Sturgis Pretzel Tour & Wilbur Chocolate

Downtown Lititz is where the past enchants, the present invites, and the future excites. Lititz's history stars a cast of characters that ranges from families escaping religious persecution to Revolutionary and Civil War heroes, from pretzel-twisting entrepreneurs to the founders of on of the nation's oldest and most treasured schools for girls. The center of town has a row of historic buildings housing shops and eateries.

In the 18th century, the Moravians left Saxony, Germany to serve as missionaries throughout the world. Count Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf was born in 1700 in Dresden left Germany for religious freedom. He met with Pennsylvania leaders such as Benjamin Franklin and reached an agreement for the establishment of a free Moravian movement. The town was named after a Bohemian Castle near the village of Kunvald.

In 1861 The Julius Sturgis Pretzel Baker was founded in Lititz. This is the oldest commercial pretzel baker in America and remains active today. Tour the original pretzel bakery, get a hands-on lesson in pretzel twisting using a playdough mixture, observe bakers twisting old-fashioned soft pretzels by hand, and shop for delicious treats and souvenirs in the bakery store. This is a historic site. The facility is handicapped accessible. The tour runs approximately 25 minutes. 

The Wilbur Chocolate Store remains a wonderful place to visit, shop, and learn about the world of chocolate. The Wilbur Chocolate Store started as a space in the factory where employees could purchase chocolate they manufactured in smaller sizes. The idea grew in popularity and 1972 the doors opened to the local community to include the sale of beloved Wilbur Buds and Wilbur Chocolates. The store space included an area called the Candy Americana Museum. Penny Buzzard, wife of former Wilbur Chocolate President John Buzzard, gathered old chocolate memorabilia. There are more than 1,000 varieties of moulds, tins, and boxes for the museum. The prized museum collection includes a large, unique collection of antique, hand-painted European and Asian porcelain chocolate pots. In 1977 the Wilbur candy kitchen was opened featuring handmade chocolate candies being created right before your eyes. Chocolate candy favorites include handmade marshmallow, almond bark, peanut butter meltaway, heavenly hash, mint drizzle, and almond butter crunch. Come visit the Wilbur Chocolate Store to shop and learn about the world of chocolate and get a glimpse into the rich history of the confectionery industry. 

There will be time to explore downtown Lititz on your own to enjoy the eateries for lunch and shopping in a mix of retailers carrying a variety of curated collections of art, apparel, books, home goods, gourmet foods, and jewelry. Enjoy. the delightful unique experience of shopping in Lititz.

Leisure Travel Services (LTS) offers small group trips serving 10 to 14 participants. Our customized small group trips feature an intimate setting to explore and experience areas in the local communities. 

Itinerary:

9 a.m. - Load van at Outdoor Recreation (ODR) parking lot

9:15 a.m. - Depart ODR parking lot

10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Arrive at Lititz, PA

Sturgis Pretzel Factory Tour

Wilbur Chocolate Store

12 p.m. – 2:15 a.m. – Downtown Lititz On Your Own: Lunch & Shopping

2:15 p.m. – Return to van and depart for home

3:30 p.m. – Return to ODR parking lot

There is no restroom on the large passenger van.