Places to go in Lancaster, PA
Penn Square
Penn Square, located in the downtown district of Lancaster, offers visitors and locals a variety of things to do and see. From the first downtown county courthouse (built in the middle of the square in 1738) to the rise of Watt & Shand and the Griest Building, to the Lancaster County Convention Center, Penn Square has been a focal point of Lancaster city for centuries. There are a variety of shops to explore around Penn Square, including antique shops, handmade shops, and premium retail stores. Local favorites, modest mom-and-pop diners, and well-known favorites are among the area’s many distinct restaurants. Furthermore, the neighborhood is rich in ancient buildings, monuments, and architecture, making it a pleasant city visit. Penn Square is close to many of Lancaster City’s most popular historic sites, top-rated restaurants, and art-filled streets, including the city’s oldest working farmers’ market, Central Market, the Fulton Theater, and Gallery Row. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument is a Gothic Revival memorial that stands 43 feet (13 meters) tall in Penn Square. Penn Square is well-known for its historical significance. It covers around four blocks and includes a variety of historic structures. You may take a walk through this neighborhood to learn more about the people, structures, and city’s history. Many of the structures are original, well-maintained, and have distinct architectural styles from various historical periods. Many of the city’s civic sites, business areas, religious facilities, and social stops will be visible. It takes roughly an hour to walk around, but it will take longer if you stop to view these structures. Because of its multiple buildings, cellar windows you can peer into, and little touches that make it genuinely unique, many people describe visiting Penn Square as a journey back in time. Visit an 18th-century city hall, a 19th-century marketplace, and a skyscraper from the early 1900s. Food sellers, jazz performances, political demonstrations, and, of course, the traditional tree lighting and arrival of Santa Claus have all taken place there. Penn Square houses the Lancaster Marriott hotel, the tallest building in Lancaster. It delivers a one-of-a-kind visitor experience that combines historical charm with contemporary luxury. The hotel, which is housed within the spectacular façade of the 110-year-old Watt and Shand building, pays homage to its illustrious past by offering a view of external architecture that represents a masterful Baroque-revival design among nearby structures going back to the mid-1700s. The hotel’s beautiful décor reflects rich colors of olive, gold, and burnt orange complemented with cherry wood, giving it a modern, international feel. The Lancaster County Convention Center, located in the center of downtown Lancaster on historic Penn Square, provides visitors with a unique chance to experience the best of both worlds—a place where real culture flourishes alongside a lively metropolitan atmosphere. Take advantage of big-city conveniences at a small-town pace. Explore our stylish and large meeting spaces, which have been integrated into Lancaster’s spectacular historic environment. The Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square and Lancaster County Convention Center are one of only thirty-one GBAC STAR recognized convention center complexes in the world, meeting the highest health safety level for hotels and conference centers. Penn Square is in a superb position in Lancaster City, with full-time entertainment and fashionable cuisine within walking distance.
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