Community Events
Fairs, festivals and fundraisers. Bridge clubs, band concerts and bingo games. Church suppers. Farmers markets. Parades and pet shows. Sometimes there's so much going on in Lancaster County that updating the community calendar becomes a fulltime job. With service clubs, special interest groups and churches all working to keep the county vibrant and active, you're sure to find a place for your special talents. And plenty to do when you need a break from pitching in.

Outdoor Recreation
Whether you're a fitness fanatic or someone whose idea of outdoor recreation is a lounge chair on a deck overlooking the river, you're in the right place. Lancaster County's waterways and woodlands are a nature lover's dream. Her back roads and byways are perfect for strolling or cycling. And with the Rappahannock on one side and the Chesapeake Bay on the other, you'll never run out of water . . . to swim in, sail on, fish or simply contemplate.

Historical Attractions
First visited by Captain John Smith in 1608, Lancaster County soon became home to powerful families like the Carters and the Balls, who helped shape a new nation. Its location on the Chesapeake Bay and the Rappahannock River made it the center of the steamboat trade and enriched its citizens. Today, Lancaster County's museums, monuments and mansions attest to its significance in the overall pageant of America and make every visit a reminder of the heritage that we all share.

Arts & Entertainment
Lancaster County's arts and entertainment scene gives the lie to all those negative stereotypes of country towns closing down at sunset. Theatrical productions, concerts and dance performances fill the community calendar. A year-round series of fairs, festivals and special events provides a showcase for the work of local artists and crafters. And if you've always wanted to be part of the action, not just part of the audience, now is your chance.

Shopping
Say goodbye to superstores and cookie cutter malls. In Lancaster County, shopping is something you do because you want to. Not because you must. Scores of independent merchants who delight in filling their shops with merchandise you won't find anywhere else guarantee that your shopping excursion will be an adventure, not a chore. And the friendly, personal service—a Lancaster County tradition—means you'll go home with exactly what you were looking for.

Lodging
Finding a place to stay in Lancaster County won't be a problem. But choosing among the many available options might be. From clean, quiet accommodations for the budget-conscious traveler to luxury resorts where the fine art of pampering has been raised to a whole new level, Lancaster County has it all.

Food
Lancaster County cuisine comes in at least three distinct flavors—classic, country and cutting-edge. And the ambience ranges from candlelight and soft music, a sommelier and a menu with words you can't pronounce to picnic tables on a wharf with Travis and Garth in the background. First-time visitors are often surprised to discover that prize-winning chefs don't always live in Manhattan and that memorable dining experiences aren't restricted to "Restaurant Row." Doesn't surprise us. But then, we live here.

How to Get Here
Geography destined Lancaster County to be one of Virginia's leading resort, retirement and second home communities. Over 289 miles of shoreline have held the world at bay for centuries, despite our close proximity to major metropolitan areas like Washington, DC and Richmond, Virginia.