Things To Do In Amish Country – Lancaster, PA

Within the serene panorama of Pennsylvania Dutch Nation, Lancaster County gives a captivating glimpse into the normal world of the Amish. This pastoral area, with its rolling farmland, coated bridges and horse-drawn buggies, appears misplaced in time – a spot the place a less complicated lifestyle nonetheless thrives.

On a latest getaway to Lancaster, we had the prospect to immerse ourselves in Amish tradition, historical past, and legendary consolation meals. What we found was an unexpectedly wealthy and rewarding expertise, filled with heat hospitality, scrumptious home-cooking, and a profound sense of peace.

A wide view of a farm field with two Amish farmers, one adult and one child, walking through freshly plowed rows. The background features lush green trees, farm buildings, and rolling hills.

Amish farmers, younger and previous, work collectively in Lancaster County fields | Photograph: Higher Residing

From the second we arrived, it was clear Lancaster strikes at a special tempo. The panorama is a patchwork of neatly tended farms, whitewashed barns and quaint retailers. Alongside winding nation roads, you’ll spot Amish households touring by horse and buggy, ladies in bonnets working in gardens, and youngsters using on kick scooters.

This bucolic surroundings alone makes Lancaster well worth the journey. However to actually recognize Amish Nation, we discovered it’s the individuals, experiences and flavors you encounter that go away essentially the most lasting impression.

Issues To Do In Amish Nation – Lancaster, PA

Keep at AmishView Inn & Suites: Serene Luxurious Surrounded by Farmland

A rural landscape with fields of different crops in various shades of green and brown. In the foreground, two horses are pulling a farm implement across a field. The background shows more fields, hay bales, and a line of trees under a blue sky with wispy clouds.

The view of a working Amish farm from AmishView Inn & Suites | Photograph: Higher Residing

Our immersive Amish Nation expertise started on the distinctive AmishView Inn & Suites. Located on a AAA scenic byway with beautiful views of surrounding Amish farms, this top-rated Lancaster lodge gives an upscale environment with genuine Amish appeal.

We stayed within the adults-only constructing and have been completely spoiled by our Grand King Suite. This spacious sanctuary featured hovering 10-foot home windows framing idyllic farmland views, a kitchenette, a spacious residing space, and tremendous cozy king mattress.

And, after they say “AmishView,” they honestly imply it. From dawn to sundown, we may watch the native Amish farming and using buggies proper from the consolation of our room.

A spacious hotel room featuring a large king-sized bed with white bedding in the foreground. Two bedside tables with lamps flank the bed, and a plush, patterned carpet covers the floor. In the background, there’s a seating area with a gray sofa and armchair facing a window that offers an expansive view of green fields under a clear sky. To the right, there’s a wooden desk with another lamp and chair. The room is well-lit by natural light from the window and warm artificial lighting.

Class meets consolation within the Grand King room at AmishView Inn & Suites | Photograph: Higher Residing

One other standout function was the big, luxurious toilet. Every Grand King Suite has a Victoria + Albert clawfoot tub excellent for soaking, positioned proper in entrance of its personal TV. There’s additionally an enormous bathe with frameless glass doorways and delicate lighting that units the temper. The lavatory has top-quality fixtures, a separate water closet, Tarocco shampoo and soaps, a lighted mirror for doing all your make-up, and a hair dryer – every thing it’s good to pamper your self.

A spacious bathroom featuring a freestanding white bathtub with clawfoot detailing. Above the bathtub, there is a wall-mounted towel holder with a white towel hanging on it. To the right of the bathtub, there is a sink with a faucet and what appears to be soap on the counter. Above the sink, there is an oval mirror flanked by wall lights on either side, and to its right, there’s a magnifying mirror with lighting. On the left side of the image, mounted on the wall, is a flat-screen television. The walls are painted in light beige tones, and the flooring appears to be wooden

The luxurious toilet within the Grand King room at AmishView Inn & Suites | Photograph: Higher Residing

Every morning we seemed ahead to the well-known AmishView scorching breakfast buffet, served within the sun-soaked Nice Room. This beneficiant and complimentary unfold, praised as one among Lancaster’s finest, fueled our days with hearty choices like fluffy waffles, savory sausages, farm-fresh eggs and omelets made to order. Stress-free over espresso whereas horse-drawn buggies rode by within the distance was an effective way to begin the day in Amish Nation!

