Fun times in PA Dutch Country
Railroads, antiques, free pretzels and theatre - no one is bored.
Something happens when you first see an Amish horse and buggy on a road in Lancaster County. Suddenly you realize centuries have collided, and maybe letting up on the gas pedal and turning off the radio is not such a bad thing. Why were you in such a hurry anyway?
Relax and enjoy the bounty of peaceful pleasures.
Of course the multitude of tour buses and cars can clog down some main roads – like Route 30 (Lancaster Pike). If you can, take the back roads, slowly.
Travel through small towns like Strasburg a railroad buff’s dream. Visit the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania where over 100 locomotives and restored cars capture the romance of the steam engine era. Now live the dream aboard the Strasburg Railroad as it moves across the fertile fields to Paradise, a quaintly named village.
If smaller old things excite you then drive over to Adamsville the self proclaimed “Antiques Capital of the USA”. Over 5,000 dealers showing items from country French to Mennonite furniture, dolls, and pottery to militaria are open daily.
All twisted up? Stop in Intercourse (another charming town), visit the Pretzel Factory, and bite down on a free sample.
Bird-in-Hand (another cute name for a town) offers Buggy Rides with interesting commentaries on the lifestyles of the Plain People (Amish), Mennonites and the Brethren. Another great way to understand the complexity of the culture surrounding you is by taking in The Amish Experience. Through a unique lights and special effects show follow Jacob as he come so the age of rumspringa (adolescent running around). He must decide to be baptized in the Amish church and marry or move into the world and risk shunning from his family and friends. You can also buy the package tour, complete with a stop at the Country Homestead (learn why the Amish have no zippers or buttons), a two-hour bus tour of the farmlands and family style dinner.
Thirsty? Perhaps a rest at one of the region’s wineries would hit the spot. For close to 30 years, the Mount Hope Estate and Winery has produced award-winning wines. Their wine gallery between Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse provides daily wine tasting. Also check out the website for the biannual Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.
Sight and Sound Theatre provides Christian based stage spectaculars to old and young. Starting on March 30th In the Beginning, a tale of the earth’s creation, begins its run. A mixture of live actors, stunning special effects and memorable musical score recorded by the Prague Symphony makes this outing a highlight of your tour.
Pennsylvania Dutch country is within easy access of most of the Mid Atlantic states. Most drives from New York, Philadelphia, Wilmington DE, Baltimore and Washington DC are 3.5 hours or less.
So pack up the car and get going. The good times are calling!
For more information:
Pennsylvania Dutch Country Convention and Vistors Bureau
Hungry? pennsylvania-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/good_eats_in_penn_dutch_country
