NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Daryl Hall and John Oates have resolved their dispute over a Hall & Oates business partnership through arbitration, reaching a private ending after details of their rift went public in court documents filed in a 2023 lawsuit by Hall against Oates, according to a court filing Monday.
In Monday’s status report, attorneys for Hall noted the case received a final judgment in arbitration and they filed a proposed order for the judge, Nashville Chancellor Russell Perkins, to dismiss the case. In mid-July, Perkins ordered Hall’s attorneys to offer an update in the case, which had last seen a public filing in December 2023.
It’s unclear when the arbitration process was finalized. And details were not revealed about the arbitration outcome between the duo who made music together for more than a half century, including hits in the 1970s and ’80s such as “Maneater,” “Rich Girl” “Kiss on My List” and “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do).”
Robb Harvey, an attorney for Hall, declined to comment. Representatives for Oates did not immediately respond to The Associated Press’ request for comment.
In 2023 filings in the case, Hall accused Oates of blindsiding and betraying him, saying their relationship and his trust in Oates have deteriorated. Oates replied that he was “deeply hurt” that Hall was making “inflammatory, outlandish, and inaccurate statements” about him.
The judge had paused the sale of Oates’ stake in Whole Oats Enterprises LLP to Primary Wave IP Investment Management LLC. Whole Oats includes valuable Hall & Oates materials such as trademarks, personal name and likeness rights, record royalty income and website and social media assets, a court declaration says.
The dispute went public in November 2023, when Hall filed the lawsuit asking the judge to stop the sale by Oates so private arbitration could begin.
Hall gave a scathing account of their relationship in early November 2023 during arbitration, and it was made public later in the month in the lawsuit. It alleges that Oates and his team engaged in the “ultimate partnership betrayal” by pushing to sell his share while telling Hall’s associates that he wanted to maintain his ownership.
In his own declaration, Oates expressed disappointment with his longtime partner’s words, saying Hall’s accusations that Oates went behind his back and breached their agreement aren’t true. Oates declined to go into specifics, saying he’s obligated to keep details private, even if Hall didn’t.
Last year, Oates told The Associated Press that he’s had “no communication” with Hall and declined to discuss the legal proceedings. He did not see a Hall & Oates reunion in his future.
“I personally don’t see it happening. It’s not in my plans at all. You can ask Daryl Hall what he thinks. But for me personally, no,” he says.
“That ship has gone to the bottom of the ocean,” Hall told the news outlet. “I’ve had a lot of surprises in my life, disappointments, betrayals, so I’m kind of used to it.”
___
Maria Sherman in New York contributed to this report.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — What began as a novel summer event in 2016 has blossomed into a cherished summer tradition for Philadelphia. Now in its eighth year, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square has become a seasonal staple for locals and tourists.
This year, the festival once again transforms the historic square into a luminous wonderland.
Visitors walk through a lighted tunnel at the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)
Visitors walk through a lighted tunnel at the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)
More than a thousand handcrafted lanterns depict intricate scenes from enchanted forests to the underwater world. The centerpiece, a 200-foot-long (61-meter-long) dragon, has become an iconic symbol of summer in the city.
“It has definitely become a Philly summer tradition. People really have grown to expect it,” said Amy Needle, president and CEO of Historic Philadelphia, the event organizer. “We have people that come back every year. They know that every year the lanterns are all new.”
A child runs through an octopus display at the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)
A child runs through an octopus display at the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)
An underwater scene is shown as part of the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)
An underwater scene is shown as part of the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)
The festival’s appeal spans generations and cultures, drawing diverse crowds who come to immerse themselves in the breathing-taking displays.
“Tonight, it was a beautiful night. Just seeing the different people out, just different cultures out, whether you’re Asian, Black, white … everybody is here to celebrate,” said Tamea Butler, a visitor from Nashville, Tennessee.
Some attendees, like Philadelphia resident Jamie Lenegan, dress in traditional Chinese attire to fully embrace the event.
A display of a yellow lizard is shown as part of the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)
A display of a yellow lizard is shown as part of the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)
“We love to dress up because we want to be immersed in the culture. We want to really embrace the moment and just take it all in,” said Lenegan, who visited the festival for the first time with friends.
For others, the visual splendor is the main draw.
“All the colors and the lights and stuff like that, you can’t get enough of it. It’s just vivid and beautiful,” said James Rohmann, who was making a day trip to the city with his son.
An underwater scene is shown as part of the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)
An underwater scene is shown as part of the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)
Traditionally, the Lantern Festival marks the end of the Lunar New Year period. However, organizers moved the event to the summer to avoid unpredictable winter weather. The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival runs through Aug. 31.
Pennsylvania-based Yuengling is bringing its beer to Michigan for the first time.
Yuengling, America’s oldest brewery and a fixture on tap across the East Coast, is finally launching in Michigan after years of speculation and false starts.
Beginning on Monday, Michiganders will be able to order Yuengling on draft at bars and restaurants in select areas, including Detroit, Ann Arbor, and East Lansing. Packaged beer is expected to follow in September.
Ypsilanti-based distributor O&W Inc. announced Wednesday that it will begin rolling out the beer’s lineup, which includes the flagship Yuengling Lager, the Black & Tan blend, and Flight, a light beer.
Founded in 1829 in Pottsville, Penn., Yuengling has remained family-owned for six generations and has built a devoted following.
“We are excited to partner with Yuengling and bring their authentic American beers to Michigan,” Jamie Wanty-Keeder, vice president of marketing at O&W Inc., said in a statement. “This launch is the most exciting beer launch in Michigan history! What a fantastic opportunity for us to expand our offerings and introduce our customers to a brewery with such a storied history, one that beer lovers have been waiting for.”
A wider state rollout is expected later. While fans won’t yet find Yuengling inside sports stadiums, many bars and retailers near those venues will carry it.
Our Wind Creek Bethlehem review reveals why this Pennsylvania resort makes an excellent foodie and fun getaway destination.
Located in historic Bethlehem, this AAA Four-Diamond property in Lehigh Valley, PA surprised us with outstanding dining experiences and entertaining activities that go well beyond gaming.
From exceptional restaurants serving everything from elevated comfort food to premium steakhouse fare, to unique activities like axe throwing and virtual golf, Wind Creek Bethlehem offers a solid mix of culinary adventures and modern entertainment. Add in a truly impressive spa experience and stylish North Tower accommodations, and you have the ingredients for a memorable weekend escape.
Here’s our honest take on the rooms, restaurants, and activities that made our stay genuinely enjoyable.
Our Wind Creek Bethlehem Review
Wind Creek Bethlehem Casino Resort in Lehigh Valley, PA | Photo: Better Living
Here’s where we stayed, where we dined, and what we experienced while at Wind Creek Bethlehem.
The Hotel: Chic Comfort in the North Tower
Luxurious North Tower room with jewel-toned décor | Photo: Better Living
Wind Creek Bethlehem has over 550 guest rooms, including 50 suites. And one of the most exciting additions is the North Tower, which was part of a recent $160 million expansion designed for travelers who love clean lines and modern comforts.
After a smooth check-in, we headed up to our room on the 14th floor. Stepping in, we were pleasantly surprised. The room was spacious, with a rich jewel-toned palette, a plush pillow-top bed, and chic details that gave it a luxurious feel. At 400 square feet, it felt really spacious and comfortable, but also functional. There was plenty of room for our luggage, and it never once felt cluttered.
One of the most striking features was the sky-high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that overlook the Lehigh Valley, the Lehigh River, and the iconic SteelStacks, once home to the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, established in 1857.
Views of the historic SteelStacks from Wind Creek Bethlehem | Photo: Better Living
Once the heart of America’s steel industry and a key part of the Industrial Revolution, the SteelStacks have now been transformed into a park and venue that hosts music, art, and community events year-round. From our room, we also saw trains riding along the tracks carrying cargo throughout the day. It’s truly an awe-inspiring and iconic view.
A thoughtful nod to local history and the historic company that helped build this region appears in the bathroom too: custom wallpaper with playful blueprints of the old steel mill pay tribute to the steel town’s legacy with playful, modern flair
Room Amenities Include:
Free high-speed Wi-Fi
55″ flat-screen LCD HDTV
Built-in charging ports
Keurig coffee maker
Mini-Fridge
In-room safe
💡 Tip: Wind Creek’s in-room dining menu includes hot breakfast options delivered straight to your door. It’s ideal if you want to enjoy breakfast with a view from your room. Other onsite options for breakfast include Starbucks, Sweet Revenge, and the Steelworks Buffet & Grill.
Room service breakfast with iconic SteelStacks view | Photo: Better Living
When booking a room at Wind Creek Bethlehem, you can choose from Deluxe King or Queen rooms, or opt for the more spacious Grand King, which offers views of the Lehigh River. For even more space, upgrade to one of the lavish suites in the South Tower like the Executive, Presidential, and Chairman’s Suites. These suites offer even more upscale amenities like soaking tubs, rainforest showers, and bars for entertaining.
💡 Travel Tip: If you’re looking for a spa getaway or plan on visiting the spa, staying in the North Tower will put you closest to where you’ll want to be, which is close to The Spa at Wind Creek.
Wellness Elevated: Unwind at the Spa at Wind Creek Bethlehem
The Spa at Wind Creek’s vitality pool with panoramic views | Photo: Better Living
One of the best reasons to stay in the North Tower at Wind Creek? The spa!
You’re just an elevator ride away from the resort’s 15th floor which is now entirely devoted to wellness. Up here, you’ll find a sleek 24/7 fitness center and the ultra-luxurious Spa at Wind Creek Bethlehem, complete with bubbling heated vitality pools and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the Lehigh Valley.
This spa is absolutely stunning and it isn’t just an amenity. It’s a modern, welcoming retreat for anyone in need of a quick escape.
Treatments & Services
Whether you’re craving calm or a glow-up, the Spa at Wind Creek can deliver both. Book a wide range of treatments, including:
Massages, wraps, scrubs, and facials
Cryotherapy or hot stone therapy
Pedicures, manicures, waxing
Hair and barbering services for women and men
The entire space spans over 14,000 square feet of beautifully designed serenity. Besides its treatment rooms, there are bubbling vitality pools and hanging swing chairs suspended over a sleek wading pool, perfect for dipping your toes while taking in the scenery.
Suspended swing chairs create a zen atmosphere at the spa | Photo: Better Living
After your soak, relax in the heated lounge chairs or curl up on the plush sofas beside a glowing fireplace. Even the locker rooms are indulgent, featuring rainfall showers and signature Elemis toiletries.
One standout amenity was the infrared sauna and lemongrass-infused aromatherapy steam room. It smelled incredible and completely melted muscle tension, but something to note guys: it’s only available in the women’s locker room.
What to Know Before You Go
Access to spa amenities requires a booked treatment. Day passes aren’t available at the moment, though this policy may change.
Even if you’re not staying overnight, you can book a treatment and enjoy the spa during your visit.
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.
The spa is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Book a treatment and you’ll thank yourself for taking the time to unwind. For details, check out the full spa menu and amenities.
Eat Flavors From Around the Globe at Urban Table
Sweet and spicy grilled baby back ribs with jalapeño peppers at Urban Table | Photo: Better Living
If you’re staying at Wind Creek Bethlehem and craving a casual dining experience in a stylish spot with fantastic food and warm, thoughtful service, head to Urban Table open for lunch or dinner.
Located just outside the casino floor, it’s kid-friendly and open for lunch and dinner, offering a friendly, relaxed vibe and a menu with something for every palate. You’ll find modern American cuisine, creative takes on comfort food, and international flavors. Honestly, no matter what you’re craving, there’s something here you’ll love.
Popular options include prime beef burgers, steaks, jumbo wings, Shrimp Pot Stickers and Spicy Chicken + Andouille Gumbo, alongside elevated mains like crab cakes, braised short rib, and shrimp “Fra Diavolo” pasta.
Don’t overlook the specials menu which often features dishes like ceviche and seared tuna. In fact, the ceviche here was one of the best we’ve ever had.
Urban Table’s vibrant, chef’s special ceviche | Photo: Better Living
Vegetarians can opt for one of their salads or a cauliflower steak. But whatever you do, don’t miss the General Tso Cauliflower appetizer. Perfect for sharing, florets of cauliflower are fried to a crisp, and tossed in sweet and spicy sriracha sauce. Urban Table’s manager, Clara, told us she’s turned cauliflower skeptics into loyal fans with this dish and now we understand why. It’s fantastic.
Other standouts included the Steak Tacos made with chimichurri-marinated beef, pickled onion salad, and jalapeño aioli. Torn between salty and sweet, we also tried the Chicken and Waffles, a crispy, juicy fried chicken breast atop a bacon cheddar waffle with maple mustard glaze and jalapeño-cinnamon butter. It was incredibly satisfying and hit every texture and flavor note.
Pair your meal with the Hot Honey Guava Margarita made with Tres Agaves Tequila, guava nectar, Triple Sec, lime juice, hot honey, and Tajin. Their bar also features an assortment of wines and ten rotating beers on tap.
Decadent Chocolate Stout Cake | Photo: Better Living
Desserts here are generously portioned, artfully plated, and genuinely delicious. Our favorite was the multilayered Chocolate Stout Cake with whiskey caramel and fresh raspberries. Moist, rich, and big enough to take leftovers home.
The atmosphere is casual yet polished, and our server, Mark, made us feel especially welcome with warm and friendly service. We’re excited to return and sample more of the menu.
If you’re catching a show at Wind Creek Event Center, Urban Table is just steps away and makes a perfect pre or post show dinner spot.
💡 Foodie Tip: Reservations are highly recommended on weekends. For a quieter meal, try visiting between 2 – 5 PM.
Wind Creek’s Signature Steakhouse Chop House is Dinner Worth Dressing Up For
Prime New York Strip at Chop House | Photo: Better Living
For a refined and indulgent steakhouse dining experience at Wind Creek Bethlehem, Chop House is the place to go. It’s one of those spots where you’ll want to dress up a little, slow down, and savor every bite. Located on the casino level, Chop House has a sophisticated atmosphere that feels upscale without being pretentious. It’s adults only too.
It’s no surprise the menu here focuses on USDA Prime cuts and Wagyu steaks. But there’s also fresh seafood and raw bar options, as well as decadent sides like Lobster Mac & Cheese and Loaded Baked Potatoes. And while Chop House serves up all the classic steakhouse favorites, the menu offers a variety of other creative appetizers and signature dishes like BBQ Pork Belly with coleslaw, almond, golden raisin, cider dressing, King Salmon and Sea Bass. So even if you’re not in the mood for steak, there are plenty of incredible dishes to sample.
The famous Chop House wedge salad with crispy onion strings | Photo: Better Living
The wine list is extensive here, but we started our evening with a handcrafted cocktail. The Juicy Jackpot was a favorite, made with blanco tequila, passion fruit-vanilla syrup, lime, and a touch of champagne. It was so refreshing and made reading the menu even more enjoyable.
To begin, we ordered the Lobster Bisque, which was rich and silky, and the Wedge Salad, topped with crispy fried onions, tomatoes, diced thick-cut house-made bacon, a creamy but mild blue cheese dressing. It was so good I’d return here just for that.
Fresh ahi tuna served in cucumber cups | Photo: Better Living
For appetizers, we also tried the Ahi Tuna Tartare. It came with cucumber, avocado sauce, fried wontons, and radish with a lime Thai chili ponzu sauce. It was light, fresh, and a perfect lead into the main courses.
For our main entrees we went with the seriously tender 16 oz New York Strip, seasoned with house spices and cooked to a perfect medium rare. It came with whipped potatoes, asparagus, and a rich au poivre sauce on the side that took the flavor of the steak to another level. You also have the option to enhance your steaks with luxurious additions like jumbo lump crabmeat, sea scallops, or lobster. Next time!
We also couldn’t resist trying one of their house favorites – the Seafood Pasta. It had trumpet pasta tossed in lobster cream sauce with mushrooms, spinach, cherry tomatoes, basil, and parmesan, and is then topped with lobster, mussels, shrimp, and clams. If you love seafood, this dish is a must.
Chop House’s Coconut Cream Pie – the perfect ending to a steakhouse dinner | Photo: Better Living
Skipping dessert wasn’t an option. Our server Tembu suggested the Coconut Cream Pie, and it was incredible. It had a creamy coconut custard layered into a crisp, dark chocolate crust, finished with whipped cream, toasted coconut, and a crunchy golden almond tuile. A drizzle of chocolate sauce pulled it all together. It was the perfect ending to a meal that impressed us from start to finish.
Chop House is perfect for special occasions or when you just want a luxurious night out. The ambiance is warm and elegant, with plush seating and soft lighting. While the food was amazing, the service made the evening unforgettable. Our servers, Tembu and Dana, gave us spot-on menu suggestions and made us feel like regulars. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to ask for them when you make your reservation.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends
Valet parking is available for added convenience
Chophouse is adults-only
💡 Tip: While Chophouse is adults only, minors are still welcome to dine at Urban Table, Steelworks or The Market if they enter through The Outlets or hotel.
See also
Things to Do at Wind Creek Bethlehem
There’s no denying the casino is a big attraction at Wind Creek Bethlehem. But there’s so much to do here without stepping foot on the gaming floor. Year-round, the Wind Creek Event Center hosts special events like big-name concerts, touring comedians, and theatrical performances.
But whether you’re catching a show or just exploring for the day, fun and adventure are here to be had every day.
Shop The Outlets at Wind Creek
Attached to the hotel, The Outlets at Wind Creekoffer upscale shopping in a relaxed setting. You’ll find favorites like Coach, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Talbots, Guess, and more. It’s perfect for an afternoon of retail therapy just steps from your room.
And it’s a great place to pick up gifts, upgrade your wardrobe, or just enjoy a leisurely stroll between meals and activities.
Get Your Golf On at Twisted Tees
Twisted Tees combines golf simulators with elevated pub fare | Photo: Better Living
On the lower level of the outlets, you’ll find Twisted Tees– an immersive entertainment lounge and sports bar with a high-energy vibe where you can tee up at one of their state-of-the-art golf simulators featuring iconic courses from around the world. And you don’t need to bring clubs, because Twisted Tees has everything you need.
Not into golf? The simulators also offer other sports like soccer, baseball, disc golf, basketball, and even zombie dodgeball. Aside from the simulators, there’s also a putting green, pool tables, and a backyard-style area with games like Corn Hole, Connect Four and space to lounge, making this place great for a date or group meetup.
Virtual soccer at Twisted Tees entertainment lounge | Photo: Better Living
Dining at Twisted Tees
While you’re playing, grab one of their craft cocktails with fun names like Long Drive or a brew from Birthright Brewing Company out of nearby Nazareth, PA. And on our recent visit, we found their menu offering elevated pub fare really hits the mark.
