5 Best Places to Shop in Lancaster County

Are you looking for some of the best places to shop in Lancaster County? This local has just what you need.

When someone thinks about shopping in Lancaster, there are two places that generally come to mind – Tanger Outlets and Park City Mall. With no sales tax on clothing, as well as so many things to see and do in Lancaster, our big, little town can draw quite the crowd.

If you asked a local, i.e. me, we’d tell you that you don’t know what you’re missing by limiting yourself to those few retail options.

Let me tell you about the best places to shop in Lancaster County that you may not have heard of, but definitely don’t want to miss.

Artisan Mill Co. – Lititz, PA

If you’re in Lancaster County, you need to spend at least one day in Lititz. Voted the Best Small Town in America in 2013, Lititz is full of unique, local shops, delicious restaurants, and expansive history. Make sure to park your car in one of the many parking areas so you don’t waste a trip just window shopping.

(Make sure you go get a Wilbur Bud at the Wilbur Chocolate Shop. Thank me later)

On your way out of downtown Lititz, you absolutely must stop at Artisan Mill Co. on Route 772. Manheim natives Ian and Ashley Gantz purchased an abandoned 1800s watermill with the vision to transform it into a local vendor’s paradise. Let me tell you, they accomplished just that. With over 135 small businesses scattered through the three story, handicap accessible building, you can find everything from gorgeous home decor to delightful bath products.

Not only do the folks at Artisan Mill Co support our local community, but they also house Hope Inspire Love, a Pennsylvania nonprofit that helps fight human sex trafficking.

So, when you find yourself in Lititz, make sure you don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind shopping experience. The tribute to Lititz history combined with the expansive variety of products make this one of the best places to shop in Lancaster County.

Address:
813 Rothsville Road, Lititz, PA 17543

Hours:
Monday: Closed (Open 10A-6P starting 11/21)
Tuesday-Thursday: 10A-6P
Friday: 10A-7P
Saturday: 10A-6P
Sunday: 11A-4P

Prussian Street Arcade – Manheim, PA

Another rising town in Lancaster County is Manheim, PA. Formally known for farmland and cattle, downtown Manheim is now home to several shops, breweries, and cafes. One shop you’ll want to leave some time for is Prussian Street Arcade.

Originally opened in Manheim in November of 2019, Prussian Street Arcade has since expanded their business by opening a second location in Roherstown in 2021. Although the store is owned by Susan and Michael Ferrari, they are quick to make it known that Prussian Street Arcade is a labor of love that is operated by an incredible team of dedicated individuals.

With over 200 local vendors and micro-merchants that sell everything from antiques to jewelry to leather goods, you are certain to find that one of a kind gift for someone close to you. The two buildings that this business calls home are only one story and very handicap accessible.

The eclectic artist style and proximity to other small business such as Mill 72 and Artifice Ales & Meads make this one of the best places to shop in Lancaster County.

Address:
49 N Main Street. Manheim, PA 17545
2200 Embassy Drive. Lancaster, PA 17603

Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Saturday: 10A-6P
Sunday: 12P-4P

Building Character – Downtown Lancaster

When you think of cities in Pennsylvania, I can almost guarantee that Lancaster City has never crossed your mind. For an area that is known for Amish culture, not many travelers would think to give Lancaster City a chance. Well, I’m here to change that.

Since Lancaster City is home to several galleries, breweries, restaurants, and local shopping, we are sure to have something for everyone in your group. Right in the center of all that, you’ll find Building Character. Started by a Lancaster City native who wanted to give forgotten things a new life, Building Character is home to over 70+ local vendors and small business owners. You can find everything from unique home decor to delicious candles to relatable stationery and stickers.

Since this is Lancaster City’s largest retail destination, the vendors and shops change frequently. Be sure to stop in in often for fresh merchandise. While you’re out, you’ll want to plan a visit to their sister location, Madcap & Co.

Filling the floor with products that are a tribute the Lancaster City culture is what makes Building Character one of the best places to shop in Lancaster County.

