Pennsylvania’s Amish Communities: A Window into Timeless Traditions
Amish Tourism in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers many attractions and activities focused around Amish culture. Visitors can ride horse-drawn buggies or tour local Amish homes and farms before shopping for handcrafted quilts and crafts made by Amish craftspeople.
Amish values center around simplicity, tradition and Christian principles. Many Amish live without electricity or cars and are known for their hospitality and generosity.
Lititz
Lititz is an ideal destination to spend a weekend. Its historic streets are filled with shops and eateries that celebrate local culture and history, while its restaurants serve up delicious Amish meals as well as international fare. Plus many attractions and activities here are free or inexpensive!
One of the top things to do in Lititz is exploring its historic buildings. Some notable buildings to visit include Linden Hall and Johannes Mueller House on Main Street; both provide insight into Moravian Church history. Lititz also boasts numerous covered bridges such as Keller’s Mill Covered Bridge and Guy Bard Covered Bridge for visitors to enjoy.
Savory Gourmet is another fantastic spot to shop. Offering an impressive variety of exotic meats and gourmet cheeses, these products can help create the perfect charcuterie board or barbecue spread. Additionally, this store boasts an incredible array of gift items!
Lititz offers many unique things to do, including the 4th of July parade which draws thousands each year – known as one of the oldest annual Fourth of July celebrations. Additionally, you can attend second Friday in Lititz – an ongoing monthly event featuring musicians, dancers, artists and entertainers; shops remain open late while restaurants become packed.
Lititz is home to several notable landmarks, including America’s first commercial pretzel bakery – Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery – open daily and must-visit destination for tourists visiting Lititz. Furthermore, Lititz boasts an acclaimed theater scene as well as top-tier restaurants.
Visit Lititz Springs Park when visiting Lititz and make sure to stroll through its picturesque trails and take in all its beauty. With playgrounds, volleyball courts, pavilions and family gathering areas – it makes an excellent place for relaxing walks.
Strasburg
Are You Curious About Amish Culture? Take a Buggy Ride or Visit an Amish School/Homestead! These tours allow visitors to see first-hand how the Amish live, including meals or village tours; plus there’s always shopping at Amish-owned businesses or visiting nearby Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania!
Strasburg is famous for its Amish culture and history, along with its shops and restaurants. The town makes an ideal family destination, with activities designed to keep children busy while their parents explore this historic place. Train lovers should not miss visiting Strasburg Railway or visiting its Choo Choo Barn; special family events also occur throughout the year!
Many Amish people live on farms and produce traditional goods like quilts and furniture, selling their wares at local markets and fairs such as Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market in Virginia Beach where you can purchase produce, meats and cheeses, canned goods, baked goods as well as crafts and gifts.
Amish Museum: Another popular tourist destination! Specializing in historical and ethnographic exhibits, this free attraction boasts an expansive variety of exhibits located within an historic building – perfect for tours! Additionally, souvenirs and gifts can be purchased from its store onsite.
The Amish Museum is an excellent attraction for adults, offering both educational and entertaining exhibits and displays. Additionally, guided tours and group discounts are available, with tour guides from Amish or ex-Amish households that can answer any of your queries regarding their culture.
Strasburg offers many delicious Amish-style restaurants, such as Bird-in-Hand Bakery, Fireside Tavern and Smokestack BBQ. Each offers delicious food in an inviting environment – their menus feature both modern and classic options!
Intercourse
Intercourse is an intriguing village located in Lancaster County that features many interesting shops and fun things to do. As well as Amish lifestyle information and shopping bargains, Intercourse also has restaurants and attractions sure to please all visitors of all ages! Whether it be learning more about Amish life or finding incredible bargains – Intercourse has everything!
Intercourse’s most beloved activity is touring Amish country by buggy or wagon, attending a play, visiting farms to witness how Amish live, Kitchen Kettle Village for watching Amish women can jams and jellies or Antique Car Museum to get up-close-and-personal views of vintage cars.
While in Intercourse, make sure to sample some of its local cuisine – everything from sandwiches and smorgasbords to sit down restaurants is available here. There are also shops where you can purchase homemade products or freshly-baked pretzels.
There are various theories as to how the town got its name. One theory holds that it was named for an original tavern located there, while another theory holds that it was named after two major roads crossing each other here: Old Kings Highway (Rt 340) from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh intersected here, making this “intercourse.”
Intercourse PA offers plenty of places for visitors to enjoy a bite to eat, from restaurants and independent stores to chain stores and tour options such as Plain & Fancy Farm’s Amish settlement or wineries with handcrafted beers and ales.
Staying overnight in an Inn will allow you to fully experience Amish culture while taking advantage of luxurious modern hotel comforts. The Historic Smithton Inn provides spacious rooms and suites, luxury amenities, and lightning fast WiFi – you’ll feel right at home in this historic stone building where people have been sleeping since before the United States even existed!
New Wilmington
New Wilmington is an ideal tourist spot for anyone wanting to gain more insight into Amish life. Situated in Pennsylvania, this small town hosts several Amish-run and owned restaurants that serve traditional Amish fare and provide visitors with a glimpse into Amish culture.
New Wilmington is at its most beautiful during autumn, when its trees burst with color. Additionally, New Wilmington is known for its annual Fall Art Walk exhibition that provides visitors with an immersive art exhibition experience. Furthermore, many activities can be enjoyed such as helping with pumpkin and apple harvesting!
Take an Amish buggy ride for an enjoyable and educational tour through the area and community, perfect for spending a day or weekend together as a family and even providing guests with the unique experience of dining in one of their homes!
Be Prepared Before You Go
If you are traveling to Amish Country, make sure you plan ahead by booking accommodations well in advance and booking during the week rather than on weekends if possible; doing this may save money and give more flexibility with regards to itinerary planning. Furthermore, peak tourist seasons like summer or holiday seasons should also be avoided for optimal experience.
Amish Country can provide an exciting and educational experience for the whole family. Its towns offer unique attractions and intriguing shops; many sell Amish-crafted crafts and products such as quilts, furniture and jams/jellies made by hand; you may also find local food available at farmers markets in this area.
Visit museums and historic sites dedicated to Amish culture to gain more insight. Most are open year-round, while some even host special holiday events. A visit to Amish country will leave lasting impressions!
Visit Amish Country is an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in witnessing simpler living conditions. The Amish community is warm and accommodating, adhering strictly to their religious principles. Their lifestyle makes for captivating viewing, while its beautiful setting make this an excellent vacation spot.