The Popeye Pounder Pretzel with spinach artichoke dip | Photo: Better Living
We ordered the Popeye Pounder Pretzel. Warm, soft, and perfectly salted, it’s paired with creamy spinach-artichoke dip. Absolutely fantastic. Another standout was the Chip Shot Cheesesteak, grilled to perfection with flavorful and juicy seasoned beef, caramelized onions, and Cooper Sharp American cheese on a freshly baked roll. Other crowd favorites here are the Flatbreads, and their extra large gourmet hot dogs called “Dirty Dogs”.
Whether you’re there for a date or traveling with friends, Twisted Tees has a playful, high-energy vibe with flavorful bites. It’s a great time to be had here even if you only stop in for a drink and the service is also super friendly. Either way, wear sneakers and something you’d feel comfortable getting sporty in.
Tip: Simulator lanes are rented by the hour, not per person, and can accommodate up to four players. Watch for their upcoming indoor mini golf attraction opening next door, and if you stop in for just one dish, make it the pretzel.
Release Your Inner Viking at Angry Jack’s Axe Throwing Club
Channel your inner Viking at Angry Jack’s Axe Throwing Club | Photo: Better Living
On the lower level of The Outlets, across from Twisted Tees, Angry Jack’s offers a bold and exciting hands-on experience. With 10 axe-throwing lanes and a lineup of archery, hatchet, and knife throwing, it’s perfect for groups, couples, or exciting if you want to try something new.
When we arrived, coaches Liam and Kerry welcomed us, walked us through safety, and helped us fine-tune our technique until we hit our stride. Their enthusiasm and guidance made the experience fun and accessible, even for beginners. And now we’re hooked!
What to Know Before You Go to Angry Jacks:
Game modes range from classic scoring to friendly challenges
No reservations are required, but it’s best to arrive 15 minutes early to check in and sign waivers
Closed-toe shoes are a must
If you get hungry, you can also order up food from Twisted Tees across the way and they’ll serve it right to your lane in Angry Jacks. Don’t miss their happy hour specials Wednesday through Friday from 5 to 7 PM.
Final Thoughts
Sunset views of SteelStacks from your room | Photo: Better Living
Whether you’re in town, to test your luck in the casino, attend an event or convention, or want to take a weekend escape, Wind Creek Bethlehem offers a refined retreat with everything under one roof.
For an ultra luxurious stay, book yourself a room in Wind Creek’s brand new North Tower with new chic rooms with luxurious amenities.
Dining here offers something for everyone. Guests can savor a range of dining options from steakhouse classics at Chop House to global cuisine to local favorites at Urban Table.
The resort also features a 24 Hour Fitness center, the full-service Spa at Wind Creek, a retail promenade, and places for action, adventure and great food, making it a self-contained oasis of entertainment.
With so many things to do at Wind Creek Bethlehem, you’ll have an amazing time whether you’re looking for an action packed getaway or a restorative retreat.
Better Living uses affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no cost to you.
Looking for a peaceful escape that combines authentic history with modern luxury? In this Glasbern Inn review, I’ll share how this remarkable property in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley surprised us with a truly special getaway.
This 150-acre estate delivers an authentic countryside experience that feels worlds away from typical hotel stays. At Glasbern, you’ll discover farm-to-table dining featuring ingredients grown right on the grounds, expertly restored 18th-century buildings brimming with character, and some of the most pristine countryside you’ll find in the Mid-Atlantic.
But what truly sets Glasbern Inn apart is how authentic it feels. This isn’t a themed hotel trying to look historic.
Every building, every path, and every meal reflects the spirit of the working farm it once was. It’s a place where chipmunks greet you on forest trails, and the bread pudding is so legendary the chef won’t give up the recipe.
And trust me, once you experience it, you’ll understand why we’re already planning our return visits for fall foliage and winter fireside dining.
Glasbern Inn Review: Our Stay in Lehigh Valley
After hearing so much about this wonderful property in Fogelsville, PA, we finally experienced it for ourselves, and it more than lived up to the hype.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic weekend, a cozy countryside retreat, or just exceptional farm to table dining, Glasbern delivers.
Here’s everything we loved about Glasbern (and think you’ll love too).
GLASBERN INN AT A GLANCE
• Location: 2141 Packhouse Rd, Fogelsville, PA – scenic Lehigh Valley, 2 hours from Philly or NYC
• Vibe: Romantic, rustic-luxury on a historic 150-acre farm
• Price Range: $$–$$$ ($185–$325 depending on room and season)
• Rooms: Historic barns, stables, and cottages with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and exposed Amish framing
• On-Site Perks: Spa, fitness center, koi ponds, gardens, walking trails, and wildlife viewing
• Awards & Recognition: ▸ Historic Hotels of America member ▸ Yahoo! Travel – Top Romantic International Destination ▸ Philadelphia Magazine – Best Romantic Weekend Getaway ▸ PA Meetings & Events – Best Meeting Venue
• Best For: Romantic getaways, fall foliage road trips, wellness weekends, history lovers, and foodies
Terraced rock gardens leading to the many suites at Glasbern | Photo: Better Living
The drive from the Philadelphia area to Glasbern Inn is straightforward and stress-free. It’s a direct shot up I-476 North from Philly (or I-78 from New York), less than two hours through Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley.
Arriving at the Main House immediately sets Glasbern apart from standard check-in experiences. The staff greets you warmly at the front desk and takes time to personally orient you to the property with a detailed map, pointing out everything from your room location to the best trails. You’ll get a reservation for breakfast and they’ll also show you exactly which parking area is closest to your room.
And here’s a nice touch: Coffee, tea, water, and fresh pastries are available in the Main House all day until dinner, so you never have to worry about getting hungry between meals.
First Impressions at Glasbern Inn
Natural stone water feature on the Glasbern grounds | Photo: Better Living
Once you’re settled in on Glasbern’s sprawling property, you’ll feel an immediate sense of peace.
For this Glasbern Inn review, we visited on a sunny summer day and the lush grounds were so expansive and vibrant that we found ourselves slowing down just to take it all in.
Dating back to 1787, Glasbern showcases masterfully preserved buildings that each tell their own story: the Main Barn from 1870, historic Stables with their incredible authentic craftsmanship, and charming cottages that remind you of simpler times.
What strikes you most is how this feels like your own private village rather than a traditional hotel.
We had planned to explore the surrounding Lehigh Valley, but honestly, we didn’t want to leave Glasbern. We spent our two days completely relaxed, exploring the trails, and enjoying the property.
A Legacy of Vision and Preservation
The Grand Lodge event venue surrounded by landscaped gardens | Photo: Better Living
As a member of Historic Hotels of America, Glasbern Inn represents one of the nation’s most authentic preservation success stories, and trust me, you can feel that authenticity the moment you arrive.
The Glasbern history is really interesting too. In January 2024, the David Jaindl Family became the new owners, purchasing it from longtime steward Al Granger and continuing a remarkable journey that began in 1985.
Here’s the story. Al and his late wife Beth discovered this neglected farm in the heart of the Lehigh Valley after it had been sitting vacant for 13 years. Where others saw decay, Beth envisioned a place where guests could enjoy warm hospitality and fresh food grown right on the land. Al spent nearly four decades bringing that vision to life and remained active on the property into his nineties, even tending to the grounds himself.
Authentic Reconstruction Over Modern Imitation
Main level of the Stables Deluxe Suite with stone fireplace | Photo: Better Living
Every restoration choice prioritized authenticity over convenience. The transformation began with the 1870 Main Barn, which initially served as the Grangers’ home, guest lodge, restaurant, and reception area all rolled into one. The Stables weren’t even originally on this property. They were dismantled from a nearby farm, transported beam by beam, and meticulously rebuilt here. The Packhouse has an equally fascinating origin story, created by combining two rundown barns from another farm into what’s now a spacious twelve-room guest building. And The Dairy, which once housed actual cattle producing cheese and yogurt for sale, now serves as a six-bedroom luxury guest house that blends rustic charm with modern comfort.
A Property That Keeps Evolving
What I love about Glasbern is how it continues evolving while staying true to its roots. The Glasloft transformed from an open-air patio to an enclosed space with those stunning pond views we couldn’t stop photographing. The Grand Lodge evolved from a simple tented event space to a magnificent venue with twenty-foot ceilings and exposed beams that take your breath away. Even the wedding pavilion has an unexpected origin: it was originally built for the previous owner’s wife to enjoy pickleball.
Carrying the Glasbern Legacy Forward
The Jaindl Companies, with hospitality management by TKo, have embraced the spirit of preservation and care that Al and Beth Granger started nearly four decades ago.
Where We Stayed: The Stables Deluxe Suite
The unique spiral staircase leading to our suite’s loft hot tub | Photo: Better Living
When booking at Glasbern, guests can choose from accommodations spread across multiple buildings, each with its own character. We opted for the Stables Deluxe Suite, and it perfectly embodies those luxury rustic Pocono vibes that we are completely here for.
A highlight of our suite was the spiral staircase leading to a loft hot tub positioned dramatically above the king bed. Surrounded by exposed Amish framing, this was both a delightful surprise and a romantic touch. The combination of authentic 18th-century craftsmanship with modern luxury amenities creates an atmosphere that you simply can’t find anywhere else.
The plush king bed, ideal temperature, and quiet room gave us two great nights of sleep. After exploring all day, we’d settle in for movie nights in the spacious living area. There’s also a gas fireplace and a private outdoor deck that make this suite a true retreat.
Welcome charcuterie platter in our Stables Deluxe Suite | Photo: Better Living
We were also greeted with a stunning charcuterie platter that was next level. Artisanal meats, cheeses, fresh fruits, spreads, and veggies arranged so artfully and generously that we didn’t need to leave for lunch. I’d definitely suggest ordering this for exactly that reason, it’s a meal unto itself.
The location of the Stables is very convenient. It’s secluded with woodland views, but still only a short walk to the Main Barn for dining and other amenities. With parking right outside and no steps, bringing in luggage was effortless. But the coolest feature was definitely the woodwork throughout the building, adding old-world charm that connects you directly to Pennsylvania’s heritage.
Glasbern’s Farm-to-Table Dining Experience
The elegant Great Room dining area in the Main Barn | Photo: Better Living
Glasbern elevates Pennsylvania countryside dining with exceptional farm-to-table cuisine that showcases the very best of local and on-property sourcing. The Glasbern restaurant, housed in the Main Barn delivers an unforgettable dining experience that feels both elegant and authentically rustic.
Dinner in the Historic Great Room
Poached Maine lobster risotto with asparagus and sun-dried tomatoes | Photo: Better Living
Executive Chef Christopher Feraudo brings over 25 years of culinary experience and recent recognition as a winner of the 2023 Landry’s Iron Chef competition to Glasbern. His passion for creating experiences through food is evident in every single dish. The restaurant sources the majority of its ingredients locally, with much coming directly from Glasbern’s own garden.
Our favorite dishes included the French Onion Soup. It’s a huge portion with rich, deeply developed flavors topped with that balance of crispy and melted cheese that hits just right. The Braised Short Ribs served over mashed potatoes with carrots and red wine demi-glace were super tender and expertly prepared. The Poached Maine Lobster Risotto featuring asparagus and sun-dried tomatoes was cooked to perfection with generous portions of lobster that made every bite feel luxurious.
Chef Christopher’s legendary bread pudding with vanilla ice cream | Photo: Better Living
But here’s where Chef Christopher works his magic. The Bread Pudding was simply the best we’ve ever had. This dessert somehow manages to be rich, super light, and creamy all at the same time. We tried to guess the technique and ingredients but when we asked Chef Christopher how he did it, he just smiled and wouldn’t tell us how he achieved this culinary miracle.
Keep your secrets, Chef. It just gives us another reason to return!
Breakfast: Forget Everything You Know About B&B Breakfasts
Fresh pastries and fruit from Glasbern’s continental breakfast spread | Photo: Better Living
Forget everything you know about typical B&B breakfast offerings because Glasbern’s complimentary country style breakfast is phenomenal and operates like a full restaurant experience.
There’s a complete menu of expertly prepared dishes you can choose from, plus an impressive selection of fresh-baked goods ready for grabbing with your coffee.
The breakfast spread includes Danish, scones, cinnamon buns, and croissants, along with fresh fruit, yogurt, and juices, all with full table service that we looked forward to each morning.
Baked vegetable frittata loaded with fresh garden ingredients | Photo: Better Living
Our breakfast highlights included the Baked Vegetable Frittata. It’s a colorful presentation, loaded with tomato, red peppers, spinach, onions, mushrooms, and goat cheese. The Crème Brûlée French Toast with vanilla bean battered brioche and powdered sugar is definitely dessert for breakfast… and we regret nothing.
The breakfast experience became a true highlight of our stay and made us want to linger on the property even longer each morning. The quality and presentation rival any upscale restaurant, proving that Glasbern doesn’t cut corners anywhere.
The Pub: A Hidden Gem You Might Miss
Nashville hot wings and pint of beer at The Pub | Photo: Better Living
Tucked just off the main entrance is The Pub, and to be honest, it’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. But skipping it would be a mistake. This cozy spot opens at 4 PM and works well for a late lunch or drinks before dinner.
We kicked things off with Nashville Hot Wings that nailed the balance between sweet and spicy, followed by Turkey Meatball Parmesan that was comforting and full of flavor. Our server Bria was fantastic. She was warm, attentive, and made us feel like regulars from the moment we arrived.
There’s a great drink menu here too. We had a refreshing strawberry margarita, a Paloma, and a classic pint of Yuengling that went well with our apps. The pub offers a more casual alternative to the main dining room while maintaining the same commitment to quality and genuine hospitality that defines Glasbern.
Exploring Glasbern Where Every Corner Holds a Surprise
View from the Packhouse Suites to the Stables Pond. | Photo: Better Living
While Glasbern’s exceptional dining might tempt you to never leave the restaurant, the property offers endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation across its pristine 150 acres that are impeccably maintained.
Wildlife Encounters That Became Daily Highlights
Wildlife encounters that became daily highlights of our stay | Photos: Better Living
During our hikes around the property, we were delighted by frequent wildlife encounters that became something we looked forward to each day. Chipmunks would pop out and surprise us throughout our walks, baby rabbits were munching on grass, huge koi can be found in the ponds, and plenty of local birds added to the magical feeling of being truly connected to nature.
Scenic Trails and Picture-Perfect Moments
View from the Glasloft to the Glasloft Pond and rock sculpture gardens. | Photo: Better Living
Glasbern’s wooded trails wind through flower-filled meadows, past tranquil ponds, and around historic farm structures. The trails range in length, with the longest just under two miles, making them ideal for sunrise walks, nature photography, or simply finding a quiet spot to relax.
Photogenic moments present themselves at every turn. There’s something wonderful to capture around every corner, from climbing the new stone steps on the hillsides that offer amazing views of the entire property, to the relaxing fountains and streams where you can find a shady spot to listen to the water and watch the wildlife.
The meticulously manicured grounds are largely the work of Kenny, the dedicated groundskeeper who maintains this vast property nearly single-handedly. Kenny was out there working the entire time we were visiting, and his stories about the property are as entertaining as they are informative. His dedication shows in every detail, from the pristine walking paths to the carefully tended gardens.
The property transforms dramatically with the seasons. When the leaves change in fall, it becomes incredibly stunning, while winter brings cozy fireside dining and easy access to nearby skiing.
Wellness and Relaxation in Historic Settings
The Spa at Glasbern Inn | Photo: Better Living
The Spa at Glasbern offers a serene escape with multiple treatment rooms and a relaxation area where you can unwind surrounded by authentic barn wood and exposed beams. You can choose from Swedish, deep-tissue, or hot-stone massages, all delivered by licensed professionals in settings that feel like stepping back in time.
The seasonal heated pool behind the Carriage House | Photo: Better Living
The seasonal heated outdoor pool, located behind the Carriage House, became one of our favorite spots during our summer visit. This spacious pool area features plenty of comfortable lounge chairs and is surrounded by lush woodland. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing swim or just want to relax poolside with a good book, it’s yet another reason to stay on the property and soak in the countryside setting.
The Fitness Center provides 24/7 access with treadmill and elliptical machines, free weights, strength training equipment, plus yoga mats and space for stretching.
The People Who Make Glasbern Special
The welcoming Main House entrance at twilight | Photo: Better Living
The staff at Glasbern is simply outstanding, providing hospitality that makes every interaction memorable. From check-in to check-out, everyone goes above and beyond to make you feel truly welcomed.
Beth, the innkeeper, has a wealth of knowledge about the property’s fascinating history and loves sharing stories that bring the place to life. She told us how celebrities like Mr. T, Muhammad Ali, and Mario Andretti have stayed at Glasbern over the years, adding to its rich legacy of hosting notable guests. And in case you’re wondering, she’ll be quick to tell you that the property is not haunted, just full of character!
Kenny, the groundskeeper, is full of entertaining tales about the property’s evolution and his years working alongside Al Granger. His story about having to take Al’s weedwacker away when he was in his 90s captures the hands-on spirit that still defines this place.
The entire dining team was consistently excellent, from the kitchen staff working hard to create beautifully presented, delicious dishes to the servers who provided attentive service that made every meal feel special.
Best Things to Do Near Glasbern Inn
While we barely wanted to leave the property during our stay, Glasbern’s location provides easy access to some fantastic Lehigh Valley attractions when you’re ready to explore beyond those peaceful grounds.
Glasbern Inn is a rare find and one of the most unique Lehigh Valley boutique hotels. It stays true to its historic roots while offering warm hospitality, beautifully restored buildings, and exceptional farm-to-table dining from Chef Christopher. Whether you’re relaxing fireside, soaking in a spiral-staircase hot tub, or exploring the wooded trails, the experience is both peaceful and elevated.
What stood out most was how Glasbern works equally well whether you want to stay on property and soak in the tranquil atmosphere, or use it as a luxury base for exploring the nearby wineries, trails, and small towns of Lehigh Valley. There’s no pressure either way, and the staff excels at helping you create exactly the experience you’re seeking.
I’d absolutely recommend it for travelers who appreciate authentic history, great food, and natural settings where you can truly unwind.
Planning Your Perfect Glasbern Getaway
Glasbern’s illuminated landscaping creates magical evening ambiance at The Packhouse Suites | Photo: Better Living
Glasbern is easily one of the best romantic getaways in Pennsylvania. It offers a quaint countryside setting, cozy suites with fireplaces, and slow mornings over gourmet breakfast. But it’s not just for couples. The inn also shines as a solo trip or for business retreats, where the natural surroundings inspire focus, connection, and creativity.
