Ephrata/Brownstown/Leola - Ephrata, PA

Founded in 1732, Ephrata was historically known as a pleasure resort and agricultural community. Over a century later, Ephrata enjoyed a reputation of a popular resort due to its renowned spring waters, where today stands the Mountain Springs Hampton Inn and Suites.

Ephrata became home to America's first communal religious society, the Ephrata Cloister, and is noteworthy for having been the former seat of the Mystic Order of the Solitary, a semimonastic order of Seventh-Day Dunkers.

Two very popular annual events include the almost 100-year run of the largest street fair in Pennsylvania, the Ephrata Fair, and the Renaissance Faire in the nearby town of Manheim.

The area also consists of museums such as the Eicher Arts Center, Hands-On-House Children's Museum, Landis Valley Museum, National Toy Train Museum and the Wilbur Chocolate Company Museum.

While most people think of the Amish when they think of Lancaster County, they are often surprised to discover all of the diversity the area has to offer, and the restaurants are no exception.

Before you give all that a try, stop at the Pancake Farm on State Street, Ephrata, first. While the area has many diners and pancake/waffle houses, the locals go here for an affordable and delicious breakfast. Voted best restaurant for breakfast in Lancaster County Magazine, the food and prices explain why with affordable pumpkin pancakes and Spanish omelet and fries. It has a cash-only policy. Another draw to the restaurant comes from its support for A Tail to Tell, a local puppy mill rescue group.

You'll also find Aromas Del Sur on State Street, serving authentic Columbian fare, from Carne Asada to Lengua a la Criolla (cow's tongue), but the empanadas are a must try. Alongside delicious, exotic food is friendly service and high-energy Columbian music. Come for the food, and stay for the experience.

Head over to Deborah Drive right off of Main Street in Leola, to TE at The Inn at Leola Village for upscale, fine Italian dining. The menu hosts a convergence of the various regional styles and culinary experiences found throughout Italy, and the staff works continuously to create an ambiance filled with the warmth of the Italian spirit. Gathering seasonal ingredients from their Amish neighbors, as well as other offerings from an on-site organic vegetable and herb garden and greenhouse. Specialty Italian ingredients arrive from Italy daily, with cheese being imported from France. Breads, pastas, gelatos and desserts are made fresh daily by pastry chefs, using 100 percent natural ingredients.

For a lively nightlife scene, visit the town of Lancaster; from bars, lounges, breweries and nightclubs, Lancaster has it all. If you're looking for country music, line dancing, and a swinging good time, make a stop at Low Places Country Nightclub on East Lincoln Highway. For live music and comedy shows, the Chameleon Club is the place to go for small and big-name acts alike. The PRiMA Theatre in Downtown Lancaster provides cutting-edge entertainment from amazing talents, and the American Music Theater on E. Lincoln showcases more traditional talents such as the likes of Tony Bennett and Frankie Valli. Iron Hill Brewery and Spring House Brewing Company have some of the best local beer around.

Due to the rural nature of the area, public transportation options are limited to Amtrak train lines and Greyhound buses. The Red Rose Transit Authority in downtown Lancaster provides routes both within Lancaster city, and between Lancaster and other areas of the county.

Public parking can be found in commercial and retail parking lots, and most residents drive, as the area can be fairly spaced out. Some of the back roads offer a safe place for bikers to ride, but the main roads of Route 23, 772, and 272 are too busy. These main roads can be easily accessed, as well as the major highway of East Lincoln, also known as Route 30.

Ephrata has the largest park system per capita in the state of Pennsylvania. Over 322 acres have been dedicated to recreational usage including neighborhood parks, athletic complexes, mountain land and meadows. The park system supports some great facilities, including three outdoor pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, a newly renovated playhouse, a band shell, picnic pavilions, archery ranges, fitness, walking and nature trails. The Renaissance Faire is held in Ephrata Community Park every year.

Close to the area in nearby Lancaster is Beau's Dream Dog Park at Buchanan Park. This free park is dog heaven, with splash pads, a doxi tunnel on the small dog side and a tennis ball tree that launches tennis balls on the large dog side. All the parks are free and provide free parking.

The cost of living in Ephrata runs around 2 percent lower than average for the state of Pennsylvania, with the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment about $692.

It costs between $16 and $24 on Amtrak from Lancaster to Philadelphia, and gas prices are about 15 cents cheaper than the national average. The average commute time is about 20 minutes. A beer at a local bar costs around $6.

Main Street and intersecting Reading Road are home to many boutique shops and markets, but the most popular shopping experience in the area is the Green Dragon Farmer's Market and Auction at 955 North State Street. Every Friday morning, the Green Dragon comes alive on a 30-acre site in the heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country. The Green Dragon Market has grown to be one of the largest farmers markets in the area, featuring over 20 acres of free parking and having the choice of shopping indoors or outdoors. With seven large market buildings and many other smaller shops, the Green Dragon merchants offer everything from fresh produce, baked goods and specialty foods to handmade furniture, used books and much more.

You will only find the Green Dragon open one day a week, but plenty of shopping options are nearby. Record Connection on N. Reading Road offers a large selection of music, movies, and video games, while Green Mountain Cyclery, on the same street, is the place to go to buy or rent a bicycle or have yours repaired. Another unique shop, Art of Recycle on N. State Street, should not be missed. Not only does it have a craft shop that provides affordable art supplies, it also has a free crafting area, offers free or donation-based workshops, and can host your art party.

You can do your grocery shopping at any of the chains stores in town, like Giant, Weis or Redner's, or you can indulge at one of the many farmers markets. Aside from the Green Dragon, Village Farm Market will provide you with the most delectable homemade baked goods, fresh produce, deli options and seasonal items, or you can hit up Reiff's Farm Market for farm fresh at its best.