The shops that are located in the historic buildings of the "old downtown area" of Lancaster provide the perfect atmosphere for browsing. Inviting window displays and welcoming entries give way to comfortable lighting, high tin-covered ceilings, and a varied and unique array of goods from which to choose. And it seems that only those merchants who are dedicated to providing quality products and true old-fashioned customer service locate here. Most often, it is the owner himself who is waiting to help you the moment that you step inside.

But not all the interesting places to shop in the downtown area are indoors. On Saturday Mornings from April to October and on Wednesday Evenings from May to September, you can also visit the friendly merchants and enjoy the wares at the Farmer's Market, outdoors in Downtown Lancaster. Visit the Friendly Vendors for their homemade or homegrown products, including honey, jams and preserves, fruit butters, syrups, baked goods, fruits and berries, vegetables, plants, and herb teas.