If you’re searching for a historic countryside inn near Philadelphia with charm, privacy, and award-winning cuisine, Glasbern delivers all of that in a setting that feels quietly luxurious. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy each moment.
I hope this Glasbern Inn review helps you plan your own unforgettable trip!
Best time to visit: Fall for stunning foliage, winter for skiing, spring for blooming gardens, or summer for hiking and relaxing poolside.
How long to stay: Plan at least two nights to fully experience the property. Three nights gives you time to explore nearby Lehigh Valley attractions without feeling rushed.
What to book: The Stables Deluxe Suite for that unique spiral staircase hot tub, or The Dairy for larger groups. Reserve dinner tables early, especially on weekends.
Ready to Book Your Glasbern Experience?
Escape to the peaceful countryside, indulge in farm-to-table dining, and unwind in historic charm.
Check-in is at 4 PM and check-out is by 12 PM. Early check-in or late check-out may be available for an additional fee—just contact the front desk in advance.
Is breakfast included with my stay?
Yes. A full gourmet breakfast for two is included with every overnight booking.
Does Glasbern offer on-site dining?
Yes. Glasbern features a farm-to-table restaurant in the Main Barn and a more casual Pub for drinks and light bites. Dinner is open to the public; breakfast is exclusive to overnight guests.
Are spa treatments available?
Yes. The Spa at Glasbern offers Swedish, deep-tissue, and hot-stone massages. Booking at least two weeks in advance is recommended.
Is Glasbern family-friendly?
Children are welcome, though the peaceful setting and historic buildings are best suited for adults seeking a quiet getaway.
Does Glasbern have free Wi-Fi?
Yes. Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, including rooms and public spaces.
Are there Tesla or EV chargers on-site?
Yes. A Tesla charging station is available for an additional fee. Contact the inn for details.
Are all rooms king beds? Do you have two beds?
All guest rooms feature king beds. Some suites have sofa beds—please inquire when booking.
Are pets allowed?
Yes. Glasbern offers three pet-friendly rooms. Call or email ahead to confirm availability.
Is Glasbern accessible?
Due to the historic nature of the buildings, some rooms require stairs and there are no elevators. Ground-floor rooms are available—call to discuss any mobility concerns.
What’s the best time of year to visit Glasbern?
Fall offers stunning foliage, winter is perfect for fireside dining, spring brings blooming gardens, and summer is great for hiking and outdoor dining.
How far is Glasbern from Philly or NYC?
Glasbern is about 90 minutes from Philadelphia and 2 hours from New York City—ideal for a weekend escape.
Are there walking trails on the property?
Yes! Glasbern’s 150 acres include scenic trails, ponds, and gardens perfect for nature walks and wildlife spotting.
Are there things to do nearby?
Absolutely. Glasbern is close to wineries, hiking spots, charming towns, and local dining. See the section above for our top picks!
Better Living uses affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no cost to you.
Looking for things to do in Downtown Lancaster, PA? This 4-day itinerary and travel guide explores the best places for you to stay, dine, shop, and experience in the heart of the city.
Downtown Lancaster, PA surprised me at every turn during my recent 4-day stay. A rooftop bar with sweeping views of both city rooftops and rolling farmland. The oldest continuously operating farmers market in America. A New York Times–recognized restaurant serving seasonal small plates. And more than 14,000 preserved historic structures, all within a walkable, welcoming city.
While I’d visited Lancaster County several times before for its Amish Country and our Southeast Pennsylvania Foodie Road Trip, I’d never fully explored the city at its heart. This compact downtown packs incredible value for travelers seeking history, culture, and cuisine without big-city hassles.
Founded in 1730, Lancaster is one of the oldest inland cities in the United States. It has a rich history that even includes serving as the U.S. capital for one day during the Revolutionary War. Today, this city of 60,000 blends historic charm with creative energy across just seven square miles.
Downtown Lancaster Delivers More Than You Expect
Panoramic view of downtown Lancaster from The Exchange rooftop bar | Photo: Better Living
One of the most unique things about Lancaster County is the beautiful transition between countryside and city. You’re driving through peaceful farmland with rolling hills, and then suddenly you’re in this vibrant downtown with storied buildings, great restaurants, and a thriving arts scene. Even better – you can actually enjoy views of those same beautiful hills from rooftop spots downtown. It’s the best of both worlds.
Even though I only live about an hour away, spending time in downtown Lancaster felt like a true getaway. All the food, art, and culture you’d hope for, without the traffic or stress. Parking was easy (free after 6pm on most streets!), and the Marriott’s connected garage made arriving and exploring hassle-free.
I couldn’t believe how walkable everything was. From my base at the Marriott, I reached nearly every spot on foot in 10 minutes or less. The streets felt safe and welcoming, with beautifully preserved architecture on nearly every block. There’s a genuine friendliness here that made me feel more like a neighbors than a tourist.
The Rich History of Lancaster
Lancaster’s architecture spans four centuries, from 1700s log houses to modern builds. Its historic district covers about three square miles and includes thousands of preserved structures, making it one of the largest designated historic areas in the country. You can feel that depth of history as you explore streets that have barely changed since the city was founded.
Downtown Lancaster has a wonderful authenticity to it. Known as the “Red Rose City” (after Lancashire, England), you’ll spot rose designs throughout town. But there’s so much substance beyond the pretty visuals – from the NY Times-recognized restaurant Passerine to the historic Fulton Theatre (America’s oldest continuously operating theater) to the incredible Central Market that’s been operating since 1730 as the oldest continuously running farmers market in the country.
Every corner of this city has a story, and I was so glad to experience it.
My Hotel Strategy: Splitting Time Between Two Districts
The comfortable lobby of Lancaster Arts Hotel with original artwork | Photo: Better Living
To fully explore Downtown Lancaster from different vantage points, I split my stay between two standout hotels.
Starting at the centrally located Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, then shifting to the Lancaster Arts Hotel near the city’s creative corridor. This approach gave me a real feel for the different neighborhoods, the historic heart and the arts district. Each property offered its own atmosphere, amenities, and easy access to nearby highlights.
Downtown Lancaster’s Food Scene: Historic Roots, Modern Flavor
The artfully plated Melon & Prosciutto appetizer at C’est La Vie | Photo: Better Living
What sets Downtown Lancaster apart is how effortlessly it pairs centuries of history with innovative spirit. Where else can you see a play in a theater that’s hosted audiences since 1852, then walk a few blocks to sip cocktails in a sleek rooftop bar or explore a global food hall?
Lancaster’s dining scene surprised me most. It rivals cities many times its size in diversity, execution, and creativity. From the French bistro ambiance of C’est La Vie to the elevated cantina fare at Double C, every meal added new flavor to the experience.
I watched the sunset from The Exchange rooftop lounge, devoured authentic Venezuelan arepas at Chellas, and discovered why Passerine earned a place on the New York Times list of the 50 best restaurants in America.
Even the casual spots delivered. Decades blends retro bowling with shockingly great cocktails and Southern Market brings international flavors together under one beautifully restored roof. For breakfast, Rachel’s Café & Crêperie offers a delightful blend of French-inspired classics and creative combinations, while Plough elevates even a simple midday meal with its farm-to-table focus.
Planning Your Downtown Lancaster Trip: What This Guide Covers
From the moment I checked into the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square and spotted the rooftop bar I’d later return to at sunset, to the final morning browsing 300 N. Queen’s block of indie shops, Downtown Lancaster kept revealing new layers of warmth and personality. This small city offers more culinary finds, imaginative spaces, and heritage sites than destinations twice its size.
This guide walks you through my complete 4-night Lancaster experience, showcasing:
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer trip, I’ve mapped out the perfect route through the city. It highlights many dining, shopping, and photo-worthy spots you should definitely check out.
Ready to discover one of Pennsylvania’s most unexpected escapes? Here’s everything Downtown Lancaster has to offer in 2025.
Where to Stay in Downtown Lancaster PA: Best Hotel Picks for Your Trip
If you’re visiting Downtown Lancaster, where you stay can shape your whole experience. I chose to split my time between two of the city’s most distinctive hotels – one in the historic heart of downtown, and one tucked into Lancaster’s creative corridor. Each offered a completely different vibe, and both made my trip feel seamless, comfortable, and memorable.
Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square: Best Hotel for Central Downtown Access
Evening view of the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square | Photo: Better Living
📍 Location:25 South Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 🎯 Perfect For: City explorers, food lovers, history buffs, business travelers ⭐ Highlights: Rooftop dining at The Exchange, M Club lounge, unbeatable location
When planning my Lancaster city getaway, I knew I wanted to stay in the heart of downtown. The Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square delivered that, and so much more.
History Meets Modern Luxury
The hotel’s striking facade immediately catches your eye. A seamless blend of the 1898 Beaux Arts-style Watt & Shand building with a modern tower rising behind it. This architectural marvel hints at what awaits inside: historical significance married with contemporary comfort.
Navigating check-in was remarkably smooth. I pulled up to the entrance, where the staff directed me to temporarily park while getting my keys. Their clear instructions for accessing the connected Penn Square Garage (with in-out privileges) made the arrival process effortless. A quick walk across the skybridge brought me back to the elevators and up to my room.
Accommodations That Exceed Expectations
The bedroom of corner suite 523 at the Lancaster Marriott with panoramic city views at sunset | Photo: Better Living
I stayed in a King Suite (Room 563) with floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping views of the city. The layout was smart, with a separate sitting area and bedroom, offering plenty of space to work and relax. Even with its downtown location, the room stayed remarkably quiet
The bathroom had excellent lighting, a walk-in shower, and generous counter space. And the bed? Supportive, soft, and topped with high-quality linens. I slept great every night.
Why the M Club Upgrade Is Worth It
Access to the M Club lounge was a game-changer. Beyond the substantial complimentary breakfast (featuring eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and pastries), the all-day access to specialty coffees, espresso drinks, and bottled water became our daily ritual. Having this comfortable space to regroup, with its mixture of seating options and attentive service, added tremendous value to my stay.
Amenities That Impress
Resort-like indoor pool area at the Lancaster Marriott | Photo: Better Living
I was seriously impressed by the selection of amenities here. The hotel’s indoor pool area is stunning with its resort-like atmosphere. It’s a serene oasis with water features, a hot tub, and plenty of lounge chairs. The large fitness center is a bright space with plenty of modern equipment suitable for a complete workout. I didn’t visit the on-site Drift Spa, but its menu of services looked enticing for future visits.
Dining Destinations Without Leaving the Hotel
With three distinct dining options, The Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square has strongly positioned itself as a foodie destination hotel.
Two Kings served breakfast in a sunny space with city views and offered both buffet and à la carte options.
Plough, their farm-to-table restaurant, highlighted local ingredients and served up a cozy atmosphere for lunch and dinner.
The Exchange on the rooftop is exceptional. We caught the sunset with cocktails and small plates, watching the light shift over downtown’s rooftops and steeples. The food and drinks were as good as anything we’ve had in bigger cities, with a distinctly local twist.
Unbeatable Location
Historic Penn Square with the landmark Griest Building towering over downtown Lancaster | Photo: Better Living
The Marriott’s greatest asset might be its prime location. The hotel is directly across from the historic Central Market and within blocks of Gallery Row, the Fulton Theatre, and countless shops and restaurants. I only needed my car once during the stay.
The walkability factor cannot be overstated. Nearly every attraction in downtown Lancaster lies within a 10-minute stroll. This convenience allowed me to pop back to the hotel to drop off purchases or take a brief rest before heading out again.
Plan Your Visit
For travelers looking to be fully immersed in downtown, The Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square should be at the top of your list. It offers a perfect combination of luxury, convenience, and service. Just be sure to request a higher floor for the best views, and don’t miss sunset at The Exchange.
Lancaster Arts Hotel: Best Boutique Stay Near Lancaster’s Stadium District
A beautiful evening at Lancaster Arts Hotel | Photo: Better Living
📍 Location:300 Harrisburg Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603 🎯 Perfect For: Art lovers, couples, creative spirits, history enthusiasts ⭐ Highlights: Living art gallery, historic warehouse setting, complimentary breakfast, Presidential Suite
When planning our Lancaster getaway, we wanted to explore both the excitement of downtown and the city’s more laid-back districts. The Lancaster Arts Hotel gave me a boutique experience unlike anything else in town.
Historic Charm Meets Creative Vision
Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century tobacco warehouse, the Lancaster Arts Hotel blends history, art, and modern luxury. Part boutique hotel, part living gallery filled with over 260 original works by Pennsylvania artists, it’s easily one of the most unique stays in the city.
Accommodations That Celebrate History
The comfortable living area in the Presidential Suite at Lancaster Arts Hotel | Photo: Better Living
Across the hotel’s 63 rooms and suites, preserved details like exposed brick, rustic beams, and original wood floors are paired with contemporary furnishings and modern touches like flat-screen TVs and plush robes.
We stayed in the Presidential Suite, the most spacious and luxurious option. The king bedroom, complete with a whirlpool tub, felt like a private retreat. An expansive living room with a cozy sofa, chairs, sink, and fridge provided plenty of space to unwind.
The bed was just the right firmness and topped with silky linens that made for restful sleep. The bathroom, outfitted with Tarocco’s Sicilian blood orange-scented toiletries, added a subtle touch of luxury.
Thoughtful Touches
The spacious bedroom of the Presidential Suite at the Lancaster Arts Hotel | Photo: Better Living
USB charging ports and complimentary Wi-Fi make it easy to stay connected, though the hotel invites guests to unplug and get creative. Each room includes a sketchpad and pencil, encouraging artistic expression. Some guest creations even make it into the elevators alongside professional artwork.
Nightly turndown service adds a personal touch: a fresh rose, locally made chocolate, and Saratoga Still water await you at the end of the day.
Dining at Lancaster Arts Hotel
Complimentary continental breakfast at Lancaster Arts Hotel | Photo: Better Living
The complimentary deluxe continental breakfast includes made-to-order pancakes, Mediterranean quiche, fresh fruit, yogurt, scones, and more. It’s a great way to start the day.
For dinner, John J. Jeffries, the on-site farm-to-table restaurant, offers a locally sourced menu featuring pasture-raised meats and organic produce. If the weather’s nice, snag a table in the romantic brick courtyard.
Ideal Location & Extra Perks
The meeting space at Lancaster Arts Hotel is also a gallery showcasing Pennsylvania artists | Photo: Better Living
The hotel is within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and local favorites like Beiler’s Donuts. Free garage parking is a rare perk in a city, and complimentary bikes make it easy to explore Lancaster at your own pace.
Guests can also enjoy the on-site fitness center or use free passes to the YMCA across the street, which includes an indoor pool. The lobby and adjacent boardroom displays even more artwork, creating a gallery-like atmosphere throughout.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re in town for a weekend escape, business, or simply looking for a unique stay, the Lancaster Arts Hotel delivers a mix of history, character, and creativity that’s hard to find elsewhere. For a more artistic and relaxed side of Lancaster, this boutique gem hits all the right notes.
In Downtown Lancaster, you’ll never go hungry with so many great food options available. There’s seriously something for every budget, craving, and taste.
Within just a few blocks, I discovered rooftop fine dining, authentic global cuisine, and innovative farm-to-table restaurants, all showcasing genuine passion and local ingredients.
What impressed me most was how seamlessly these dining spots integrate into the city’s historic buildings. You might find yourself enjoying a craft cocktail in a converted warehouse, savoring Venezuelan arepas in a cozy storefront, or watching the sunset from a 12th-floor rooftop while sampling locally-sourced small plates.
Here’s where I dined from my four night visit.
Plough Restaurant (Farm-to-Table)
The dining area at Plough Restaurant with views of Penn Square | Photo: Better Living
My culinary tour of downtown Lancaster began right where I’m staying, at Plough, the Lancaster Marriott’s farm-to-table restaurant. The space is very inviting, with its high ceilings, warm wood floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of downtown.
Executive Chef Ryan McQuillan’s local sourcing philosophy shines through in every dish. The restaurant proudly partners with nearby farms like Blue Moon Acres and Eleven Oaks, and that commitment to freshness was evident throughout our meal.
The lunch menu featured an impressive variety of options. We started with the hearty Bison & IPA Chili, followed by Fish Tacos with grilled cod, poblano crema and bright mojo sauce.
Expertly prepared Roasted Atlantic Salmon at Plough Restaurant | Photo: Better Living
But the Roasted Atlantic Salmon was truly outstanding. This was, without exaggeration, the freshest salmon I’ve had since visiting Canada. The exterior was perfectly crisp while maintaining a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth interior. What elevated this dish was the accompaniments. Kalamata olive and golden raisin tabbouleh that provided sweet-savory bursts alongside a cumin yogurt and spring onion chimichurri. Every bite offered new flavor combinations, and the presentation was as beautiful as it was delicious.
I finished with the Lavender Almond Polenta Cake. Subtle floral notes, not too sweet, and topped with fresh whipped cream and slivered almonds.
Having a restaurant of this caliber as part of the hotel is incredibly convenient, and combined with The Exchange rooftop bar, it makes the Lancaster Marriott a foodie destination in its own right. While lunch impressed me thoroughly, the dinner menu already has me planning a return trip.
The Exchange (Rooftop Views)
Stunning sunset views from The Exchange rooftop restaurant at the Lancaster Marriott | Photo: Better Living
📍 Location:Lancaster Marriott’s 12th floor 🎯 Perfect For: Sunset cocktails, skyline views, date night ⭐ Highlight Dish: Calabrian Chili Chicken Wings
Perched 12 floors above downtown Lancaster, The Exchange delivered one of the most memorable highlights of my trip. I arrived at 5:30pm to secure a prime spot by the window. Watching the sunset transform the city’s historic church steeples and red-brick buildings was nothing short of magical, even with a light spring rain that evening.
The space strikes just the right balance between upscale and approachable. Sleek contemporary design with floor-to-ceiling windows and an open kitchen where you can watch the culinary team in action. Arrive early to request a window table or snag a spot by the outdoor fire pits.
Calabrian Chili Chicken Wings at The Exchange topped with toasted hazelnuts and green onions | Photo: Better Living
The Calabrian Chili Chicken Wings were extra crispy with an addictive blend of heat, sweetness, and crunch from the toasted hazelnuts. The Spicy Crab Bucatini was also outstanding. Equally impressive were their craft cocktails, including the smoky-sweet Mezcolada that paired great with our meal.
For dessert, The Strawberry Matcha Tiramisu offered a sweet ending, with strawberry cream wrapped around cloud-like cake and dusted with matcha powder. It was a brilliant pairing of earthy and sweet notes.
