F&M Stories
Experience Lancaster: A Historical City with an Eye on the Future
A coffee crawl introducing where to find a 鈥�鈥� of coffee. Hiking excursions to the area鈥檚 most scenic nature preserves. Cheering the Lancaster Stormers at a ballpark just three blocks from campus.
Franklin & Marshall's Class of 2029 isn't just settling into campus life鈥攖hey're also getting a jumpstart on exploring their extraordinary new home city of Lancaster, Pa.
Experience Lancaster, a program distinct to F&M, curates and connects students with opportunities to uncover the dynamic offerings of our renaissance city. This fall, Experience Lancaster is coordinating first-year excursions to local sites of historical and cultural value to help new students develop an intimate appreciation of Lancaster as a historic town and lively city.
鈥淥ur students live on campus, but they make all of Lancaster their home. These Experience Lancaster excursions are an intentional approach to help students uncover what makes our city so special,鈥� said Stephanie McConnell, F&M鈥檚 executive director of career and professional development. 鈥淏y sharing these adventures with classmates, faculty, and staff, new Diplomats also get a head start on building a strong foundation for the relationships they'll continue to cultivate throughout their four years here.鈥�
Are you ready to see for yourself why Lancaster is such a great place to live and learn? While you鈥檙e here for a Fall Open House, we encourage you to step off campus, explore some of these cherished spots, and start imagining your life as a Diplomat in the city that could be your new home away from home.
Coffee Shops
Chestnut Hill Cafe, 532 W Chestnut St.
Mean Cup, 398 Harrisburg Ave.
West Art, 816 Buchanan Ave.
In 2024, F&M students volunteered at West Art to help the new space prepare for its grand opening.
532 W Chestnut St.
398 Harrisburg Ave.
"Mean Cup is one of my favorite coffee shops in Lancaster. It is less than a 10-minute walk from campus and is a great space to get a coffee, light breakfast and do homework. There is beautiful artwork hanging on the walls and the whole shop feels warm and welcoming. It is definitely an F&M student favorite!" - Kyra Caffrey '23
816 Buchanan Ave.
Fun Outings
Decades, 438 N Queen St.
Fulton Theatre, 12 N Prince St.
Lancaster Stormers at Penn Medicine Park, 650 N Prince St.
Zoetropolis Cinema, 112 N. Water St. 17603
438 N Queen St.
12 N Prince St.
650 N Prince St.
112 N. Water St. 17603
Restaurants & Food
LUCA, 436 W. James St.
Lancaster Central Market, 23 N Market St.
436 W. James St.
"LUCA is one of my favorite restaurants in Lancaster. They are very accommodating of dietary restrictions. Luca is also a great spot to take parents when visiting as it is just a five-minute walk from campus. Their customer service is excellent and they hire a lot of Franklin & Marshall students." - Arden Hitchcock '24
721 Harrisburg Ave.
"Oka is very close to campus and is great for students wanting something different from on-campus dining." - Josh Geller '24
100 S Queen St.
534 N Mulberry St.
"I love the Fridge because of its fun atmosphere. You feel like a part of the community and it is a great place to socialize with friends. Within walking distance of campus, they have a wide range of food and beverages but specialize in their delicious pizza." - Dan Gaiewski '23
23 N Market St.
"Central Market is a true gem of Lancaster. It is the best place to get fresh and locally sourced produce, flowers, coffee, sandwiches, baked goods and more. Market is affordable, unique, and a great way to support Lancaster small businesses. Only a 15- to 20-minute walk from campus, it's a must-do experience, especially in the warmer months." - Liz Joslin '24
216 Harrisburg Ave.
"Lombardo's is an amazing place to get quality Italian food with friends, just a short walk from campus!" - Amelia Squires '26
The Samuel N. and Dena M. Lombardo Welcome Center is F&M's welcoming front door to prospective students, families, alumni and friends
visiting our campus.
Lancaster Central Market, 23 N Market St.
Southern Market, 100 S Queen St.
Shopping
Building Character, 342 N. Queen St.
Madcap & Co., 310 N Queen St.
Pocket Books Shop, 903 Wheatland Ave.
342 N. Queen St.
"This intriguing store never fails to surprise you with all of the cool and intricate things they sell!" - Genesis Familia '24
310 N Queen St.
903 Wheatland Ave.
17 N. Prince St.
"Redeaux is an extremely unique and fun vintage store! It's a great spot for a ton of quality items at a variety of prices." - Maxine Feldman '26
Sweet Treats
Lancaster Cupcake, 24 W. Orange St.
Lancaster Cupcake, 24 W. Orange St.
24 E Orange St.
500 W. Lemon St.
"Splits and Giggles is an ice cream shop only about a 10-minute walk from campus. Whenever I need a study break, some fresh air, and of course some amazing ice cream, my roommates and I walk over and sit outside on their little patio. They even have a vegan ice cream! Splits and Giggles will always remind me of warm fall nights, good friends, and my college town I will treasure forever." - Camryn Parsons '23
145 College Avenue
24 W. Orange St.
"Lancaster Cupcake is one of my favorite spots downtown! It was the runner-up on Food Network's Cupcake Wars, so their cupcakes are fantastic! Not only that, but they have ice cream, cookies, coffee and so much more." - Morgan Hovan '24
141 N Duke St.
Splits & Giggles, 500 W. Lemon St.
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