Imagine Covid doesn’t exist and you have a day off from work. You are free to spend the day doing exactly as you please. Inspired by U2’s It’s a Beautiful Day – “It’s a beautiful day, don’t let it get away” – we asked Carole Kirchner to describe her perfect Lancaster County day.
About Carole
Growing up in Southwest Lancaster City, Carole learned the importance of hard work from her father, Thomas Kirchner, who ran the family-owned beer-distributing business that was started by her grandparents, Frank and Serena Kirchner, in 1933. Carole recalls that her father stressed the importance of a strong work ethic and family values, both of which helped to drive his success as a business owner. She also remembers her father saying that you can never know enough people and, as part of that philosophy, he would smile, say hello and talk to everyone he met. He was also a dedicated supporter of “mom-and-pop stores,” which Carole believes are even more important in today’s world.
Like her parents, Carole feels a strong connection to the Lancaster community. She currently resides in the same neighborhood where she was raised, a testament of her commitment to Lancaster. For Carole, Lancaster will always be the place she calls her home.
Carole is a graduate of Cabrini University, having earned a Bachelor of Science in marketing. She became a realtor prior to her senior year of college as a result of her advisor suggesting she take a summer job in a profession she may pursue after graduating.
Rather than spend her usual summer at the Jersey Shore, she interned at the real estate office of a family friend and obtained her license. Carole has made the lessons she learned from her family the foundation of her successful real estate business. Passionate about her profession, Carole takes pride in the fact that real estate allows her to connect Lancaster County clients to their dream homes.
On a personal note, Carole is a “proud mom of three wonderful children” and has “one amazing grandson.” From a volunteer perspective, she currently serves on the boards of SoWe and the Pet Pantry of Lancaster County.
Photo by Gary Hoover
In Her Own Words, Carole’s Perfect Lancaster County Day
My perfect day would start by waking up very early and taking care of my rescue dogs. Once they are settled, I would head to Evolution Power Yoga for the 6 a.m. class. This is the most peaceful way to relax and it also sets the tone for my entire day. I have been a member there for quite a long time and I love it. It is definitely a place to try if you have not been there!
After class, I would head home to take my dogs for a quick walk over to my sister and brother-in-law’s house. They live in the Southwest area of Lancaster City as well and I enjoy catching up with them most mornings. My dogs love to visit them as they know they’ll be rewarded with treats.
After heading back home, I would make my usual breakfast drink of kale, fruit, flax and chia seed. After that, my next stop would be Mean Cup for a delicious cup of coffee. It is truly my favorite place to sit, relax and enjoy coffee. The staff is amazing, greeting customers with smiles and providing superior service.
From there, I would take a stroll down the 300 block of North Queen Street to visit and support the locally owned shops. I find that shopping online is a boring experience and therefore I truly enjoy browsing all of the amazing items you’ll find in the boutiques, jewelry stores, vintage clothing shops, the bike shop, a frame shop and more. One of my favorite stops on that block is Building Character, a huge warehouse selling recycled/upcycled and handmade merchandise. It is a large retail destination with hundreds of interesting items under one roof. You never know what you will find – you can definitely find something for everyone there!
After all that walking and shopping, it’s time for lunch. Pepper Theo Café, located on the Lancaster Theological Seminary grounds, would be the spot for my perfect lunch. I would enjoy a meal by the fireplace, as I admire the beautiful colored-glass windows repurposed and imported from Belgian greenhouses.
Next would be one of my favorite things to do – join the Lancaster Downtowners on a hike in Lancaster County Central Park. The hike would be led by fellow downtowner Celica Milovanovic. I think she knows every trail in the park and could guide us through even blindfolded! It would be a beautiful walk where I would take in all the scenery for several miles.
Now it is time to enjoy dinner and we are so blessed in Lancaster with so many places to dine out. It is hard to pick just one, but if I had to do so, I would go to The Belvedere Inn. The menu features delicious, contemporary American cuisine and it is located in a Victorian space in Lancaster City. This award-winning restaurant is definitely worth a visit!
As my long and beautiful day comes to an end, my final stop would be to meet up with my brother and his wife at The Fridge. It is a wonderful place to just relax while spending quality time with special people in your life. It is a great way to end a perfect day in my forever home, Lancaster County!
For more information, visit caroleschoicehomes.com.
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