By 8pm, every seat was filled with a lively mix of patrons, and it’s easy to see why. For a city of Lancaster’s size, The Exchange feels like a rooftop you’d expect in a major metropolis, yet maintains an unpretentious warmth that makes it a must-visit.
Double C (Farm-to-Table Burgers & Tacos)
The inviting bar area at Double C featuring playful art celebrating Lancaster’s agricultural heritage | Photo: Better Living
If you’re looking for Lancaster’s most ethically sourced and flavor-forward burger, start here. Double C isn’t just another “farm-to-table” spot, it’s a mission.
Chefs Sean Cavanaugh and Michael Carson, the same duo behind Lancaster’s acclaimed John J. Jeffries, have spent nearly two decades working with local farms to raise the bar for responsibly sourced meat. We’re talking pasture-raised, organic, and free range meats with full-carcass butchery to respect every animal. You can taste the quality in every dish.
They call it Keystone Casual:Seriously good, responsibly sourced food in a relaxed, no-attitude space.
Start with Spicy or Colonial Margaritas, always prepared with fresh squeezed lime and perfectly balanced. The wild-caught shrimp tacos were huge and delicious. “Nacho Mama’s Kick A$$ Nachos” may have a clever name, but they’re all business when it comes to flavor: warm queso, pickled jalapeños, and a generous portion of meat on house chips. I’ve been dreaming about them.
The famous Double C Bowl with perfectly crisped pork belly atop spicy mac & cheese | Photo: Better Living
The Double C Bowl was my favorite. Spicy mac and cheese, fire-roasted tomato sauce, chimichurri, shredded cheese, and 2 slabs of the best, crispy pork belly I’ve ever had. It’s simply addictive.
And then there’s The Pickle Man Burger. Grass-fed beef (or lamb), dill pickles from Lancaster Pickle Co., Colby cheese, tomato, and raw onion on a soft bun. It’s everything a burger should be.
Despite all the behind-the-scenes sourcing and prep, prices stay fair, and portions are generous. Street parking is free after 6pm, or you’re a quick walk from the Water Street Garage.
C’est La Vie (French Bistro)
A sunlit corner table at C’est La Vie bistro showcasing the charming ambiance of downtown Lancaster | Photo: Better Living
Having spent time in Paris, I was delighted by the authentic bistro atmosphere at C’est La Vie. This local favorite next to Lancaster Central Market transports you straight to France.
The Baked French Onion Soup arrived bubbling hot with a golden crown of three cheeses. It totally hit the spot on a rainy afternoon. The Melon & Prosciutto offered a refreshing contrast with compressed honeydew, creamy goat cheese fondant and crispy fried speck.
Rich and hearty Boeuf Bourguignon served in a cast iron skillet at C’est La Vie | Photo: Better Living
The Crab Cake Sandwich was fantastic, with its generous lumps of crab and delicate shrimp mousse served on a buttery croissant. But the Boeuf Bourguignon was truly memorable. A hearty, enormous portion or tender beef in rich wine sauce, served in a sizzling cast iron skillet.
For dessert, the Carrot Cake delivered subtle sweetness with vanilla cream and fresh fruit coulis. The star though, was the Chocolate Rocher. A clever, decadent take on a giant Ferrero Rocher with silky dark chocolate mousse and crunchy hazelnut elements.
Just a quick stroll from the Marriott, C’est La Vie delivers a slice of Paris in Lancaster, no passport required.
Rachel’s Café & Creperie (Breakfast & Lunch)
The vibrant exterior at Rachel’s Café & Creperie. One of downtown Lancaster’s most Instagram-worthy spots | Photo: Better Living
📍 Location:201 W Walnut St, Lancaster, PA 17603 🎯 Perfect For: Breakfast, brunch, lunch ⭐ Highlight Dishes: Steak & Eggs Crepe, French Toast Crepe
You can’t miss Rachel’s Café & Creperie, the vibrant turquoise building with colorful floral murals makes it one of Lancaster’s most Instagram-worthy spots. Operating for over 18 years, this local favorite offers another little slice of Paris just a few blocks from downtown.
The interior embraces a cheerful Parisian theme with vintage photos of the Eiffel Tower, wood floors, and a cozy, eclectic atmosphere. The heated outdoor patio adds year-round alfresco dining options too.
Steak & Eggs crepe from Rachel’s Café & Creperie. Their signature, oversized handheld breakfast | Photo: Better Living
Now these aren’t your typical French-style crepes. They are massive handheld creations, practically hoagie-sized! I tried the Steak & Eggs, packed with ribeye, Swiss cheese, mushrooms, and onions. It made for a hearty breakfast that could easily work for lunch too.
The French Toast is a cinnamon sugar-infused crepe filled with eggs, cheddar, and your choice of breakfast meat, then showered with powdered sugar. It’s essentially dessert for breakfast, and I’m not complaining.
Recommended for breakfast or brunch before exploring downtown, Rachel’s makes an ideal start to your Lancaster day. With free on-site parking (a downtown rarity) and convenient proximity to the Fulton Theatre and Gallery Row, it’s worth seeking out this colorful corner spot.
Chellas Arepa Kitchen (South American)
Enjoying South American inspired cuisine at Chellas Arepa Kitchen with owner Luis in downtown Lancaster | Photo: Better Living
📍 Location:325 N. Queen St. G01, Lancaster, PA 17603 🎯 Perfect For: South American cuisine, gluten-free dining, casual lunch ⭐ Highlight Dishes: Pernil Arepa, Lomo Saltado, Yuca Fries
Tucked away on North Queen Street without a flashy sign, Chellas Arepa Kitchen might be easy to miss, but this hidden gem is absolutely worth seeking out. Once inside, the space opens up surprisingly, with plenty of seating areas, exposed brick walls, and pops of turquoise furniture that complement the playful llama motif found throughout.
💡 TIP: This location is known at “Chellas on Queen”. Choose this one in your GPS.
For the uninitiated, arepas are flat, savory cornmeal breads popular in South America, particularly Venezuela and Colombia. At Chellas, they arrive with a perfect texture – slightly crispy exterior giving way to a soft, warm interior, then filled with a variety of ingredient combinations.
The freshly-made Pernil Arepa from Chellas Arepa Kitchen | Photo: Better Living
The Pernil Arepa showcased honey BBQ roasted pulled pork with sweet plantains, black beans, and shredded cheese that struck all the right sweet, savory, and spicy notes. For vegetarians, their black bean, sweet plantain, and cotija cheese arepa delivers equally impressive flavor without the meat.
Don’t miss the Lomo Saltado! This Peruvian classic features tender grilled steak sautéed with red onions, fresh tomatoes, and cubed yuca in Grandma Chella’s signature sauce. The homemade chimichurri sauce deserves special mention. It’s bright, herbaceous, and a wonderful complement to both the arepas and the crispy yuca fries. The Mad Llama hot sauce adds extra flavor with subtle heat rather than overwhelming spice.
I also met the owner Luis, who shared the touching story behind the name. The restaurant is a tribute to his grandmother “Chellas” whose recipes inspired the menu. His passion for sharing authentic South American flavors with Lancaster was evident in every dish.
With reasonable prices for generous portions, a warm atmosphere, and an entirely gluten-free menu (with several vegan options), Chellas has carved out a unique niche in Lancaster’s dining scene. Once you’ve found this hidden spot, you’ll definitely want to return to explore more of their menu.
Passerine (Seasonal American)
The inviting interior of Passerine, recognized by The New York Times as one of America’s best restaurants | Photo: Better Living
📍 Location:114 N. Prince St., Lancaster, PA 17603 🎯 Perfect For: Farm-to-table dining, shareable plates, relaxed fine dining ⭐ Highlight Dishes: Whole Grilled Branzino, Spring Peas, White Chocolate Panna Cotta
Recently named one of The New York Times’ 50 favorite restaurants in America, Passerine is earning national attention, but still feels like a special find in the heart of Lancaster. The space is warm and welcoming, with exposed brick, natural wood, and woven pendant lights that strikes a balance between relaxed and refined.
Chef Kevin Venbrux curated my meal with a thoughtfulness that mirrors Passerine’s philosophy: seasonal, shareable dishes made with the freshest local ingredients.
The Spring Peas was an unexpected surprise with vibrant green peas in ramp oil, finished with fennel pollen, mint, and preserved lemon. It paired beautifully with Hakurei Turnips topped with whipped ricotta and pickled ramps. These humble vegetables became something special. I’m still talking about them.
The Snap Pea Crepe Cake delivered layers of seasonal flavor. Delicate sheets folded with Sorrento ricotta, topped with lemon foam, citrus salt, and a dollop of caviar. The Beetroot Carpaccio, arranged with golden and red beets, Linden Dale goat cheese, sunchoke chips, and pickled sultanas, was both colorful and complex.
Expertly prepared Branzino with fresh herbs and lemon at Passerine | Photo: Better Living
Beans & Fennel with Breakaway Farms sausage and the Gnocchi Sardi offered rustic comfort. But it was the Whole Grilled Branzino that stole the show. Crispy skin, tender and buttery inside, stuffed with butter-poached cipollini onions and finished with sorrel cream and salmon roe. Absolutely exceptional.
I ended with a White Chocolate Panna Cotta topped with bruleed banana and goat milk caramel. A refined, not-too-sweet finish to an unforgettable meal.
Passerine’s constantly changing menu is hyper-focused on what’s fresh from the Susquehanna River Valley, so every visit promises something new. I can’t wait to return.
Southern Market (Global Food Hall)
The historic Southern Market, built in 1888 is now home to a vibrant food hall in downtown Lancaster | Photo: Better Living
📍 Location:100 S. Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 🎯 Perfect For: Casual dining, group outings, diverse food options ⭐ Highlight Dishes: Chicken Shawarma, Falafel Hummus Bowl
Foodie’s visiting Lancaster, PA, shouldn’t miss Southern Market. Built in 1888 as a farmers market and only a block from the Marriott, this historic space has been renovated into a modern food hall and community center, packed with incredible flavors from around the world. Walk in hungry, because you’ll want to try everything.
Whether you’re craving savory, spicy, or sweet, there’s something delicious for whatever you’re craving. Inside, choose from over a dozen chef stations serving up everything from Moroccan and Middle Eastern to Latin cuisine, sushi, pho, noodles, pizza, and tacos. Grab a coffee with an authentic style Berlin doughnut or macaron or order up some authentic Jewish Deli.
Hummus Bowl with falafel served from Layali El Sham at Southern Market | Photo: Better Living
For something super unique try Columbian and Laotian fusion or stay closer to home with local favorites like a one pound pretzel or gourmet chicken sandwich, all crafted by talented chefs. The setup here makes it easy to grab what catches your eye, then find a spot in the airy, communal space where there’s plenty of comfortable seating.
On a recent stop I ordered the Chicken Shawarma from Flavors of Morocco and the creamy Hummus Bowl with falafel served with pita and veggies on the side from Layali El Sham. I wouldn’t hesitate to order up either again. I was blown away by how delicious, fresh and authentic the dishes were. And the portions were really generous too.
The atmosphere here is laid-back and friendly. It’s the perfect place to take a break while exploring the city or grab a bite with a group. For something to do at night, check out their fun weekly trivia and trivioke (trivia + karaoke) events. You can grab some great food, have some drinks, and even win prizes. Southern Market is open 5 days a week.
💙 Love What You’ve Seen So Far?
Let Downtown Lancaster charm you! Find seasonal events, trip ideas, and a free visitors guide to help you plan your perfect visit at DiscoverLancaster.com
Things to Do in Downtown Lancaster PA
In Downtown Lancaster, you’ll be amazed at how much there is to do. From historic sites to entertainment venues, the city offers an incredible variety of experiences into its compact city. Whether you’re seeking cultural enrichment, family fun, or evening entertainment, Lancaster delivers it all.
Decades (Retro Arcade & Bowling)
The six-lane bowling alley at Decades, housed in the historic Stahr Armory building | Photo: Better Living
📍 Location:438 N Queen St., Lancaster, PA 17603 🎯 Perfect For: Nostalgic fun, casual date nights, group outings ⭐ Highlights: Vintage arcade games, boutique bowling, craft cocktails
Housed in the historic Stahr Armory building on North Queen Street, Decades breathes new life into this iconic 95-year-old structure. The 15,000-square-foot former gymnasium now serves as the backdrop for a venue that masterfully blends retro gaming with elevated food and drinks.
With over 40 classic arcade games including Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, NBA Jam, and Frogger, Decades offers a delightful trip down memory lane. Each game takes 1-2 special Decades tokens (available for $5 for 20 tokens), making this nostalgic entertainment surprisingly affordable.
The six-lane boutique bowling alley operates on a first-come, first-served basis at $11 per person per hour, including shoes. What makes bowling at Decades special is the full-service option. Anything from their food and bar menus can be served right to your lane.
The dramatic presentation of the Toasted Pecan Smoked Old Fashioned cocktail at Decades | Photo: Better Living
Speaking of drinks, Decades’ bar program is genuinely impressive. I tried the Toasted Pecan Smoked Old Fashioned (Elijah Craig bourbon, toasted pecan syrup, and bitters, smoked in front of you), and The All Seeing Eye (orange vodka, Kahlua, and chocolate liqueur with espresso dramatically served in an ice ball that the bartender cracks open with a hammer). The Blood Moon Rising (Teremana blanco, blood orange, lime and habanero tincture) added a spicy kick to our evening.
When hunger strikes, the pretzel bites and fajita egg rolls are sharable snacks. Though they’re best known for their wings, burgers, and sandwiches.
See also
One practical note: Parking couldn’t be easier, with the North Queen Street Garage (operated by Lancaster Parking Authority) located right next door. Just be aware that Decades becomes 21+ after 8:30pm, making earlier hours ideal for family visits.
See a Show at the Historic Fulton Theatre
The Fulton Theatre, America’s oldest continuously operating theater, built in 1852 | Photo: Better Living
📍 Location:12 N Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603 🎯 Perfect For: Theatre lovers, history enthusiasts, local culture ⭐ Highlight Features: National Historic Landmark status, Broadway-caliber productions, behind-the-scenes tours
Known as “The Grand Old Lady of Prince Street” and named after Robert Fulton, the Lancaster-born inventor of the steamboat – The Fulton Theatre isn’t just a playhouse. Step inside and you’ll find yourself in one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in the U.S.
Built in 1852 on the foundation of Lancaster’s pre-Revolutionary jail, this stunning Victorian-style venue with preserved architectural details and National Historic Landmark status has hosted everything from Shakespearean dramas to Broadway-caliber musicals. Famous figures like Mark Twain, Sarah Bernhardt and popular 19th century actor Edwin Booth have graced its stage.
While much of its history is preserved, a recent 19 million dollar expansion and renovation has turned it into a state-of-the-art playhouse that includes modern lighting and sound equipment, more lobby space for show goers and a public bar and lounge.
What’s unique about the Fulton Theater is that all the shows are self-produced by their own in-house creative team, which means no show is an exact Broadway production replica. Every show is one-of-a-kind with story, stage and setting twists you won’t see anywhere else. And each is only around for a limited time.
Standing on stage at the Fulton Theatre | Photo: Better Living
For an even more immersive experience, guided tours for groups of 10 or more offer a rare glimpse of the magic happening behind the scenes. Walk through the Fulton’s historic halls, hear stories of its rich past, and see how its team brings productions to life. If scheduling allows, you’ll even get a peek at where the costumes, props, and set designs come together. Each tour lasts about an hour and includes plenty of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Beyond its main stage productions and tours, the Fulton Theatre also offers intimate studio productions, family-friendly shows, and tribute concerts celebrating legends like Patsy Cline and Queen. Upcoming shows for 2025 include Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar and Frozen.
Tickets sell out fast, so be sure to plan and book tickets in advance. Matinee and evening showtimes are available.
Shopping at Lancaster Central Market
The historic Lancaster Central Market, America’s oldest continuously operating farmers market since 1730 | Photo: Better Living
📍 Location:23 N Market St, Lancaster, PA 17603 🎯 Perfect For: Food lovers, history enthusiasts, souvenir shopping ⭐ Highlight Features: 300-year history, 65+ local vendors, multi-generational family businesses
If there’s a farmers market worth visiting, Lancaster Central Market is it. Chartered by King George II in 1730, it holds the title of America’s oldest continuously operating farmers market. Approaching 300 years, this landmark in Penn Square is still going strong, featuring over 65 vendors, many of them family-run for generations.
This huge market has everything from fresh-cut flowers to farm-fresh ingredients, meats, teas, pickles, juices, and spices, plus locally made cheeses and enough baked goods, cookies, pies, chocolates, and pastries to test your willpower. And nothing pairs better with market browsing than a freshly brewed coffee.
If all that walking makes you hungry, you’re in luck. The market is packed with ready-to-go food counters, serving up everything from local favorites like fresh pretzels, pierogies, Pennsylvania Dutch specialties, gourmet sandwiches, and soul food to global flavors including African, Latin and Caribbean, and Scandinavian cuisine.
Lancaster Central Market’s bustling interior with diverse vendor stalls and local produce | Photo: Better Living
For a bird’s-eye view, head to the stairs or elevator to the market’s balcony, where you can grab a table and take in the lively bustle below.
Staying at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square? You’re in luck! The market is just a one-minute walk away. Even if you’re coming from outside downtown, there’s plenty of parking nearby. The market opens at 6am, so you can roll out of bed and surround yourself with delicious sights and smells before the day even starts.
Most vendors accept credit cards, but a few are cash-only. Thankfully, an ATM is available on-site if needed. Early mornings are best for beating the crowds, and Tuesdays tend to be quieter than the bustling weekends. One last tip? Bring a cooler bag, you’ll be glad you did.
The market is open Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Fair warning – you’ll likely end up leaving with way more food than you planned.
Explore Lancaster’s Art District on Gallery Row
Gallery Row showcases Red Raven Art Company and Freiman Stoltzfus Gallery on North Prince Street | Photo: Better Living
📍 Location:North Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 🎯 Perfect For: Art enthusiasts, collectors, cultural exploration ⭐ Highlight Features: Diverse art galleries, working studios, historic architecture
Brimming with talent, Lancaster is a destination that truly celebrates art. Just a short stroll from the Lancaster Central Market and the Marriott, Gallery Row on North Prince Street is a must-visit for art lovers. This vibrant art district is packed with galleries showcasing a variety of styles and mediums, all housed in beautiful historic storefronts. It’s a wonderful way to soak in Lancaster’s thriving arts scene at a relaxed pace.
Here you’ll find Karen Anderer Fine Art (146 N Prince St), an iconic haven for fine contemporary works, and Red Raven Art Co. (138 N Prince St), a local favorite featuring a rotating collection of art in a variety of mediums from over 40 artists. Freiman Stoltzfus Gallery (142 N Prince St) showcases the ethereal art of this local artist’s Amish-Mennonite roots, blended with inspiration from his world travels and love of poetry, music, nature, and geometry.
