Each Wednesday throughout National Ice Cream Month, we’ll take a closer look at a part of our home, Lancaster County. This week’s “Taste of Lancaster County” entry is about a small but lively little town called Lititz. Each Wednesday, we’ll also give away a Lancaster County prize to one commenter chosen at random. Good luck!
Lititz is a serene town nestled in the heart of Lancaster County farmland. Founded in 1756, Lititz is typical of many of the small, close-knit towns found throughout the County. Walking downtown, the smell of chocolate and fresh-baked pretzels lingers in the air. Visitors marvel about the small town, whether they’re feeding the ducks on the natural springs located in the center of town, shopping in the many local stores, or gazing at the 18th century buildings.
The Wilbur Chocolate Factory is one of the main attractions in Lititz. (Thanks to Esywlkr over on Flickr for letting us use his Wilbur photo on the left.) The present company originated with Mr. Henry Oscar Wilbur, in Philadelphia, PA and the Kendig Chocolate Company, in Lititz, PA. Wilbur Chocolate Company is the product of over a century of making some of the finest chocolate around. People visit the plant and tour the museum located in the over 100-year-old factory, and each tour isn’t complete without a sample of the famous Wilbur Bud. Another delicious attraction in Lititz is the Sturgis Pretzel Factory, the oldest commercial pretzel bakery in the United States. The Sturgis Bakery has been making pretzels since 1850 and continues to make them to this day.
To celebrate Lititz and give you a taste of the best chocolate Lancaster County has to offer, this week’s prize will be a gift basket of Wilbur chocolates. If you can’t wait to try the treats for yourself, you can buy them on the Wilbur website. Enjoy!
Tags: candy, chocolate, ice cream, lititz, pretzel, sturgis, turkey hill, wilbur
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If you’ve got a technical question about the ice cream making process or some other inquiry about the nuances of America’s favorite treat, chances are Ernie has the answer. He might not be able to answer all questions, but he’ll try his best and some may be featured on the Ice Cream Journal.
Our one camping vacation in PA, which included Lancaster County but not Lititz,hit a snag when we awoke to a torrential rainstorm that was just about to turn our tent into a houseboat. Our sightseeing had to be limited to places that would accept tourists who looked a bit like drowned rats and places that had sunny parking lots so the sodden tent in the back of the van could start drying. It sounds as though this would be a great destination for a future visit…after checking the weather forecast, of course.
Sounds like Lancaster County has it all. What a wonderful place to live. All my favorites- Turkey Hill, chocolate and pretzels in one area plus the beautiful scenery. We are planning a road trip there soon and I can hardy wait!
If I win, I’m going to put the chocolate in my Turkey Hill ice cream.
Such yummy food comes from Lancaster County. The last time we were in the area we had delicious treats. Even the air was sweet!
With the price of gas these days, Chester County seems a little further away from its next-door neighbor Lancaster than it used to – but places like Lititz have too many fun things to do to stay away. Gotta check out the food factories, yum.
OOh! As long as we’re throwing around flavor suggestions… how about Pumpkin Whoopie Pie flavor in time for Thanksgiving this year???
I have been to the Wilbur Chocolate, the chocolate is Great! That with wome Turkey Hill ice Cream on the side is like you died and went to Heaven! LOL!
Pumpkin Ice Cream is GREAT!!
I hope that I win so do my three Schaunzers because they enjoy Turkey Hill just as most. They love to like it off their noses….
Chocolate and Ice Cream are my weaknesses!!!
I haven’t had Wilbur Buds in a few years, guess it is time to make another trip to Lititz. There is nothing better then chocolate and pretzels.
It’s been a while since I’ve visited the Lititz area. Guess it’s time to see it again and sample all the goodies.
I TRIED WILBUR BUDS FOR THE FIRST TIME AT CHRISTMAS AND THEY ARE GOOOOOD!!!! STURGIS PRETZEL MINIS ARE THE WAY TO GO.
I think I need to take a trip to Lancaster soon and find me some home made ice cream there. Maybe do a taste test to see if it compares to Turkey Hill!
I have always wanted to visit Lancaster Coumty. I know a few people from Lititz and hear it is beautiful.
How exciting! We’re going to Lititz for a soccer tournament in 2 weeks. Now I can’t wait to go!
Fasinating information!
Every year I take my daughter somewhere she hasn’t been to before. Lititz sounds great especially since she loves chocolate, pretzels and Turkey Hill ice cream. I will make sure it gets put on her list of places to visit.
Lititz is a lovely town — be sure to try the pretzel sandwiches many of the local restaurants offer. They’re de-lish!
Sounds like a great to visit. The thought of choclate and pretzels cannot be beat. And a quaint little town to go with it. Thanks for sharing.
Love that white house icecream. Cherries and ice cream . How wondereful on a hot day!
I READ SOMEWHERE THAT A BOWL OF ICE CREAM BEFORE BEDTIME WILL HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT??? DON’T KNOW IF IT’S TRUE BUT IT SURE BEATS A GLASS OF WARM MILK FOR ME! HEY DAIRY IS DAIRY, RIGHT? I DO SLEEP GREAT AND ALWAYS HAVE A SUPPLY OF TURKEY HILL ICE CREAM IN THE FREEZER TO INSURE THAT I DO.
A tasty, fizzy root beer float
With TH ice cream sure gets my vote!
Litiz is one of my favorite places to visit in Lancaster. I am 45 years old and still remember visiting Wilbur and Sturgis as a kid. I try to go at least once each year. It brings back good memories of my parents, both of with are no longer with us.
As they would say, “Been there, done that.” We loved our trip to Lititz! We also toured the Moravian Chapel which was very interesting. Great memories.
Visited Lancaster County many years ago.
My family loved the Sturgis and Wilbur factories. Hope to return again some day.
I am a fourth grade teacher in Maryland. It would be great to take the kids on a tour of Lancaster County, but is too far away. Instead, as an incentive, they are given Turkey Hill ice cream sundaes. They love to put a variety of toppings on their vanilla ice cream. Since it is a dairy product, I justify serving ice cream as a “health food”.
We enjoyed visiting Lititz and learning about their chocolate, and taking in the sights of the interesting town. Love Wilbur buds, especially the dark chocolate, and bring some home whenever we get the chance (we share with family). Have recommended the trip to friends.
We love Turkey Hill products, especially the frozen yogurt, which doesn’t last very long when I get near the container. Thanks for the delicious treat, and look forward to new flavors.
This makes me really want to visit! I have never been here and I am a Pennsylvanian- and a number one Turkey Hill fan too!
I’ve been to Lancaster several times and we always make sure we visit the Wilbur chocolate factory and the Sturgis Pretzel Company. I also order chocolate from their website and catalog. It is really delicious!
Why doesn’t Turkey hill offer tours
of their ice cream plant?
Let me know if you are even considering running tours. I love your ice cream.
[...] Ice Cream Journal » A TASTE OF LANCASTER COUNTY: LITITZ [...]
We’ll be in Pennsylvania the end of July (Sesame Place, Crayola Factory, HersheyPark). Sounds like I need add Lititz to my trip itinerary now too!!!