Hey Loopers! A wee bit of snow found its way to Lancaster this past week, but this week’s lining up to be snow free. It’ll be too warm tomorrow in the high 30s, but Friday might have some flurries 🤞. Place your bets….are we getting a snowy Christmas?

All the December holidays begin soon, and there’s still plenty of time to shop local. This Friday the 12th is Lancaster Shops Late. Shops extend their hours for shoppers. see details

Need a quick local experience-based gift? We put together a handpicked list of popular shows, music, and events to attend in December check’em out.

Last issue, one of the most clicked links was the event at Zoetropolis on the 4th. Did anyone attend the, ‘Awkward JC Penney Photoshoot’? If so, I’d love to see some photos!

You’ll find lots of great info in this week’s newsletter. As always, I’m aiming to build community and keep you…in the Loop!

— Ed

PS read to the end to play a ‘Where am I’ themed giveaway

***Today’s cover art is by a Lancanster local budding artist (one of my children). If you or someone you know is an artist, share your work. I’ll always make room to showcase local artists and I’d love to explore doing so in the cover art.

Desire to live in the city, but also want nature at your doorstep?

As I build this newsletter on the interwebs from Lancaster, I discover people in Lancaster doing really cool things. Joe Mugavero lives here and is passionate about the history and future of Lancaster. He’s also building community, off the web and in real life.

Joe is shepherding a cottage community for sustainable living right here in Lancaster City.

Close to downtown. Riverfront in nature. Built for you.

Sycamore Ridge is building a community of 80 homes in a planned community on Sunnyside Peninsula.

The community will be a collection of residential ‘pods’, containing houses centered around shared green space and community amenities.

Find more details about Sycamore Ridge on the site or email Joe directly.

We’ve rounded up the best spots to take the kiddos or grand-kiddos to enjoy some time with Santa (and I didn’t forget the grown-up variety of kiddos either!)

On your way back home, hit the Christmas Light show at Penn Medicine Park. Drive through the stadium and the parking lot for a winter wonderland. Want a free experience? Park and visit Christmas Tree Lane on the concourse to meet Santa. lights here

Soulcialize Breakfast w/Santa in Long’s Park -Dec 13 9-12p rsvp by today - in partnership with Swan 4 Kids (free music lessons & mentoring for Lanc kids) deliciousness here

Plain & Fancy Rest. Breakfast w/Santa -Dec 20 9-11a rsvp by tomorrow - grab a seat

Lancaster Marriott -Dec 14 8-930a -See Santa with free pastries, coffee, hot cocoa show up here

Stoudtburg Village Christmas Tree Lighting w/Mr. & Mrs Claus -Dec 13 7p -market time

Bird-in-Hand Village - Christmas Village w/Santa -Dec 13 10-3p - santa & goats

Choo Choo Barn - Find the miniature hidden Santas in the train display -thru end of Dec -can you find all 65

Kitchen Kettle Village - (Breakfast w/Santa or Dinner w/Mrs. Claus) Dec 12, 13, 19, 20 yummm

Spooky Nook Sports - Breakfast w/Santa -Dec 20 9-11a - ho ho ho

The Chocolatier Restaurant - Breakfast w/Santa -thru Dec 24th 8-1045a chooocolate

Middletown and Hummelstown Railroad - Ride w/Santa -Dec 13, 14, 20, 21 - choo choo

Strasburg Railroad - Christmas Experiences w/Santa -various dates - ride w/santa

Lancaster Santa Stumble -support lots of Lancaster charities with a bar hop -Dec 13 (Santa will likely make an appearance, but this one isn’t kid friendly) stumble here

One more goodie you might enjoy…Dashing Through The Lights 5K - Penn Medicine Park - Dec 12 10pm - all ages - dress up & run

Have an event you’d like featured? Submit your event here.

Walk around downtown Lancaster today and you’ll be surrounded by decorations and lights. But, long before Penn Square was lit & paved, this was the homeland of the Susquehannock Nation and was known as Hickory Town. Hickory Town remains as a lesser known nickname for Lancaster (a good friendly trivia stumper).

The Susquehannock were known for their large fortified towns and complex trade networks thoughout the area. The 'Hickory' aspect comes from a large council tree that stood near where Central Market is today. It served as a gathering and decision-making place, an early version of City Hall.

A number of Indigenous Nations; Shenks Ferry, Conoy, Lenape, Mohawk, Nanticoke, Seneca, Shawnee, and Susquehannock called south-central PA home. The 1719 Museum, not open til April, has a replica Native longhouse on the property in Willow Street. I’m excited to visit!

As a new Lancastrian, I’ll continue digging into our history. Where else should I explore?

Curious about Indigenous land and territories? Explore a world map here

I have a weakness for art you can eat or drink, like coffee as you read last week. Another Lancastrian doing cool things, I’ve crossed paths with is Mia McMonagle. She creates art that can fill your belly, baking sourdough loaves at her Breezy House Bread.

Crafting this newsletter each week, maybe just maybe, I’m fueled by coffee and a slice of sourdough smothered with butter. Literally, the greatest thing since…oh..ahh…#badEdpuns.

If you too also love a phenomenal loaf but can’t seem to find the patience to keep a starter alive, (RIP my old starter, Wilbur) allow me to introduce you to Breezy House Bread, a Lancaster treat.

Mia is a true artist in the kitchen, a home baker, and fully licensed by the state of PA. Her menu drops every Sunday at noon. order up or ig here

In addition to her weekly batches, you can catch Mia & her breads in-person at the Holly Jolly Market at Thistle Finch Distillery on Dec 14 11-4p

The Lancaster Loop is YOUR community resource and will always be FREE. It’s a one-person show and even though I run lean there are some operating costs.

Last week I polled you and while the idea of merch isn’t off forever, I’ll keep it on the back burner for now with 66% interested in grabbing some ‘Loop gear. I’ll rely on your voice for most every decision regarding what, if anything, is offered.

Last week a reader asked how they could support the ‘Loop. I decided to create a ‘Support the Loop’ link. I appreciate every one of you reading this newsletter and look forward to delivering some amazing experiences in 2026.

The best way you could support me now, is to forward this email to 2 or 3 friends and tell’em why they should join the ‘Loop. Thanks, Loopers!

If you’ve been riding along with me since Volume 1, Issue 1 (just 3 weeks ago 🏃‍♂️💨), the poll below will look familiar. There was a website glitch in my original poll and we’re growing quickly. Please take a quick sec & vote below. Find the results next Tuesday!

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