Lancaster Pennsylvania
Ready for a horse-drawn buggy ride through the scenic countryside
Rolling through farmland on a Strasburg Rail Road steam train excursion
Checking in to the entertainment-themed Cartoon Network Hotel
Leisurely kayaking on the Susquehanna River
Enjoying classic British pub fare at the Bulls Head Public House in Lititz
Riding scooters on the grounds of the Amish Farm & House, the USA’s first Amish attraction
Folk art in progress at the Gallery on Market
Holiday festivities in downtown Lancaster
Hearty Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine
A holiday performance at the American Music Theatre
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A rich Dutch history meets a dynamic modern city
Old World Charms
The way of life of Pennsylvania’s Amish people has remained relatively unchanged since the first Dutch settlers arrived in Lancaster County over 300 years ago. Tour the scenic countryside in a horse and buggy and experience the simple life as you chat with community members and knowledgeable tour guides. Take a guided tour of an authentic 1840s farmhouse in The Amish Village heritage museum, then shop for souvenirs handmade by Amish artisans. Don’t miss a trip to a traditional Amish bakery, where delectable treats like shoofly pie are crafted with recipes handed down through generations.
The Dutch Countryside
The Dutch history of the Amish blend with more modern influences throughout the Pennsylvania countryside. In Ronks, the Sight and Sound Theatre interprets the stories of the Bible through epic live theater performances. After the show, hop aboard the Strasburg Railroad – the oldest continually operating railroad in the Western Hemisphere – to see Lancaster County’s beauty from the window of an authentic steam train.
A short drive from Ronks, visit over 40 shops and restaurants in quaint Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse, Pennsylvania, where homemade cuisines, locally made art pieces and seasonal festivals are the stars of the show. More countryside charms await in the picturesque streets of small-town Lititz, while the Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum just outside Lancaster explores the region’s German heritage through interpretive exhibits and crafting classes. For dinner, how about a visit to the largest buffet in the USA? Boasting bountiful options of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine and more, The Shady Maple Smorgasbord in East Earl offers a bite to satisfy every appetite.
Modern Life in a Dynamic City
As a sharp contrast to the rustic Amish country, the city of Lancaster has all the modern-day amusements you’d expect from a contemporary U.S. city. Along the Craft & Cork Trail, discover a side of Lancaster you may be surprised to find: Its rich craft beverage scene. Download the mobile Craft & Cork Trail passport to sip and savor local libations at breweries, wineries and distilleries throughout town, collecting points and earning special prizes. For a night out on the town, catch a live performance at the Fulton Theatre, then enjoy international cuisines at a wide selection of restaurants and pubs in historic downtown Lancaster. Explore a kingdom of magical possibilities on thrilling rides for the whole family at theme park Dutch Wonderland, then take a stroll to the nearby Tanger Outlets and experience a different kind of thrill shopping for bargains at more than 65 stores.
Fun Fact
Arriving in the 1720s, the Lancaster Amish community is the oldest and largest in the USA.
Photo: Brian Evans
Milton Hershey opened his first candy shop, Lancaster Caramel Company, in Lancaster in 1886. Later on, he built the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, just northwest of Lancaster County.
Photo: Hersheypark
Established in 1730, Lancaster Central Market is the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the USA.
Photo: Gabe McMullen
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