VALENTINES ON A BUDGETLANCASTER STYLE

Curated by The Andy Esbenshade Team

VISIT A MUSEUMWhether you’re into history, science, or gadgetry, there’s a museum for you somewhere in thecounty. The North Museum and the Lancaster Science factory are both interactive science

museums gears towards families. Every town from Ephrata to Mount Joy has a historical societywith artifacts from the early days of the town. The Watch and Clock museum featurestimepieces of all shapes and sizes. Art museums in the City of Lancaster feature local

contemporary artists who are on their way to bigger acclaim. Before you pay full-price for entry,check with your local library. As I’ve said in previous blogs, the Library System of Lancaster

County is an untapped treasure, and in this case, the treasure is museum passes you can checkout like books and movies for free with your library card.

BUY LOCAL FLOWERS

Lancaster county’s rural areas andcountless greenhouses supply localflorists and flower arrangers withbeautiful colorful flowers year-round, mid-February included.Local arrangers and deliverers likeRoyer’s, El Jardin, and Flowers byPaulette would be more thanhappy to take your business andcreate for you a unique bouquetfor your partner.

VOLUNTEER TOGETHERElderly citizens may feel especially lonely on Valentine’s day if they

live in a retirement community or if their partner has long sincepassed. Volunteering at a women’s shelter, a retirement community,

or for another group of people who may feel particularly down inthe dumps on February 14 could make a huge impact.

UPCYCLE

If you’re low on funds but have a little extra, time, you could flexyour thrifting and bargaining skills at a local thrift store or

consignment shop. You can either discover something that a localartisan has already upcycled at stores like Hidden Treasures, or

you could try your luck at Goodwill and a Pinterest DIY tutorial tocreate a personal gift unlike any other.

LOCAL SPIRITS

For couples who like to indulge in libations,take Valentine’s day as an opportunity tocrawl some of the local breweries,distilleries, and wineries. Alternatively, youcould surprise your partner with a bottle oflocally sourced and produced alcohol fromThistle Finch, Wacker, Lancaster BrewingCompany, or any other of the fineestablishments in the area.

ORDER INAvoid the crowds and have your dinner delivered to your house.Most locally-owned pizzerias and Chinese restaurants will offer

delivery, so kill two birds with one stone: stay at home and supportyour local restaurateurs. Some favorites include Lancaster’s House

of Pizza, Two Cousin’s Pizza, and Sakura.

HAPPYVALENTINE'S DAY

From all of us at The Andy Esbenshade Team