Happy President’s Day, Lancaster! I hope you had a wonderful Valentine’s Day.
There’s still room for romance in our town — and one special spot just received national recognition (more on that below).
And just under that, we’re highlighting Lancaster’s own President, James Buchanan, with a full feature on the website covering his life and legacy.
Here’s what I think is worth your time today.
Lancaster Shows Up On Cosmopolitan’s “Best Date Spots” List
Image of the Bevedere Inn’s website
If you’re planning a Valentine’s date (or just looking for an excuse to dress up a little), here’s something worth noting: Cosmopolitan just named The Belvedere Inn one of the 50 Best Date Spots in the USA for 2026 - and it’s their pick for Pennsylvania.
The Belvedere Inn has been a staple in downtown Lancaster for nearly 30 years, operating out of a restored Victorian-Italianate mansion on North Queen Street.
Known for its contemporary American menu and upstairs piano bar with live jazz, it’s long been one of the city’s go-to spots for anniversaries, first dates, and special occasions.
Whether you’re celebrating something specific or just want a night that feels a little more intentional, it’s a reminder that one of the “best date spots in America” is sitting right here in Lancaster.
The Belvedere Inn is at 402 N Queen Street, Lancaster PA.
Lancaster’s Own President: Remembering James Buchanan
With Presidents’ Day, it’s worth remembering that Lancaster County has its own connection to the White House.
James Buchanan - the 15th President of the United States - lived right here in Lancaster. His estate, Wheatland, sits just outside downtown and is now preserved as a historic site open to visitors.
Buchanan served as president from 1857 to 1861, just before the Civil War.
While historians often debate his leadership during one of the most divided periods in American history, his local legacy remains visible in Lancaster.
Wheatland, the Federal-style brick mansion where he lived, offers a look into mid-19th-century life and the political world leading up to the war.
Whether you’re interested in American history or just looking for something reflective to do on a long weekend, it’s a reminder that one of the country’s presidents once called Lancaster home.
We wrote a full feature article on him specifically for President’s Day. Click here to learn more about his life, presidency, and legacy.
Wheatland - 1120 Marietta Ave, Lancaster
Open for tours seasonally - check hours before visiting
Free Film Screening on Mental Health: Silent War at The Ware Center
If you’re looking for something thoughtful to do mid-week, there’s a free film screening happening in downtown Lancaster this Wednesday that might be worth your time.
Silent War: Asian American Reckonings with Mental Health will be shown on Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 7-10 PM at The Ware Center for the Arts on North Prince Street.
The documentary explores the stigma and silence surrounding mental health in Asian American communities — a topic that’s both deeply personal and widely relevant. The film looks at how cultural expectations, discrimination, and racial profiling have shaped people’s experiences with mental illness.
Before the screening, there’s a 6:15 PM community panel with local mental health professionals and advocates. After the film, there’s a Q&A with the director, Dr. Changfu Chang and others involved in the project.
Tickets are free but required for entry, so if you’re interested, make sure to reserve yours ahead of time.
The Ware Center for the Arts - 42 N. Prince Street, Lancaster
Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 7 PM-10 PM
Fasnachts on the Go: Grab a Sweet Mid-Winter Treat in Bird-in-Hand
If you like a little local tradition with your morning coffee, here’s a fun one for next week: Fasnachts on the Go is returning to Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Café on Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 16-17.
Fasnachts are a centuries-old Pennsylvania Dutch treat - think a denser, slightly less sweet cousin to your typical donut, traditionally made before Lent. Around here, lots of bakeries put them out for Fasnacht Day (which is Tuesday, Feb. 17 this year).
Important note: there are two locations with separate times available.
Location #1
Rear of Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Café (Route 340, Bird-in-Hand)
Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 6-9 AM
This is the early-morning “on the way to work” stop.
Location #2
Off Route 501, south of Lancaster Shopping Center (at Firestone Tire)
Monday, Feb. 16 from 2-6 PM
Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 7 AM-5 PM (while supplies last)
This one runs both days and for longer hours.
Choose from classic flavors like plain, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, and glazed - or grab them inside the bakery counter if you’re stopping in for coffee or lunch too.
That’s todays updates,
Andrew From Lancaster Local