A well-balanced breakfast plate featuring scrambled eggs, crispy bacon strips, a sausage link, diced potatoes, and a cinnamon roll. A white mug of coffee completes the meal.

A plate from the legendary AmishView breakfast buffet | Photograph: Higher Residing

Be sure you reap the benefits of the lodge’s indoor pool, whirlpool and well-equipped health middle. Be happy to wind down every night with a soothing swim or soak and look at the sensible sundown over the farmland.

Interior view of a jacuzzi at Amish View Inn with agitated water. The jacuzzi is surrounded by beige tiles and has steps leading down into it. Large windows offer a view of the outside, showcasing green fields and a fence. A black plaque with white text is visible on the wall.

The big whirlpool within the indoor pool space of AmishView Inn & Suites | Photograph: Higher Residing

From check-in to check-out, AmishView Inn & Suites was the right dwelling base for our countryside journey. From breathtaking farm views, to scrumptious homestyle breakfasts, and its implausible location – we have been utterly immersed in native tradition. We will’t wait to return!

Savor Native Flavors at Smokehouse BBQ and Brews

Smokehouse BBQ and Brews at AmishView Inn & Suites – Lancaster, PA | Photograph: Higher Residing

As a lot as we adored AmishView Inn & Suites, one among Lancaster’s greatest attracts is undoubtedly the exceptional Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. Fortunately, one of many space’s finest eating places is actually proper subsequent door.

The Smokehouse Stacker | Photograph: Higher Residing

Smokehouse BBQ and Brews serves up mouthwatering barbecue and luxury meals classics in a relaxed setting simply subsequent door. The tantalizing scent of slow-smoked meats hits you the second you enter and the environment is enjoyable, informal, and welcoming.

Every part right here is made out of scratch utilizing native substances. You possibly can style the standard, from the succulent Burnt Brisket Ends basted in White Horse sauce to the mammoth Smokehouse Stacker piled excessive with beef, pulled pork, slaw and fixings. Alongside honey-butter slathered corn muffins and decadent mac n’ cheese, it’s a carnivore’s dream.

The Smokehouse Rib Combo | Photograph: Higher Residing

The Smokehouse Rib Combo with a half-rack and your alternative of smoked meat is the most effective of each worlds. We opted for the pull-apart tender pulled pork and have been gleefully coated in barbecue sauce by the final savory chew.

Don’t overlook to pattern their regionally crafted brews, spirits and wines for an genuine style of Lancaster. After a meal right here, you’ll perceive why Smokehouse is a pilgrimage-worthy vacation spot for barbecue lovers!

Store for Handcrafted Treasures at Plain and Fancy Nation Retailer

Plain and Fancy Nation Retailer – Lancaster, PA | Photograph: Higher Residing

Earlier than leaving Smokehouse, you’ll want to browse the adjoining Plain and Fancy Nation Retailer. This spacious store carries a fastidiously curated assortment of handcrafted Amish clothes, toys, crafts, decor and meals that showcase the neighborhood’s unbelievable artisanship.

There’s additionally a mouthwatering array of genuine Pennsylvania Dutch sweets and snacks like whoopie pies, shoofly pie, chow chow and jams made out of Amish household recipes. It’s the right spot to choose up distinctive presents and attractive souvenirs.

Discover The Quilt Store at Miller’s: Amish Quilting at Its Most interesting

The Quilt Shop at Miller's - Lancaster, PA

The Quilt Store at Miller’s – Lancaster, PA | Photograph: Higher Residing

Amish Nation is known for its stunningly intricate handmade quilts. At The Quilt Store at Miller’s, you possibly can witness the fascinating custom of Amish quilting in its full glory.

