Enjoy the scenic back roads of Amish Country with a guided scooter tour. A good travel experience should encourage you to discover and embrace new ideas, and we learned a lot from our visit to Amish Country! Largest Amish Communities In The United States - WorldAtlas Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. I was surprised to learn they dont avoid all modern conveniences. I especially enjoyed seeing the animals, specifically the peacocks. You'll learn all about the region's Amish history, will see working farmers and visit the Amish Village Museum, can shop for Amish goods from . A day trip to the small towns of Amish Country is just what you need if you want to experience life in a new way or need a peaceful retreat from everyday life. Outside, youll find more four-legged friends such as sheep and goats. If your visit falls between February and April, dont miss the renowned Amish Mud Sales, a must-attend event. Luxury, Amish-built, log cabins are located just outside of Berlin and overlook a serene pond. Weve tried to keep this itinerary to some lovely but lesser-known places. In one full day, you can discover the food, culture, shopping, and entertainment that's so unique to our place. 4359 State Route 39, Millerburg. We tried the wet-bottomed version at both Dutch Haven and Bird-In-Hand Bakery. With your private guide, learn about how the Pennsylvania Amish work, worship, and live. Pennsylvania Amish Country Small-Group Full-Day Tour 2023 - Viator A three-hour drive is just short enough that we dont usually break up the ride with a stop, but its long enough that were always anxious to park the car and stretch our legs at our destination. Visitors on quick trips to Lancaster still have enough time to experience a buggy ride, get a peek at how the Amish live and pick up some handcrafted goods to take home. This is no convenience store root beer. Things To Do > Tours Tours [ SHARE ] A tour is one of the best ways to explore Lancaster County! And of course, if you want to experience pure milky-soft skin, you need to try some of their goats milk soaps. See our custom Pennsylania Dutch road trip map here. Tastier, too! Check out this guided tour from Philadelphia to Lancaster. Get the lay of the land around Lancaster, PA from above. Take a Buggy Ride 5. guided tour from Philadelphia to Lancaster, Check out this calendar for upcoming Mud Sales. While you can spend far more than a single day in Pennsylvanias Amish Country, one day is enough time to explore and learn about their culture! The tradition of quilting bees brings Amish women together to create exquisite quilts. Meet Amish neighbors and children. You wont be able to do things on a whim if you go into the more rural parts of the towns. Enjoy all that Lancaster County, PA has to offer, Lancaster, PA > How to Spend Your Lancaster County, PA Day Trip. Amish Tours in Lancaster PA, Bus Tours, Farmhouse Tours | The Amish Village If that happens, you will have no choice but to enjoy the view whileslowlymaking your way to your next activity. However, its important to refrain from doing so. We selected these locations based on our own research and travel needs; we were not offered and did not receive compensation of any kind from them or any other party in exchange for our review. It features the Heirloom Seed Project, preserving and promoting authentic agricultural practices. Strasburg Rail Road is an authentic steam train excursion that takes you on a journey through Lancaster County. OK, Millers isnt really a secret or out-of-the-way destination. This quaint little farm welcomes visitors with open arms. Stepping into this vibrant marketplace on Tuesdays and Fridays, youll find a bustling array of local farmers, bakers, and butchers, each proudly displaying their delicious food. Our visit was a lot of fun. Finish off your tour of Lancaster County with a well-deserved fine dining experience at the Log Cabin. There is also a selection of hard cheeses including cheddar, Colby jack, gouda, and baby Swiss. Guided by an Amish buggy coachman (or coachwoman), theyll regale you with the rich Amish history of Lancaster, PA and share their traditions, lifestyles and customs as they navigate you around the rural parts of Lancaster County. We're talking a slow, peaceful pace, perhaps even riding a traditional Amish horse and buggy through Lancaster County's rolling green hills and windblown fields of crops. Some of these charming ice cream shops are nestled right on working dairy farms, providing just about the freshest ice cream imaginable. Attractions like the Amish Farm & House, the Amish Village, and The Amish Experience are also great places to learn about the plain lifestyle. A day trip to Pennsylvanias Amish country will transport you to a bygone era of simplicity and tranquility. Youll encounter authentic farmsteads and have the opportunity to interact with historic breeds of animals, further immersing yourself in the agricultural aspects of Pennsylvania German life. P.S. ), Things to Do With Your Boyfriend: 12 Romantic Getaways, A Colorado Bachelorette Party: Your Ultimate Guide, The Best Things To Do In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, eight great scavenger hunts and tours near Lancaster. 