As we’ve done in previous years, we split our drive to NY with a night in Pennsylvania. The drive up was fine, with typical traffic near DC. Left at 8:45am and pulled into our friend’s driveway just before 4pm. After unpacking the card we headed out to sample several local breweries!

YAH Brew Retro Bar
We tried the Orange Sherbet Push-Pop (tasted just like the namesake) and Internet Cafe (oatmeal stout with a hint of coffee). Our friend splurged on a bottle of the Sippin’ Dots, a 13.2% imperial stout from 2022 that was dangerously smooth. This location was very new so thankfully our friends knew how to get in without the help of much signage.

Cartel Brewing & Blending
Our next stop was Cartel where we grabbed a table near a window and placed our orders. Eric got the Firefly Tears tripel (solid) and I got a strawberry rhubarb Old Fashioned (good drink but could have used a stronger strawberry flavor).

Bert & The Elephant
The food here was good but the service was a bit all over the place. I got the Duchesse de Bourgogne on draft (what!?) along with mussels and fries. Eric got the Cherry Chouffe and the Belgian meatballs (mix of veal, pork and beef in Belgian blonde, cream and mushroom gravy) and stole some of my fries. We also split an order of the Bitterballen (beef and gravy croquettes) with the table.

Bistro Barberet & Bakery
Stopped in so Eric could get a dessert, the Snickers Upside Down tart. Light and delicious!

Jake’s on Main
Our breakfasts here were filling and delicious. We both got sandwiches, The Southerner (pimento cheese, bacon and over easy egg) for me and The Jimmy (bacon, egg and cheese) for Eric. Both came with crispy and salty diced potatoes that were amazing. Service was friendly and quick.

The Lancaster area keeps surprising us with lots of good options to try!