Local: A Definition

We'd like to take a moment to talk about the word "local".  We want to support local businesses, land and farmers, organizations and people.  Here's what we mean by that.

Local businesses
 We are proud to shop for ingredients at local, family-owned and small businesses.  We buy lots of our organic, all natural and vegan products at Rhubarb's Market.  Not to worry, they carry more than just rhubarb.  Rhubarb's Market is a great, family-owned  business on Lititz Pike in Lancaster.  The staff is friendly and they really know their stuff.  Visit their website for more information, and then stop in to see for yourself. 

When we can't find what we need at Rhubarb's Market or some of the markets we've mentioned below, we like to check out Darrenkamp's, a family-owned supermarket in Lancaster County.

We buy chocolate from Wilbur Chocolate.  If you're from Lancaster County, Wilbur needs no introduction.  If you're not, well then, you'll just have to stop by Lititz for a tour.  You won't be able to resist clearing their shelves of all kinds of great chocolate on your way out.  


Local farms
We like eating fresh fruits and veggies.  We also like baking with fresh fruits and veggies.  They make our goodies even yummier.  So, we rely on places like Rhubarb's Market, Lemon Street Market, sure.  But we also need the local farmers' markets (Millersville Community Market, Central Market, Mount Joy Market, Eastern Market, and maybe even the York Central Market). Dietz Produce at York Central Market and Green Circle Organics and Farm Fresh Cooperative at Lancaster Central Market have tons of fresh fruits and veggies to choose from, many of them local and in season.  Dietz Produce and Green Circle Organics also carry fresh and organic eggs and dairy products.  Who could ask for anything more? 

Local organizations and people
We like people.  And we like serving people.  The thing is, though, that we don't really have a whole lot of time or money to contribute the way our hearts might like.  So, we bake.  It is something we are good at, something we love.  It is also something that other people love...that we bake, that is. We believe that baked goods can make people happy, so we donate our delicious goodies to good causes.  We are working to partner with two local nonprofit organizations in the very near future to provide their staff and their consumers with baked deliciousness.  Check back later for updates and pictures.

There's more
 The reality is, though, that there is more to "local" than just buying local ingredients and donating to local charities.  It is also about patronizing local businesses and supporting our fellow entrepreneurs when we take off the business hat and put on the consumer hat.  As individuals, there are so many places we love, and we couldn't begin to name them all, but here are a few.
Prince Street Café 
Chestnut Hill Café 
Square One Coffee
Art & Glassworks
Building Character
Neato Burrito 
Mio Studio 
Chocolate Café
On Orange
Fork N Spoon Café
Rice and Noodles
Lancaster Creative Reuse
Carmen and David's Creamery
The Green Market
La cocina mexicana  
BellaBoo 
Woof N Tails
Higher Grounds Coffee Shop
Cross Keys Coffee Shop
Gallery Row and other Lancaster art galleries



So, if you are in the Lancaster area, check them out.  You won't regret it.  We promise.  And if you still have some holiday shopping to wrap up, consider stopping by one of these places and buying your last gifts.  Buy local to support local businesses and your community!