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Visiting Lancaster County is a step back in time. The roads are filled with horse drawn buggies that mingle with cars and trucks of today. Its a cornucopia of delightful things to do,history at it’s best,dining, shopping, and attractions for all age groups.
Lancaster county is noted for being the home of the largest group of Old Order Amish in the United States today. Approximately 16,000 Amish still reside in this county. The Amish retain a very simplistic way of life and dress. They don’t use electricity, phones, cable, T.V., computers or modern farm equipment. Their fields are farmed using horse drawn ploughs and the horse and buggy remains their mode of transportation.
The Amish are part of a group of the “Plain People” that settled in the area during the 1720's and 1730's. Most of these people came to this country to avoid religious persecution in Europe. The Amish have their roots in the Mennonite community and are strict in their beliefs and traditions.
Many people confuse the term “Pennsylvania Dutch” and “Amish.” Pennsylvania Dutch refers to the German or Deutsche heritage of the people who settled this area. Some Pennsylvania Dutch also have Welsh, French, Swiss and English backgrounds. The term Amish relates to a religious preference not a lineage.
The dress of the Amish seems strange in our modern day world of jeans and T-shirts. Amish women wear solid dark colored dresses with a cape or apron over them. The hem line must fall between the base of the knee and the floor. They never wear any kind of ornaments or jewelry, or buttons on their dresses. Buttons are considered a vanity. The women use straight pins or snaps to fasten their clothing. Amish women never cut their hair. They wear it in a bun at the back of their head and covered with a prayer cap. Married women wear white prayer caps, single women wear black ones.
Men and boys wear plain, modest suits of a dark color. The jackets are cut straight with no lapels and are closed with hooks and eyes. Amish men wear either straw or black wide brimmed hats. Married men wear beards, while single men are clean shaven. The Amish ‘plain’ way of dressing is a way for them to remain humble and separate from the rest of the world.
There are many attractions for the entire family in Lancaster County. Visitors can experience a ride in an old time steam engine, amusement parks, buggy rides, shopping outlets, tour a working Amish farm and see an interactive children’s museum.
Accommodations range from camp ground facilities to full service hotels. Farm Bed and Breakfasts are a great way to observe farm life first hand, as well as an opportunity to make new friends.
If you like good home cooked food, you’ll adore Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Visitors will find shoofly pie, whoopie pies, chow chow with relish, cracker pudding, chicken pot pie and apple butter to name a few of the delicacies. Other specialties of the area include homemade soups, pretzels, egg punch, mulled cider, jellies, meats, pickled vegetables, puddings and schnitz and knepp (dried apples and dumplings).
Many visitors enjoy the family style ‘come-as-you-are-and-eat-as-much-as-you-can’ buffets. Other restaurants offer a family style meal, everyone is seated at large tables and the food is passed around for all. This is an old family traditon rare in these 'fast food' days. Children benefit from this homey experience and get to share a meal with others from all over the country.
Lancaster County has its roots in the early history of this land. Did you know that Lancaster was the nation’s capital for one day? The Conestoga Wagons that carried settlers west were made in Lancaster county as well as the famous “Kentucky Rifle.” This rifle was so deadly accurate that it was nick named “The Widow Maker.”
Lancaster City is also rich in history dating back to the 1700's. A few of the locals had major roles in the Revolutionary War and President James Buchanan lived here. He was the nation’s only bachelor President and the only President from Pennsylvania. Wheatland, President Buchanan’s home can be toured. Walking tours of the city’s historical areas and gardens are very popular. Visit Central Market in city center, it’s the oldest continuously running farmer's market in the country.
Lancaster was part of the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. “Living the Experience” is a wonderful interactive journey back to the underground railway. It’s an enjoyable and informative way for children to learn about the Civil War period.
See rolling hills with patch work quilt colors of wheat, grain and corn, covered bridges and wonderful shops and road side markets. Lancaster County is home to some charming little towns. Don't miss the fun of lovely antique shops, clean streets, friendly folk and wonderful scenery. Visit Litiz, Marietta, Ephrata, Strasburg, Churchtown, Intercourse, Bird-in-Hand, White Horse and Martindale. The names make one curious, explore one or more, there is much to see.
Lancaster County is a great place to slow down the pace and step back to a more relaxed and tranquil time in our history. If you’re tired of running, slow life down a little. Come enjoy the roots of our nation in Lancaster County.
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