F&M Stories
Student-Designed Map Shows Best Spots in Lancaster City
With so much to explore in the City of Lancaster, where do students start?
Franklin & Marshall student An Bach ’26 has the answer. The senior from Hanoi, Vietnam, illustrated a digital and print map spotlighting favorite student spots – all within walking distance from campus.
“I wanted to leave something memorable for F&M,” said Bach, a triple major in business, economics, and studio art.
Gabe Rodriguez ’26 provided support, gathering student poll responses and organizing them by proximity to campus.
“I wanted to share a few Lancaster spots that I genuinely love. That personal connection
is what inspired the project.”
Using Procreate, a digital illustration app, Bach sketched a grid of downtown Lancaster. She then illustrated specific storefronts selected by F&M students. Fulton Theatre, Pocket Books Shop, and a variety of restaurants and coffee shops made the cut. The design moved to print production in January and can now be found at various campus buildings. A downloadable map PDF is also available.
“I’ve always enjoyed digital drawing, especially when it’s something practical that people can actually use,” Bach said. “I wanted to share a few Lancaster spots that I genuinely love, like Lancaster Central Market. That personal connection is what inspired the project.”
Below, learn Bach’s favorite things about Lancaster and F&M.
What are your favorite places in Lancaster?
I love nature and taking photos outdoors, so my favorite place is Buchanan Park or Long’s Park – especially in the fall, when the red and yellow leaves are coming down. The atmosphere feels very “F&M” to me with the quietness, beauty, and seasonal change. I really enjoy the calm feeling I get whenever I walk there; it’s one of the places that helps me reset.
What is your favorite place on F&M’s campus?
The first floor of Shadek [Fackenthal Library]. I study there all the time. It’s the perfect spot to really lock in when exams are coming up: quiet, focused, and motivating.
Why did you choose to attend F&M?
The biggest reason was flexibility. Coming into my first year, I honestly wasn’t sure what I wanted to major in. F&M’s flexibility, both in academics and in opportunities, was what drew me in and ultimately helped me explore and commit to what I care about.
What’s the best way to start exploring Lancaster?
Start at Central Market. There's a lot of great food in there, and the environment feels like a market in Vietnam. Explore some of the shops around it. Even just walking around downtown has a nice feel to it.
Explore Lancaster
F&M's extraordinary home city is an urban oasis. Lancaster offers arts, culture, and experiences for every taste and preference and is full of extraordinary opportunities — all within safe walking distance of campus.
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