amish country

When one thinks of Amish Country, PA, hopefully it is not because of those Discovery Channel shows depicting "actual Amish People!" Nothing could be further from the truth. If you want to take a step back and relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of country life then this is definitely a trip for you. From bucolic country sides, to pristine farms, quaint shops to ultra modern outlet malls, Lancaster County Amish Country has it all. Don't get me started on the food, oh the food is simply heavenly and full of calories. The Amish are hard working people and large breakfasts, and lunches help them to work through their days. Smorgosboards abound around town, one of the best being Shady Maple in East Earl, PA. Don't plan on a Sunday visit to Shady Maple, there is "No Sunday Sales!" Actually, at any Amish run business, there are "no Sunday Sales." The Amish take their Sundays as a day of worship, fellowship and rest. They are people oriented and spend their leisure time with family and friends. They work hard and play hard, but a more friendly group you won't find. My husband and I have made lots of friends among the Amish and visit with them each time we make the journey, an 8 hour ride from our home in NH. The best bakery in town: The Bird In Hand Bake Shop on Gibbons Road in Bird in Hand - ShoFly pie to die for, peach pie, mouthwatering, and books and souveniers galore.Their after Christmas sale is fabulous as well. Want soft pretzels, try CountrySide Road Stand off 772 in Gordonville. In the winter pretzels are only available on the weekend, but in the summer, they are a daily staple. Farmer's Markets at Roots, in Manheim on Tuesdays and the Green Dragon in Ephrata on Fridays offer lots to see and do, and again, food abounds. One thing for sure, you will never go hungry in Amish Country. Love to quilt, you won't find better, less expensive quality fabric on the east coast. There are many fine quilt shops in New England, but 95% of the fabric I use for my quilt projects comes from Amish Country. My favorite shop, Log Cabin Quilts on Rte 340 in Bird in Hand. Rebecca, one of the young women that works in the shop has become a friend and has a wonderful eye for fabric matching. Ask for her and tell her I sent you. She is one of the many Amish women I have come to know. Tell her, I am the one that called her Rachel for so long!Amish Country offers something for everyone, from slow pace living, to HersheyPark, a major amusement park with some of the best coasters on the East Coast, Theater groups, buggy rides around the countryside, shopping in quaint shops and outlets, lots of tasty food and enough to do to satisfy any age. Make the trip, step back and experience the slower pace of the Amish people and enjoy one of the best vacations you will ever take.

Its a different way of life. Some innovations are unique and interesting indeed.Quietly displayed. I love old farm equipment, so it was a treat for me.The needlecraft on display and sale is excellent. Remember to buy some bread, preserves or souvenirs. I bought a cook book as the farm fresh food would have not lasted the transatlantic flight!

Amazing experience even if it's only for a few days. Take some side roads and you will see many horse and nights, amish people , and farms. Be sure to go to Jessica's and Aaron's buggy rides (take the one hour it's worth it). And make sure to go to the amish village tour. They take you to an ex real amish house, tons of farm animals, one room schoolhouse, and grocery store. Also take their great bus tour for a great farm tour.

Get out of the city and experience another way of life. We went on an Amish buggy ride at Abe's even stopped for a cold lemonade along the way.went to an Amish market and stopped at a few roadside stores selling handmade Amish merchandise .A great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Experience it for yourself you won't be sorry.

We went to Hershey for the lights and stayed over in Lancaster. drove around to see the scenery on Sunday. Most places were closed. We will be going back in the spring. My college girls loved seeing the young people out driving in their buggy's on Sunday.

I enjoyed my time in Amish country. There is something very peaceful about the Amish people. I especially liked visiting their markets for fresh produce and food. Everything was delicious. I took a buggy ride and had a great conversation with my Amish driver. He shed some insight on their lifestyle. While this life is not for everybody, sometimes it's nice to slow down and smell the roses like the Amish. I will definitely return and bring my daughter with me.

If coming to Lancaster County, please drive carefully, slowly, and respectfully. Share the road and please do not pass Horse n Buggies on dangerous hills or curves. Please do not rev your motorcycle or vehicle while passing a buggy. November thru March is Amish Wedding season, every Tuesday and Thursday. Buggy traffic is at an all time high especially during these days and months. Use caution. There has been way too many buggy accidents lately and many are due to vehicles and the drivers. Remember NO SUNDAY SALES and be respectful with your cameras. Btw, there is no Amish Mafia. so please do not think you will find anyone real like that here. With all that being said, when you enter Lancaster County you will enter a piece of God's country. So serene, natural, plenty to do for all of any age, centrally located, full of history, pride, and cleanliness. Even the dirtiest people will certainly apprecuate the unlimited back roads .... garbage free and clean.

We signed up for the Supersaver Tour which includes the Amish Farmlands Tour, AMISH EXPERIENCE Theater, Amish Country Homestead & Schoolroom and Buggy ride. It provides a good understand of the Amish culture and story. The tour guide is doing a great job by showing us the houses, identifying which are Amish and their daily activities.

as we had a local guide, we were able to delve more deeply into history and culture of the region. without explanations we would have seen less and understood nothing

The challenge here is to observe a very devout and unusual way of life without being drawn into any of the imitations. Do your homework online and avoid anything touristy. Enjoy driving around to see the farms being worked and the buggies on the road. There are some authentic smorgasbords with delicious food. Be respectful of the people and don't photograph them.

My husband and I decided to drive to Lancaster, PA in order to see the Amish village and surrounding area. It is so beautiful there as well as quite since it is mostly farms after farms and how pretty they are. It is a nice drive no matter where you go...we just drove in any street and we were able to see some Amish people tending to the farms and driving around in their carriages...so interesting and different to what we are use. I truly appreciate their peaceful way of life.

52 seniors descended upon Lancaster, Pa. as we traveled the New England States. The Amish Village was one of our stops for a tour and lunch. Our guide was wonderful as he explained the "Amish" culture and guided us through the country side. We thoroughly enjoyed the area and experience. We were able to participate in an Amish wedding (re-enactment) which was very interesting. We ate lunch at the Plain and Fancy family restaurant and enjoyed a wonderful and delicious meal. Highly recommend this attraction.

Children should see this area before they grow up. The Amish way of life is not easy, but it is rewarding. By the way it is pronounce ARMish not AYmish.

Our Globus tour group had a great day driving through Amish country in Lancaster County. We saw beautiful farmlands and many Amish going about their business by horse and carriage. We had lunch and shopped in the most interesting Intercourse Village Market where some shops were run by Amish people. All in all a very worthwhile visit.

Who new there were so many covered bridges outside of New England? Check out the padutchcountry.com for self-guided drives of the area to find their many quaint covered bridges. Try to avoid Hwy.30 as it is clogged with weekend traffic just east of Lancaster (unless you are headed to the outlet malls found there.)