Local artwork on display at Red Raven. One of Gallery Row’s many galleries | Photo: Better Living
Nooks (112 N Prince St), a cozy independent bookstore and art gallery, offers a curated collection of illustrated books and toys for children, along with unique books for adults meant to inspire curiosity. And the PCAD Gallery, in the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (204 N Prince St), features student and faculty exhibitions with fresh, modern perspectives.
Just a block away, at the corner of Orange & Queen, the recently opened Lancaster Art Vault (100 N Queen St, 1st Floor) is an art lover’s dream. With 15,000 square feet of open gallery space and artist studios in a former bank building, you can easily spend an hour here strolling through room after room of rotating gallery exhibitions featuring local and national artists. Everything from paintings and sculptures to photography and digital art could be on display. Have fun chatting with working in-studio artists, and before you leave, shop for unique handmade pieces, including prints, jewelry, and pottery.
Boutique Shopping on Queen Street
Quaint storefronts along North Queen Street in Lancaster’s “300 Block” boutique shopping district | Photo: Better Living
For great shopping condensed in a small area, head to the 300 Block of North Queen Street. Here you’ll discover a community of independent shops, including clothing boutiques, art galleries, and quirky gift shops with one-of-a-kind and unique goods, many of which are locally and USA made.
The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen operates The Guild Store (335 N Queen St), featuring handmade works from over 125 local artists, including furniture, jewelry, textiles, glass, and ceramics. Discover unique artisan pieces while directly supporting local makers.
If you love some sparkle, J.A. Sharp Custom Jeweler (322 N Queen St) is a woman-owned jewelry store and studio, offering custom-made designs alongside pieces from 25 independent artists. Every item is ethically made in the USA, using recycled precious metals and responsibly sourced stones.
Set aside plenty of time to browse BUiLDiNG CHARACTER ( 342 N Queen St). This sprawling marketplace spanning over 10,000 square feet is home to over 80 independent shops in three connecting historic warehouses that focus on sharing repurposed gems and sustainably crafted goods. Shop for everything from reclaimed wood furniture, antiques, art, crystals and locally handcrafted soaps, to vintage clothing, accessories, vinyl records, retro décor and more.
Vintage Young shop offers a treasure trove of books, collectibles, and antiques in downtown Lancaster | Photo: Better Living
Madcap & Co. (310 N Queen St) is a fun specialty shop known for its eclectic mix of Made-in-USA gifts, quirky stationery, candles, stickers, retro candy, and playful modern finds with a sense of humor.
Want to update your wardrobe? Redeux Vintage (323 N Queen St) blends nostalgia and modern style with its collection of new and vintage clothing, including 70s workwear and 90s graphic tees. Next door, Lovi Boutique (325 N Queen St) is a stylish women’s boutique, offering fashion-forward chic clothing, dresses, and accessories, ideal for a special occasion or a glow-up.
For a little treat after all of Queen Street’s retail therapy, pop into Sweetish Candy (301 N Queen St). This Swedish candy paradise features a pick-n-mix wall with over 70 varieties of Scandinavian sweets, including gummies, chocolates, licorice, and unique Swedish treats.
Visit The Lil Country Store and Miniature Horse Farm
Feeding a miniature horse at Lil’ Country Store just minutes from downtown Lancaster | Photo: Better Living
For a fun and friendly farm experience less than 20 minutes from downtown Lancaster, stop by the admission-free Lil’ Country Store and Miniature Horse Farm. Owned by Henry and Linda Stoltzfus, here you can wander the farm’s pastures and barns, petting, feeding and visiting with their miniature horses, pygmy goats, alpacas, and chickens. There’s a resident turkey too.
The miniature horses that are housed in the barn absolutely love attention and being fed. And for only $1 for a bag of feed, it was a tiny price to pay for such a sweet time. Saddle and cart rides can be arranged for children and hands-on workshops with horses where they teach grooming and care can be arranged by appointment.
Artwork and lucky horseshoes on display at an Amish Country gift shop near Lancaster. | Photo: Better Living
If you can pull yourself away from all their adorable animals, step inside their quaint country store. There’s homemade Amish crafts and treats, including canned pickles and jams, and their legendary homemade root beer. They also offer country art, handcrafted furniture and quilts, quillows (quilts that wrap into pillows), local cookbooks, toys, and gifts and more. Other yummy delicacies you can try here include freshly ground peanut butter, local cheeses, ice cream and pretzels. This spot is a quintessential Lancaster County at its finest and I can guarantee, as soon as you drive away, you’ll be planning a return trip.
Quick 4-Day Itinerary for Downtown Lancaster, PA
Mother and foal miniature horses grazing at Lil’ Country Store at sunset. | Photo: Better Living
Here’s a quick, day-by-day itinerary based on my real stay. It’s ideal for first-time visitors exploring Downtown Lancaster’s best places to stay, eat, and explore.
Many hotels offer packages that include tickets to attractions or dining credits.
Visit on First Friday (monthly) when galleries offer free admission and often serve complimentary refreshments.
Happy hours at The Exchange, Decades, and more offer reduced-price drinks and appetizers.
Tuesday visits to Central Market mean smaller crowds and sometimes better deals as vendors avoid waste before closing Wednesday-Thursday.
Getting Around
Downtown Lancaster is extremely easy to explore on foot. Most attractions are within a 10-15 minute walk of the central hotels.
Marriott at Penn Square puts you closest to Central Market and historic sites.
Lancaster Arts Hotel is ideally positioned for Gallery Row and the northern boutiques.
Consider using the free hotel bikes at Lancaster Arts Hotel for quicker transportation.
Red Rose Transit Authority buses can be useful for longer distances, with the Queen Street Station as the main hub.
Weather Considerations
Summer months (June-August) can be hot and humid. Plan indoor activities during peak afternoon heat.
Winter (December-February) can bring occasional snow. The historic district looks lovely under a light dusting, but be prepared with proper footwear.
Spring can be rainy. Pack a compact umbrella for unexpected showers between March and May.
Local Events to Plan Around
First Friday: Held monthly all year long with extended gallery hours, special events, and vibrant street life.
Music Friday: Held the third Friday of each month May-Sept, with live performances throughout downtown
Lancaster ArtWalk: Biannual event (spring and fall) with special exhibitions and artist talks.
Lancaster Craft Beerfest: September event featuring regional breweries.
LAUNCH Music Festival: Downtown music festival in early spring.
Lancaster City Restaurant Week: Held twice yearly with special prix-fixe menus at participating restaurants.
📜 Fascinating Lancaster County Facts
Lancaster was the capital of the United States for just one day in September 1777, when the Continental Congress fled Philadelphia to escape approaching British troops.
From the 1760s through the early 1800s, Lancaster was the largest inland town in America, surpassing the size of most inland English cities.
The city is named after Lancashire, England, which is why it’s known as the “Red Rose City” (after the House of Lancaster’s red rose symbol).
Lancaster was the birthplace of the Pennsylvania long rifle and the Conestoga wagon.
Frank W. Woolworth built his very first “5 and 10” store in Lancaster in 1879.
Milton Hershey (of Hershey’s chocolate) started his chocolate business in Lancaster.
Lancaster was the site of the Lancaster Treaty of 1744, which resolved a territorial dispute between the American Colonies and the Iroquois nation.
The city’s 15th President, James Buchanan, was the only bachelor President of the United States and the only President from Pennsylvania.
The Fulton Theatre (originally Fulton Opera House) was built in 1852 and is America’s oldest theater in continuous operation, hosting performers like the Barrymores, George M. Cohan, Sarah Bernhardt, and Al Jolson.
Lancaster Central Market has been operating since 1730, making it the oldest continuously running farmers market in America (the current building dates to 1889).
Trinity Lutheran Church, dating back to 1729, is the oldest congregation in Lancaster, and its steeple was the tallest structure west of Philadelphia in 1800.
In 1873, Benjamin Mishler built an entire house on South Prince Street in just ten hours as the result of a wager (and it’s still standing today).
Lancaster’s National Register Historic District includes over 14,000 buildings across three square miles, making it one of the largest urban historic districts in the United States.
The city was home to notable figures including President James Buchanan, US Representative Thaddeus Stevens, Surveyor Andrew Ellicott, and artist Charles Demuth.
The Hamilton Watch Company was founded in Lancaster in 1892 and played an essential role in railroad and aviation timekeeping.
At the Bowsman House on East King Street, you can see an “eavesdropper” architectural feature – where the overhang of the house is designed to allow residents to listen to conversations on the sidewalk below.
Lancaster hosts monthly First Friday (all year long) and Music Friday (every third Friday, May-Sept) events featuring extended gallery hours, live music, and special activities.
The city is a Certified Welcoming city, home to diverse cultures from around the world that influence its arts, food, and entertainment.
Lancaster has nearly 150 independent retailers offering unique shopping across its downtown district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Downtown Lancaster walkable?
Absolutely! Downtown Lancaster is pedestrian-friendly, with most attractions within a 10-15 minute stroll of central hotels. The city’s compact seven square miles and grid-pattern streets make navigation easy. From the Marriott at Penn Square, you can reach Central Market in one minute, the Fulton Theatre in five minutes, and Gallery Row in under ten minutes.
How far is Downtown Lancaster from Amish Country?
The Amish farms and attractions begin just 5-10 minutes by car from downtown Lancaster. Popular spots like Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse are about a 20-minute drive while Lil’ Country Store and Miniature Horse Farm is less than 20 minutes away. This proximity makes Lancaster perfect for experiencing both city culture and rural traditions in one trip.
What’s the best area to stay in Downtown Lancaster?
For first-time visitors, staying near Penn Square (like at the Lancaster Marriott) puts you in the heart of the historic district with easy access to Central Market, the Fulton Theatre, and numerous restaurants. If you prefer a more artistic vibe, the northwest area near the Lancaster Arts Hotel puts you closer to Gallery Row and the boutique shopping district. Both areas are safe, quaint, and within walking distance of major attractions.
Is Lancaster family-friendly?
Downtown Lancaster offers plenty for families. Kids will enjoy Central Market’s treats, the hands-on North Museum of Nature and Science, and Decades’ arcade games and bowling (before 8:30pm when it becomes 21+). The Fulton Theatre offers family-friendly productions, and the Lancaster Science Factory provides interactive exhibits for children. The nearby Lil’ Country Store and Miniature Horse Farm is also a hit with younger visitors.
How many days do you need to explore Downtown Lancaster?
While you can see the highlights in 2-3 days, I recommend 4-5 days to fully enjoy downtown Lancaster without rushing. This gives you time to explore the historic district, enjoy Gallery Row, visit Central Market on two different days, dine at several distinctive restaurants, catch a show at the Fulton Theatre, and perhaps take a half-day trip to nearby Amish Country attractions.
What are the must-see attractions in Downtown Lancaster?
Don’t miss the historic Lancaster Central Market or Fulton Theatre. Shopping on Gallery Row and the Lancaster Art Vault should be on your list. Definitely catch a sunset at The Exchange rooftop bar. Architecture enthusiasts should also explore the 14,000+ historic buildings in the National Register Historic District.
Where can I park in Downtown Lancaster?
Downtown Lancaster offers ample parking options including multiple garages (Penn Square, Prince Street, North Queen Street, and Water Street). There’s metered street parking that’s free after 6pm and all day Sunday. The Lancaster Parking Authority operates these facilities, and many hotels (including the Marriott and Lancaster Arts Hotel) offer convenient parking for guests. If visiting on market days (Tuesday, Friday, Saturday), arrive early for the best parking near Central Market.
Is Lancaster, PA worth visiting?
Absolutely! Downtown Lancaster delivers exceptional value with its blend of history, culinary excellence, arts, and shopping. It offers the amenities of a much larger city. There’s New York Times-recognized restaurants, a thriving arts scene, and historic architecture – all without the crowds or stress. Its proximity to Amish Country makes it ideal for experiencing both urban and rural Pennsylvania. The city’s authentic charm and walkability make it ideal for weekend getaways or longer explorations.
When is the best time of year to visit Downtown Lancaster?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather for exploring on foot. December brings festive holiday decorations throughout the historic district. Summer can be humid but features outdoor dining and events. Lancaster is a year-round destination, but weekends, especially First Fridays (monthly), tend to be livelier with gallery openings and special events.
Can I visit Downtown Lancaster without a car?
Yes, once you’re in downtown Lancaster, you can easily explore without a car. If arriving by train, the Amtrak station is just a short walk or quick taxi ride from both the Lancaster Marriott and Lancaster Arts Hotel. For those who want to visit Amish Country attractions outside the city, you can book guided tours that provide transportation or use ride-sharing services. Within downtown itself, everything is within reach or accessible via the Red Rose Transit Authority buses.
What makes Lancaster’s food scene special?
Lancaster’s culinary scene stands out because of its direct farm-to-table connections. The city is surrounded by some of America’s most productive farmland, giving chefs immediate access to fresh, seasonal ingredients. This agricultural heritage combines with a creative, contemporary approach at restaurants like Passerine, Plough, and John J. Jeffries. There’s also authentic global cuisine at spots like Chellas (Venezuelan), C’est La Vie (French), and the diverse Southern Market food hall.
🧭 Start Planning Your Trip
Ready to start planning your own trip to Downtown Lancaster, PA? Find visitor guides, events, and planning tools at DiscoverLancaster.com
Better Living uses affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no cost to you.
This in-depth, Exchange Lancaster review covers everything you need to know about downtown Lancaster’s premier rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar.
Located on the 12th floor of the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, The Exchange offers panoramic views, upscale New American cuisine, craft cocktails, and an atmosphere unlike anything else in the region.
Whether you’re planning a date night, weekend brunch, or sunset drinks with a view, The Exchange Lancaster delivers a memorable dining experience worth the reservation.
THE EXCHANGE LANCASTER AT A GLANCE
• Location: 25 South Queen Street – 12th floor of the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square
• Cuisine: New American, Small Plates, Craft Cocktails
Sophisticated design and amazing views at The Exchange | Photo: Better Living
It’s not every day you find a sophisticated rooftop bar in a mid-sized historic city, which makes The Exchange so unexpected in Downtown Lancaster, PA.
This rooftop restaurant and lounge on the 12th floor of the Lancaster Marriott offers something you simply can’t find elsewhere in the area – panoramic views of both the city’s historic character and the surrounding Amish country.
We arrived around 5:30pm on a spring evening, taking the dedicated elevator directly to the restaurant. Stepping out, we were immediately struck by the chic, contemporary atmosphere that felt like it belonged in a much larger metropolitan area.
The space is beautifully designed with floor-to-ceiling windows, dramatic lighting, sleek furniture, and an open kitchen where you can watch the culinary team in action.
The Space
The dramatic chandelier and open kitchen at The Exchange | Photo: Better Living
The Exchange perfectly balances indoor elegance with outdoor relaxation. The interior dining area features comfortable leather seating, a bar, and incredible views from nearly every table. The design aesthetic is modern but warm, with wood tones and earth colors creating an inviting atmosphere that’s upscale without feeling stuffy.
The outdoor terrace is where The Exchange really shines. Multiple seating areas include high-top tables, lounge seating, bar seating, and cozy fire pits surrounded by chairs. Glass barriers ensure clear views while providing protection from the wind.
The View from The Exchange Lancaster Rooftop
The view from The Exchange rooftop where historic downtown meets countryside | Photo: Better Living
Okay, the view here is absolutely incredible. We scored a table near the windows and were treated to a sweeping panorama of downtown Lancaster’s church steeples, historic buildings, and the rolling countryside beyond. Even with light rain that evening, watching the sunset paint everything in pink, purple, and orange was pretty magical.
What blew me away is how you can see Lancaster’s entire personality laid out in front of you. The whole historic downtown spreads out below, and then just beyond all that city charm, you’ve got rolling green farmland stretching to the horizon. It’s like getting the perfect snapshot of what makes Lancaster so unique – you literally see where the historic city ends and the countryside begins.
The Food at The Exchange: Small Plates, Big Flavor
Executive Chef Ryan McQuillan has created a menu that’s as impressive as the views – elevated comfort food with creative twists that showcase local ingredients. The menu is divided between shareable small plates and more substantial entrées, with wood-fired pizzas forming a significant portion of the offerings.
What We Ordered
Calabrian Chili Wings with toasted hazelnuts | Photo: Better Living
The Calabrian Chili Chicken Wings ($16) were crispy with just the right balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch from the toasted hazelnuts. They’re served with a blue cheese dressing to cool off the spice. These aren’t your typical bar wings. They’re seriously next-level and completely addictive.
Crispy Baby Artichokes with grated parmesan and citrus aioli | Photo: Better Living
The Crispy Baby Artichokes ($14) are a huge portion that arrive golden and crunchy but perfectly tender inside. They’re served with a bright citrus aioli that’s ideal for dipping and the parmesan on top ties it all together beautifully. We literally scraped the plate clean.
Spicy Crab Bucatini – generous crab, perfect al dente pasta, incredible flavors | Photo: Better Living
For something more substantial, the Spicy Crab Bucatini ($26) delivered rich, satisfying flavors with a hint of heat. The pasta was al dente, and the crab was surprisingly generous. No skimping on the seafood here. The San Marzano tomato sauce had depth without overpowering the delicate crab.
Strawberry Matcha Tiramisu | Photo: Better Living
For dessert, the unique Strawberry Matcha Tiramisu was the perfect end to tame the heat from the wings and pasta. Strawberry flavored cream wrapped around a cloud-like cake and dusted with matcha powder made for a delightful spring-inspired pairing, balancing earthy richness with bright sweetness.
Throughout our meal, we watched the kitchen sending out wood-fired pizzas that looked and smelled incredible, and they weren’t skimping on size either. Multiple diners around us ordered them, and based on their reactions, these will definitely be on our list for next time.
The Drinks
The Mezcolada. A smoky-sweet combination that changed our mind about mezcal | Photo: Better Living
The bar program at The Exchange is seriously impressive. The vibrant purple and pink cocktails aren’t just Instagram-worthy, they’re expertly crafted with unique flavor combinations.
The Elixir #2 ($14) with gin, St. Germaine, and Sauvignon Blanc was floral and refreshing, ideal for warm weather sipping on the outdoor terrace.
Elixir #2 with gin, St. Germaine, and Sauvignon Blanc | Photo: Better Living
We also tried the Mezcolada ($14) with Joven Ilegal Mezcal, Piña Colada Tea, lemon juice, and peppered honey. It’s a smoky-sweet combination that was well balanced and unique. I’m typically not a huge fan of Mezcal, but this drink changed my mind.
