This Is The Friendliest Small Town in Pennsylvania
For centuries, Lititz has been a welcoming town in southeastern Pennsylvania, offering a warm place of refuge to all who visit. Founded by European settlers in 1756, the town earned a reputation for hospitality during the American Revolution when it cared for over 250 sick and wounded soldiers in 1777. Today, events like the Fire & Ice Festival bring warmth to the winter season, inviting locals and visitors together to celebrate. Looking for a cozy spot to unwind when the temperatures drop? This Pennsylvania town promises small-town hospitality and a strong community spirit.
Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery
Pretzels hold a surprisingly important role in Lititz’s community, primarily due to the influence of the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. This bakery dates back to 1861, when Julius Sturgis, 26 years old, opened the country’s first commercial pretzel bakery. Remarkably, the Sturgis family continues to operate the bakery today in the same historic building, a structure dating back to 1784. Don't miss the chance to explore this iconic bakery in person.
The Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery offers an interactive tour led by a friendly and knowledgeable guide, taking guests through the original bakery Julius Sturgis established, including his original ovens. It also includes a hands-on lesson in pretzel twisting and allows visitors to watch skilled pretzel bakers in action. By the end of the tour, you may just want to become pretzel baker yourself!
Annual Festivals
Little blonde girl with ice sculptures.
One of the best ways to get involved in the community culture of Lititz is by attending one of its eccentric festivals. In February, the town puts on one of its most iconic festivals—The Fire & Ice Festival. During this event, watch ice carvers work throughout the day to create intricate ice sculptures. Later on in the week, enjoy an acrobatic fire show. Other activities during the festival include a chili cookoff, a specially themed farmers market, art in the park, an ice cream festival, and a family-friendly scavenger hunt.
In the summer, the Taste of Lititz Festival brings the community together once again. Set on East Main Street, restaurants from around town set up booths with some of their most delicious treats, including the beloved pretzel, of course! Live music and family-friendly games add to the atmosphere. Also consider visiting Lititz in October to participate in the Apoca-Lititz 5K, a Halloween 5K that encourages runners to dress up in costume.
Weekly and Monthly Events
Even if you cannot visit Lititz during the special festival dates, the town hosts regular events throughout the year. On the second Friday of each month, the Lititz downtown district springs to life. The shops and restaurants stay open later, offering special sales, festivities, and entertainment. From May through October, the town also hosts a weekly farmers market each Thursday in Lititz Springs Park. During the market, local farmers and artisans sell goods like fresh flowers, fresh produce, baked goods, dog treats, granola, and more. A local food truck and band make an appearance each week as well!
Friendly Inns
The welcoming innkeepers of Lititz perfectly embody the town’s hospitality, greeting visitors with a smile and a hot breakfast. The Alden House is an excellent example, a bed and breakfast that has been running for nearly 40 years in the heart of the historic district. This inn, housed in a federal-style building from 1850, offers a full hot breakfast each morning to its guests alongside amenities such as a daily newspaper in the dining room, complimentary snacks, and a variety of beverages. Lititz Springs Inn is another beloved accommodation in town. This inn has been welcoming guests since 1764, honing its tradition of exceptional hospitality over the centuries. With two floors of guest rooms, two restaurants, and a large outdoor patio, there are plenty of spaces to unwind, dine, and socialize.
Dining & Nightlife
You'll often find Lititz locals spending their weekends gathered at one of the town's many restaurants or bars, enjoying good food and good company in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Bulls Head Public House, a British-style pub, is one of the town's most popular dining spots, offering a mix of British and American cuisine paired with quality craft beers. The pub also hosts periodic community events, including knitting and crocheting nights, trivia nights, painting nights, and whiskey dinners. For some Italian food, Piccolo Eatery, a chef-owned and operated restaurant, offers some of the best and most authentic Italian cuisine in Lititz. For a delicious brunch, consider dining at Tomato Pie Cafe, a cozy spot serving seasonal dishes, coffee, French toast, quiches, and more.
Final Thoughts
While many towns and cities in the northeast are known for being more reserved and distant, the Pennsylvanian town of Lititz is certainly an exception. With summer food festivals, weekly farmers markets, and welcoming pretzel bakers, it is no wonder this town has built such a strong reputation for hospitality. So, the next time you find yourself craving a friendly smile and community spirit, remember you can always find a warm welcome in Lititz.