Address:
Building Character: 342 North Queen Street. Lancaster, PA 17603
MadCap & Co: 310 North Queen Street. Lancaster, PA 17603

Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 10A-6P
Sunday: 12P-5P

Building Character routinely has special hours to match events that are happening in Lancaster City, so be sure to check out their Instagram page to take advantage of First Friday and all other special events in the city!

Keystone Artisan Werks – Columbia, PA

Downtown Columbia is full of delectable restaurants, adorable antique shops, and comprehensive industrial history. As you discover everything Columbia has to offer, make sure you add Keystone Artisan Werks to your itinerary.

After purchasing the antique building, owners Shawn and Katie Yohe made sure to honor those businesses that had come before them. They derived the name “Keystone Artisan Werks” from the Columbia Weks Company, a train repair shop in the 1840s, and Keystone Laundry Company, a laundry company that took over in the 1940s. Today, the 25,000 square foot building is filled wall to wall with small businesses, crafters, and endless events.

Born from the love of a Pennsylvania native and a New Jersey transplant, Shawn and Katie wanted to create a fun and exciting experience for their vendors, as well as their customers. This is why Keystone Artisan Werks is far from your typical retail experience. Almost every weekend, you will find a different event being hosted including brew & shop events, wine tasting nights, ghost tours, and various demonstrations and workshops put on by their multitude of vendors. Be sure to follow them on Facebook so you don’t miss a single one!

But wait, there’s more! Do you have a company event, birthday party, or girl’s night coming up? Make sure you check out The Axeperience within Keystone Artisan Werks. Not so hidden in the rear of the building is a rentable event space with axe throwing, shuffleboard, darts, a bar, and a large projector to watch all the HGTV – all in one. Check out the website for rates and to book your time!

Paying tribute to current small businesses, as well as historical businesses that called Columbia home, is what makes Keystone Artisan Werks one of the best places to shop in Lancaster County.

Address:
199 Bridge Street. Columbia, PA 17512

Hours:
Monday-Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday-Thursday: 10A-5P
Friday: 10A-8P
Saturday: 10A-5P
Sunday: 11A-3P

Kindred Collections – Columbia, PA

I have lived in Lancaster for less than a decade and it warms my heart to see the miraculously change that has come to Columbia, PA. A town that was once known for its industrial history had become an area that was known as somewhere you didn’t want to walk alone at night. A multitude of hardworking and dedicated people have worked tirelessly to change that.

Right in the heart of this change, you will find Kindred Collections. A stone’s throw away from the Susquehanna River, this space is owned by three lovely artists who saw a need to showcase not only their own talents, but all those in their community as well.

Kindred Collections currently houses over 90 local artists and crafters. Take your time to walk through this expansive space, where you’ll find everything from candles to furniture and other home decor. They also house Columbia Creative Factory, a nonprofit working to spread the love of community and art to current and future generations.

The town of Columbia offers a generous amount of on street parking and Kindred Collections is handicap accessible.

Keep an eye out on Kindred Collections’ Instagram and Facebook pages to keep up with the multitude of events that they offer, including Ladies Night, pop up markets, and artist lead workshops.

Dedication to Columbia’s reform and its community artists is what makes Kindred Collections one of the best places to shop in Lancaster County.

Address:
452 Locust Street. Columbia, PA 17512

Hours:
Monday-Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday-Thursday: 10A-4P
Friday-Saturday: 10A-5P
Sunday: 12A-4P

Best Places to Shop in Lancaster County

All of these wonderful businesses are within 20 minutes of each other. Make a day of it by stopping at all of them!

If you’ve read any of my content before, you know that I am an avid supporter of shopping small and supporting local. As a Lancaster County local, I know the hidden gems this town has to offer for our community and our tourists alike. You are sure to score some unique finds by shopping at these businesses that I would consider the best places to shop in Lancaster County.

Once you have shopped till you’re ready to drop, be sure to check out the best breweries in Lancaster as the perfect end to the day!

Happy shopping everyone!