An October 2006 Walking Tour

The town of Ephrata, just a quick drive north of Lancaster, with direct access from Route 222, is a place visitors to Amish Country should include in their itineraries. Within its boundaries are one of the state's premiere historic attractions, the Ephrata Cloister, a wonderful Main Street with delightful shops, one of the county's finest restaurants, and great theater companies. Here you will experience one of the most attractive streetscapes in the region and the downtown area along Main Street has just recently been designated an historic district, a special honor indeed. There are even signs to help visitors find free parking, a definite plus. 

Visitors Center (Ephrata Railroad Station) - 16 E. Main Street

A good place to start your visit to Downtown Ephrata is located just about in the middle of Main Street, at the Visitors Center in the former train station. Built in 1889, it is an excellent example of the small town passenger and fright stations with its 3-sided platform. It is a Lancaster County Preservation Trust site. Just like visitors who arrived by train in days of old, I needed some orientation. So I started by getting a walking tour map, which highlights some of the architectural features along Main Street. These maps are also available in most of the shops. Best of all perhaps, I discovered that I could enjoy this tour by walking little more than a few blocks in either direction. 

Celebrations! - 24 E. Main Street

As I left the visitors center I turned left and found myself in front of Celebrations! This floral and gift shop offers Lancaster County souvenirs, including a special line of highly scented soy candles called Amish Country Candles. Since soybeans are a major crop in the county, it is a great tie-in. They will even make up a gift basket of Lancaster County specialties to send as a holiday surprise. Celebrations also serves as a ticket outlet for Adventures Aloft Hot Air Balloon Rides (see their ad on our Events page). Soaring above Lancaster's spectacular countryside makes for a great experience, and gift certificates can be purchased now and used into next year.  

Michelle's Gallery & Boutique - 30 E. Main Street

Just next-door is Michelle's Gallery & Boutique, one of the newest shops on Main Street. The current owner is the fourth generation of the Weit family to be at this location. (The old soda fountain was a popular hangout in the old days.) But now you will find a wonderful selection of paintings, hand-woven crafts, artwork, and jewelry, all produced by the local artist community. The shop offers variety and pricing for every pocketbook. 

Bradford Antiques - 48 E. Main Street

As I walked a few doors further up the street, I arrived at Bradford Antiques. Who doesn't enjoy poking around in an antique store? In the window I noticed a charming doll's house and the furniture to go with it. Inside, you'll find furniture and china and glassware and lots of really neat "old stuff."

 Creative Designs by Linda - 50 E. Main Street

Just next-door was Creative Designs by Linda. This shop is filled with primitives and country decor. With a craftsman and decorator on the premises, you may find yourself spending some time talking. When I asked about the stars that seem so popular right now, I was told that they were put on the barn for a prosperous crop and hung in the home for happiness. And what about candles in the windows? In Civil War days a candle was lit near the closest door to guide the soldier home. Linda says some customers like the room décor so much that they buy the entire “roomscape” the way it is arranged! 

At this point I decided to cross the street and walk down the other side heading west. There are some interesting buildings here. Particularly striking is the Ephrata National Bank (31 E. Main Street) with its big marble columns and Beaux Arts design. If you are passing by during banking hours, step into the lobby and check out the stained glass skylight. Continuing on, you will soon arrive at the Ephrata Review Building on the corner of Main and State Streets.

 The Fun-est Toy Store Ever - 1 State Street

I crossed the street, looked to my left, and noticed bubbles floating down the street. They were coming from (where else?) the Fun-est Toy Store Ever! Here is a shop filled with all kinds of wonderful toys, just in time for the holidays! Whether its Thomas the Tank or... the young and young at heart will enjoy the fun-est shop in Ephrata.

 Christmas & More and Sheldon's Gallery - 16-20 W. Main Street

Proceeding down West Main, I cam across two of my favorite buildings on my tour. The first is home to Sheldon's Christmas & More. Built in 1891, this Victorian Second Empire style building is striking with its green marmalite and stained glass windows. It would feel right at home in a Christmas display, and so it seems fitting that insides are rooms filled with the most wondrous Christmas decorations you'll find anywhere. There are all kinds of ornaments, plenty of Santas, and everything is so beautifully displayed that I was instantly in the holiday spirit (even though it was still October). As if this wasn't good enough, I knew that the building right next door, Sheldon's Gallery, was filled with even more wonderful items unrelated to the holidays. Here I found lovely prints, unique gifts and cards, wind chimes, decorations spilling onto two floors (up the grand staircase), and even out into the back courtyard. Locals like to come here to get their framing done, too. Outside, be sure to admire the Italianate building with its lovely porch and embellishments. I really can't tell you how much I enjoyed both the inside and outside of these two shops!

J&A Furniture Company - 40 W. Main Street

Moving on, I reached the next intersection at Church Street. The old building on the corner once served as an “entertainment hall” in the late 1800's. Today the three-story structure is home to J&A Furniture. When you go inside you will find just about everything you need in home furnishings, from the ever-popular bean bag chairs to lighted curios. I'm sure the locals enjoy the personal touch and hometown atmosphere, so different from all those chain stores that have sprung up across America.