24 Hours in Amish Country | Itinerary | Visit Amish Country Gracies has absolutely perfected the art of breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Floating effortlessly amidst the breathtaking patchwork farmlands is an experience that will leave you in awe. Amish homes are, in a word, efficient. Amish food is not big on spices but has plenty of flavor, so be sure to have a meal at a local restaurant while you are there. More Information: KatiesAmishKitchen.com. Strasburg is all about railroad history so the town is a good bet for history buffs. The surrounding countryside exudes an idyllic ambiance, providing a scenic backdrop for exploration. Explore three distinctive Amish properties as you witness the milking process on a dairy farm, engage with skilled craftsmen in their workshops, and share heartfelt moments with an Amish family in the comfort of their home. That will give you a taste of all of the bacons: double smoked, caramelized, Irish, black pepper Worchestershire, sweet garlic chili, Canadian, and their own bacon jam. Get a free demo of your event today with no money down. Ask about Amish Country Lodgings unique treehouses. Start your day trip in nature and take afarm tourwhile you are rested and have the energy to walk a lot. You certainly wont be able to conquer all of these options in one day, so pick and choose the activities that interest your crew, and make notes while youre there because youll want to return again and again! The Ice Cream Experience and Scootin For Scoops tours offer delightful treats along the way. Soar above the gorgeous landscapes of Lancaster County in a majestic hot air balloon. Lancaster, Pa.: Explore Amish communities and much more This is the charm of these unique historical and cultural areas in rural Pennsylvania. As part of your day trip to Lancaster County, PA make sure you check out Wilbur Chocolate, a landmark fixture in Lititz for over 100 years. Knowing that they are community-focused, we had a great time driving away from the tourist destinations and observing the homes and farms that are so central to their lives and livelihood. Bird In Handis the quaint name of our favorite town to explore on an Amish Country day trip because of the cultural experiences around the village. Two large porch seating areas are perfect for watching buggies roll past and enjoying fresh air. A getaway to Pennsylvania Amish Country is a special experience that will transport you back in time to a simpler way of life, and there are a plethora of interesting and educational activities in the area. While they are forgiving and will hear a confession of sin and apology, church leaders can vote to shun one of their own, which means a loss of status in the community. Learn about Amish culture and history, touring through charismatic towns brimming with old-fashioned charm. Continuing south on Route 772, your next stop will be the Gap View Farm Market in Gap, PA (5230 Newport Rd, Gap, PA 17527). Of course they produce chevre (goats milk cheese) in multiple flavors. Since the Amish community abstains from traditional forms of entertainment, crafting serves as a means of social connection and creative expression. Schrocks Heritage Village Amish Tour Starting at $189 | All Day Book Now Adult Ages 13+ $ 189 Child Ages 4-12 $ 139 Quick Details Duration: All Day: 8:15am - 7:00pm Tours are available Monday through Saturday from April through October. The Amish Experience is open to the general public 9:30am to 5:00pm Monday through Saturday. Strolling along its tree-lined streets, youll be captivated by the towns unique shops, inviting cafs, and a delightful blend of architectural styles. 92 Recommended Historical Tours from $79.00 Dairy farms are most popular in the area so expect to get the chance to milk cows, collect organic eggs, and observe the sustainable ways the Amish power their farms (electricity is too far removed from nature to be used as a power source!). You might even find horses and buggies available for sale if youre in need of one. I was surprised that Amish families would keep what I considered to be an exotic animal as a pet. 717-768-8400. Nearly every bakery offers these delightful treats, and whats even more impressive is that they are often priced at just $1.00! 2023 See Discover Lancaster for info on tours. However, Lancaster County, PA has more than just the rich culture of the Amish to offer the local adventurer or visitor. While they may gain more exposure to technology and the English way of life, most Amish children decide to be baptized into the church instead of leaving the community behind. You'll get a great night's rest at our Comfort Suites Amish Country hotel, located in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike (Rt. You will not go hungry in Amish Country. My moms side of my family is from Maine, and when it comes to Whoopie Pies, Maine and Pennsylvania have a friendly argument over where the dessert was first created. learn more Local Shops Shopping local in Lancaster is essential to experience the fullness of what the County has to offer. Visit Jeanne Fratello's profile on Pinterest. Each guest suite provides 25 percent more space than a traditional hotel roomand comes equipped with a microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker for your convenience. Made even more famous in the Harrison Ford film Witness, the Amish, Mennonites, and Brethren of Dutch Country represent over . Although they are predominantly farmers who grow crops, sell them, and can them, they also shop at grocery stores and eat in restaurants. All proceeds benefit the local fire companies. