In this current economic climate, patronizing small businesses could be the way to go for those of us struggling to make ends meet. I am not economically savvy so I could use some opinions on this.

I've made an effort to patronize small business owners rather than large business chains. Food at Central Market, non-perishables at smaller grocery stores in town.

When eating out (which I need to curtail) I try to stick to the smaller operated pubs and restaurants that are locally owned and operated.

Now, my car's oil needs to be changed and in July my annual state inspection. Since Pletcher's Sunoco closed, I have been going to Firestone in town. They are significantly more expenensive than Pletcher's was. Anyone have any recommendations for smaller, family owned and operated style garages for car service needs?

Any other suggestions for cutting expenses?

Any other favorite small business owners worth patronizing??

For an oil change, I would recommend the Pit Stop out in Bridgeport (Rt 462)

Thanks. I did not realize they were still in operation. Went there for a few years in the early '90's.

I like Landis Lube in Lititz. And you get a free car wash! They have coupons in the Clipper and you can also get them on line at their website. Not sure what it is...but if you google Landis Lube Lititz you'll find it. I just love coupons!

Kate - That is an excellent idea. I think buying local goods and food and patronizing local shops can only help. It's a more sustainable and responsible way to shop, although it is not always the most convenient or cost effective so my hats off to you. I try to avoid the bigger chains whenever possible.

There is a program out there...I think out west.....Family Bundles.... that sets up a reward system for buying local.

This latest Salmonella outbreak with the tomatoes really reminds me how important...even if just seasonally....local food production is.....and therefore how precious our farmland is.

I love Abels Tires in Quarryville. They will beat anyones prices and give you free rotations etc. for the life of the tires.


Down in the Southern End the 3 largest grocery stores are all locally owned -- Mussers, Ferguson and Hassler and Darrenkamps so I virtually always shop at one of them (Darrenkamps in Willow Valley is open 24 hours a day M-F).

Since I am in the boonies, I buy a lot of my local produce and baked goods from the Amish even bunches of flowers which are not only cheap but would cost you a fortune in the large stores (huge bouquets and gorgeous!).

Another good piece of advice--go to Amish or Mennonite Stores--Goods, Weavers, Fishers are examples for day to day items (they're often cheaper than Wal-Mart or K-Mart). The markup is miniscule and the variety is amazing! I got a beautiful glass topped table for my deck, normally $159 for $19.99 (really) because Goods was clearing their warehouse in the winter and needed them gone. Their hardware stores are a bargain too and often feature things like wooden toys made by local Amish. They make great gifts to send to out-of-town friends.

But does it make economic sense for a city resident to travel to the Solanco area to save money on groceries, et al?

Considering the price of gas - not.

Maybe not but it didn't say this was just for city residents. Although I will point out that while they don't have the variety the Southern Market is really reasonable. The Central Market is more upscale but carries the prices to show it. I do like going there periodically but frankly it is just too expensive for people trying to cut back. Plus Darrenkamps in only 5 miles away from Lancaster if that.

I will NEVER do business with Landis Lube in Lititz. I took my brand new Jeep to have the oil changed at 1,000 miles and some jerk drove my Jeep into the pit! The owner wasn't even going to tell me what happed - thank goodness I witnessed it! He ended up paying for a new rim to replace the one that got all scratched up. He didn't think that was 'necessary' either, but since it was his fault that it was scratched he did pay for another one!



I take our vehicles to Manheim Tire and Auto. Prices seem fair and they are honest.

I've been dealing with Lancaster Fleet & Auto on East Orange St. (across from the prison) for over 15 years. They are family owned. They usually have an ad in Coupon Clipper that makes their oil changes cheaper than most other places, including Pit Stop (where I used to go before LF&A). And the always give an exterior wash and inside vacuum for any service, including oil changes.

Lancaster Fleet & Auto might not be the cheapest for service, but they go out of their way to take care of their customers, especially regulars. During the 13 years I had to drive my own car for my job, they always got me in and out as quickly as possible, and gave me a preferential rate on a rental on the rare occasions I needed one (they have the local Hertz franchise).

FYI, LF&A also operates Friendly Taxi. I don't know if they still do it or not, but at one time they would give customers a free ride home and back when a vehicle was in their shop for service.

Artie - does LF&A have Saturday hours?? I could drop off my vehicle before going to market.

They do, but they give priority to their own vehicles on Saturday. If you call well in advance, and talk nice to them (something you do very well), they should take care of you.

I deal with Landisview Produce on State Road across from Kelly Cadilac. They have reasonable prices and grow alot of their own produce.

There's a new pesticide/herbicide-free produce place on Lime Valley Road in Strasburg across from the Lime Valley Mill. We have been there to look, and they have some nice annuals and other plants. We haven't bought anything yet, but they have a nice variety of produce for sale, including fresh herbs, salad mixes, and brown eggs. From a flier I picked up, they also sell wool and wool yarn, and they have a stand at Eastern Market in Lancaster. This family works hard, and it would be good to see them make a go of their stand.