Seven Hours in Lancaster

“Live in harmony with one another.” Romans 12:16

Spring is slowly making its way into Carlisle. Electric yellow forsythia blossoms are unfolding while daffodils are popping up everywhere. Birds chirp endlessly in the morning as the world wakes up, letting us know the long nights of winter are over. It’s time to start new adventures, awaken old dreams, and create new habits.

Terry and I explored Lancaster a few weekends ago. We started our journey at Front Porch Baking, owned by Kristin Richards. According to her website, Kristin is dedicated to using PA-grown grain and flour. She is also committed to creating a space where the community can gather and form lasting relationships. Her vegetable quiche tasted like spring with its leeks and other greens, while Terry found the savory sausage roll more than satisfying. While sharing the cardamom morning bun, we talked about our current passions and dreams. With a smooth cup of coffee, it was the perfect way to start off our morning.

We then went to Nooks, an independent bookstore owned by Malie and Shawn Smucker. The bookstore is curated with books that feed the imagination and add beauty to this world. We found the new illustrated book of Mary Oliver’s poem Goldfinches, one of my favorite poems by one of my favorite poets. The illustrations were delightful, transporting me out of the winter doldrums. Nooks recently expanded and has become a hub of the community. We spent an hour browsing as diverse groups of people arrived, discovering and discussing books just like us.

We then went to an art studio called This is Happiness. Emily Keener, the artist and studio owner, not only displays her cheerful artwork and intricate pottery, but she also has a table open with ceramic palettes filled with paint. With small squares of paper, you can take a few minutes and let your inner artist out to play, painting whatever comes into your imagination. Inspired, Terry spent some time talking to Emily, finding out what materials he needed to start painting. We both left feeling like we had found a new favorite place.

Finally, we ended the day at Pizzeria Luca, indulging in a wood-fired pizza topped with confit potatoes, prosciutto, cornichon relish, and oozy melted raclette and mozzarella cheeses. The pizza transported me to a Swiss chalet overlooking the Alps. It was the perfect way to end a lovely day.

All four places we patronized were the antithesis of big box bookstores, national bakery and coffee chains, popular craft stores, and franchised restaurants. We could linger over coffee, read more than just the cover and back of a book, indulge in creating art, and enjoy each other’s company over a relaxed lunch. None of the places had loud music hurrying you along, or an overwhelming number of items to pick from. Instead, each owner carefully cultivated items they felt would inspire artists and readers. Each menu was designed to feature seasonal baked goods or pizza. The decor of each place felt intentional, creating a safe and comfortable place where guests felt welcomed.

We need more spaces like these in our lives. Too many places are designed for us to be just consumers caught up in the cogs of capitalism. Yes, those places are often convenient, offer an array of mass-produced items at a lower cost, and have the idea that they have something for everyone. But individual small business owners are turning their passion into a community, and this is where I am going to continue choosing to spend my money whenever possible.

This spring, explore your local communities: find a boutique and browse for new clothing, get coffee and tea from a local shop, explore local art galleries, and always support local bookstores.