They also offer a solid wine list with good by-the-glass options and local craft beers. For non-alcoholic options, they have several creative mocktails with the same attention to detail as their spirited counterparts.
Service & Hospitality
The service at The Exchange is outstanding. Our server Jozlyn was knowledgeable about both the food and drink menus, offering honest recommendations when asked and checking in at appropriate intervals.
When we had questions about ingredients, she didn’t hesitate to check with the kitchen, and she seemed genuinely enthusiastic about the restaurant. That passion came through in her detailed descriptions of preparation methods and flavor profiles. The pacing of our meal was spot-on. We never felt rushed, even as the space filled up.
The Crowd
The outdoor terrace at The Exchange in Downtown Lancaster, PA | Photo: Better Living
By the time we left around 8pm, every seat at the bar and most tables were filled with a lively mix of date night couples, after-work gatherings, and visitors like us experiencing Lancaster’s surprising rooftop scene. The ambiance was energetic but not overwhelming. You could still hold a conversation without shouting.
The crowd appeared diverse in age, with a mix of young professionals, middle-aged couples, and even a few well-dressed older patrons. There’s no dress code but overall the vibe was smart-casual, relaxed, and even a bit sophisticated.
Value
While The Exchange isn’t a budget dining option, the prices feel fair for the quality, experience, and setting you’re getting. Small plates range from $12-18, mains from $24-36, and cocktails from $12-16.
Considering the prime location, excellent service, and the obvious care put into both food and drinks, we found it to be good value compared to similar establishments in larger cities, where you’d easily pay 30% more.
Final Thoughts on Dining Here
Floor-to-ceiling windows provide incredible views from every seat | Photo: Better Living
For Lancaster’s size, The Exchange feels like the kind of chic rooftop you’d expect in a much larger city, yet it maintains a warmth and accessibility that makes it a must-visit during any downtown Lancaster stay. It’s ideal for special occasions, impressive date nights, or simply treating yourself to sunset drinks with a view.
The Exchange successfully balances being a destination restaurant without feeling like a tourist trap. They’ve created something that appeals to visitors while maintaining the quality and authenticity that keeps locals coming back.
Insider Tips
Reservations: Make them well in advance for prime sunset hours (5:30-7:30pm)
Timing: Arrive 15-30 minutes before your reservation to enjoy a drink at the bar first
Seating: Request a window table when booking, but the outdoor terrace is the prime spot when weather permits
Weather Considerations: Outdoor seating is subject to cancellation for rain or high winds, so have a backup plan
Parking: The Penn Square Garage is most convenient, located at 28 S Duke Street
Age Restriction: Must be 21+ to enter after 4pm
Dress Code: While not explicitly stated, smart casual is appropriate and helps you fit the vibe
See also
Bottom Line
The Exchange offers one of the most memorable dining experiences in Lancaster. Where great food, creative cocktails, and sweeping rooftop views come together in a space that feels both elevated and welcoming. It’s the kind of place you tell friends about, and the reason you’ll start planning your next visit before you’ve even left.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Exchange Lancaster
Is The Exchange Lancaster rooftop bar open year-round?
Yes, The Exchange is open year-round, with heated outdoor seating available in cooler months.
Does The Exchange Lancaster take reservations?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially during sunset hours and weekends.
What type of food is served at The Exchange in Lancaster?
The menu features upscale New American cuisine, with small plates, wood-fired pizzas, and creative entrées made with local ingredients.
Can you visit The Exchange just for drinks?
Yes, guests can enjoy the rooftop bar for cocktails, wines, beers, and mocktails without ordering food.
What is the dress code for The Exchange Lancaster?
While there’s no formal dress code, most guests wear smart-casual attire.
Where can I park for The Exchange Lancaster?
The Exchange is located in the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, which has a connected parking garage with in-out privileges for hotel guests. Street parking is available (free after 6pm) and several public parking garages are within two blocks.
When is the best time to visit The Exchange Lancaster?
Arrive around 5:30pm to secure a prime window table for sunset views. The rooftop gets busy by 8pm with a lively mix of patrons. Weeknights tend to be less crowded than weekends.
Does The Exchange Lancaster have outdoor seating?
Yes, The Exchange features outdoor fire pits and heated seating areas on the rooftop, perfect for enjoying cocktails with panoramic views of downtown Lancaster’s church steeples and historic buildings.
Is The Exchange Lancaster expensive?
Expect upscale pricing to match the elevated atmosphere and prime rooftop location. Small plates and appetizers are reasonably priced for the quality and portion sizes, making it accessible for both special occasions and casual drinks.
How does The Exchange compare to other Lancaster rooftop bars?
The Exchange is Lancaster’s premier rooftop dining destination, offering a sophisticated experience you’d expect in a major city. The 12th-floor location provides unmatched views of the historic downtown area and surrounding countryside.
Better Living uses affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no cost to you.
WASHINGTON — Racist text messages invoking slavery raised alarm across the country this week after they were sent to Black men, women and students, including middle schoolers, prompting inquiries by the FBI and other agencies.
The messages, sent anonymously, were reported in several states, including New York, Alabama, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. They generally used a similar tone but varied in wording.
Some instructed the recipient to show up at an address at a particular time “with your belongings,” while others didn’t include a location. Some of them mentioned the incoming presidential administration.
It wasn’t yet clear who was behind the messages and there was no comprehensive list of where they were sent, but high school and college students were among the recipients.
The FBI said it was in touch with the Justice Department on the messages, and the Federal Communications Commission said it was investigating the texts “alongside federal and state law enforcement.” The Ohio Attorney General’s office also said it was looking into the matter.
Tasha Dunham of Lodi, California, said her 16-year-old daughter showed her one of the messages Wednesday evening before her basketball practice.
The text not only used her daughter’s name, but it directed her to report to a “plantation” in North Carolina, where Dunham said they’ve never lived. When they looked up the address, it was the location of a museum.
“It was very disturbing,” Dunham said. “Everybody’s just trying to figure out what does this all mean for me? So, I definitely had a lot of fear and concern.”
Her daughter initially thought it was a prank, but emotions are high following Tuesday’s presidential election. Dunham and her family thought it could be more nefarious and reported it to local law enforcement.
“I wasn’t in slavery. My mother wasn’t in slavery. But we’re a couple of generations away. So, when you think about how brutal and awful slavery was for our people, it’s awful and concerning,” Dunham said.
About six middle school students in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, received the messages too, said Megan Shafer, acting superintendent of the Lower Merion School District.
“The racist nature of these text messages is extremely disturbing, made even more so by the fact that children have been targeted,” she wrote in a letter to parents.
Students at some major universities, including Clemson in South Carolina and the University of Alabama, said they received the messages. The Clemson Police Department said in a statement that it had been notified of the “deplorable racially motivated text and email messages” and encouraged anyone who received one to report it.
Fisk University, a historically Black university in Nashville, Tennessee, issued a statement calling the messages that targeted some of its students “deeply unsettling.” It urged calm and assured students that the texts likely were from bots or malicious actors with “no real intentions or credibility.”
Missouri NAACP President Nimrod Chapel said Black students who are members of the organization’s Missouri State University chapter received texts citing Trump’s win and calling them out by name as being “selected to pick cotton” next Tuesday. Chapel said police in the southeastern Missouri city of Springfield, home of the university, have been notified.
“It points to a well-organized and resourced group that has decided to target Americans on our home soil based on the color of our skin,” Chapel said in a statement.
Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland also sent an email to parents stating “many students” received text messages containing “racist threats.”
“Local law enforcement and the FBI are aware of these messages, and law enforcement in some areas have announced they consider the messages low-level threats,” the email said.
Nick Ludlum, a senior vice president for the wireless industry trade group CTIA, said: “Wireless providers are aware of these threatening spam messages and are aggressively working to block them and the numbers that they are coming from.”
David Brody, director of the Digital Justice Initiative at The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, said that they aren’t sure who is behind the messages but estimated they had been sent to more than 10 states, including most Southern states, Maryland, Oklahoma and even the District of Columbia. The district’s Metropolitan Police force said in a statement that its intelligence unit was investigating the origins of the message.
Brody said a number of civil rights laws can be applied to hate-related incidents. The leaders of several other civil rights organizations condemned the messages, including Margaret Huang, president and CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center, who said, “Hate speech has no place in the South or our nation.”
“The threat – and the mention of slavery in 2024 – is not only deeply disturbing, but perpetuates a legacy of evil that dates back to before the Jim Crow era, and now seeks to prevent Black Americans from enjoying the same freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. “These actions are not normal. And we refuse to let them be normalized.”
Republican David McCormick defeated Democratic Senator Bob Casey in Pennsylvania, according to the Associated Press, marking an upset that saw a former CEO of a hedge fund giant trounce a scion of a political dynasty in a year defined by appeals to the working class.
McCormick’s victory effectively gives Wall Street a Senate seat ahead of major battles in Congress next year over expiring Trump-era tax cuts and extending the federal debt limit. The win, which is being contested by Casey’s team, also underscores how GOP’s electoral fortunes are surging in this closely divided swing state.
“This race is within half a point and cannot be called while the votes of thousands of Pennsylvanians are still being counted,” Casey’s campaign said in a statement on Thursday. The Pennsylvania Secretary of State separately said there are at least 100,000 ballots that must be “adjudicated,” urging patience especially in contests where margins are very close.
The former head of Bridgewater Associates, 59, rode a wave of enthusiasm for Donald Trump and a tide of money from out-of-state billionaires across rural counties and exurbs of battleground Pennsylvania, playing up his childhood roots while fending off Democratic charges of carpetbagging. Those years living outside the state included combat service in the first Gulf War, roles in the George W. Bush administration, and more than a decade as CEO of the Connecticut-based hedge fund.
The GOP’s win in Pennsylvania adds to the party’s new Senate majority, following the defeats of incumbent Democrats Sherrod Brown in Ohio and Jon Tester in Montana, as well as Republican Jim Justice’s win in the open Senate seat in West Virginia.
Thanks to its critical status in the Electoral College, both presidential campaigns poured spending in Pennsylvania, flooding the state with direct mail and ads, criss-crossing with candidates and surrogates, and fielding small armies of door-knockers to try to bring out as many of its nine million registered voters as possible.
Big Donors
Casey held a persistent lead in public polls as the senator and his allies painted McCormick as one who lacks meaningful Pennsylvania connections, having bought a home in Pittsburgh only in 2021, just before he made his first, unsuccessful Senate run in 2022.
Surrogates for Casey, including Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, highlighted McCormick’s support from conservative billionaires, suggesting he had little in common with the state’s working-class voters. Citadel founder Ken Griffin gave at least $15 million to Keystone Renewal, a super political action committee affiliated with McCormick.
Other donors to the super-PAC include Interactive Brokers Chairman Thomas Peterffy, Elliott Management Corp. founder Paul Singer, Uline Inc. leaders Elizabeth and Richard Uihlein, Antonio Gracias, founder of Valor Equity Management, Blackstone Inc. Chairman Stephen Schwarzman and Wynn Resorts Ltd. Founder Stephen Wynn.
McCormick contributed at least $4 million of his own money to the campaign.
In a flurry of TV and online ads, McCormick’s camp portrayed Casey as out of touch, hammering him in particular for his support of the Biden administration’s economic policies, and warning he would be an asset to Vice President Kamala Harris, whom they painted as an out-of-control leftist.
The ad siege finally managed to undo what had been Casey’s solid edge: his family name. Prior to his Senate career, Casey served in statewide offices, including treasurer, since 1997. His father, Bob Casey Sr., was a two-term Pennsylvania governor, and political veterans of both parties considered his name recognition an overwhelming asset in close elections.
(Updates with Casey and Pennsylvania state’s comments in third paragraph.)
A newsletter for the boldest, brightest leaders:
CEO Daily is your weekday morning dossier on the news, trends, and chatter business leaders need to know.
The tightly contested 2024 presidential election could be defined by the gender gap with Vice President Kamala Harris polling better among women, according to a CBS News poll from late October.
Recent CBS News polling shows the race between Harris and former President Donald Trump is a toss-up in seven battleground states as more than 78 million Americans have already voted ahead of Election Day on Tuesday.
Harris is counting on suburban women to help her win the presidential election. She received unexpected help from some longtime Republicans with the Women4U.S. group, an organization aimed at outreach to conservative women.
Stephanie Sharp, a co-founder of the organization, is a self-proclaimed lifelong conservative. This year though, Sharp is urging fellow Republican women to vote for Harris.
“We’ll send Donald Trump packing, and then we can begin to have conversations again that are productive and have compromise on issues that are important to all of us,” Sharp said.
Her message is for women turned off by the former president’s rhetoric toward women and his role in reversing the landmark Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade.
Trump recently said at a campaign stop in Wisconsin, “I want to protect the women of our country… Whether the women like it or not, I’m going to protect them.”
In Pennsylvania, the organization is targeting voters in the Philadelphia suburbs who helped President Biden win the state four years ago.
“There are, again, hundreds of thousands of Republican women out there who are ready to vote outside their party, but they don’t want to talk about it,” Jennifer Horn, chief strategist for Women4U.S., said.
Across battleground states, Post-it notes are popping up in women’s bathroom stalls, aimed at the so-called silent Harris supporters.
Campaign ads, including one narrated by actress Julia Roberts, remind voters that their vote is private.
Some Trump supporters are skeptical of polling that shows Harris with a big lead among women. They say it’s about policy, not personality.
“We’re not going home with him. We are not sitting and eating at the dining room table with him every night, but his actions speak louder than words and his actions are more aligned with my faith, with my family and the values that we hold dear,” Beth Scolis, a Trump supporter, said.
A senior Trump campaign official told CBS News that even if Harris performs better with women, they think Trump’s popularity among men is more impactful.
On the final day of the campaign, Trump will campaign in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, before holding his last rally in Michigan. Harris will crisscross Pennsylvania, a key battleground with 19 electoral votes. She has planned events in Allentown, Reading and Pittsburgh, before her final rally in Philadelphia.
Weijia Jiang is the senior White House correspondent for CBS News based in Washington, D.C. Jiang has covered the White House beat since 2018, including the transition between the Trump and Biden administrations. In 2023, Jiang won an Emmy Award for her contributions to “CBS Mornings.”
Elon Musk has been ordered to appear in court in Philadelphia on Monday morning. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner accuses Musk and his political action committee of operating an illegal lottery and of trying to influence voters to vote for Trump.
The final day of the 2024 election season is here, and as has been the case throughout the campaign, both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will put Pennsylvania front-and-center on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024.
Harris, the Democratic candidate, will close her campaign with a giant rally on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia on Monday evening, an event which is already snarling traffic in the area and is expected to draw a massive crowd. She will appear in Scranton, Allentown, Reading and Pittsburgh earlier in the day.
Trump, the Republican candidate, will campaign in Reading and Pittsburgh on his way to more events in Michigan later in the day. NBC10 will have reporters on the ground at all of the events in our area and you can find live updates and live streams of the events right here throughout the day.
[ad_2]
Travis Hughes, NBC10 Staff, Dan Stamm, Hayden Mitman and David Chang
On election night 2020, then-President Donald Trump prematurely declared hours after polls had closed, “We already have won.”
He hadn’t, and we rated that Pants on Fire. When Trump began to speak in the early morning of Nov. 4, at 2:21 a.m. ET, states were still following normal procedures to count ballots. It was not until Saturday, Nov. 7, that The Associated Press had sufficient unofficial results available to call the race for Joe Biden.
In the past, when polls closed, politicians and social media influencers spread falsehoods about voting and the ballot counting process. It’s likely that as the votes are being counted this year, we will see falsehoods similar to those in 2020.
Voters who are seeking credible sources for election results information can follow reports from state election officials nationwide, compiled by the National Association of State Election Directors. The AP is among the news outlets that will call projected winners based on unofficial results, but in many states that will not take place on election night.
Here are some falsehoods that might surface after the polls close.
As ballot counting was underway in November 2020, X posts falsely said that over 14,000 dead people voted in Wayne County, Michigan.
Typically when voters die, it’s rare that their relatives contact local elections offices to ask that their names be removed from voter rolls. But election offices routinely receive death records from state and federal sources and then remove dead voters’ names from voter rolls. Some still end up on the rolls.
Occasionally, people illegally cast mail ballots in dead relatives’ names, as a Republican did in 2020 in Nevada. That voter was charged with felonies.
Claims that ballot errors and election site mishaps equal fraud
Although election officials spend years preparing for presidential elections, errors sometimes occur. They are not a sign of fraud.
So far this year, we’ve seen a limited number of ballots with errors, such as a typo in some ballots in Palm Beach County, Florida. County officials said 257 overseas voters opened an email with a ballot that said “Tom” Walz instead of Tim Walz, Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate.
Some election sites have mishaps, such as a 6 a.m. water leak on Election Day in 2020 at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, where election workers were counting absentee ballots. Arena staff repaired the leak in about two hours and no ballots or machines were damaged. State and county election officials debunked the claim that election officials used the event to circumvent processes and pull out ballots stored in “suitcases” that were “all for Biden.”
Claims that there were thousands of fake votes in Pennsylvania
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, officials said in an initial Oct. 25 statement that they were investigating 2,500 “ballots,” but a county spokesperson later said that word was a mistake and the investigation was into voter registration applications.
Days later, Trump falsely said at an Allentown, Pennsylvania, rally, “We caught them with 2,600 votes. … And every vote was written by the same person.” He made similar comments on X about “fake ballots and forms” in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry, a Democrat, said in an Oct. 31 statement, “The investigations regard voter registration forms, not ballots” and were underway in four counties.
Officials don’t place people on voter rolls if their registration is suspect, so that means that there were not thousands of fake votes.
Claims about machines flipping votes
As Kentucky’s Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams wrote Nov. 2 on X, “Gentle reminder that vote-switching is fiction.” He linked to a 2008 video of Homer Simpson trying to vote for Barack Obama but repeatedly voting for former Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.
Election officials facing reports of “flipped” or “switched” votes have said it sometimes is user error, and when voters bring it to their attention, officials make sure voters can cast ballots with their desired choices.
That’s what happened in Tarrant County, Texas, when one person out of more than 100,000 voters reported having a vote for Trump changed to Harris when the ballot was printed. Local election officials said the voting machines are not flipping candidates and suggested the voter made a mistake when selecting preferred candidates.That ballot was destroyed and the voter was allowed to vote again.
An October Instagram post said voting machines in Shelby County, Tennessee, were swapping votes from Harris to Trump. Election officials said there were no voting machine malfunctions. Voters had inadvertently touched the wrong area of the ballot when using the touchscreen voting machines.
