Favorites places in Pennsylvania Dutch country/Lancaster area? (Philadelphia, Ephrata: where to stay, house)

[tenn or ozark bound]

My boyfriend and I are planning to spend a day or two in Amish country near Lancaster. We want to see real Amish farms and people, have some good local food, and maybe pick up a few small souvenirs. What are your favorite places to go and eat and stay overnight in Amish country? Do you think the Amish Farm and House is worthwhile to visit or is it just a tourist trap? Thanks

[Dawne]

I think any of the Amish farm "tourist traps" are worth the visit anyway. You do learn some things about Amish lifestyle and they're interesting. I've been to several of them over the years.

If you like trains, make a stop in Strasburg to ride the railroad and visit the museum across the road. There are a number of "toy" train museums also, with beautiful displays set up.

For shopping, Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse is a nice place to visit.

Check out the pretzel factory in Lititz where (unless things have changed) you can hand roll your own pretzels. It's a small building just off the main street.

The Ephrata Cloisters may be worth visiting, depending on your interests.

The PA Farm Museum (I think that's the name) offers a glimpse of life on a working farm, although not necessarily Amish.

There are a multitude of places to get good Amish food, either family style or buffet style. Some are very pricey and others are more reasonable. Miller's Smorgasbord is excellent but one of the pricier ones. There's also a nice buffet near the Sight and Sound Theater (Hershey something??) - not sure of the name.

So many wonderful things to do and places to visit - you'll definitely want to come back!

[ki0eh]

Originally Posted by Dawne

The PA Farm Museum (I think that's the name) offers a glimpse of life on a working farm, although not necessarily Amish.

Landis Valley Museum - Pennsylvania German Heritage - Lancaster County Tourism, PA perhaps? It's vrey variable in number of activities on display/buildings open though.

[KevinE]

Originally Posted by tenn or ozark bound

Do you think the Amish Farm and House is worthwhile to visit or is it just a tourist trap? Thanks

Do the tourist trap stuff because the real Amish experience is an odor most can't suffer.

[tenn or ozark bound]

Thanks for the suggestions. I could spend days googling all the possibilities of what to do and eat and where to stay.

[Dawne]

Originally Posted by ki0eh

Landis Valley Museum - Pennsylvania German Heritage - Lancaster County Tourism, PA perhaps? It's vrey variable in number of activities on display/buildings open though.

Yes, that's it! Thanks.

[teachbeach]

Landis Valley is PA Dutch, not necessarily Amish, but I highly recommend it as an activity/place to experience. The other would be Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse. Driving out Old Philadelphia Pike (Route 340), you'll see many Amish farms and working fields, and even a few crafts/vendors that work out of their homes. There used to be a movie or slide show at Peoples Place that explained Amish customs and the way of life. Bird in Hand is a good stop for baked goods. There is a family style restaurant with good home cooking on Ronks Road (north/south from 340 to Route 30), but I can't recall the name of it at the moment. The Visitor's Center should be able to direct you to some of the less commercialized areas.

[blauskies]

Originally Posted by KevinE

Do the tourist trap stuff because the real Amish experience is an odor most can't suffer.

The cow manure or I forgot my right guard smell?