Established in 1998, this specialised retailer boasts over 1000 attractive hand-stitched quilts, wall-hangings, pillows and textiles made by native Amish and Mennonite artisans. Displayed in a vivid 3500 sq ft showroom, the craftsmanship and artistry on show is jaw-dropping.

Vibrant and iconic patterns burst from every quilt in a kaleidoscope of colour and element. The stitching is impossibly exact, with hundreds of tiny uniform stitches making a supple but substantial texture. The period of time required to finish this course of can range relying on elements corresponding to the dimensions of the material and the complexity of the design, with some quilts taking as much as 1000 hours to complete!

Whether or not you’re a severe collector or just an admirer of handmade magnificence, The Quilt Store at Miller’s supplies an unbelievable alternative to personal a one-of-a-kind, future heirloom that may be cherished for generations. With a spread of sizes and designs for each style and finances, you’re certain to search out a tremendous quilt to take dwelling.

Inventory Up on The Flavors of Amish Nation at Domestically Made Meals Store

Domestically Made Meals Store – Lancaster, PA | Photograph: Higher Residing

Talking of take-home treats, no go to to Lancaster is full with out stocking up on genuine Pennsylvania Dutch meals and baked items. And there’s no higher place to get your repair than Domestically Made Meals Store.

Situated subsequent to The Quilt Store, this pleasant retailer includes a huge choice of Amish-made candy and savory delicacies ready utilizing conventional recipes and native substances. Cabinets are lined with jars of chow chow, pepper jam, bacon dressing, fruit butters and pickled every thing alongside fresh-baked shoofly pies, gooey whoopie pies, sticky buns and signature breads.

With its considerable number of regionally made delicacies you possibly can’t discover elsewhere, Domestically Made is an absolute must-stop for foodies. Simply go away additional room in your car – you’ll want it for all of the mouthwatering goodies you’ll need to deliver again!

Dine at Miller’s Smorgasbord: Serving Amish Feasts for Practically a Century!

A plate loaded with various foods from Miller's, including fried chicken, roast beef with horseradish, mashed potatoes, corn, candied yams, and salad.

A hearty and satisfying plate from Miller’s Smorgasbord – Lancaster, PA | Photograph: Higher Residing

No go to to Lancaster County is full with out indulging in an genuine Pennsylvania Dutch smorgasbord. And for nearly 100 years, Miller’s Smorgasbord has been the go-to spot for experiencing this delectable Amish custom.

Miller’s story started in 1929 when Anna Miller began serving her well-known rooster & waffles to hungry truckers whereas her husband repaired their rigs. Phrase of her scrumptious down-home cooking rapidly unfold, and shortly Anna’s humble truck-stop diner advanced into Miller’s Smorgasbord, a Lancaster establishment now in its fourth era of household possession.

Interior view of Miller's Smorgasbord showing multiple food stations, including a "Soups & Breads" area. The space has carpeted floors and pendant lighting.

You’ll discover over 1000 scrumptious gadgets at Miller’s Smorgasbord – Lancaster, PA | Photograph: Higher Residing

Right now, the restaurant serves a huge smorgasbord menu that includes over 100 gadgets, all made out of scratch utilizing Anna’s time-honored recipes and contemporary native substances. However whereas the menu has expanded, the nice and cozy hospitality and dedication to homestyle cooking stays unchanged.

Dinner at Miller’s is a belly-busting affair, so arrive hungry and put on your stretchy pants.

Limitless rows of Pennsylvania Dutch consolation meals span so far as the attention can see – succulent slow-roasted beef, crispy fried rooster, savory rooster pot pie with do-it-yourself noodles, creamy baked cabbage, and a lot extra.

A bowl of chicken pot pie with chunks of chicken, carrots, and potatoes visible in a creamy broth. A spoonful is being lifted from the bowl.