Rampant noncitizen voting does not occur
Trump and his supporters have falsely claimed that Democrats are behind a scheme to lure noncitizens to the U.S. to vote in federal elections. That’s not happening. Federal law bans noncitizens from voting in federal elections.
Noncitizens sometimes land on voter rolls, often by accident when getting drivers licenses. However, voting by noncitizens in federal elections is rare. The largest case with convictions we found was in 2020 in North Carolina, when federal prosecutors charged 19 people with voter fraud after they cast ballots, mostly in the 2016 election. For context, more than 4.5 million people in North Carolina voted in the 2016 presidential election.
Claims that election officials rip up or trash ballots
If you’re an election worker committing election fraud, you probably wouldn’t film yourself opening mail ballot envelopes, calling out the votes in those ballots, cursing against one candidate and ripping up ballots marked for that candidate.
But that’s what one ridiculous viral video appears to show, leading X users to claim that mail ballots with votes for Trump are being destroyed in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Federal officials said Russian actors manufactured and amplified the video.
Claims that election officials sneak in “ballot dumps” late at night
It is common for one candidate to take the lead in early results but not be the winner as more ballots are counted. For example, in Pennsylvania, if it takes longer to count votes in left-leaning Philadelphia than in a more right-leaning part of the state, it’s possible that Trump could lead the state early in the night but see the margins shift later.
Trump tweeted the claim on Nov. 4, 2020, “Last night I was leading, often solidly, in many key States, in almost all instances Democrat run & controlled. Then, one by one, they started to magically disappear as surprise ballot dumps were counted.”
In some states, Trump did initially lead, only to see Biden eventually take the lead. But in other states, Biden led and Trump came back to take the lead.
There is nothing nefarious about local election officials updating results in the hours and days after polls close. In fact, it means they are counting all legitimate ballots. State laws dictate the process, including when officials can start opening mail ballots. That means it takes time to finish the count. Some states, such as Pennsylvania, don’t allow election workers to begin processing mail ballots until Election Day, while other states allow that to begin weeks earlier.
Claims that mass voter fraud in 2020 affected the election’s outcome
After the polls closed in 2020, a cascade of social media images and photos claimed to show poll workers and others committing voter fraud. But the posts mostly showed election officials doing their jobs.
The election system in our country makes such a heist both unlikely and impossibly elaborate.
“We should call this what it is: Trump laying the groundwork so he can cast doubt on the 2024 results if he doesn’t win,” Joanna Lydgate, CEO of the nonpartisan States United Democracy Center, told PolitiFact in early October.
To build a sufficient Electoral College margin, bad actors would have to collaborate across battleground states in a coordinated but secret way, with hundreds of people risking felonies for the same goal.
Pulling this off would require thousands of illegal votes. A database maintained by the conservative Heritage Foundation shows about 1,300 convictions for voter fraud over decades. During that period, there were billions of votes cast.
Claims of early victory
Speaking at the White House hours after the polls closed in 2020, Trump said, “We want all voting to stop. We don’t want them to find any ballots at 4 o’clock in the morning and add them to the list, okay? It’s a very sad moment. … And we will win this.”
There is no state or federal law that says vote counting must stop a few hours after the polls close. Election officials would have violated laws if they simply stopped counting legitimate ballots.
State laws set the certification deadline in November or December, so the official results won’t be known for weeks after Election Day. But media outlets are likely to project a winner far earlier than that.
In the final days of the campaign, both Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump’s camps have been attempting to appeal to Latino voters—a growing, key, and politically non-monolithic electorate.
What has been a consistent competition for these votes throughout the entirety of the 2024 election cycle intensified last week when Trump surrogate and stand-up comicTony Hinchcliffe referred to Puerto Rico as “garbage” during his time slot at the Madison Square Garden MAGA rally on Sunday.
“I don’t know if you guys know this, but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now,” Hinchcliffe, who has said comedians should never apologize, began. “I think it’s called Puerto Rico.” During his 12-minute remarks, Hinchcliffe also said, “These Latinos, they love making babies, too, just know that. They do. They do. There’s no pulling out. They don’t do that. They come inside, just like they did to our country.”
The pushback from Puerto Ricans across America was instantaneous. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, who first responded to the comments while on a Twitch stream with Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz, said it was “super upsetting,” adding that her family is from Puerto Rico.
“The thing that is so messed up that I wish more people understood, is that the things that they do in Puerto Rico are a testing ground for the policies and the horrors that they wish … that they do unveil in working-class communities across the United States,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “When you have some a-hole calling Puerto Rico ‘floating garbage,’ know that that’s what they think about you.”
Celebrities with Puerto Rican heritage, including Jennifer Lopez and Bad Bunny, joined in, denouncing the remarks and expressing love for the islands—whose residents cannot vote in the presidential election despite being American citizens.
“You do know he’s a COMEDIAN, and these are JOKES, right????” the Trump campaign’s national press secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote in an email to TIME magazine. “The joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign,” senior advisor Danielle Alvarez said in a statement, also to TIME.
“Nobody loves our Latino community and our Puerto Rican community more than I do,” Trump said at a rally in Allentown, a majority Latino town.
“Puerto Rico is home to some of the most talented, innovative, and ambitious people in our nation. And Puerto Ricans deserve a president who sees and invests in that strength,” Harris said in a video posted the same day as Trump’s MSG rally. “I will never forget what Donald Trump did and what he did not do when Puerto Rico needed a caring and a competent leader. He abandoned the island.”
Musk at his America PAC event in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on October 26. Photo: Samuel Corum/Getty Images
Marshall Miller has been canvassing in the crucial and vote-rich regions of eastern Pennsylvania for years. A leader in the local Democratic Party in his hometown of Lancaster, Miller is used to crossing paths with his Republican opponents while out knocking doors. Both sides keep it polite — maintaining a respectful distance if they both happen to arrive at the same house at the same time.
This year, though, it has been lonelier on the sidewalks of the Keystone State. Miller says that there has been scarcely a Republican door knocker in sight lately and that remains true with just hours to go before the polls close.
“Honestly, it feels kind of bizarre,” Miller said when he was on his way to Delaware County for another afternoon of canvassing. “Usually, I would see them and nod or say ‘hi’ or something, but I have knocked on a fair number of doors at this point and haven’t seen them around at all.”
The lack of evidence of a Republican ground operation in Pennsylvania and in many of the swing states comes as the Trump campaign has attempted a novel approach to its get-out-the-vote strategy: relying almost entirely on America PAC, a super-PAC that is largely funded by Elon Musk, who has donated more than $120 million to elect Donald Trump this year.
That effort has been plagued by a seemingly endless series of stories attesting to its mismanagement and lack of focus. Wiredreported that canvassers in Michigan affiliated with America PAC were hired from out of state without being told their job was to knock on doors on behalf of Trump; once they arrived, they would be driven around in the back of a seatless U-Haul van, where they were told that unless they met their canvassing quotas, they would have to pay for their own lodgings and airfare without compensation for their work.
Last month, The Guardianreported that a quarter of the door-knocks Musk’s canvassers said they had completed were flagged by an auditor as fraudulent, as the PAC’s foot soldiers were found to be not near the location of the homes they were supposed to have visited; one was even logging door-knocks while sitting at a nearby restaurant. America PAC has been run by a political-consulting firm managed by Phil Cox, a prominent Republican operative who was involved in a similar super-PAC-run canvassing effort on behalf of Florida governor Ron DeSantis in the Republican primaries before DeSantis flamed out in the Iowa caucuses. After Cox was brought in over the summer, the super-PAC terminated its relationship with the vendors who had been working with the PAC previously and brought in vendors that are affiliated with Cox.
“I think it is just an absolute joke,” said one former DeSantis campaign official. “There is so much dysfunction to it. There are like three new articles every day on how awful it is, and it seems like just a cash cow for the people that are running it. If Trump wins, it won’t be because of anything these guys are doing.”
In October, Musk hijacked the X handle @America from its previous owner in order to promote his latest project. Pinned to the top of @America’s profile, just below its mission statement (“PAC Founded by @ElonMusk to support candidates who champion Secure Borders, Sensible Spending, Safe Cities, Fair Justice System, Free Speech and Self-Protection”), are options to submit an application to be a paid canvasser at $29 to $30 an hour. Experienced canvassers, who are usually volunteers, say that is a much higher wage than usual for the work.
Those are not the only ways that Musk has been willing to spend his money. In October, he announced he would give $47 to everyone who convinced even one registered swing-state voter to sign a petition saying they supported the First and Second Amendment to the Constitution. The project was a way both to get potential voters to register without violating the federal law that forbids paying people to register outright and to identify potential Trump voters. A few weeks later, Musk upped the giveaway to $100 for voters in Pennsylvania.
Then Musk went even further, announcing that he would award $1 million every day to one random petition-signer. This caught the attention of Philadelphia district attorney Larry Krasner, who sued, arguing that it amounted to running an illegal lottery. Musk’s lawyers pushed to have the case moved to federal court, and on Thursday, a federal judge put the case on hold before remanding it back to state court a day later.
While canvassing operations tend to be pretty open about their work, since they are often volunteer-driven and involve face-to-face communication out in the open, America PAC has been buttoned up about its approach. The group has no real physical presence in the communities in which it operates, and a spokesperson would only say that it’s pushing mail, text messages, digital outreach, and door-to-door canvassing in its effort to elect Trump. The spokesperson admitted that the secrecy was unusual but added, “You pointing that out is not going to change our approach.”
Musk’s initial foray into electioneering may have been chaotic, but high-ranking Republican operatives and Trump campaign officials say that his utility to them has been significant nonetheless. It has been just over two years since Musk bought Twitter and renamed it X, and in that time, a social-media site known for being the meeting space for liberals and the media and a place where elite narratives could take hold has taken on a more right-wing character, while still remaining the digital campfire for beltway journalists and the people they cover.
“He is definitely trying to have an impact on the election; there is no doubt about that,” said Joe Trippi, a longtime Democratic operative who is building his own social network, called Sez Us, to act as a counter to X. “He just said that CNN should be called ‘the Disinformation News Network’ and he has 200 million followers. How could that not have an effect?”
Trippi pointed out not only that Musk has enormous personal reach, which he uses to amplify positive messages about Trump and spread negative ones (including some falsehoods) about Democrats — but also that the X platform itself now compounds those effects. Anyone who clicks on the algorithmically controlled “For You” tab on the site is likely to see multiple posts from Musk himself, accompanied by viral posts that skew Trumpian (for instance, clips depicting a country overrun by migrants and criminals).
Trump-campaign officials have looked on with amazement as messages that they struggled to call attention to, such as J.D. Vance’s visit to the border, suddenly go megaviral online thanks to Musk’s boost. The help is even more appreciated, they say, since under the previous regime of the website, many conservatives felt that their voices were being censored or suppressed.
“It’s amazing,” said one Republican operative close to Trump. “He’s engaging in politics in a way that no one in that kind of position has really done before, and he is hitting all of the pro-Trump and anti-Kamala notes you could ask for and making things go viral left and right. It’s not even that he is the owner of the site; it’s the fact that he is engaging in a way he never did. Twitter, or X, or whatever you call it, is still the place where media narratives are created on both sides of the aisle. Twelve percent of the U.S. population is on Twitter, and that includes top Republican and Democratic operatives.”
Musk has been holding town halls across Pennsylvania that, if nothing else, earn the campaign publicity on local-news outlets, which campaign officials say counts for far more than coverage on cable TV and in the national press. When Musk appeared at a town hall in the central Pennsylvania city of Lancaster last week, the headline for the story on the local CBS News affiliate read, “’Harris Is a Puppet’: Elon Musk Returns to Pa. for Town Hall, Promotes Early Voting.” A few days earlier, a local TV affiliate in Harrisburg quoted Musk telling town-hall attendees that “safe cities, secure borders, sensible spending” were his reasons for supporting Trump. “To protect the Constitution, especially the right to free speech. These are all things that seem very obvious and frankly normal and they’re in severe danger if the ‘Kamala machine’ wins,” Musk continued, according to the story on ABC27News in Harrisburg.
One Trump campaign official described Musk as being like Mike Lindell, the MyPillow magnate who was a relentless promotor of Trump in 2020 — except that Musk is someone “with real money.”
“We just stand back and marvel. He is moving the needle for us with the young and unmotivated male vote that we need in a state like Pennsylvania.” said this official. “Politics is a game of inches. Elon brings a foot.”
In the week before Election Day, former President Donald Trump repeatedly told his supporters that voter fraud and cheating is happening in Pennsylvania.
“Pennsylvania is cheating, and getting caught, at large scale levels rarely seen before,” Trump posted Oct. 30 on Truth Social. “REPORT CHEATING TO AUTHORITIES. Law Enforcement must act, NOW!”
Law enforcement officials announced days earlier that they were investigating suspect voter fraud registrations in Lancaster County — a probe Trump dramatized as fraudulent ballots cast in the election.
Trump, who has spent years spreading falsehoods about voting, may have the loudest megaphone on social media. But he’s not the only person spreading baseless claims of cheating in the Keystone State.
Pennsylvania has 19 electoral votes, the most of any battleground state, and is under intense scrutiny in the close presidential race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Sign up for PolitiFact texts
Its election processes have been a source of severalfalseclaims spread by Trump or on social media starting about two weeks before Election Day. The falsehoods target people trying to vote, local election officials and vote counting processes, raising doubts among voters.
Pennsylvania election officials say voting is secure, and say some voter registration forms being under investigation signals that the system to prevent fraud is working.
Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said Oct. 31 that local, nonpartisan election officials are taking several steps to ensure a secure election, such as verifying the eligibility of people who apply to register to vote and that every returned mail ballot is from a registered voter. Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, nominated Schmidt, a Republican, to the top elections position in 2023.
Voting rights advocates celebrated turnout so far, more than 1.7 million as of midday Nov. 2, but lamented the spreading of falsehoods. As the 2020 election showed, a confluence of factors creates a fertile ground for election misinformation in the state. For one, state law bans officials from processing mail ballots until Election Day, which can lead to slower results than some states that start counting weeks earlier.
“The tight nature of the race in the state with the largest electoral prize in play, along with a very diverse array of electoral administration procedures and rules that limit pre-canvassing of mail ballots make the commonwealth ripe for efforts to spread inaccurate information,” said Christopher P. Borick, a political science professor and director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania “has all the ingredients in place to make it the epicenter of misinformation in this electoral cycle.”
Nationwide as of Nov. 2, there are about 200 pending election-related lawsuits, including 20 in Pennsylvania. A judge sided with a Trump campaign lawsuit seeking to extend the deadline for mail-in voting in Bucks County, where there had been long lines on the last day to return ballots.
Since the commonwealth could decide who wins the presidency, “some bad actors are trying to sow doubt to contest the election if it doesn’t go their way,” Philip Hensley-Robin, Common Cause in Pennsylvania executive director, said.
Here’s a look at our fact-checks of falsehoods and exaggerations in Pennsylvania.
Election workers are not ripping up ballots, swaying results
Local election officials from both parties have tried to debunk a video post that said an election worker was ripping up ballots cast for Trump in Bucks County. We rated that video Pants on Fire.
Federal officials said Russian actors manufactured and amplified the video.
(Screenshot from X)
Voter registration applications — not ballots — under investigation
On his Truth Social platform Oct. 31, Trump wrote that his campaign “caught them CHEATING BIG in Pennsylvania.” Trump didn’t explain what he was referring to, but days earlier Lancaster County officials said they were investigating 2,600 suspect voter registration applications.
An initial statement by the county said it was investigating “ballots,” but a county spokesperson said that was a mistake, and subsequent statements said the elections office was investigating voter registration applications.
An application to register to vote is a request from a person to be added to the voter rolls; it is not the same document as a ballot on which a voter selects candidates.
Trump twisted the investigation and falsely said at an Allentown rally, “We caught them with 2,600 votes. … And every vote was written by the same person.”
Lancaster County Commissioner Ray D’Agostino, a Republican, said Oct. 31 on CNN that “several hundred” applications have been determined to be fraudulent and that the investigation continued.
“Election workers are doing their job,” D’Agostino said. “This was detected, it was stopped.”
Republican officials can be effective in countering falsehoods from fellow Republicans, but other Republican leaders are still sharing some disinformation, said Shannon C. McGregor, principal investigator at the Center for Information, Technology, and Public Life at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry, a Democrat, said in an Oct. 31 statement, “Apparent attempts to submit fraudulent voter registration forms in Berks, Lancaster, Monroe, and York counties have been defeated.”
The facts about what is or isn’t happening in lines
Social media users falsely claimed buses of noncitizens are being sent to polling locations to sway the election for Harris. Elon Musk, a frequent spreader of election and immigration falsehoods this year, amplified the falsehood. Only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections.
In Allegheny County, a viral video captured a brief conversation between a group of voters, their translators and a local election official at a polling location. The voters in the video were at a polling center to apply for mail-in ballots. The older and disabled voters were allowed to sit, rather than stand in line, as their applications were processed, which is standard procedure, the county said.
(Screenshot from Instagram)
In Delaware County, social media posts misled about a Republican woman at a voter service center. Some posts amplified by Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley and Trump left viewers with the impression that the woman was handcuffed and asked to leave the center because she was telling voters to stay in line.
The county said some people complained that the woman, who was at the center’s lobby for two hours, was repeatedly approaching voters. The county said she was “briefly detained and issued a citation for disorderly conduct.”
State law allows voters to go to election offices and apply for and receive a mail ballot and cast it right there. This created long lines in Bucks County. The Associated Press found that some voters chose the in-person method because of Trump’s messages about voting.
“Because he told us to vote early. I was just trying to make it ‘too big to rig,’” said Marlene Burns, repeating one of Trump’s talking points encouraging his supporters to vote.
The Trump campaign sued and a judge ruled to extend the deadline until the close of business Nov. 1. Sara Rose, the deputy legal director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania, said the lawsuit was “valid.” She talked to a voter who said police officers wouldn’t let him get into the line at 3 p.m. on Oct. 29 even though that was two hours before the deadline.
There are not 180,000 Amish on the voter rolls
Social media users spread the falsehood that there were “180,000 registered New Amish voters in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.”
That was mathematically impossible. Lancaster County has 366,000 registered voters as of Oct. 28, state records show. About 38,000 Amish people live in the county, according to the latest population count taken in early summer 2024 and shared with PolitiFact by Steven Nolt, a professor and director of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College.
Of the 38,000 Amish residents, more than half are younger than 18, thus ineligible to vote.
Waiting days for election results is not a sign of nefarious activity
A Threads post falsely said that the fact that election officials in Pennsylvania, Georgia and Michigan said they won’t know results on election night is a sign of “cheating.” It’s not. In 2020, the outcome of Pennsylvania was not clear until Saturday because it took time to count mail ballots.
