F&M Stories
Visiting Campus? See Top Winter Spots
Touring Franklin & Marshall this winter? Whether it’s your first time on campus or you’re back for a return trip, make the most of your visit and browse the list below for ideas to fill a one-day voyage to Lancaster (or longer).
Before you go: Please note that campus tours are by appointment only. They are currently offered Monday through Friday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m, and select Saturdays. Note: There is no 11 a.m. tour on Thursday. On-campus info sessions are held Mondays and Fridays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Register for tours and info sessions here.
For virtual tours and info sessions, see our current virtual offerings.
1. Find a Cozy Cafe
Downtown Lancaster is home to dozens of coffee shops and unique cafes.
- See the most cozy spots on campus.
- Browse the full coffee shop and cafe list to find your new favorite java spot. Our very own Diplomatic Cafe (pictured above) is a great place to start.
- The county is also home to many farmers markets and farm-to-table restaurants. Students and their families love venturing to Central Market, the oldest continuously operated farmers market in the country. For the best farm-to-table cuisine, check out this local list.
2. Cheer on the Dips
Catch the Diplomats in action. In-season winter varsity sports include basketball, squash, swimming, track and field and wrestling. F&M is home to 28 varsity sports teams and eight club sports teams.
3. Catch a Concert or Show
Warm up indoors with local theater and music – in the city or beyond. For a full list of performance venues, see upcoming shows in Lancaster.
- The Fulton Theatre, a national landmark, is the nation's oldest continuously operating theater.
- Allegro Orchestra Lancaster, directed by F&M Conductor of Instrumental Ensembles Brian Norcross, makes music accessible to the Lancaster community in modern and playful ways.
- Prima Theatre bridges contemporary music with musical theater.
- Enjoy a beverage and bite to eat with live music at one of Lancaster’s many nightlife venues.
4. Explore Lancaster on Foot or by Car
- Get to know Lancaster with a driving or walking mural tour. Or, take a stroll down historic Lancaster Gallery Row to meet established and emerging artists and a bite to eat.
- The Safe Harbor railroad trestle offers a sweeping view of the Susquehanna River – a particularly awe-inspiring view when the river is coated in ice.
- The annual snow geese migration at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area attracts flocks of tourists between mid-February and mid-March. Stop by the visitors center for maps and viewing advice from the staff.
5. Catch an Event on Campus
The semester is back in full swing on Jan. 16 – find the full schedule of campus events here.
- Visit the Phillips Museum of Art (exhibits open Jan. 23).
- Catch a Common Hour lecture (this weekly event features renowned speakers discussing social and political issues).
- Attend the Emerging Writers Festival (April 3-5) for author craft talks, book signings and open mic nights.
- Watch a student-produced musical or music ensemble performance.
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