F&M Stories
Experience Lancaster: A Historical City with an Eye on the Future
A coffee crawl introducing where to find a “Mean Cup” of coffee. Hiking excursions to the area’s most scenic nature preserves. Cheering the Lancaster Stormers at a ballpark just three blocks from campus.
Franklin & Marshall's Class of 2029 isn't just settling into campus life—they're also getting a jumpstart on exploring their extraordinary new home city of Lancaster, Pa.
Experience Lancaster, a program distinct to F&M, curates and connects students with opportunities to uncover the dynamic offerings of our renaissance city. This fall, Experience Lancaster is coordinating first-year excursions to local sites of historical and cultural value to help new students develop an intimate appreciation of Lancaster as a historic town and lively city.
“Our students live on campus, but they make all of Lancaster their home. These Experience Lancaster excursions are an intentional approach to help students uncover what makes our city so special,” said Stephanie McConnell, F&M’s executive director of career and professional development. “By sharing these adventures with classmates, faculty, and staff, new Diplomats also get a head start on building a strong foundation for the relationships they'll continue to cultivate throughout their four years here.”
Are you ready to see for yourself why Lancaster is such a great place to live and learn? While you’re here for a Fall Open House, we encourage you to step off campus, explore some of these cherished spots, and start imagining your life as a Diplomat in the city that could be your new home away from home.
Coffee Shops
Chestnut Hill Cafe, 532 W Chestnut St.
Mean Cup, 398 Harrisburg Ave.
West Art, 816 Buchanan Ave.
In 2024, F&M students volunteered at West Art to help the new space prepare for its grand opening.
Chestnut Hill Cafe
532 W Chestnut St.
Mean Cup
398 Harrisburg Ave.
"Mean Cup is one of my favorite coffee shops in Lancaster. It is less than a 10-minute walk from campus and is a great space to get a coffee, light breakfast and do homework. There is beautiful artwork hanging on the walls and the whole shop feels warm and welcoming. It is definitely an F&M student favorite!" - Kyra Caffrey '23
West Art
816 Buchanan Ave.
Fun Outings
Decades, 438 N Queen St.
Fulton Theatre, 12 N Prince St.
Lancaster Stormers at Penn Medicine Park, 650 N Prince St.
Zoetropolis Cinema, 112 N. Water St. 17603
Decades
438 N Queen St.
Fulton Theatre
12 N Prince St.
Lancaster Stormers at Penn Medicine Park
650 N Prince St.
Zoetropolis Cinema
112 N. Water St. 17603
Restaurants & Food
LUCA, 436 W. James St.
Lancaster Central Market, 23 N Market St.
LUCA
436 W. James St.
"LUCA is one of my favorite restaurants in Lancaster. They are very accommodating of dietary restrictions. Luca is also a great spot to take parents when visiting as it is just a five-minute walk from campus. Their customer service is excellent and they hire a lot of Franklin & Marshall students." - Arden Hitchcock '24
Oka Asian Fusion
721 Harrisburg Ave.
"Oka is very close to campus and is great for students wanting something different from on-campus dining." - Josh Geller '24
Southern Market
100 S Queen St.
The Fridge
534 N Mulberry St.
"I love the Fridge because of its fun atmosphere. You feel like a part of the community and it is a great place to socialize with friends. Within walking distance of campus, they have a wide range of food and beverages but specialize in their delicious pizza." - Dan Gaiewski '23
Lancaster Central Market
23 N Market St.
"Central Market is a true gem of Lancaster. It is the best place to get fresh and locally sourced produce, flowers, coffee, sandwiches, baked goods and more. Market is affordable, unique, and a great way to support Lancaster small businesses. Only a 15- to 20-minute walk from campus, it's a must-do experience, especially in the warmer months." - Liz Joslin '24
Lombardo's
216 Harrisburg Ave.
"Lombardo's is an amazing place to get quality Italian food with friends, just a short walk from campus!" - Amelia Squires '26
The Samuel N. and Dena M. Lombardo Welcome Center is F&M's welcoming front door to prospective students, families, alumni and friends
visiting our campus.
Lancaster Central Market, 23 N Market St.
Southern Market, 100 S Queen St.
Shopping
Building Character, 342 N. Queen St.
Madcap & Co., 310 N Queen St.
Pocket Books Shop, 903 Wheatland Ave.
Building Character
342 N. Queen St.
"This intriguing store never fails to surprise you with all of the cool and intricate things they sell!" - Genesis Familia '24
Madcap & Co.
310 N Queen St.
Pocket Books Shop
903 Wheatland Ave.
Redeaux
17 N. Prince St.
"Redeaux is an extremely unique and fun vintage store! It's a great spot for a ton of quality items at a variety of prices." - Maxine Feldman '26
Sweet Treats
Lancaster Cupcake, 24 W. Orange St.
Lancaster Cupcake, 24 W. Orange St.
Rolled Cold Creamery
24 E Orange St.
Splits & Giggles
500 W. Lemon St.
"Splits and Giggles is an ice cream shop only about a 10-minute walk from campus. Whenever I need a study break, some fresh air, and of course some amazing ice cream, my roommates and I walk over and sit outside on their little patio. They even have a vegan ice cream! Splits and Giggles will always remind me of warm fall nights, good friends, and my college town I will treasure forever." - Camryn Parsons '23
College Treats
145 College Avenue
Lancaster Cupcake
24 W. Orange St.
"Lancaster Cupcake is one of my favorite spots downtown! It was the runner-up on Food Network's Cupcake Wars, so their cupcakes are fantastic! Not only that, but they have ice cream, cookies, coffee and so much more." - Morgan Hovan '24
Lancaster Sweet Shoppe
141 N Duke St.
Splits & Giggles, 500 W. Lemon St.
Related Articles
September 22, 2025
True Blue Weekend Celebrates Traditions Old & New
More than 2,000 students, parents and alumni filled campus Sept. 19-21 for True Blue Weekend. Find your favorite photos from the weekend.
September 9, 2025
Samuel Ossa Rodriguez ’24 Guides Next Generation of Students
F&M opened the door to a career in education for Samuel Ossa Rodriguez ’24. Now, he helps the next generation of students unlock their potential as a college adviser at nearby J.P. McCaskey High School.
September 2, 2025
Internship Provides Compelling Evidence for a Future in Law
For William Gerber ’26, an internship for the President Judge of the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas reinforced his decision to pursue a future in law. “This practical experience I’ve gained has proven to be crucial in aiding my decision to apply to law school,” he said.