All states have laws that set deadlines to count ballots. Media outlets project winners based on their own methodologies and if the margin is wide, that can occur on election night. But in Pennsylvania, the margin could be close.
Seizing on media mistakes
WNEP-TV, an ABC News affiliate in Moosic, Pennsylvania, accidentally aired test 2024 presidential election results in October that showed Harris winning over Trump. But the results weren’t real, nor were they evidence of election interference.
WNEP published an Oct. 27 statement on its website explaining that election test results were mistakenly shown on air.
This story may be updated with additional fact-checks. PolitiFact Staff Writers Sara Swann, Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu and Loreben Tuquero and Contributing Writer Ciara O’Rourke contributed to this article.
A legal fight over Elon Musk’s $1 million-a-day voter sweepstakes is back in state court in Pennsylvania, a loss for the billionaire, after a federal judge said Friday that he doesn’t have jurisdiction.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner wants to keep his fight to shut down the giveaways in state court, calling it a violation of state lottery laws. Musk had argued that the case belonged in federal court as it involves claims of federal election interference. A judge scheduled a hearing for 10 a.m. Monday. It wasn’t immediately clear whether Musk would attend though Krasner previously argued that Musk should have to appear in court.
Musk’s political organization, which aims to boost Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, has organized the sweepstakes as a way of encouraging people to be registered voters in key battleground states.
With just days to go until Tuesday’s presidential election, the case now returns to Judge Angelo Foglietta, who held a brief hearing Thursday in a courtroom at Philadelphia City Hall. No further hearings were immediately scheduled.
U.S. District Judge Gerald J. Pappert, a Republican former Pennsylvania attorney general appointed to the federal bench by President Barack Obama, issued Friday’s ruling.
“Defendants argue the complaint’s references to ‘the forthcoming Federal Presidential Election’ show the lawsuit necessarily raises questions of federal law. But federal question jurisdiction does not turn on a plaintiff’s motivations in filing suit; it turns on whether the legal issues arising from the claims originate in federal or state law,” Pappert wrote.
Krasner lawyer John Summers, in a statement, said he will now ask Foglietta “to enter an injunction to stop the defendants’ lottery and the defendants’ unfair and deceptive practices.” Matthew Haverstick, a lawyer for Musk, did not immediately respond to text and phone messages seeking comment.
Musk, who owns Tesla, SpaceX and X, has gone all in on Trump this election, saying he thinks civilization is at stake. He is undertaking much of the get-out-the-vote effort for Trump through his super PAC, which can raise and spend unlimited sums of money. He has committed more than $70 million to the super PAC to help Trump and other Republicans win in November.
Krasner accused Musk and his PAC in his lawsuit filed Monday of running a dubious lottery in the tense run-up to Tuesday’s election. Four of the first dozen winners appeared to be from Pennsylvania, perhaps the key prize in the tight presidential race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
“Is it just a coincidence that this is the state that has the largest electoral votes? I don’t think so,” lawyer John Summers argued Thursday.
Posts by Musk’s America PAC on his X platform indicate he’s given away 13 checks of $1 million since the first one in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 19. Other winners came from the battleground states of Wisconsin, Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina and Michigan. The sweepstakes is set to run through Election Day, open to registered voters in too-close-to-call states who sign a petition supporting the Constitution.
“They’re doing things in the dark,” Summers told the judge. “We don’t know the rules being followed. We don’t know how they’re supposedly picking people at random … It’s an outrage.”
Election law experts have questioned whether it violates federal law barring payments for votes. Musk has cast the money as both a prize as well as earnings for work as a spokesperson for the group.
Krasner has said he could still consider criminal charges, as he’s tasked with protecting both lotteries and the integrity of elections.
Both Trump and Kamala Harris have made repeated visits to the state as they fight for Pennsylvania’s 19 electoral votes, and both plan several more stops there before Tuesday.
In a Friday night order, the Supreme Court let stand a state Supreme Court ruling related to the primary election that people who have errors on their ballot envelopes can cast provisional ballots.
The application for stay presented to JUSTICE ALITO and by him referred to the Court is denied. Statement of JUSTICE ALITO , with whom JUSTICE THOMAS and JUSTICE GORSUCH join, respecting the denial of the application for a stay.
This case concerns a recent decision of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania that adopted a controversial interpretation of important provisions of the Pennsylvania Election Code. Specifically, the court held that a provisional ballot must be counted even if the voter previously submitted an invalid mail-in ballot within the time required by law.
The applicants contend that this interpretation flouts the plain meaning of the state election code, see 25 Pa. Cons. Stat. §3050(a.4)(5)(ii) (2019), and that the interpretation is so far afield that it also violates the Elections Clause and the Electors Clause of the Constitution of the United States. See Art. I, §4, cl. 1; Art. II, §1, cl. 2; Moore v. Harper, 600 U. S. 1, 37 (2023). Seeking to prevent county election boards from following that interpretation in next week’s election, the applicants ask us to stay the State Supreme Court’s judgment or at least to order the sequestration of ballots that may be affected by that interpretation.
The application of the State Supreme Court’s interpretation in the upcoming election is a matter of considerable importance, but even if we agreed with the applicants’ federal constitutional argument (a question on which I express no view at this time), we could not prevent the consequences they fear. The lower court’s judgment concerns just two votes in the long-completed Pennsylvania primary. Staying that judgment would not impose any binding obligation on any of the Pennsylvania officials who are responsible for the conduct of this year’s election. And because the only state election officials who are parties in this case are the members of the board of elections in one small county, we cannot order other election boards to sequester affected ballots.
For these reasons, I agree with the order denying the application.
In Pennsylvania in order to expand mail-in voting, Republicans insisted on rules requiring envelopes to be signed and dated, and ballots to be placed in an inner security envelope. If a ballot gets invalidated for a date or signature error, the state system notifies the voter of the error, and and most counties in the state allow the voter to cast a provisional ballot, which counts in the election total.
and RNC have been suing to not allow voters to vote provisionally and toss their ballots out. The Supreme Court sided with Democrats and the state Supreme Court which upheld the ability for voters to cast provisional votes that count.
Pennsylvania is a state where elections are close, and Trump’s effort disenfranchise potentially tens of thousands of voters has failed.
The ruling is a defeat for Trump and victory for democracy in Pennsylvania.
“Do not get out of line! Do not get out of line!” a woman in a video shouts as two police officers whisk her away.
Off camera, the person filming the incident can be heard saying, “Wow, wow, wow. That’s crazy. You locked her up? That is insane, man.”
“She is influencing people,” one observer said to the camera. But the person filming disagreed: “She is not influencing people.”
This video was shared in social media posts, with people claiming the woman was arrested Oct. 28 for telling people to stay in line to exercise their right to vote.
“A supporter of President Trump’s was arrested today for encouraging people to stay in the early voting line and cast their ballots freely in Pennsylvania,” read the text in an Oct. 29 X post.
Sign up for PolitiFact texts
Is that all that happened?
The woman in the video is Vallerie or “Val” Biancaniello, a Republican elector for Pennsylvania. In another video of the incident, Biancaniello can be heard saying, “I am a delegate for Donald Trump, by the way!”
Biancaniello posted Oct. 28 on X, “They arrested me and I didn’t break any laws. I encouraged people to stay in line and vote because the Democrats were discouraging voters from in person voting today in Delaware County.” Democrats have won Delaware County, a county that surrounds Philadelphia, since 1992.
She said an election worker told voters to go to Chester Heights office, around 6 miles away, where the line is shorter. But when people went there, she said, they were told that the office had run out of mail-in ballot applications.
Former President Donald Trump and Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley sharedsimilar claims, arguing that people’s votes were being suppressed.
But these posts were misleading.
(Screenshot from X)
An Oct. 30 statement by county spokesperson Ryan Herlinger said the incident occurred at the voter service center at the Government Center Building in Media, Pennsylvania. According to the statement, Biancaniello was “disruptive and belligerent toward some Delaware County residents waiting for mail-in ballot applications and other election-related services.”
The county said Biancaniello wasn’t in line for any service from the elections department, but “spent nearly two hours in the lobby area and approached various individuals,” prompting some people in line to complain to the Delaware County Park Police, which provides security for that building.
A woman at the scene told WCAU-TV that Biancaniello was telling people about a two-hour wait and that they had to stay in line. She said some voters told police Biancaniello was “interfering with the election.” PolitiFact found no more footage of the events before Biancaniello’s handcuffing.
Park Police officers advised Biancaniello on appropriate behavior and allowed her to stay in the lobby, the county said. But after more complaints, she was asked to leave the building. Biancaniello refused.
The county said Biancaniello was not arrested, but “briefly detained and issued a citation for disorderly conduct.” Park Police didn’t respond to PolitiFact’s request for comment; Herlinger said Park Police confirmed she was not arrested. In a statement to CNN, the Delaware County district attorney’s office said this was “a summary offense similar to a traffic ticket.”
The district attorney’s office is conducting a criminal investigation into the incident. However, the Delaware County Daily Times reported that First Assistant District Attorney Tanner Rouse said the case was “low priority” because no criminal charges were being filed.
In the same Oct. 30 county statement, Delaware County Council Chair Monica Taylor said the county takes voting rights “very seriously.”
“Voters have a right to participate in our democracy fully and we applaud our Park Police for calming the disturbance and allowing election services to be provided without disruption,” she said.
Registered Pennsylvania voters can choose on-demand mail ballot voting, in which they can apply for a mail ballot in person at a county elections office, receive one, fill it out and submit it in one visit. But state law does not require counties to follow this.
According to the Delaware County Daily Times, James Allen, election operations director, said machines print ballots on demand because voter service centers do not know who will come in to request mail ballots. The deadline to request a mail or absentee ballot in Delaware County passed at 5 p.m. Oct. 29.
Allen said no location “ran out of ballots” or couldn’t process applications, the Delaware County Daily Times reported, contrary to Biancaniello’s claim about the Chester Heights location turning away voters.
In the county’s Oct. 30 statement, Allen said voters can direct election questions to election staff members in voter service centers.
PolitiFact Researcher Caryn Baird contributed to this story.
Pennsylvania was a pivotal state in the 2020 presidential election, sealing Joe Biden’s victory over Donald Trump after four days of vote counting. So it’s no surprise the Keystone State is again front and center this election cycle, with both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump investing time and resources there ahead of Election Day.
In the past few weeks, the presidential candidates have been regulars in Pennsylvania, often joined on the campaign trail by celebrities and fellow politicians. They’ve made some memorable pit stops — from Harris snapping selfies at Famous 4th Street Deli to Trump donning an apron during a campaign event at a McDonald’s in Bucks County, which Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro calls the “swingiest of all swing counties in the swingiest of all swing states.” Trump also returned to Butler for a rally at the same fairgrounds where he survived an assassination attempt in July.
CBS News’ Battleground Tracker shows an effectively tied race in Pennsylvania a week before Election Day. The state is part of the Democrats’ “blue wall” along with Michigan and Wisconsin, considered crucial for the party’s path to the White House.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of Election Day:
Pennsylvania Election Day fast facts
Polls open: 7 a.m. ET
Polls close: 8 p.m. ET
Mail-in ballot deadline: 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024
Every state has its own rules when it comes to vote counting. In Pennsylvania, state law requires county election workers to wait until polls open on Election Day (7 a.m. ET) to start processing — removing ballots from envelopes — and counting mail-in ballots.
Pennsylvania counties also can’t begin to record or release mail-in ballot results until after the polls close at 8 p.m. ET. That means there will be a lag in announcing the final tallies and, in turn, projecting the state’s winner. How long of a delay, however, is unclear.
Pennsylvania’s Electoral College votes
Pennsylvania has 19 electoral votes, making it an important prize in the presidential race. The state had 20 electoral votes in the 2020 race but lost one in the congressional redistricting that followed the 2020 Census.
When will we know who won Pennsylvania?
In 2020, Mr. Biden was named the projected winner of Pennsylvania late morning on Saturday, Nov. 7 — the fourth day of vote counting — after taking an insurmountable lead in the state. Winning the state’s then-20 electoral votes helped him top the 270 needed to win the presidency.
But it’s hard to draw any conclusions from 2020 when more voters opted for mail-in voting for the first time due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19. It was the first year Pennsylvania allowed no-excuse mail-in voting, leading to a record 2.6 million mail-in ballots. In 2020, 38% of Pennsylvanians voted either early or by mail, compared to 4% in 2016, according to CBS News’ records.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court also ruled in 2020 that mail-in ballots couldn’t be rejected over signature mismatches.
Kathy Boockvar, former Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, told CBS News that 2024 will likely look different since election officials have had four more years of practice, bought new equipment and have a better idea of how much staffing they’ll need.
“Nobody knows on election night who wins or loses. What we hope to do is count the ballots securely, accurately, and then after that as quickly as humanly possible,” Boockvar said.
In 2020, about 54% of total votes cast were reported by 12 a.m. ET after Election Day, according to the Associated Press. The “overwhelming majority of ballots” were counted by Thursday night into Friday morning in 2020, according to Boockvar.
Boockvar estimates this year, given all of the lessons learned from 2020 and improvements made to the counting system, that the majority of ballots will be counted by the end of Wednesday instead of Thursday, which may help speed up the process of projecting a winner.
However, if the race is close, then that may delay things further. Pennsylvania has an automatic recount if the margin in any statewide race is 0.5% votes or less. The state also allows losing candidates to file a request for a machine recount if they pay for it. A refund may be available depending on the findings.
Could Latino voters in Pennsylvania decide the election?
In order to secure a Pennsylvania victory, both Harris and Trump may need to win over Latino voters. There are nearly 580,000 eligible Latino voters in Pennsylvania, according to the UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute’s latest data. Pennsylvania’s share of eligible Latino voters has more than doubled since 2000, the data shows.
Roughly about half of the Latino population lives in the center part of the state called the “222 Corridor” — a stretch of small cities including Reading, Allentown, Lancaster and Bethlehem, where the presidential candidates and their running mates have visited frequently.
Who won Pennsylvania in past presidential elections?
Pennsylvania has voted for the presidential winner dating back to 2008, when Barack Obama was elected president. Here’s a look at who has claimed the state over the years:
2020: Democrat Joe Biden defeats Donald Trump
2016: Republican Donald Trump defeats Hillary Clinton
Jennifer Earl is the Vice President of Growth & Engagement at CBS News and Stations. Jennifer has previously written for outlets including The Daily Herald, The Gazette, NBC News, Newsday, Fox News and more.
A judge ruled that Bucks County voters will be able to apply for, receive, vote, and return a mail-in ballot until the close of business on Friday, Nov. 1 after campaigns for former President Donald Trump and Republican Senate candidate Dave McCormick sued the county over long lines and voters being turned away.
The suit, filed in the Court of Common Pleas in Bucks County, asked for mail ballot voting on demand to be offered for one more day. On Wednesday, the judge agreed.
The docket from the Common Pleas of Bucks County, Pennsylvania states, “Defendants [Bucks County Board of Election] actions in turning away voters who sought to apply for a mail-in ballot and receive one in person before the deadline of 5 p.m. on Oct. 29, violated the Pennsylvania Election Code. Defendants shall permit any persons who wishes to apply for, receive, vote, and return a mail-in ballot to appear at the Elections Bureau office and do so during normal business hours before the close of business on Nov. 1.”
Bucks County election officials are asking that the extension be limited to the Doylestown location. They say they can move printers there to serve voters efficiently. They’re also asking that the time frame each day go from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In that process, voters can request a mail-in ballot in person at their county’s elections office. The voter then receives the ballot in minutes, fills it out in person and returns it all in the same trip.
The last possible day to vote with a mail ballot on demand was Tuesday, Oct. 29, the same as the deadline to request a mail-in ballot. Long lines formed outside the Bucks County administration building Tuesday.
When CBS News Philadelphia was there, the line was wrapped around the block.
Bucks County Commissioner and Chair of the County Board of Elections Bob Harvie said lines were long because it takes workers 10-12 minutes to process an application for a voter in the on-demand process.
“It is a very cumbersome process. We don’t have limitless resources here,” Harvie said. “We have a fixed number of staff. We have a fixed budget.”
According to a county spokesperson, the line for the on-demand process was cut around 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday. The county continued accepting applications for mail-in ballots until 5 p.m. That option was also available online.
The Pennsylvania Department of State had asked every county to ensure every voter who was in line by 5 p.m. could at least fill out and submit an application for a mail-in ballot. The lawsuit claims the Department of State told voters in line would be able to receive their mail-in ballot in addition to applying for it, citing a post on X from the official @PAStateDept account.
“If you are in line at a county elections office tonight at 5 p.m. to apply for your mail-in ballot, counties must give you an opportunity to do so. Our team continues to work with all counties to ensure every eligible voter who wants to vote by mail ballot is able to,” the post read.
That post does not say that voters who are staying in line would receive their mail-in ballot the same day, only that they would be permitted to submit an application.
“If you are in line by 5 p.m. for an on-demand mail-in ballot application, you will have the opportunity to submit your application for a mail-in ballot,” Bucks County officials said on X. “That ballot will then be mailed to the voter or can be picked up by the voter later this week.”
The suit also asked the court to find the issue of voters being turned away and unable to receive their mail-in ballot by 5 p.m. as a violation of the Pennsylvania Election Code.
The intent to sue was announced Tuesday night as Trump rallied in Allentown.
Michael Whatley, Republican National Committee chair, said the campaign intends to sue the county over alleged voter suppression involving turning voters away.
“We are not going to let them suppress our votes,” Whatley said. “We are going to fight. I’m proud to tell you tonight the Trump-Vance campaign has announced a huge lawsuit against Bucks County for turning away our voters.”
The Bucks County spokesperson said county elections officials are aware litigation may be filed and had no further comment.
On social media Wednesday, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said Republican and Democratic clerks of elections are working together with law enforcement to ensure only eligible voters are registered and can vote.
“Let’s remember, in 2020, Donald Trump attacked our elections over and over,” Shapiro wrote on X. “I was the Attorney General back then and despite his bluster and rhetoric, he went 0-43 in court when he fought to make it harder to vote and then tried to overturn Pennsylvanians’ votes. He’s now trying to use the same playbook to stoke chaos, but hear me on this: we will again have a free and fair, safe and secure election — and the will of the people will be respected.”
Wind Creek Bethlehem Casino Resort in Lehigh Valley, PA | Photo: Better Living
Terraced rock gardens leading to the many suites at Glasbern | Photo: Better Living
Panoramic view of downtown Lancaster from The Exchange rooftop bar | Photo: Better Living
