If you’re planning a trip to one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved historic destinations, Mount Hope Estate deserves a place at the top of your list. Located on 35 stunning acres just outside Lancaster, this landmark property offers centuries of history, year-round entertainment, craft beverages, and unforgettable events. Whether you’re attending the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, sipping wines at the Mount Hope Winery, or strolling through the beautiful gardens, Mount Hope Estate is a one-of-a-kind attraction.
A visit to Mount Hope Estate is just the beginning of what the region has to offer; there are plenty more things to do in Lancaster County. This is one of Pennsylvania’s most richly layered destinations: Pennsylvania Dutch culture, Amish heritage, a thriving arts scene, a world-class food culture, and some of the most beautiful farmland in the Northeast.
After a full day enjoying the Mount Hope Estate, the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, and the many attractions throughout Lancaster County, the right place to stay makes all the difference. Historic Smithton Inn offers a refined Lancaster Bed and Breakfast experience inside a beautifully restored 18th century manor. Guests enjoy thoughtfully designed rooms, gourmet breakfasts made from scratch each morning, and warm hospitality that reflects the charm of Amish Country. Located just a short drive from Mount Hope Estate and many of the best things to do near Lancaster PA, we offer the perfect setting to unwind after a day of exploring one of Pennsylvania’s most fascinating destinations. Book your stay today!
The History of Mount Hope Estate & Best Things to Do
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Mount Hope Estate carries more than 200 years of American history within its walls and manicured grounds. The estate began as the summer residence of the Grubb family, a powerful ironmaster dynasty that once controlled over 2,500 acres across Lancaster County. What remains today is the heart of the original property: a 19th-century Federal-style mansion crafted from locally quarried red sandstone surrounded by 35 acres that once functioned as an entire self-contained village.
In its heyday, Mount Hope included a general store, a post office, a railroad station, a school, a church, worker housing, and a grist mill. Walking the grounds today, visitors are offered a window into early American industrial life as the estate’s original layout has been carefully preserved.
The Mount Hope Estate’s formal garden is one of its most remarkable features. Designed in the tradition of formal English gardens, the layout dates back to the original construction between 1800 and 1805, making it one of the few surviving American formal gardens from that era. Ornamental urns, flower beds, and a round fountain added during a 1895 renovation create a peaceful setting for a leisurely stroll.
For visitors who love craft beverages, the Mount Hope Winery is a destination in its own right, offering tastings of locally produced wines reflecting the terroir of Lancaster County. But the estate doesn’t stop at wine: Swashbuckler Brewing Company creates small batch craft beers inspired by the playful spirit, while Lancaster County Cider produces refreshing hard ciders. Rounding out the lineup, Spirits Distilling Company crafts small-batch spirits that reflect the region’s growing distilling tradition. These four producers make the estate a destination for those who enjoy sampling craft beverages while exploring one of the most historic properties in Lancaster County.
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire at Mount Hope Estate
While the Renaissance Faire is undoubtedly the star of the show, Mount Hope Estate events fill the calendar from spring through fall with celebrations that bring diverse cultures and these to life on the historic grounds.
The Celtic Fling and Highland Games is one of the most beloved gatherings, drawing visitors with a love of Scottish and Irish heritage. Athletic competitions, traditional music, dancing, and cultural demonstrations fill the estate with the sound of bagpipes and the energy of centuries of tradition.
For those who love dinner theater, Mount Hope Estate’s productions offer a completely different kind of evening. Theater in the Mansion offers a multi-course dinner with live performance that unfolds around the audience. Productions like Murder at Mount Hope involve guests in a comedic mystery in which the story plays out throughout the meal, and Full Moon Comedy brings nationally touring comedians to the mansion for unforgettable nights of laughter.
Mount Hope Estate is also known for its lively calendar of entertainment, which has made it one of the most unique attractions in Lancaster County. The most famous of these experiences is the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, which transforms the estate into a vibrant 16th-century village each fall. Costumed performers, artisan vendors, stage shows, and jousting tournaments fill the grounds with energy and humor during the PA Ren Faire. Guests wander through the village streets enjoying music, comedy acts, and theatrical storytelling that unfolds throughout the day. For many visitors, attending the Pennsylvania Renaissance Festival is a yearly tradition and easily one of the most memorable things to do near Lancaster PA.
But if you ask anyone in the Mid-Atlantic region about the best things to do near Lancaster PA in the fall, chances are the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire will come up immediately! Held at the Mount Hope Estate each autumn, the PA Ren Faire transforms the property into a 16th-century village complete with costumed performers, artisan vendors, live stage shows, and thrilling jousting tournaments. Wandering through the streets of the faire, guests encounter jesters, storytellers, knights, and more. It’s a full-day theatrical experience unlike anything else in the region.
The Renaissance Faire PA visitors know and love has become a cherished annual tradition. Many guests return year after year, discovering new performers, artisans, and corners of the village. If you’ve never experienced the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, our Lancaster Bed and Breakfast is the ideal home base. Reserve your room now!