Viatl Chat Cafe - 9 W. Main Street

Crossing Main Street once again, I headed back toward my starting point. It seemed like a good time for a break, and I found myself at Viatl Chat Internet Cafe & Gourmet Coffee. Ask about their Frozen Hot Chocolate and Chai Teas! It’s a great place for lunch, a quick “byte,” cool music, and computers with Internet access. You have it all here, along with owners that treat you like family.

Parkhill Jewelry - 5 W. Main Street

Perhaps it was the caffeine that encouraged my to open the door and step inside the shop next door, Parkhill Jewelry. Well, the holiday season is approaching, so if you need something for that special lady in your life, you'll find the attentive staff and beautiful selection just what you are looking for. It may be true that right after the guy who buys them for her, diamonds are a girl's best friend.

As I again reached State Street, I had to stop and admire the beautiful brick and woodwork of the Mentzer Building (1-3 W. Main Street) on the corner. Another Italianate structure build in 1889, note the outstanding brickwork and carved faces in the arches on the third floor. Alas, I needed film for my camera. As I looked across the street...

Royer Pharmacy - 2 E. Main Street

...I found the solution to my camera problem at Royer Pharmacy, one of Ephrata's oldest businesses. It's all you'd expect at your hometown pharmacy, even if you are a visitor far from home --- prescriptions, medications, greetings cards, gifts, even Yankee Candles. Inside, I was greeted with a friendly, "If there is anything I can help you find, just let me know." By the way, when you leave the building, be sure to notice the unusual curved shape to the Royer Pharmacy building, an example of Art Deco construction with its backlit sign at night, dating it to 1937-38.

I walked just a few more steps and found myself back at the Visitors Center. At this point, I noticed that two of the claims in the literature I had picked up earlier were indeed true ---cars actually do stop for pedestrians at the crossways, and the merchants really are helpful and friendly! (For more information and a copy of the complete walking tour, events, directions, shops, and businesses, go to www.DowntownEphrata.org.)  It was now time to do a little more exploring by car....    

Eicher Indian Museum Shop - 407 Cocalico Street

Heading west a short distance on Main Street (Route 322) brings you to an intersection with Fulton and Cocalico Streets. Turn left onto Cocalico driving between the stone gateposts. This takes you back to the town park, home to the Ephrata Performing Arts Center, the Eicher Arts Center, and the Eicher Indian Museum. The Eicher Arts Center is a recreation of early 18^th century life, restored to its former design as one of the county’s first two-story structures. The 1733 Eicher Indian Museum (Sisters House) is considered the oldest structure in Ephrata. The museum and jewelry shop offer a wide selection of printed matter and Native American handiwork.  

Ephrata Cloister - 632 W. Main Street

Just a short distance further west on Route 322 is the entrance to the Ephrata Cloister. This is one of my very favorite places in all of Lancaster County. If the overused word “unique” can really be applied, it belongs here ---from the buildings and art, to the music and history. German settlers seeking spiritual goals rather than earthly rewards founded one of America’s earliest religious communities in 1732. Founder Conrad Beissel named it Ephrata, "a Biblical name for a section of the city of Bethlehem, which means fruitful or plentiful." Gathered in unusual European style buildings, the community consisted of celibate Brothers and Sisters, and a married congregation of families. At its zenith in the 1740s and 1750s, about 300 members worked and worshiped at the Cloister, which is now a National Historic Landmark. There is also a wonderful museum gift shop, with beautiful and unusual handmade items unique to the Cloisters and the area.

Ten Thousand Villages - 240 N. Reading Road (Rt. 272 N)

Now it is time to go shopping around the world, all in one location. A short distance north on Route 272 is Ten Thousand Villages. Ten Thousand Villages is part of a worldwide movement striving to practice fair trade. The idea is to help artisans in developing countries by giving them both an outlet and a fair price for their products. Here you will find everything from jewelry and oriental rugs to baskets and home furnishings. When you buy these distinctive gifts, you can also feel that those who made them are being treated fairly. Also on property is the Nav Jiwan Tea Room, featuring foods from around the globe.

Before finishing this article, let me note that Ephrata is an ideal location to settle down for a few days to do “hub-and-spoke” day trips. For example, you are just a short drive away from the “Antiques Capital” of Adamstown north on Route 272. Or take Route 322 west to Mount Hope Estate & Winery (Home of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire) and then on to Hershey. About 15 minutes east on Route 322 is the Blue Ball / New Holland area, with Lancaster’s famous Shady Maple Smorgasbord and the amazing Flower & Craft Warehouse, a great stop for the holidays. Route 222 is a quick way to head south into Lancaster City with its surrounding attractions. And now, for those of you ready to stay and explore…

Hampton Inn - 380 E. Main Street

…Ephrata has a beautiful new Hampton Inn & Suites, so you can relax in style, just a block east from the downtown area on Route 322. You can enjoy their spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and famous hot breakfast in the morning, and then set out for another day of exploring.

Once you discover Historic Downtown Ephrata, you will surely return to enjoy some of the special events through the year, including the Jack Frost Parade in October, the Ephrata Fair in September (largest street fair in Pennsylvania), and the annual Christmas activities. So come and spend a day…or a week --- to seek the unique!

www.DowntownEphrata.org

Amish Country News Cover Story by Brad Igou (2006)