Celebrating Seven Years: A Simple Trip to Lancaster

Jen and I just celebrated our seven-year anniversary. We kept it simple and took a spontaneous trip to Lancaster. Nothing fancy or extremely planned out, but it turned out to be exactly what we needed.

The Joy of the Unplanned Getaway

First stop was Shady Maple, which is known as the largest buffet in the country. It definitely lived up to the reputation. Afterward, we swung by the Tanger Outlets, picked up a little outfit for Jordan at J.Crew, and grabbed some new shoes for ourselves.

At the hotel, we ended up watching two pretty bad movies. The Karate Kid remake and the latest Jurassic World. We were still grateful though. The reality is, in our busy lives, the simple act of setting aside time, turning off the noise, and being present together is the real luxury—even if it means watching questionable cinema.

Before heading home, we checked out the Lancaster Central Market and really enjoyed the local food and energy.

Lancaster: A Hidden Gem of Community and History

Most people think of Lancaster as just Amish country, and while that is part of the charm, it honestly felt like a peaceful and well-rounded community. Great places to eat, friendly people, and fresh produce from local farmers made it feel like a hidden gem.

Stepping into the Lancaster Central Market felt like walking into history. Not only is it the oldest continuously operated farmers’ market in the United States, dating back to 1730, but it is a vibrant testament to the city’s agricultural roots and its diverse, modern identity. The Market is the perfect encapsulation of Lancaster: deep tradition meeting new culinary flavors. Every conversation with a vendor and every purchase of local produce reinforced that deep sense of connection this town holds.

The area perfectly balances its historic charm with a thriving contemporary scene, making it an ideal place for families looking for a genuine community feel.

The Real Value of a Simple Reset

It was a reminder that you do not always have to travel far to reset and reconnect. A simple trip with the people you love can be more valuable than any luxury experience. This downtime allowed us to refocus, recharge, and return to the daily grind with renewed perspective.

It’s often in these easy, unplanned moments that we truly appreciate what we have and gain the energy needed for everything else. Take the time to find your own Lancaster, a place or a weekend where the only requirement is showing up and being together.