{"id":68963,"date":"2020-04-05T22:14:52","date_gmt":"2020-04-06T02:14:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/?p=68963"},"modified":"2025-09-02T00:41:08","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T04:41:08","slug":"exploring-amish-country-the-best-things-to-do-in-lancaster-pennsylvania","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/68963\/exploring-amish-country-the-best-things-to-do-in-lancaster-pennsylvania\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Amish Country: The Best Things to do in Lancaster, Pennsylvania"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/FRoJ9-ZFZGnfLUDyRuLU-HIV8KP3XpiyOeBwLVzkGvM_5rGxWrt6Y2y7S0-EDPkzkZMTKlLGdvk6o2fC4Sa1jpMCS0-Sz7sZ7veRFS7eTgnMm6cQdtxUkbOwWXs22q23jl5Pk8b-\" alt=\"Amish country\" width=\"1350\" height=\"900\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/FRoJ9-ZFZGnfLUDyRuLU-HIV8KP3XpiyOeBwLVzkGvM_5rGxWrt6Y2y7S0-EDPkzkZMTKlLGdvk6o2fC4Sa1jpMCS0-Sz7sZ7veRFS7eTgnMm6cQdtxUkbOwWXs22q23jl5Pk8b-\" alt=\"Amish country\" width=\"1350\" height=\"900\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Lovingly referred to as \u201cAmish Country, PA,\u201d there is much more than meets the eye of the charming Lancaster Pennsylvania. While you are plenty likely to encounter a horse and buggy driving nonchalantly alongside its metallic counterparts, the town\u2019s 21st century aspects hold equal shares of novelty for the out-of-state visitor, with everything from amusement parks, the oldest farmer\u2019s market in America, to outlet shopping. From rustic to modern, Lancaster holds the perfect combination of a small town with urban resources to give the weary New Yorker a refreshingly familiar experience.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Prefer listening to the article? Play the video to listen:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p><iframe class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/47vT6QMNgTw\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/hkEybCT_PldGOUSYx5jpMak07QzpfvRtqN9jWI8b81w_YOKhX-aCfaBVAJTun3b5fm7pVt64pNiwXXUbexzSXd7FmN8EBPPM2lu5FxK5konXi57Y77mzjPzXdMnvf9O0AV0IFpDE\" alt=\"exploring amish country\" width=\"1350\" height=\"900\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/hkEybCT_PldGOUSYx5jpMak07QzpfvRtqN9jWI8b81w_YOKhX-aCfaBVAJTun3b5fm7pVt64pNiwXXUbexzSXd7FmN8EBPPM2lu5FxK5konXi57Y77mzjPzXdMnvf9O0AV0IFpDE\" alt=\"exploring amish country\" width=\"1350\" height=\"900\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Shopping<\/strong>:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Truly the gem of the town is the wealth of bargain shopping to be had. Touting the same store range as<a href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/78\/woodbury-common-outlet-from-nyc\/\"> Woodbury Commons <\/a>at half the crowd, <a href=\"https:\/\/lancasterpa.com\/shopping\/outlets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the Lancaster Outlets<\/a> are your perfect means to stocking your wardrobe with expensive brands at a fraction of the cost. Over 140 shopping options are readily available seven days a week with familiar names such as Michael Kors, North Face, and Under Armor. If you\u2019re on the hunt for a well-crafted Pennsylvania souvenir, don\u2019t hesitate to visit one of the many Amish furniture stores for beautifully sturdy furnishings that will last you a lifetime.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/amZRK349ZODViM-IG93M4ydxa8U7FSPRf3tqE3lWtmvFMmrnP5acdr3rRuyK_jiXxC-jieo4YXRJCjus1mIg47tr69jUBUZoBK0AsF_3bajTvMw3KRYplXrNYUThLr4geEKF3HF0\" alt=\"things to do in amish country\" width=\"1350\" height=\"900\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/amZRK349ZODViM-IG93M4ydxa8U7FSPRf3tqE3lWtmvFMmrnP5acdr3rRuyK_jiXxC-jieo4YXRJCjus1mIg47tr69jUBUZoBK0AsF_3bajTvMw3KRYplXrNYUThLr4geEKF3HF0\" alt=\"things to do in amish country\" width=\"1350\" height=\"900\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong>For the Kids<\/strong>:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>If you\u2019re thinking that the best entertainment your child will get in Lancaster is hiding between the clothing racks at the outlets, then think again! Right down the street from the outlets is the fabled <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dutchwonderland.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dutch Wonderland<\/a>&#8212; think Disney, but much more affordable. Roller coasters, log flumes and tilt-a-whirls galore fill the park\u2019s 35 ride roster, with interactive magic shows and jaw-dropping high dives to watch when your feet get sore. Tickets are available from May 2nd to October 11th at $38.99 and include an all-day pass for unlimited rides.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Burgeoning scientists in the family will have a blast at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lancastersciencefactory.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lancaster Science Factory<\/a>, featuring over 75 hands-on exhibits that encourage kids to poke, press, and puzzle their way around STEM-inspired puzzles and brain teasers. Exhibit categories include light and vision, structural engineering, and basic robotics, all at a K-8th grade learning level. The price of admission is just $10.95.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/eyxxcMNR0IVd3E9fRJjthIqCg9pGsWy7y__QcddTStK29bB-WXUOvBigYGcSu_Fzm3KLFfrg-Ldk4eRFnwxMAdTt1-O1T5ktJ1Rz3-viOpQlOLZc5gHEIhkBodlkQzEjt3kGrnH0\" alt=\"\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/eyxxcMNR0IVd3E9fRJjthIqCg9pGsWy7y__QcddTStK29bB-WXUOvBigYGcSu_Fzm3KLFfrg-Ldk4eRFnwxMAdTt1-O1T5ktJ1Rz3-viOpQlOLZc5gHEIhkBodlkQzEjt3kGrnH0\" alt=\"\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The Eats<\/strong>:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Going home without a taste of Lancaster\u2019s signature Pennsylvania Dutch cooking would be a trip incomplete, so be sure to grab a plate and load it up with homemade sauerkraut and every kind of comfort food you can get your hands on!