks and music! Now in its 18th year, the event highlights restaurants, food vendors and beverage purveyors that serve the greater Elizabethtown area. Last year’s winners included: Best Beverage: Tröegs Independent Brewing; Best Appetizer: McCleary’s Public House; Best Entree: Luongo Barbeque; Best Dessert: Spence Candies; and Best of Show: Luongo Barbeque. Live music is featured on two floors. All proceeds benefit Elizabethtown Public Library, as well as service projects of the Elizabethtown Rotary Club. Tickets can be purchased at the library or through Eventbrite. 4:30-9 p.m. 10 South Market St., Elizabethtown. Information: Etownpubliclibrary.com and Eventbrite.com
Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
February 7
Lancaster County
The history of Ice Cream for Breakfast Day can be traced to the Rappaport family of Rochester, New York. In February 1966, a crippling snowstorm hit the city. Children can entertain themselves for just so long and the Rappaport kids were no exception. They complained to their mother that they were bored due to being cooped up inside. To cheer them up, Mrs. Rappaport decreed that they would have ice cream for breakfast. The tradition, which became a staple in the family, was later shared with friends, who shared it, as well. The rest is history. Today, Ice Cream for Breakfast Day is not only celebrated on the first Saturday in February across the United States, but also worldwide. Get in on the fun at home or have breakfast out at your favorite ice cream parlor, soda fountain or cafe. Many such businesses across Lancaster County will open their doors early that day and have special breakfast menus. Check with your favorite to see if they will be participating. Four we are aware of include: Whisk Café in Elizabethtown, which will be serving special ice cream menu items on February 7 & 8; Splits & Giggles in Lancaster City (they even have a kit you can preorder for making breakfast at home); Fox Meadows in Ephrata and Leola (last year, doors opened at 7:30 a.m.!) and New Holland’s Lickity Split, who partnered with W Donuts last year to make a dish they called the Peanut Butter Dream Team (pictured).
Warm-Up Winter Tea Party
February 8
Gallery Grow
Gallery Grow is collaborating with its neighbor, The Spice & Tea Exchange, for an event in which guests will savor a hot cup of tea and enjoy pastries while creating a charming teacup garden using a teacup from the gallery’s vintage-inspired collection, two succulents and an assortment of decorative elements. 12-2 p.m. 320 N. Queen St., Lancaster. Reservations required. Information: Eventbrite.com
Little Shop of Horrors
February 13-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? PG13. Lunch and dinner buffets precede the shows. 510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster. Information: Dutchapple.com
Sweetheart Soirée
February 13
Whisk Café
It’s date night family style! Bring that special little someone and enjoy a family-friendly meal and live music provided by local artist, Adam Gingrich. All ages are welcome! 4-7 p.m. 98 Masonic Dr., Suite 102, Elizabethtown. Reservations required. Information: Thewhiskcafe.com
Wine & Cheese Train
February 13-15 & 21
Strasburg Rail Road
Climb aboard one of the Strasburg Rail Road’s refurbished cars and spend the trip to Paradise enjoying select wine, cheese and crackers. Dinner trains are also offered or make an evening of it and dine at a local restaurant. Times vary. 301 Gap Rd., Ronks. Information: Strasburgrailroad.com
Spread the Love Tasting Tour
February 14
Kitchen Kettle Village
Participants will be treated to special tastings at eateries and food businesses that are located in the village. They will also receive Valentine’s Day-themed gift bags and be entered in a drawing for a gift basket. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse. Tickets needed. Information: Kitchenkettlevillage.com
Valentine’s Dinner & Dance
February 14
Star Barn
Back for its 7th year, the event will feature a multi-course dinner prepared by Food for Thought Catering. Morgan Treni & The Golden Estate House Band, a small, yet mighty party band from New York City, will perform cool jazz standards intertwined with “make you wanna dance” favorites from the 70s, 80s, 90s and today. Guests are welcome to take a walk around the lake and explore the outbuildings on the grounds. 5:30 p.m. 1 Hollinger Lane, Elizabethtown. Information: Stonegablesestate.com
Art & Coffee Crawl
February 14
Lancaster City
Lancaster’s galleries, creative spaces and specialty locations welcome you to stroll about the city and view great art, all the while you enjoy tasty treats, coffee, tea or other refreshing beverages at each of your stops. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: Lancastercityart.com
Lunar New Year Celebration
February 17
Ewell Plaza
Sponsored by the Lancaster Asian American & Pacific Islander coalition, the event coincides with the Year of the Horse celebrations and features Asian food, art, music, dance and other cultural offerings. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 100 block of N. Queen St., Lancaster. Information: Facebook.com/lancasteraapi
Fasnacht Day!
February 17
Lancaster County
It’s that time of the year to indulge in that Lancaster County puff of dough that pays homage to the German tradition in which homes used up items like lard, sugar and butter ahead of the Lenten season. Today, these delectable treats can be eaten plain or covered in a glaze, cinnamon or powdered sugar. Churches (pictured are fasnachts from Holy Trinity in Columbia) and fire companies make and sell fasnachts as fundraisers. Stores, bakeries and markets are also sources for the treats. Because it always falls on a Tuesday, you can find a variety of fasnachts at Lancaster Central Market and Root’s Country Market.
Maple Sugaring Time
February 21-22 & March 1
Lancaster County Central Park
A sure – and sweet – sign that spring is on the way occurs when the sap in maple trees begins to flow, an indication that temperatures are on the rise. At such time, the trees are tapped, and the sap is used to make maple syrup, candy and other sweet treats. Each year, staff at the park welcome visitors to Pavilion 11 to see the process and sample the resulting treats. In addition, Patterson Farms will be onsite selling syrup and many other maple products. Drop by 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday and 1-4 p.m. on Sundays. Information: co.lancaster.a.us/151/Parks-Recreation
Chicken Pot Pie Dinner
February 21
Hand-in-Hand Fire Company
There’s nothing quite like steaming hot chicken pot pie on a cold winter’s day! The fire company’s members and volunteers have the process down to a science, as they’ve been preparing the dinner for more than 30 years. The menu includes homemade chicken pot pie, peas, pepper cabbage, applesauce, rolls & apple butter, pie & ice cream, cold beverages and coffee. Eat-in or take-out. 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (or til sellout). Take-outs begin at 9 a.m. Complimentary delivery is available within a 4-mile radius at 11 a.m. & 4 p.m. 313 Enterprise Dr., Bird-in-Hand. Information: Bihfire.com
Winter in the Alps
February 26
John Wright Restaurant
Embrace winter and enjoy dishes such as cheese fondue, sausage & cabbage soup, venison sliders and short rib Wellington. Beverages will include mulled wine, Aperol Spritz and smoked rosemary Old Fashioned. 6:30 p.m. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville. Information: Jwrpa.com
Strasburg Spring Donation & Consignment Sale
February 27-28
Strasburg Fire Company
Strasburg’s event kicks off Mud Sale season, so named because the earth is typically muddy in late winter/early spring. Proceeds from the sales benefit the county’s suburban and rural volunteer fire companies. Friday’s focus will be crafts and small quilted items. Saturday will see quilts, small goods, new/used tools, antiques/collectibles, lawn furniture, lawn/garden items, farm machinery, carriages and more be auctioned/sold. Food is an integral part of Mud Sale season, with much of it prepared by Amish volunteers. In Strasburg, chicken corn soup is the big draw, with take-out available. Friday, 4-8 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 203 Franklin St., Strasburg. Information: strasburgfire.com and discoverlancaster.com for the full schedule of mud sales.
