Today’s edition is a little bit of everything we love about Lancaster County - a playful downtown adventure, a sweet local tradition, and a furry friend who’s hoping today might be their day. If you’ve got five minutes, we’ve got a few good reasons to step out, look closer, and maybe even fall in love (with a cat, or a whoopie pie).

Let’s get into it.

Before it was City Hall, this building was Lancaster’s main Post Office - one of the busiest spots in the city. Long before email or online bill pay, this is where people came to send letters, get news, and stay connected.

In 1931, Lancaster made a smart move. Instead of tearing the building down, the city converted it into City Hall. Today we’d call that “adaptive reuse,” but back then it was just practical - and forward-thinking.

The building itself is special.

It’s one of the best-preserved Victorian public buildings in the city and the only example of this style in Lancaster. The tall tower, arched windows, and detailed stonework were meant to show stability and civic pride.

It’s also unique from an architecture standpoint. This is the only Lancaster building designed by architect James H. Windrim, and the only one where he worked with local architect C. Emlen Urban. When the building became City Hall, Urban redesigned parts of the interior, giving it a second life without losing its character.

Even better: the Bell Telephone Building next door was designed just two years earlier by Windrim’s son - making this block a quiet family legacy in Lancaster’s downtown.

If you needed an excuse to eat dessert first, here it is.

This week, Shady Maple Farm Market in East Earl is hosting a Whoopie Pie Celebration, putting the spotlight on one of Lancaster County’s most loved treats. The event runs January 21 through January 24, giving locals several days to stop in and indulge.

Whoopie pies have long been a staple in Lancaster County bakeries, lunch pails, and farm stands. Soft cake-like cookies with a creamy filling, they’re simple, nostalgic, and fiercely debated (chocolate or pumpkin? marshmallow or cream cheese?). This celebration leans into all of it.

During the event, Shady Maple is offering mix-and-match whoopie pies with a wide range of flavors available for a limited time. It’s a chance to try classics alongside seasonal and specialty varieties you don’t always see in the case.

One of the biggest attractions is the giant 33-pound whoopie pies, on display in the Farm Market foyer. Sampling begins at 11 a.m. on January 23 and 24, giving visitors a literal taste of just how big Lancaster’s love for this dessert really is.

Families are welcome, too. Kids 12 and under can take part in a Whoopie Pie Scavenger Hunt, searching the store for hidden whoopie pie numbers.

Complete the hunt and there’s a free prize at the end - sugar optional, fun guaranteed.

Events like this tap into what Lancaster does best: taking something familiar and turning it into a reason to gather. Whether you grew up with whoopie pies or just discovered them, this celebration is equal parts tradition, fun, and dessert.

If you go, bring your appetite - and maybe a friend to help you finish that last bite.

Learn more at Shady Maple’s website: https://www.shady-maple.com/event/winter-whoopie-pie-celebration/

If you’re looking for something fun to do on Tuesday, January 20, here’s a local experience that’s more than just a walk around town - it’s a game.

The Lancaster City Scavenger Hunt invites residents and visitors to explore downtown Lancaster in a whole new way - by solving clues, completing challenges, and discovering hidden gems right in the city’s heart.

Hosted by Unique Lancaster Experiences, this activity turns Lancaster’s historic streets into a real-life adventure course.

Participants follow creative clues through picturesque spots, uncover tucked-away gardens, historic markets, arcades, and more - all while earning rewards and exclusive discounts at participating local businesses along the way.

What makes this scavenger hunt stand out is how it blends exploration with fun for all ages. Whether you’re bringing your family, heading out with friends, or planning a spontaneous date night, the challenge is flexible - go at your own pace, tackle silly photo prompts, solve riddles, and sell-out challenges as a team.

Getting started is easy: register online, check your email for instructions and clues, then meet your group at the Welcome Center on North Walnut Street in downtown Lancaster to begin.

The experience is designed to be engaging without being intimidating - there’s even help available if you get stuck on a clue.

Locals who’ve tried similar hunts across Lancaster describe them as a creative way to see the city, learn a bit of history, and interact with places they might otherwise walk right past. It’s walking downtown with purpose - and prizes - which makes even a cold winter day feel like an outing.

Whether you’re a long-time Lancaster resident or just in town for a visit, this scavenger hunt offers a fresh way to experience familiar streets and new corners alike.

See more on their website: https://www.experiencelancasterpa.com/

If you’re thinking about adding a furry friend to your home this winter, meet Sallie - a sweet, quiet kitten currently looking for her forever family in Lancaster.

Sallie is a domestic short hair with a gentle personality and a playful streak. She loves batting around toys and spending time with her sister, Allie - which means she may do great in a home with another cat or as part of a pair!

Click here to learn more about her: https://www.petfinder.com/cat/sallie-e8256e44-e4e9-482c-8fa6-eaa603bc1165/pa/lancaster/pet-pantry-of-lancaster-rescue-pa890/details/