Miller’s genuine, Amish rooster pot pie | Photograph: Higher Residing

Be sure you attempt Anna’s authentic rooster and waffles, an Amish Nation traditional that includes tender, juicy fried rooster atop a golden malted waffle – a heavenly pairing of candy and savory. Different must-try dishes embrace the mouthwatering Swedish meatballs, beef burgundy, and an infinite provide of contemporary, peel-and-eat shrimp.

Simply once you suppose you possibly can’t presumably eat one other chew, the dessert bar gives a decadent choice of baked pies, desserts, and extra.

Miller’s Gourmand Apple Pie and Pennsylvania Dutch Shoofly Pie are native legends, whereas the Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake and Heat Chocolate Pecan Pie are decadent delights certain to fulfill any candy tooth. Tempo your self and save room for a slice (or two).

A slice of chocolate cheesecake with a chocolate cookie crust and chocolate whipped cream topping on a white plate.

The decadent chocolate mousse cheesecake at Miller’s Smorgasbord | Photograph: Higher Residing

Practically a century after Anna Miller served her first rooster and waffle, her legacy of fabulous meals and gracious service continues to attract locals and guests alike. Making the pilgrimage to Miller’s Smorgasbord is a cherished Lancaster County custom that provides an genuine style of Amish tradition, the place everybody leaves stuffed and smiling.

Take a Scenic Drive Via Amish Countryside

A picturesque landscape of Lancaster County, showcasing vast golden wheat fields, a traditional white barn with a black roof, and a distant view of more farmland and silos under a clear blue sky.

Expansive farmlands and iconic Amish barns in Lancaster County. | Photograph: Higher Residing

One of the memorable elements of our journey was merely driving round Amish Nation. As we meandered via the picturesque backroads of Lancaster, we have been handled to beautiful views of emerald fields, charming farms, and traditional pink barns. The surroundings was dotted with quaint roadside retailers, the place we discovered distinctive handmade items and scrumptious native treats.

a large, speckled white and brown longhorn cow standing in a field with vibrant green grass and wildflowers. The cow’s prominent horns curve outward and slightly upward. In the background, there is a serene landscape of farmland with rows of crops under a soft pink and orange sky at sunset.

A longhorn cow grazes at sundown in Amish Nation – Lancaster, PA | Photograph: Higher Residing

We frequently encountered horse-drawn buggies, including to the timeless really feel of the panorama. The abundance of livestock was additionally a delight—longhorns, horses, sheep, and many lovable child animals greeted us at almost each flip. It was pure pleasure to see them grazing peacefully of their fields.

A close-up portrait of a baby brown Jersey cow. The cow's face fills most of the frame, with its large eyes, wet nose, and fuzzy ears clearly visible. The background shows a grassy field and some farm buildings in the distance under an overcast sky.

A curious bay cow greets guests on an Amish farm in Lancaster, PA | Photograph: Higher Residing

As we handed by the native farms, we noticed Amish households working collectively to have a tendency their crops. It was heartwarming to see generations of farmers, even younger kids, all contributing to the labor with a way of objective and neighborhood. This easy but profound lifestyle was an exquisite reminder of the worth of exhausting work and togetherness.

an aerial view of an Amish family engaged in farming activities. Two adults are tending to a horse-drawn plow, which moves through a field with distinct rows of soil. Several children sit on a flatbed attached to the plow, surrounded by fresh produce or plants. This scene reflects traditional farming methods without modern machinery, characteristic of Amish communities.

An Amish household tending to their fields in Lancaster, PA | Photograph: Higher Residing

Driving these backroads supplies an intimate glimpse into the Amish lifestyle and an invite to decelerate and embrace the easy pleasures we so typically overlook.

Go to the Charming Village of Chicken-in-Hand

The Previous Village Retailer in Chicken-in-Hand, PA | Photograph: Higher Residing

Throughout your keep, positively plan to go to the charming village of Chicken-in-Hand, only a 5 minute drive from AmishView Inn & Suites. Seemingly frozen in time, this little hamlet seems prefer it was plucked from a pastoral portray.

