Top 12 Things To Do In Pennsylvania Amish Country
Top 12 Things To Do In Pennsylvania Amish Country
By Darlene Panzera
For years I heard my in-laws rave about their adventures in and around Lancaster, PA. They’d make me jealous as they’d talk about the mouth-watering homemade food served in the restaurants, the large production theater shows, and how the Amish community farmed their land, sewed quilts, and drove horse and buggies around town. Last fall, my husband and I had the chance to go over there ourselves, and we were not disappointed. I would highly recommend taking a weekend trip of at least three days, possibly four or more, if you have the time, to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the countryside, savor some of the delicious home-made pies, and visit all the unique markets, shows, shops, and restaurants, and activities in the area.
1. Visit the Sight & Sound Theater. Every year this faith-based company brings the Bible to life on stage with unbelievably epic detailed sets, costuming, and musical productions featuring a large cast of talented actors and actresses. One of the largest theaters in the nation, the interior is designed so that the performers and yes—live animals—can come up through the aisles, props can float over heads, curtains can unfurl to reveal stages on three sides, all making guests feel they are an interactive part of the show. One of the biggest thrills, especially for young children is to see how they bring the animals up on stage. We’re talking horses, zebra, camels, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens—what a sight to see! www.Sight-Sound.com
2. Another interactive show with spectacular special effects is, “Jacob’s Choice,” at the F/X Theater located at the Plain & Fancy Farm where you can experience Amish life as viewed through film screen clips, live actors, spray mist, and surround-sound. While it only takes about 30 minutes to enjoy, there is also a gift shop located at the entrance to pick up some souvenirs, and buggy rides, farmland tours, Amish homestead and one-room school tours at this location that also make up the Amish Experience.
3. Amish-run restaurants! There are so many choices it is hard to visit them all. Two of our absolute favorites were Katie’s Kitchen (we ate there twice!) which has the best breakfast with homemade bread and strawberry jam I have ever tasted. Now keep in mind, that I can my own strawberry jams, and nothing I’ve ever made compares to this! We brought some home. The waitresses are all dressed in their Amish attire and another thing that amazed me was how polite and genuinely sweet they all were. katieskitchen.com
We also had the chance to eat at Dienner Country Restaurant buffet and I would go back again in a heartbeat. Absolutely LOVED this place! All of the homemade food is simply delicious using natural ingredients with the most incredible flavor.
We also heard that Good ‘N Plenty Restaurant and Bakery, Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant, Yoder’s Restaurant & Buffet, Plain & Fancy Farm Restaurant, Miller’s Smorgasbord, and Hershey Farm Restaurant & Inn were also fabulous. (We bought 2 pies from Hershey Farm Restaurant!) Hershey Farm is located right next to the Sight & Sound Theater and features a wonderful Inn, shops, restaurant, and bakery. www.hersheyfarm.com
4. Dutch Haven. Located right next door to Dienner’s buffet, you can eat and then go in to collect a few Amish souvenirs in this wonderful shop. Upon entrance, the owner greets everyone with a free sample plate of their famous Shoo-Fly pie. Yes, I said free! They have full pies if you would like to take one home. Or perhaps you might like a whoopie pie, which is a chocolate cake treat with a white cream filling inside.
5. Visit Kitchen Kettle Village. With over 40 unique shops in one location, you can find pottery, candles, wine, vinegars, jams & jellies, cured meats, and hand-pulled mozzarella! Jewelry, leather, various art galleries, and heirloom quilts. Take a self-guided tour through the Jam & Relish Kitchen and sample dozens of treats for free. Step outside and take an Amish Buggy ride. They even have lodging for you to stay the night.
6. Take an Amish buggy ride! We took an Amish Buggy ride from AAA Buggy Rides, which is conveniently located next to Kitchen Kettle Village. The Amish driver is friendly and answers all your questions as he takes you through sweeping farmland with cornfields, and Amish barns and houses. See the Amish farmers bringing in the harvest. Ride through a covered bridge! Our buggy was more of a small bus fitting about 8 people. This would be especially exciting for the kids as they can also see the horses and hear their feet go clop-clop on the pavement. aaabuggyrides.com
Other buggy ride operators include:
Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides www.amishbuggyrides.com
A is For Amish www.aisforamishbuggyrides.com
7. See a picturesque covered bridge. The first covered bridge was built right here in Pennsylvania and Lancaster County has around 28 of them, sometimes called, “kissing bridges.” Many of the horse and buggy tours will take you through one of them.
8. Take a tour of The Amish Village in Strasburg. www.TheAmishVillage.net Enter through the gift shop and sign up for a guided tour of the Amish house, and then go outside to tour the stable and see the animals. I saw a baby calf only a few days old! Finish the rest of the village on your own. There’s a covered bridge, several buggies to sit on for plenty of photo ops, a blacksmith shop, one room school house, a village store featuring quilts and other gifts, and Amish-made rocking chairs & benches for relaxing.
9. Shop the Bird in Hand Farmer’s Market with more homemade pies and other baked goods, jams & jellies, meats, cheeses, funnel cakes, PA dutch potato chips, snack counters, and quilts, leather silk flowers, and many local hand crafts from nearly 30 local vendors. birdinhandfarmersmarket.com
10. Take an old-fashioned steam train ride on the historic Strasburg Rail Road! Operating since 1832, this fully-narrated, 45-minute trek through 1,000 acres of picturesque countryside is great fun for the whole family. Buy your ticket at the antique station booth and pick your seat on one of the restored train cars for the 9-mile roundtrip journey to Paradise, Pennsylvania. My favorite part was hearing the whistle blow and seeing the steam pour out of the top of the smokestack. First class and dining options are available. For complete information and schedules visit: strasburgrailroad.com
11. Visit an Amish grocery store! They have all their homemade baking ingredients in clear bags upon the shelves, as well as pie filling, apples, fresh samples of apple cider, and live bees for honey! This is Kauffman’s Fruit Farm & Market kauffmansfruitfarm.com
12. Tour an Amish furniture store. This one is also next to Dienner’s Country Restaurant.
If you have time, there are many other Amish galleries, shops, and furniture stores that would be well worth your while. Now I hope I’ve made you at least a little bit jealous, so that you will want to plan your own trip. Happy Travels!
This Blog Post is written by Darlene Panzera
Darlene Panzera is a multi-published author of sweet, fun-loving romance. Her career launched with THE BET, included in bestselling author Debbie Macomber's FAMILY AFFAIR. An expanded version titled, BET YOU'LL MARRY ME, became a finalist for RWA's Greater Detroit Best Book Award and her series, THE CUPCAKE DIARIES, hit the top 100 on the Barnes & Noble Nook with a debut at #7 for overall sales. Her newest series, MONTANA HEARTS, debuts October 2015 from Avon Impulse, a division of HarperCollins.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Darlene is now a resident of the Pacific Northwest where she lives with her husband, three children, and "Fluffy" cat. Besides spending time with her family she also loves hanging out at the barn with her horse J-R, rooting for the Seattle Seahawks, crafts, photography, camping, hiking, skiing, and swimming at the lake.
Darlene would love to hear from her readers. She says, "I love writing stories that inspire people to laugh, value relationships, and pursue their dreams."
website: www.darlenepanzera.com
Want To Fill Your Life With Adventure?
Join our newsletter for an adrenaline-fueled journey! Receive exclusive updates on travel tips, gear reviews, epic hikes, captivating stories, and inspiration to turn your dreams into reality.
Don't just dream it, live it! Get Out There!
Thanks for subscribing! Please check your email for further instructions.
[…] Top 12 Things To Do In Pennsylvania Amish Country […]