Late this February, I made the leap and started my own business. I’m now self-employed full-time offering search marketing consulting as Evident.

Starting a new business, even just a one-person operation like mine, takes a lot of time, but one of my motivations to go out on my own was to have more flexibility with my schedule and to be able to get out of the office more often. Here in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, there’s so much to do and see, and I don’t want to miss it because I’m cooped up.

I’m always trying to keep more of my money local when I shop, and the “For Locals” section of LancasterPA.com has become a trusted source for me. I often forget how many things to do there are in our county, and not just for tourists. Maybe this year will be the year I get out to some Lancaster County mud sales.

For getting outdoors, my go-to spots are the Trout Run nature preserve (south from the city) and Money Rocks County Park (northeast from the city). Speedwell Forge Lake was drained five years ago, but last year they filled it up and stocked it with a lot of fish (it’s all catch-and-release until the populations get established), so I’m itching to take my fly rod up there and check it out.

I’m not really crazy about spending a day at the pool, but sometimes it beats staying inside in the air conditioning. The public Conestoga Pines Pool is a gem for the city, and I’ve found the Lampeter-Strasburg YMCA outdoor pool has been less crowded than I would have expected.

What am I missing out on? What are your favorite things to do in the area? Let me know in the comments.