The story goes that in 1734, two highway surveyors debated whether or not to cease for the evening, noting “a chicken within the hand is price two within the bush.” The title caught, and as we speak Chicken-in-Hand retains the identical folksy enchantment that satisfied these colonial surveyors to remain.

Chicken-in-Hand Farmers Market | Photograph: Higher Residing

On the coronary heart of city is the Chicken-in-Hand Farmers Market, a sprawling bazaar filled with contemporary produce, native crafts, smoked meats, jams and Amish staples. Nibble your method via the stalls having fun with PA Dutch pretzels, funnel cake, fudge and infinite samples. The baked items are notably divine – don’t miss the sticky buns or raspberry cream cheese pie.

Past the market, you’ll discover loads of quaint retailers, buggy journey excursions and eating places serving genuine fare. We cherished poking into the nation shops brimming with handcrafted gadgets, antiques and souvenirs.

Modish at Chicken-in-Hand | Photograph: Higher Residing

Visiting Chicken-in-Hand seems like stepping right into a Norman Rockwell scene, a nostalgic imaginative and prescient of small-town America that point forgot. Spending a day right here supplies a fascinating glimpse into a less complicated period, brimming with genuine nation appeal and nostalgic enchantment.

Embrace Simplicity and Custom

A scenic countryside view at sunset. An Amish horse-drawn buggy is traveling on a road in the foreground. To the left, cows are grazing in a field. The sky is filled with dramatic orange and pink clouds, creating a colorful sunset backdrop. Modern houses are visible in the distance.

A horse-drawn buggy at sundown in Amish Nation – Lancaster, PA | Photograph: Higher Residing

Lancaster and Amish Nation supply an opportunity to flee fashionable life’s quick tempo and reconnect with easier residing. Right here, the main target is on religion, household, neighborhood, and residing harmoniously with the land. Each second, from shared meals to crafted items, feels intentional and significant.

Amish Nation is not only a quaint have a look at the previous; it’s a reminder to worth our roots, cherish communities, and find time for life’s easy pleasures.

When fashionable life turns into overwhelming, deal with your self to a peaceable getaway in Lancaster. Let this countryside rejuvenate you, and return dwelling with a newfound appreciation for simplicity.

Able to discover this distinctive nook of Pennsylvania?

➡ E-book your keep at AmishView Inn & Suites and begin planning your journey now!

FAQ on the Amish

Amish farmers working in a green field, baling hay with horse-drawn equipment. Several horses are hitched to the machinery, while one farmer stacks hay bales on a trailer.

Amish farmers bale hay utilizing horse-drawn tools | Photograph: Higher Residing

What’s the origin of the Amish?

The Amish hint their roots again to the Anabaptist motion in 1525 Switzerland, which emphasised grownup baptism and separation of church and state. In 1693, a bunch led by Jakob Ammann broke off to type their very own sect, which grew to become referred to as the Amish.

What language do the Amish communicate?

The Amish communicate a number of languages. Pennsylvania German, often known as Pennsylvania Dutch, is the first language used at dwelling and in church. It is a dialect of German with some English affect. Most Amish be taught English at college, making it their second language. A number of communities, particularly in Indiana, communicate a type of Swiss German.

The place are Amish communities positioned?

Amish communities exist in 31 U.S. states and a number of other Canadian provinces, with the most important populations in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. Lancaster County, PA has each the oldest and largest Amish settlement. In complete, there are roughly 2,200 native church districts, every sometimes consisting of 20-40 households.

What’s the Amish inhabitants?

As of 2023, specialists estimate there are roughly 308,000 Amish in North America, together with adults and youngsters. As a result of their communities are inclined to have excessive beginning charges and low attrition, the Amish inhabitants is quickly rising, with numbers doubling about each 20 years.

Are there various kinds of Amish teams?

Sure, there are numerous distinct affiliations inside the Amish, every with their very own particular practices, life and beliefs. Customs like costume, expertise use, occupations and even buggy kinds can range considerably between totally different Amish orders. When speaking about “the Amish” it’s vital to acknowledge this variety between subgroups.

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