Activities & Experiences: Amish Country

Outdoor Adventures

The region offers diverse options for enjoying its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings.

Cycling & Walking

Cycling

Explore quiet backroads with scenic views of farmlands and Amish buggies. Local bike rental shops offer maps of routes.

Walking/Hiking

Lancaster County Central Park has various trails. The Northwest Lancaster County River Trail offers a paved path along the Susquehanna River.

Safety Tip

Always wear a helmet while cycling. Be aware of horse-drawn buggies and farm equipment on rural roads.

Air & Wildlife

Hot Air Balloon Rides: Obtain unique aerial perspectives of patchwork farmlands and rivers. Several local companies arrange these tours.
Tours often begin around sunrise or sunset for optimal light and calm winds.
Wildlife Viewing: Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is a prime spot for birdwatching, especially for migratory waterfowl.
Look for local wildlife like deer, foxes, and various bird species while exploring rural areas.

Bike Routes

Quiet backroads through farmlands.
Scenic views of buggies and farms.
Maps available at rental shops.
Some routes are relatively flat.

Balloon Rides

Unique aerial perspective.
Views of patchwork farmlands and rivers.
Breathtaking views at sunrise/sunset.
A memorable regional view.

Birdwatching

Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area.
Thousands of snow geese and tundra swans.
Late winter and early spring viewing.
Observation areas are available.

Important Safety Note

On rural roads, always be alert for horse-drawn buggies and slow-moving farm equipment. Share the road respectfully.

Cultural Immersion

Immerse yourself in the local food culture and traditions through various experiences.

Amish Experiences

Amish Buggy Rides: Horse-drawn rides offered by Amish-owned businesses in Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse. Guides share insights into culture.
Amish Farm and House Tours: Visit working Amish farms (e.g., The Amish Village) to learn about daily life, farming, and family structure.
Dining at Amish Restaurants: Experience traditional Pennsylvania Dutch family-style meals at places like Plain & Fancy Farm or Miller's Smorgasbord.
Shopping at Amish-Owned Businesses: Purchase handmade quilts, furniture, crafts, and baked goods directly from local artisans.

Cultural Connections

Workshops & Demonstrations

Some local venues or craft shops present workshops like quilting demonstrations or insights into furniture making.

Cultural Performances

Sight & Sound Theatres offers grand live productions of Bible stories, aligning with the region's religious heritage.

Community Markets

Lancaster Central Market or Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market provide opportunities to observe interactions between Amish vendors and the wider community.

Buggy Rides

A popular and authentic way to journey through the countryside, with guides offering cultural insights.

Farm Tours

Gain firsthand understanding of Amish daily life, farming practices, and family structure on a working farm.

Local Shopping

Support local artisans and farmers by purchasing handmade quilts, furniture, crafts, and baked goods directly from Amish businesses.

Relaxation & Wellness

For those seeking a slower pace, Amish Country provides opportunities for quiet relaxation.

Wellness & Tranquility

Spa and Wellness Centers: Available mainly in Lancaster City and at some larger hotels. Offer massages, facials, and other treatments.
Scenic Drives: Simply driving through the rural landscape offers a peaceful, relaxing experience. Quiet roads and beautiful farmlands provide a calming backdrop.
Quiet Retreats: Many B&Bs in the countryside offer serene settings for unwinding, with comfortable rooms and peaceful surroundings.
Lititz Springs Park: A lovely, tranquil park in Lititz, ideal for a quiet stroll, picnic, or sitting by the spring.

Restorative Experiences

Mindful Moments

The quiet of the countryside is ideal for contemplation and disconnecting from daily stresses.

Natural Escapes

Enjoy the simplicity of nature, from rolling hills to gentle streams, at your own pace.

Personalized Comfort

Bed & Breakfasts often cater to a relaxed environment, perfect for a rejuvenating stay.

Important Considerations for Relaxation

Advance Booking for Spas

For spa services, especially on weekends or during peak season, booking in advance is a good idea.

Rural Quiet

Expect minimal noise and light pollution in rural areas, ideal for stargazing and deep relaxation.

Unplugging

Take the opportunity to disconnect from digital devices and connect with your surroundings.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Entertainment options vary greatly between Lancaster City and the rural Amish Countryside.

Lancaster City Nightlife

Live Music Venues: Places like Tellus360 and Chameleon Club host local and national acts.
Theater and Performance Spaces: The Fulton Theatre (historic playhouse) and American Music Theatre offer a range of performances.
Bars & Breweries: Downtown Lancaster has a growing craft brewery scene, along with various bars and pubs.
Dining Options: Many restaurants in the city are open later than those in rural areas.

Amish Country Rural Evening Options

Sight & Sound Theatres

Offers evening shows, providing family-friendly entertainment with large-scale biblical productions.

Quiet Evenings

Most visitors in rural areas enjoy quiet evenings at their accommodations, often stargazing due to minimal light pollution.

Early Closures

Be aware that most rural businesses and restaurants close early, especially on Sundays.

Live Music

Venues like Tellus360 and Chameleon Club host a variety of acts, from local bands to national tours.

Theater Arts

The Fulton Theatre and American Music Theatre present a wide range of plays and concerts for diverse tastes.

Craft Breweries

Downtown Lancaster's growing craft beer scene.
Various bars and pubs for evening drinks.
Local brews to sample.
A lively atmosphere for adults.

Nightlife Considerations

Rural Area Expectations

Minimal nightlife in the Amish Countryside.
Businesses close early, especially on weekends.
Enjoy stargazing and quiet evenings instead.

City Entertainment

Lancaster City offers diverse evening entertainment.
Check schedules for plays, concerts, and live music venues.
Bars and pubs are available for late-night socializing.

Planning Your Evenings

If you desire active nightlife, plan to stay in or travel to Lancaster City for evening activities.

Shopping & Markets

Traditional Markets

Lancaster Central Market: Oldest continuously operating farmers market in the U.S. Open Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Features fresh produce, meats, cheese, baked goods, and prepared foods.
Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market: Wide array of local foods, baked goods, and Amish-made crafts. Check specific operating days.
Typically open Wednesday through Saturday.

Artisan Workshops & Crafts

Quilt Shops: Numerous shops sell intricate, handmade Amish quilts. These are often hand-stitched.
Furniture Stores: Amish-made solid wood furniture is known for its quality, durability, and craftsmanship.
Craft Stores: Find pottery, baskets, tinware, and other handcrafted items in small shops.
Handmade items make valuable keepsakes and souvenirs.

Souvenir Recommendations

Food Items: Whoopie Pies, shoo-fly pie, soft pretzels, homemade jams, jellies, apple butter.
Crafts: Handmade quilts, wooden toys, baskets, pottery.
Books: Amish cookbooks or books about Amish culture.
Local Products: Honey, maple syrup, local cheese.

Shopping Guidelines

Cash Payments: Bring cash when visiting Amish businesses; many do not use credit card machines.
Ethical Shopping: Direct interaction and cash payments support their livelihood directly.
Choose to support local, small businesses over large chain stores when possible.
Shipping: Larger shops arrange shipping for furniture or large crafts within the U.S.

Customs Information for International Visitors

Be aware of your home country's customs regulations for food products (e.g., fresh produce, homemade items) or large purchased items. Keep receipts and declare items as required.

Activities & Experiences