One would be hard-pressed to compact more history into a shorter period of time - or distance.

Following a successful debut last year, the Lititz Historic Walking Tour has made a triumphant return. Conducted by the Lititz Historical Foundation, the 45-minute guided walking tour treats curious participants to 270 years' worth of fascinating stories and backstories of the people and events that helped shape the borough.

"The goal is to explain the history of Lititz in an all-new way," said Lititz Historical Foundation president Cory Van Brookhoven, who doubles as one of the tour's guides. "The tour focuses on the history and architecture. So far, it's been a hit. It's a perfect activity for people visiting Lititz. When I visit a new place, I always want to learn about its history."

The Lititz Historic Walking Tour begins at the town square, located at the corner of Broad and East Main streets, and proceeds east for eight blocks to Linden Hall School for Girls. Along the way, the tour stops at 25 historically significant locations, all without crossing the street.

The Lititz Historical Foundation began offering the tours on April 1 and will continue doing so through the end of October.

"We feel it's a really great value," said Van Brookhoven. "Lititz is very historic. There's a lot packed in there."

Van Brookhoven pointed out that the number of visitors who have taken the Lititz Historic Walking Tour this year has already surpassed the tour's number of visitors in all of 2022.

"Last year was kind of like a soft launch," said Van Brookhoven. "Basically, we wanted to test the waters, and it gave us good data. I think we have created momentum. We started out, and already we've expanded it in a big way. It's just one of the many services we offer to the visitors of Lititz."

While the vast majority of the Lititz Historic Walking Tour's attendees have been tourists, Van Brookhoven said that he's been pleasantly surprised by the number of locals on the tours. Apparently, a love of history cannot be defined by place of residence.

"It's a really nice mixed bag," said Van Brookhoven. "It's not just tourists. It's also locals and locals who are hosting friends from out of town. We're also seeing a lot of school groups."

There is a cost involved with taking the Lititz Historic Walking Tour, and senior citizens and students are afforded discounts. The tours are offered four times a day, at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., on Mondays through Saturdays, and visitors are requested to book them in advance by visiting http://www.lititzhistoricalfoundation.com or by dialing 717-627-4636.