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Good \u2018N Plenty is a fan favorite for visitors looking for a taste of slow-smoked country ham and buttered noodles. Their fifty-year legacy ensures that each dish has been time tested in order to make it to the menu, although the daily specials allow for customers to try fresh recipes. Those looking for a menu with limitless options might enjoy the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shady-maple.com\/smorgasbord\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shady Maple Smorgasbord<\/a>, a buffet-style restaurant stocked with dishes whose ingredients have been harvested earlier that day from the restaurant farm. If you\u2019re in the mood to sample a wide variety of locally made food and drink then drop by the <a href=\"https:\/\/centralmarketlancaster.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lancaster Central Market<\/a>, the oldest farmer\u2019s market in the country operating indoors (Open every day, INSERT HOURS). Vendors flock from all over the state to hock locally sourced meats, cheeses, pastries and produce, making it the perfect way to experience Pennsylvania without breaking the bank or driving a car.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-68964 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/old-house.jpg\" alt=\"things to do in lancaster\" width=\"425\" height=\"639\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-68964 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/old-house.jpg\" alt=\"things to do in lancaster\" width=\"425\" height=\"639\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/old-house.jpg 634w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/old-house-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/old-house-280x420.jpg 280w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/old-house-560x840.jpg 560w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Hometown History<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>History buffs might enjoy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lancasterhistory.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wheatland<\/a>, the newly restored home of fifteenth American president James Buchanan. Guided tours are available from Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, with tickets purchasable online. A pleasant stroll through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lancasterhistory.org\/visit\/tanger-arboretum\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tanger Arboretum<\/a> nearby is the perfect revitalization of fresh air and nature after returning from your tour, offering visitors a look at the carefully cared for 150+ tree collection.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/rk5HcegsJQBr4DqSzX2eXUm2Ez8paAvktztydqjbL2fTigyCLfZddgw1IN1y5Ni3eIkaPIWf6KNm6gYOMk1DlddWt1NcE-vlQ_65L0cBU-NHSREmri1r43UBlIqS_AZ23-vT-MKX\" alt=\"best things to do in lancaster\" width=\"1267\" height=\"950\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/rk5HcegsJQBr4DqSzX2eXUm2Ez8paAvktztydqjbL2fTigyCLfZddgw1IN1y5Ni3eIkaPIWf6KNm6gYOMk1DlddWt1NcE-vlQ_65L0cBU-NHSREmri1r43UBlIqS_AZ23-vT-MKX\" alt=\"best things to do in lancaster\" width=\"1267\" height=\"950\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Where to Stay<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kingscottagebb.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">King\u2019s Cottage Bed and Breakfast<\/a>, listed as a <a href=\"https:\/\/top10inns.com\/kingscottage.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201ctop ten most romantic inn\u201d by American Historic Inns<\/a> sets you directly in the heart of Lancaster city, making the outlets just an eight-minute Uber drive away. Each room is outfitted in that old fashioned charm, including fully functional fireplaces, free wifi, and a range of massage and spa packages. Rates start at $175 a night.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Guests not afraid of getting their hands a little dirty might be interested in a stay at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryloghouse.com\/?utm_source=lancasterpa.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=Lancasterpa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Country Log House Farm Bed and Breakfast<\/a>, the perfect trial run for anyone looking to live out a day on the ranch. For all those out there with a yen to try out a few days of farm life, the family-owned and operated Brubaker farm\u2019s doors are open to guests with a hankering for the rustic side of life. Gather eggs from the henhouse for your breakfast, feed the sheep and pet the cows, and afterward be treated to a hayride with the owner, Farmer Jim. Starting at $100 a night, all rooms are fully air-conditioned and come with free wifi.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>How to Get There:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Amtrak tickets from Penn Station to Lancaster Train station costs $62. The train ride takes approximately two hours and forty minutes. The station is in the heart of the city so everything should be within a fifteen-minute Uber distance, but those with longer transits may be interested in Lancaster\u2019s public busing system.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lovingly referred to as \u201cAmish Country, PA,\u201d there is much more than meets the eye of the charming Lancaster Pennsylvania. While you are plenty likely to encounter a horse and buggy driving nonchalantly alongside its metallic counterparts, the town\u2019s 21st century aspects hold equal shares of novelty for the out-of-state visitor, with everything from amusement [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":146,"featured_media":69015,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1868,829],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-68963","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-travel-type","8":"category-culture-2"},"acf":[],"mv":{"thumbnail_id":69015,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/pasted-image-0-350x233.jpg"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68963","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/146"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=68963"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68963\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/69015"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=68963"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=68963"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=68963"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}