Today’s newsletter is brought to you by Lemon Street Market
Hey there Loopers! Last Thursday evening we scooted down to Clark Nature Preserve to catch some of the Draconid meteor shower. We were lucky enough to see one big streak right as we got out of our car. I’m counting it as a big win…seeing all the stars and hearing the glee from that space rock zooming across the sky made my night.
See ya ‘round Lancaster!
-Ed (connect on LinkedIn)
Today’s cover image is by local artist Isiah “Zay” Bates. This 48”x48” painting is called ‘Once Was’. A mixed-media piece created using gouache and Posca markers. Some of Isiah’s work will be on display at the Lemon Street Market 15th Anniversary Fall Festival this Saturday, the 17th, from 11-3p. Find vendors, ice cream, artists, raffles, and more. And catch a bit more about PCAD alum Isiah here.
Want to win a Lemon Street Market gift card? Scroll back up, then guess below in the poll what type of tree is in the center right of Zay’s painting…
What type of tree is in the center-right of today's cover art?
LANCASTER AFTER DARK
Corn fields at night scare me.
I don’t know which movie I watched as a kid but, it involved people running through rows of corn at night being chased by some haunted creature.
This time of year backcountry roads get spookier. Regular ol’ rows of corn transform into terror at night (for me). A 300-year-old downtown starts to look more eerie. And a haunted manor open for guests to investigate scares overnight.
Here are eight ways to find your fear.
With three ‘rated G’ events for your little goblins (or unnerved spouses).
The Spooky Scoot · Strasburg
A ghost tour on four wheels. Drive a convertible Smart car down dark Lancaster County back roads, stopping along the way to hear local folklore. Two hours, two people.
Bring a jacket. The top's down and the stories are…chilly.
Field of Screams · Mountville
A haunted hayride plus three walk-throughs: Den of Darkness, Frightmare Asylum, and Nocturnal Wasteland. They bill themselves as "America's #1 Haunted Attraction." Plus escape rooms, axe throwing, food, games, and a beer garden.
Jason's Woods · Lancaster
A 4D walk and hayride through five zones with names like Earthquake, Wrecking Machine, and Grinder. Then a Zombie Apocalypse, a Chamber of Horrors, and a Carnival of Fear. The monsters roam. You better walk faster.
My Haunted Manor · Columbia
No actors. No hayride. A manor house filled with cameras rolling 24/7 and real guests (you, not me) checking in to investigate. You don't walk through this one. You bring a sleeping bag to stay overnight. Again you, not me.
Lancaster Ghost Tour · Penn Square
The scare for folks who'd rather not be chased. Start at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and walk past Central Market, the old jail, and the "Walking Tombstone." 300 years of history with a few curses mixed in.
For the little goblins…
Happy Hauntings @ Dutch Wonderland · Lancaster
No tricks, just treats. A Trick or Treasure Trail, Mayhem's Hay Maze, a puppet show called Trick or Squeak, and Duke's Spooktacular Dance Party to close out the day. Costumes encouraged. No masks for ages 13+, so leave the hockey mask at home, Jason wannabes.
Fear-less Bonus #1: Corn Cob Acres · Mountville
They share a farm with Field of Screams. Goat walks and pumpkin slides by day. Chainsaws by night. Leave before the sun goes down.
daylight hours only
Fear-less Bonus #2: Cherry Crest Adventure Farm · Ronks
The Amazing Maize Maze, after dark. The only light in the corn comes from your flashlight. This is deemed kid-friendly, but borderline scary, says I. Every rustle is probably the wind. Probably. Wait for the safety briefing at the gate, then head into the corn.
Lemon Street Market: Shop Small. Buy Local
The Loop is fueled by local sponsors. Neighbors who live here, give here, and spend their dollars here.
LSM is an independent, woman-owned grocery store at 241 W. Lemon Street in Lancaster City. The shelves are stocked with local and organic finds. Sip an espresso, fresh juice, and smoothies, or grab-and-go snacks for the mornings when life…lifes.
Open 7a to 7p.
And throughout the year their #GiveLocal campaign shines a light on Lancaster nonprofits with an opportunity to round up your bill to the next dollar.
