Icecream Journal

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!