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 Let's Roam, LLC. 5798 CR 77, Millersburg. To top it off, visit an old-fashioned creamery and indulge in delicious ice cream you can savor as you complete our Strasburg Steam Train Treasure Hunt.. The Amish way of life, with its emphasis on family, community, and craftsmanship, offers a refreshing escape from the fast-paced modern world. The Amish community has beautifully preserved traditional American dishes like fried chicken, biscuits, and apple pies. A Day in the Amish Country - Day Trip From New York City to Lancaster Dutch Haven is a touristy stop that specializes in souvenirs and furniture, but visitors get a free sample of Shoofly Pie for stopping in to shop. Amish Country doesnt have official opening and closing times. The Amish arrived in Philadelphia in the 18th century and eventually settled in Lancaster County, with groups moving to other locations throughout the country. Lancaster County, PA is well known as the home to the oldest and largest Amish communities in the United States. Taking photos isnt appreciated by the Amish. They like to tout that its where the locals go--because its true! 2811 Lincoln Highway East Ronks, PA). This magnificent structure stands as a memorial, paying homage to the courageous men and women from Lancaster County who selflessly served in the armed forces. Dutch Wonderland 6. We respect your privacy. Third, there is a Whole. Visit Shady Maple 2. If youre looking for a day trip to Pennsylvania Amish Country, we have a great itinerary for you. For centuries, it has been delighting locals and visitors alike with its time-honored tradition of crafting delicious pretzels. Well start with a caveat: Some places (were looking at you, downtown Intercourse, PA) have become massive tourist draws and can get so crowded they feel more like a mall and lose their true Amish country charm. Pennsylvania Amish Country: 6 Bucket List-Worthy Towns This is a fun stop for checking out food as well as miniature horses. Just always ask before you photograph a person in Amish country. Downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania, (aka the City of Lancaster) is a city with a fascinating heritage that dates back to colonial times. Houston is a great place for a day trip. Embarking on our scavenger hunts allows you to discover a fresh perspective of Lancaster, whether with friends, your partner, or the kiddos. After your tour, experience authentic Amish culture at an Amish crafts shop. Our tour stopped twice, each time at an Amish-run farm stand, and we had a chance to sample pretzels and purchase goods made by the families. Its an affordable and mouthwatering snack that you wont want to miss during your visit to Amish Country. There are a few different companies that offer tours of Amish country, and many of them operate similar itineraries. So many scooter tours, so little time! Review of Amish Country Reviewed November 5, 2012 Very interesting bus tour to Lancaster, pa. Lititz embodies the quintessential charm of small-town America, exuding a picturesque and welcoming ambiance. Opened as a speakeasy during Prohibition, the restaurant features various dining areas, a piano bar, and an outdoor patio. But with this stress-free pace comes the possibility for random things to slow down your day. 4884 W. Main St., Millersburg. Also look out for Amish families playing games in their yards as they do not use modern gadgets like televisions or video games for entertainment. Get started planning your trip to Lancaster, PA here! Cars are prohibited in Amish culture as they are considered materialistic and a distraction from community. Start over again in the morning with a stack of hotcakes and fresh outlook on life. The tour also includes at least one stop at an Amish home or business (excluding Sundays), providing a unique opportunity to get a closer look at the Amish way of life. Plan Your Visit | Discover Lancaster A day trip to Amish Country revolves around witnessing the extraordinary way of life embraced by a community that wholeheartedly upholds centuries-old historical and religious practices. A miniature horse at the Lil Country Store says hi. 15 Things to do in Amish Country/Lancaster PA A Day Trip to Pennsylvania Amish Country By Jeanne on August 27, 2022 in Travel If you're looking for a day trip to Pennsylvania Amish Country, we have a great itinerary for you. Morals and Murals Hood Tour. We also took a 90-minute bus ride through some of Amish Countrys back roads, and our driver Paul provided an incredible amount of insight into the homes and farms we passed. Whoopie Pies, a delightful treat, consisting of two circular slices of cake sandwiching a delectable cream filling. Planning a Trip in Lancaster County | Frommer's The largest and oldest Amish community in the United States gathers near the Susquehanna River in the Southeast corner of Pennsylvania. Penn-Dutch Trip to the Amish Country - Baptist Courier But we hope that you will stick around for one more leg of the trip. Journey from Philadelphia to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania You can view the Stoltzfus family woodworking shop, where woodworkers craft frames and other wooden items. As it turns out, peacocks make a loud, unmistakable screaming noise when they are startled, so they are wonderful alarm systems! We love it. Believe us when we say youre going to want to try all of the local delicacies. Things to Do in Amish Country PA for First Time Visitors | Discover With 200-250 people attending, most people have a large room in their home reserved just for big gatherings. This post includes our candid review of our experience at various shops and locations. We had lunch at Dienners, an Amish-style restaurant with a buffet that allowed us to sample a few different dishes. Lancaster County, PA is well known as the home to the oldest and largest Amish communities in the United States. Our scavenger hunts are a unique combination of area-specific trivia and photo/video challenges that add a little action to your walking tour! I have always wanted to visit Amish Country, but never had the chance as my trips to New York or Philly were already filled up. When youre ready to check out the horses, youre in luck: The accessible and open barn with miniature horses is free and open to the public. Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center It also has unique shops, corn mazes and an old fashioned creamery. This establishment provides a true taste of Amish Countrys culinary delights and is not to be missed during your visit. Make sure to visit Kitchen Kettle before all the shops close around 6:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. in colder months) to explore its unique offerings. All Rights Reserved. We couldnt pass up a jar of spicy pickles, and I had to stifle a laugh when a brother and sister behind the counter fought over who would wrap it in newspaper and place it in a bag for me. Some of the strictest in the community dont like to be photographed as graven images have historically been seen as a temptation away from God. What to Do on a Day Trip to Washington, D.C. This has given rise to some of the nations finest quilting shops where you can pick out your favorite to take home. Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau. WordPress support by NerdPress | Privacy Policy. *This post contains affiliate links. Join the Amish Experience, an organized tour of captivating villages where a tour guide will give you in-depth information about the Amish people. Trip Advisor/SimpleLifeAmishTours A wall of goat milk soaps at Misty Creek Goat Dairy. See the Liberty Bell, Constitution Hall, the famous Rocky Steps, and more before heading out to Lancaster County to experience Amish culture. Make sure you check out our other post on Amish Country day trip ideas and start planning your memorable trip today! And since the Amish people are prohibited from using cars (we will get to this and other cultural practices that will seem alien to you later!) The Amish way of life is centered on the things God has provided in nature as they believe modern development and materialism leads away from the spiritual way of life most important to them. They provide broad menu options that may suit special diets and are able to easily accommodate varied mobilities and group sizes. 137. from $69.00. Where to Find the Best Whitewater Rafting in the U.S. 25+ Things To Do in the Black Hills of South Dakota, 25 Enticing Group Activities in Charlotte, North Carolina, 25 things to do on your birthday (the best one yet! Since Amish people shun traditional mediums of entertainment, they use crafting as a way to connect socially. Some bookings include a stop at an Amish home or a Mennonite craft store and bake shop. They believe adults should make a conscious choice to be baptized, something they cannot do of free will as children. This unique adventure offers a mobile passport that allows you to check in at various participating ice cream shops, rewarding you with an array of enticing prizes. 4757 TR 366, Millersburg. Traditionally, most women marry in their late teens or early twenties, and men are a bit older than that. Engross yourself in the captivating beauty of Amish farmland on a comfortable 90-minute sightseeing bus tour with the Amish Village. Comfort Suites Amish Country - Choice Hotels Pictures are out of the question for the Amish, as they do not allow graven images (which can lead to vanity). Youll marvel at skilled artisans who demonstrate traditional crafts and showcase the art of open-hearth cooking, giving you a firsthand glimpse into culinary practices of the past. Ultimate day trip to Amish Country, PA - Day Tripping USA The Amish are famous for their Shoofly Pies and all-you-can-eat dinner joints, assuring that you wont leave Lancaster County hungry! Stroll the small shops, and stop for an authentic Amish-style dinner. You can ask for individual orders of each kind of bacon. For instance, you will likely get stuck behind horse carriages carrying Amish families if you go into the backroads (that thing about prohibiting cars again!). ), and at The Amish Village you can learn all about the culture and history of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Why staycation when you can away-cation in Amish Country? And third, Lancaster County has some delightful restaurants, but you can only eat so many meals in one day. Shoofly Pie. You wont want to miss delicious, favorite local desserts like shoofly pie along with other family recipes from around the world. While most parents certainly hope their children decide to become baptized, children who do not can continue to maintain close relationships with their family and friends. A common scene in Amish Country- old meets new. Once youre finished, you can browse the gift store and the other shops next door. You might like to read my day in Philadelphia post here, covering a dollop of history, some European culture, places to eat and a freaky medical museum! Lets not forget the mouthwatering food! Plus, they have some free samples! OK, Millers isnt really a secret or out-of-the-way destination. Steps away from Downtown Berlin, Comfort Suites Berlin is a convenient and relaxing option for your overnight stay. There are also a wide variety of canned goods to bring home, including hot garlic chips (pickles) and chow chow. (Its been around since 1929). What are, Read More How to spend one day in Las VegasContinue. The Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, a historical establishment and humble bakery on the main street in Lititz, is the very first pretzel bakery in America operating since 1861. Every day in Lancaster County should start with a meal at Gracies on Main in Leola, PA. (264 W. Main St., Leola, PA 17540). Click here to see our list of Amish Attractions you can enjoy here. Lunch: Yoder's Family Amish Restaurant (included in price) Attraction: Sight & Sound Theater "Moses" (included in price Hotel: Tru by Hilton, Lancaster, Pa. Dinner: Agape Caf and Grill (Dutch treat) Sept. 27 Breakfast at hotel Attraction: The Amish Village and farm tour with step-on guide (included in price) If you have ever wanted to try your hand at designing your own candy . You have a full 24 hours, so spend the evening relaxing poolside at your hotel or try out a treehouse.