When life gives you lemons…shop on Lemon.
The 5Ws of Lancaster
Featured & Upcoming Events
October 16th to 18th Tales From The Shadows - A Paranormal & Monster Weekend events across venues to celebrate all things weird and wonderful with a focus on ghosts, ghouls, cryptids, and monsters
Plan Ahead
October 24th One Plant @ Zoetropolis 1130-430p a double screening of the film about loss and rediscovery & how one plant - hemp - helps connect the world meet the cast & crew
Tuesday October 13th
Railroad Photography @ Railroad Museum of PA 9-11a grab your camera and get out the door to learn autumn composition with a handful of models: PRR 4-4-2 steam locomotive, PRR E7A diesel-electric locomotive, and Conrail GP30 diesel-electric locomotive photography
Wednesday October 14th
Everyone Shares Ideas @ Stoner Grille 3-5p a business networking and learning event to share challenges, find fresh perspectives, and then hit some golf balls
Speaker Series: W. Miller Barbour @ Historic Preservation Trust 6-8p Historian Eric Schubert shares about the equality and justice legacy of Barbour and his footsteps across Lancaster
LNP Listening Session @ Manheim Township Library 530-7p the newspaper is now nonprofit & is looking to learn how to serve you with local news
Flourish Autumn Sip & Shop @ Kissel Valley Farm 5-8p an elevated fall night w/vendors, live music, flower bouquets, puppy cuddles, photo booth, food trucks, and local makers
Thursday October 15th
SoWe Business Mixer @ Denim Coffee W King 5-7p connect w/local business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals in the Southwest side of Lancaster City
Yoga at the Ballroom @ Stevens School Ballroom 6-7p all levels Vinyasa class begins with a meditation, moves to a flow, and ends with a cool down stretch in an old school
Building Biodiversity @ Tec Centro 6-8p intro to native habitats with other conservation focused neighbors
Philosophy Drinks & Film (PDF) @ Zoetropolis 630p ‘Get Out’ 2017 film directed by Jordan Peele a social thriller
Little Terrarium of Terrors @ Gallery Grow 530-630p create your own flesh eating plant terrarium
Friday October 16th
Poems at Tribute @ Nooks Gallery 7-9p performance and open mic night with Lancaster Poet Laureate Dana Kinsey and talented friends
Box Of Rain @ Mickey’s Black Box 7-1030p essential Grateful Dead from 1968-74 with a classic six piece band
Kids Night Out 6+ @ The Felted Fox 530-830p three hours for mom & dad while the kids craft, play games, and eat pizza plus they can wear their fave pjs
Watercolor Club w/Jo @ West Art 3-4p drop-in painting group with everything provided to create something just for the joy of it
Dear Soldier Boy @ Bird-in-Hand Stage 7p musical comedy set in the heart of Amish County last week of the show run
Level Up Happy Hour @ Decades 4-6p by Movement and Co. play games, bites, & drinks
Heartstrings Puppet Club @ Zoetropolis 630-830p materials, guidance, and inspiration provided & you bring imagination and readiness to play
Saturday October 17th
Lemon Street Market 15th Anniversary @ LSM 11-3p celebrate with ice cream, artists, free samples, vendors, pumpkin painting, and scroll back up for your chance to win a gift card
Touch-A-Truck @ Oregon Dairy 10-2p over 45 trucks and first responder vehicles, candy scramble, helicopter rides, corn maze, and pumpkin patch
Heritage Day @ Brubaker Park 10-4p historical event featuring food, music, black-powder guns, colonial cooking, archery, auction, and a woods walk with skills to learn
Genealogy 101 @ LancasterHistory 10-1130a learn essential tools and techniques for tracing your family history using extensive collections and online resources
Intro to Pour Over @ Passenger 11a enjoy fresh in-house pastries and learn to brew with confidence
Candy Crawl @ Downtown Ephrata 12-3p family-friendly trick-or-treat thru businesses plus photo booths, pumpkin decorating, and kids crafts
