Franklin and Marshall is a private liberal arts college located in scenic Lancaster, Pennsylvania in the heart of Amish Country. A gift of 200 pounds from Benjamin Franklin led to the establishment of the school in 1787. F and M emphasizes a hands-on approach to education combining in-class studies with work in the field, in labs, out in the community and around the world.  

Visitor Information: Tours are given Monday through Friday at 10 and 11 a.m., as well as 1, 2 and 3 p.m. (except select holidays). Tour F and M

Transportation: The closest airport is Harrisburg International Airport, just 40 minutes away by car. Many students also fly in and out of Philadelphia International Airport, the largest airport in the state with direct rail service to Lancaster through Philadelphia's 30th Street Station. Traveling by bus? Lancaster is serviced by Trailways and Greyhound, with daily service from most eastern cities. Lancaster is a major stop on the Amtrak Keystone Service between Philadelphia and points west. From Boston, New York or Washington, D.C., change at 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, to the commuter service to Lancaster. Traveling by car? F&M is approximately 90 minutes west of Philadelphia, and just 20 minutes from the Pennsylvania Turnpike, easily accessible via major expressways.

Stay: You can’t beat the location of The Lancaster Arts Hotel, just down the street from campus. Once a tobacco warehouse, it is now a beautiful boutique hotel that houses John J Jeffries, a delicious farm-to-table restaurant. Three miles away from F&M another excellent alternative is the Cork Factory Hotel, located in Urban Place, a 200,000+ square foot community space designed for residential living, shopping, working and dining all in a redeveloped former 19th century cork factory. Other close-by options with special F&M rates include The Hotel Lancaster and The Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott. 

Coffee: One of downtown’s most popular spots, Prince Street Cafe takes immense pride in the coffee they select. This is a great place to observe F and M students as it is a highly sought out study location. This is also a good choice for a quick bite at either breakfast or lunch. Students were thrilled when Franklin and Marshall collaborated with Prince Street owners to bring Blue Line Café to campus, grab your coffee before or after your tour right at the on the ground floor of Distler House.

Breakfast: Grain and acai bowls or breakfast sandwiches are just some of the options at above-mentioned Blue Line Café on campus, open daily starting at 7 am and Sundays at 10 am . If you are a fan of crepes, savory or sweet, then Rachel’s Creperie was made for you. One student states: “You cannot go wrong with the Breakfast Burrito or the Steak and Egg crepe. They serve lunch and dinner as well; guiltily my friends and I have gone more than once in a day. Not to be missed!”

Lunch: There’s always live music and local art at Chestnut Hill Café, a cozy café close to campus, on a lovely tree-lined street. Everything on the casual American menu is good, but they are known for their grilled cheese and tomato soup! Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant serves comfort food and handcrafted beers, conveniently located right next to campus. Students say there’s not much ambience, but you won’t care once your order of sweet potato fries arrives! Head to The Fridge for specialty flatbread pizzas served alongside a menu of craft beers.

Dinner

Casual: The Press Room is a homey bistro with a beautiful courtyard and fountain. Checkers Bistro excels in eclectic small plates, we hear the ravioli is a must order!

A Step Up: The Belvedere Inn is an elegant restaurant with charming atmosphere and food that never disappoints.  John J Jeffries is an upscale restaurant located a half mile away from F&M’s campus. It offers a superb combination of sustainable locally grown ingredients and a creative menu. Raw bar and seafood platters are the stars at Gibraltar, but the extensive menu features something for everyone from salads to pasta to more substantial entrees with tons of veggie sides. Students love to take visiting family to Cork and Cap, located in Urban Place honoring Lancaster’s County’s rich local bounty with local products made from scratch. Ma(i) son bills itself as an urban eatery, a rustic farm to table restaurant showcasing locally sourced produce on its weekly menu.

Late Night Snack: Splits and Giggles is a student favorite! We’re told it’s ideal for study breaks where everyone gathers “ for ice cream and friends and to hang out on the patio on a spring or summer night.”

Local Attractions: Downtown Lancaster is the oldest inland city in the country; it’s fun to walk around the downtown exploring the shops, art galleries and cafes. Don’t miss a stop at the historic Central Market, the oldest farmer’s market in the country. You can easily spend a morning tasting, wandering and people watching. It’s an eclectic mix of Amish and Mennonite farmers, college students, children, locals and tourists. The market operates year round and is open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in the heart of the city. This is Amish country! Explore Lancaster’s scenic countryside and Pennsylvania Dutch roots during your stay, for more information on things to do click here.