Wayfaring Wednesday

Welcome to Wayfaring Wednesday! My career as a real estate agent takes me all around Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas. Though I wasn’t born and raised here, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the unique blend of urban and rural charm this region offers over the last 20 plus years that I have called this region home.

My passion for small businesses stems from my extensive experience in Commercial Real Estate. I am captivated by the vibrant communities and quaint towns that dot the landscape of Lancaster County. I invite you to explore and enjoy Lancaster with me, discovering its hidden gems and embracing the sense of community that makes this area truly special.

Fall Fun in Lancaster County

Foliage, Scenic Spots, and Pumpkin Picking

I was driving back from the REMAX Evolved office today to my house in East Earl.  I past Amish and Mennonite farms with horses and tractors doing their work clearing the corn fields and spreading manure.  I passed roadside stands lined with pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and types.  I passed barns that had tobacco drying in them.  It was a beautiful site and I know it was unique to Lancaster County. 

Yesterday morning I was collecting acorns at the park with my daughter to create a pile so the squires would have help storing up food for the winter.  We gathered 2 (not one) large piles for them! 

A couple of years ago, I lived close to Lancaster City and enjoyed the Central Market with it’s fall flavor coffees, cider donuts, and fresh apple cider.  I like sitting in the square drinking a hot beverage on a crisp fall day thankful that the heat left us and the cold wasn’t upon us yet. 

This is a perfect time of year here in Lancaster and a time that this county shines. 

Fall in Lancaster County is something special. Palm trees and pine trees don’t say fall like acorns from Oak trees. The air turns crisp, the leaves transform into fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow, and there's a sense of warmth despite the cooling temperatures.   Maybe the warmth comes from the corn fields and the apple orchards. It’s this season in particular that makes me grateful for making this place my home. 

Whether you're a local or just passing through, there's no shortage of ways to soak in the beauty of autumn.  Here are some ideas. 

1. Foliage Views That Will Take Your Breath Away:
Lancaster County is packed with spots to catch some of the best fall foliage around. Head to Chickies Rock Overlook for sweeping views of the Susquehanna River flanked by autumn colors. Or, take a leisurely drive down Route 30, where the countryside is lit up in a patchwork of fall hues. If you're looking for a hidden gem, Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve offers a more peaceful, intimate look at the changing leaves.

2. Hiking Trails and Parks for a Foliage Fix:
For those who love to be out in nature, Lancaster County offers a variety of hiking trails that are perfect for fall. Holtwood Preserve offers both challenging trails and stunning views of the river and gorge. If you prefer something a bit easier but equally rewarding, Lancaster County Central Park offers plenty of trails where you can walk amongst the trees as they transition into fall.

3. Best Spots for Pumpkins:
What’s fall without a visit to a pumpkin patch? Lancaster is home to some of the best around. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is a must-stop, with not only pumpkins but fun activities for the whole family. Masonic Village Farm Market also offers a classic pumpkin-picking experience, with a wide variety of gourds to choose from. Plus, don’t forget the fresh cider!

No matter how you choose to enjoy fall, Lancaster County offers a little something for everyone—from scenic hikes to pumpkin patches. So, grab your favorite sweater, hit the trails, and soak in the beauty of autumn in our own backyard.  Maybe I will find you while collecting acorns or sipping cider!

Oregon Dairy in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is family-owned and operated

• Owners: The Hurst family has owned the dairy since the early 1950s. In May 2024, the Hurst family sold the property to the Horst family, but will continue to operate the business by leasing the land back. 

• Location: Oregon Dairy is located at 2900 Oregon Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. 

• Features: Oregon Dairy is a working dairy farm with a market, restaurant, ice cream shop, and more. It also hosts events throughout the year, including train rides, a corn maze, and a pumpkin patch

If you have a small business, event, or community feature you would like to recommend, please email me at [email protected]

Farm Market Adventures and Fall Harvest Recipes: Acorn Squash & Brussels Sprouts

Fall in Lancaster County is one of my favorite times of year. The crisp air, vibrant foliage, and the smell of wood-burning stoves make it special. But what truly makes it unforgettable are the trips I take with my kids to local farm markets and roadside stands. There's something heartwarming about visiting these stands during the harvest season, filling our baskets with seasonal goodies like acorn squash and Brussels sprouts on the stem.

The kids love these outings, whether it's selecting pumpkins for carving, picking apples, or grabbing those massive stalks of Brussels sprouts. It’s become a bit of a family tradition. Plus, it’s hard to beat the farm-fresh produce that feels like the best of autumn in every bite.

When we get home, it's time to transform these ingredients into comforting, cozy dishes. One of my all-time favorite meals for fall is baked, stuffed acorn squash paired with roasted Brussels sprouts. These recipes are simple, flavorful, and perfect for the season!

These meals capture the essence of fall in every bite, combining the sweetness of squash with the savory, slightly bitter bite of Brussels sprouts. It's a wholesome, comforting dinner that my kids love (even the sprouts!). There's nothing quite like enjoying a meal made from local, seasonal produce. Plus, it gives us a reason to return to the farm stands week after week to stock up!

Mark your calendars! 📅
The week of Sept. 29–Oct. 5 stands out as 2024’s prime time to buy.

During this period, you may find a high inventory of homes, prices below their peak, and a slower, more manageable market pace—perfect for making thoughtful decisions. This lull is due to seasonal changes like school starts and cooler weather, which naturally reduce competition. Plus, the following two weeks continue to offer great opportunities with slightly less activity.

Ready to find your perfect home with less hassle? Let’s plan your move this fall!

Source: Realtor.com

Before you start your house-hunting journey, make sure you're well-prepared with the following:

- A solid credit score, which varies based on the type of loan you're seeking.

- Demonstrable debt-to-income management to show lenders your financial stability.

- Sufficient funds set aside for a down payment.

- Additional savings to cover closing costs and any initial maintenance your new home may need.

Need a little help getting everything in order? Let’s make sure you’re set to house-hunt with confidence!

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