Best Kept Secrets Tour of Lancaster County

Shhhh... can you keep a secret? The Best Kept Secrets Tour in Lancaster County is one of the most exciting ways to explore the area’s hidden gems. Picture this: a shopping, food, and adventure experience where you travel from place to place at your own pace, uncovering small, off-the-beaten-path businesses with discounts, gifts and refreshments just for you. Whether you decide to squeeze it all into one day or spread it out over a few, the choice is yours—and your ticket is valid for the entire tour.

Curated by Melissa Nordhoff, the mastermind behind the Best Kept Secrets Tour, each stop is handpicked for its uniqueness and charm. Melissa spends countless hours scouting Lancaster’s back roads, ensuring that every featured business offers not only high-quality products but also a warm, welcoming atmosphere. These aren’t just stores—they’re local treasures brimming with personality, and visiting them feels like stumbling upon Lancaster’s best-kept secrets (hence the name).

This fall’s tour runs from October 10 through 26, and with 44 featured stops, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to discover what makes Lancaster County so special. From cozy cafes in historic barns to artisan shops and farmers' markets, every stop offers something unique. You’ll receive a tour booklet with a map and descriptions of each shop, along with coupons to use along the way. And if you're one of the first 2,000 to purchase a ticket, you'll get a goody bag filled with fun surprises!

Along your tour, you’ll visit everything from gift and home accessory stores tucked inside historic barns, mills, and even old factories, to charming boutiques set in private homes. Imagine wandering through a farmers’ market bursting with local produce, then stopping by a farm that not only offers fresh products but also gives you a chance to meet some adorable animals. You might stumble upon a unique café offering warm fall drinks, or a creamery with fresh, homemade ice cream—perfect for a sweet treat during your adventure.

And that’s just the beginning! Lancaster County’s artisan scene shines during the tour, with stops at woodworking shops, artisan studios, and vintage boutiques, where you’ll find handcrafted jewelry, home decor, and more. Specialty food shops also make up part of the experience—think gourmet markets with locally made sauces, jams, and cheeses, or orchards selling crisp apples, homemade pies, and fresh cider. For those who enjoy a glass of wine, there are even wineries to visit, each with its own unique selection of local varietals.

But here’s the real fun part—you never know exactly what to expect at each stop. You might find yourself watching a live demonstration, enjoying a free treat, or entering a raffle for some great prizes. It’s all part of the adventure!

If you’re planning to visit Lancaster during the holidays, you won’t want to miss the December Best Kept Secrets Tour, running from December 5 to 14. This festive edition of the tour is packed with holiday cheer and features 13 unique shops, three cozy eateries, and one charming winery, all decked out in their finest seasonal decor. And one more thing—there are no repeat stops from the October tour, so even if you joined in the fall, you’ll be treated to an entirely new set of hidden gems.

Imagine walking into a shop filled with fantastically trimmed Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and magical holiday displays. Every stop offers something to make your season brighter, from handmade, hard-to-find gifts to holiday-inspired refreshments and games. It’s a treasure hunt through Lancaster County’s most festive spots, where you can check off your holiday shopping list while soaking up the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

For guests staying at The Lancaster Bed and Breakfast, the Best Kept Secrets Tour is a fantastic way to explore all the untapped treasures in Lancaster County. Planning a girls’ getaway? The tour makes an ideal group activity, and our spacious Juniper Chamomile Suite is just right for accommodating multiple guests. Gather your friends, book your stay, and enjoy a fun-filled weekend of shopping, food, and relaxation while uncovering Lancaster’s best-kept secrets.