where time folds: @ Stevens & Smith Center 1-3p in celebration of National Black Poets Day, Lancaster’s inaugural poet laureate Evita Colón discusses how poetry can help us understand where we live
Rhythm of Life @ Ware Center 7p explore the philosophy of music as a way of life for health and wellbeing with Sandeep Das a Grammy-winning artist
Basic Handgun Safety & Shooting @ Mount Joy Sportsmen’s Association 10-2p intro women’s only beginner class to learn safety and how to shoot
Books, Brews, & Botanicals @ Ken’s Gardens (Smoketown) 10-11a enjoy a 24oz brew and create a journal and bookmark with pressed flowers from the gardens
Harvest Fest @ Nissley Vineyards 12-6p live music, food trucks, lawn games, vendors, spiced apple wines, and pumpkin decorating contest
Burlesque Spooktacular @ West Art 8-10p 21+ spooky, strange, exotic, and unusual themes not for the faint of heart
Sunday October 18th
Pints & Pilates @ Appalachian Brewing 1030-1130a stretch, sip, and chill with a mix of pilates moves and cold pints first beer is on the house
Annual Fundraiser @ Bierhall Brewing 4-7p Lancaster Medical Heritage Museum’s evening of trivia, drinks, raffles, silent auction, and community support
Gluten Free Treats & Eats @ Lanc Cupcake 12-4p six GF vendors including cupcakes
A Night of Bass & Vinyl @ Hi-Fi Izakaya 8-1130p Cole Davis, a bassist and composer, performs alongside DJ Vee Dubs eat with grooves and improv with vinyl
Build a Jumping Spider Enclosure @ That Fish Place 2-4p own a pet spider, build an environment, and meet other spider enthusiasts
History, Lore, & Trivia @ Historic Rock Ford 2-4p join Uncharted Lancaster’s Adam and Revolutionary Lancaster Quiz Bowl’s Benton for a presentation and friendly quiz
Dance & Create @ Yoga Man Studio 3-5p move your body and connect with your inner artist around Florence and The Machine jams and all supplies provided
Monday October 19th
A quiet Monday for events. But a great day for a near-peak fall leaf walk. My personal recs include Central Park and its 544 acres or cover more ground with 6,000 acres at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area - send me some horizontal pics and maybe it’ll be next week’s cover art!
The Loop is nearing our one-year anniversary. The first November 18th, 2025 edition landed in a total of 6 inboxes. (Hi, Mom!) Each week it’s researched, written, and sent by one local human (👋).
I find all the good of L🌹nc🌹ster and share it with you.
Always free, always local.
If the Loop has earned your weekly read, make a contribution of any size and receive my eternal gratitude and a high-five or hug at a future IRL event. Every dollar goes back into growing our community. Can’t or don’t want to? I still ❤️🤍 you.
Where’s Wal’Ed’o?
Last week I was standing in a true rarity for Lancaster County…
A shop that never closes. Serving up food 24/7.
Knight & Day Diner has over 4,000 reviews on Google and my breakfast arrived in under 3 minutes. They seem to have things down to a science without sacrificing taste for timing.
Congrats to Roseanne DeFranco, who guessed correctly and can now literally pick ANY time of her week to enjoy a meal.
Know a local shop you’d love to see featured in Where’s Wal’Ed’o? Shoot me a reply or an introduction to the owner. Feel free to forward this email to them as an introduction.
👇 Click the pic to guess this week’s “Where’s Wal’Ed’o?” location 👇
Click the pic to guess and win
Here’s a clue: Zoom far into the background for a building that's a clue and zoom close into the grass area to see 21 headstones and 17 foot stones in this cemetery located in a very unusual spot.
As always, thanks for staying… in the ‘Loop! -Ed
P.S. Property Peek 0 beds | 0 baths | 3/4 acre | $22,500 - plus you’ll never have a single bathroom to clean since you aren’t allowed to build a permanent structure, but you can float in Pequea Creek
P.P.P.R. The ‘R’ stands for randomness; Lancaster native Brian Schmidt buys a $6.99 pack of cards, finds a one-of-a-kind that’s now headed to auction and is estimated to sell for up to 1 million George Washingtons