Category: Lancaster
Annual Lancaster Hot Air Balloon Festival and Country Fair
May 5, 2026Family Friendly and Romantic Fun in Lancaster County
The Hot Air Balloon Festival in Bird-In-Hand is back in 2026! Dates & Time: September 25 & 26, 3-10PM both days. Can’t make it, schedule a your own balloon ride with Lancaster Balloon Rides which is just minutes away from AmishView Inn & Suites.
Firework Displays in 2026 in Lancaster County
May 1, 2026Key Facts on Independence Day Celebrations in Lancaster County
- Lancaster County offers nearly a full week of Independence Day events each year, from late June celebrations through early July.
- Major highlights include the Lititz Fourth of July Celebration, a patriotic concert at Long’s Park, and the big “Celebration and Fireworks Extravaganza” at the Star Barn at Stone Gables Estate.
- Families can choose from free or low-cost events, such as the Independence Day Celebration at Penn Medicine Park (Lancaster Stormers Stadium), Marietta’s celebration at Community Bible Church, and New Holland’s concert and fireworks in Community Park.
- Many events combine concerts, picnics, or full-day festivals with evening fireworks, so visitors can tailor plans around preferred locations, ticket prices (per person or per vehicle), and start times.
- Travelers are encouraged to book lodging early for Independence Day week, as these popular fireworks displays and community celebrations draw both locals and visitors to the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. AmishView Inn & Suites is perfect place to stay near fireworks.
June Special Events in PA Dutch Country
March 29, 2026Activities galore are in store for you when you visit various Pennsylvania Dutch areas of Lancaster County in June.
- Experience local food, music, history, and community at Intercourse Heritage Days in June.
- Take a Day Out with Thomas at the Strasburg Rail Road.
- Take in some live music at Longs Park, Nissley Winery, or Mary Oehme Gardens.
- Check out Homestead Days at Plain & Fancy Farm for demos, food, games and more.
Lancaster Craft Beer and Lancaster Wineries: A Guide for AmishView Guests
March 11, 2026Key Takeaways on Lancaster Wineries and Breweries
- Discover Lancaster craft beer and Lancaster wineries near AmishView Inn & Suites, including brewery taprooms, winery tasting rooms, and local distilleries throughout Lancaster County.
- Explore convenient wine tasting locations in Bird-in-Hand, Intercourse, and Lancaster City, including Mount Hope Wine Gallery, Nissley Wines, Waltz Vineyards, and Thorn Hill Vineyards.
- Visit popular Lancaster craft beer breweries and taprooms, including Lancaster Brewing Company, Spring House Brewing Company, Bespoke Brewing, BierHall Brewing, and St. Boniface Craft Brewing.
- Plan your visit around the Lancaster Ale Trail, Discover Lancaster Brew Trail, Lititz Craft Beer Fest, and Lancaster Brewery Tours for the best local craft beverage experiences.
Lancaster County is widely known for its farmland, Amish heritage, and Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. Over the past decade, however, the region has also become a destination for Lancaster craft beer, Lancaster wineries, and locally distilled spirits. Visitors can explore brewery taprooms, winery tasting rooms, and distilleries across the county, many located just minutes from AmishView Inn & Suites in Bird-in-Hand.
Lancaster County Fairs and Farm Shows
February 4, 2026Key Facts about Lancaster County Farm Shows and Fairs
- Lancaster County hosts an annual fall lineup of county fairs and farm shows that feature parades, livestock exhibits, competitions (baking, canning, sewing), live music, rides, and family-friendly activities each year.
- Major recurring fairs include community events in Elizabethtown, Denver, Solanco, Ephrata (large street fair), West Lampeter, New Holland, and Manheim, each offering local food, contests, and agricultural showcases that highlight regional traditions.
- The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the region’s largest agricultural exhibition held every winter and draws statewide exhibitors and visitors with livestock, competitions, commercial vendors, and specialty events.
- Visitors should plan ahead for busy weekends, check individual fair websites for exact schedules and admission details, and consider booking nearby lodging (such as AmishView Inn & Suites) to relax after a full day of fall fun.
Summer Art Festivals & Craft Shows in Lancaster County
February 1, 2026Key Facts about Visiting Lancaster County for Summer Art Festivals and Craft Shows
- Lancaster County hosts top summer and fall art events each year, including the Lititz Outdoor Fine Art Show (130+ juried artists, free at Lititz Springs Park) and Lititz Craft Show (early August, 700+ crafters benefiting Rotary Club, free, rain or shine).
- Family-friendly option include the Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show (200+ exhibitors, kids art, music, food court, free).
- Labor Day weekend has both Heart of Lancaster Arts and Crafts Show (Roots Market, 200 artists, jazz, food, free) and Long’s Park Arts Festival (200 juried artists in 20 categories, top-rated nationally, supports amphitheater).
- Stay at AmishView Inn & Suites for easy access, farmland views, breakfast, and staff recommendations on local galleries during these creative Pennsylvania Dutch Country events.
Plan Your 2026 Visit to Lancaster County
February 1, 2026Are you planning a visit Lancaster County in 2026 and on the lookout for fun events that you, your family or your group can attend? There are plenty of exciting shows, festivals, and experiences that everyone you are travelling with will love! From amusement parks to farm shows, there is something for everyone here in Lancaster. Let us help you plan your visit with a list of some of our guests’ favorite things to do.
2026 Mud Sales You Don’t Want to Miss in Lancaster PA
January 28, 2026Key Facts about Amish and Mennonite Mud Sales
- Community mud sales are outdoor Amish and Mennonite auctions held mainly in spring (with some fall dates) across Lancaster County, raising money for local fire companies and nonprofits.
- Events feature all-day auctions plus plentiful local food, with Amish attendees often outnumbering visitors, giving a uniquely immersive Pennsylvania Dutch cultural experience.
- Shoppers can bid on big-ticket items like buggies, farm equipment, furniture, carriages, and quilts, while also buying smaller crafts, home goods, and baked goods without bidding.
- Most sales start around 8–8:30 a.m., run rain or shine, and can be extremely busy, so visitors are encouraged to plan travel and lodging well in advance.
- Key visit tips include checking what each sale offers and how to bid, bringing cash, dressing for mud and changing weather, ensuring vehicle space for purchases, and making it a full Lancaster getaway with local attractions and stays like AmishView Inn & Suites.
Celebrate Christmas in Lancaster County
June 5, 2025Key Takeaways for Planning a Christmas Getaway to Lancaster
- Lancaster County hosts dozens of festive Christmas activities each year, including AMT’s Winter Wonderland spectacular (November through December) featuring singers, dancers, and holiday songs.
- Family highlights include Dutch Wonderland’s Christmas at the Park with puppet shows, light displays, Santa, and New Year’s Eve Diamond Drop; Stone Gables Estate’s Santa Express train, Christmas Village, and lights show (Thanksgiving to New Year’s).
- Train lovers enjoy Strasburg Railroad’s 45-minute Christmas Express with stories, musicians, treats, Santa gifts, and market (Nov–Dec); drive-thru options like Clipper Stadium’s mile-long light show with radio-synced music and walk-through Christmas Tree Lane.
- Cultural events feature Ephrata Cloister’s candlelight tours with a cappella carols, Landis Valley Farm Museum’s old-fashioned PA German Christmas with Belsnickel, Lititz Historical Society’s Candlelight Tour of the 1792 Mueller House, and Nutcracker Ballet (1st Weekend in December).
- Shop for unique gifts like Amish quilts and wall hangings at The Quilt Shop at Miller’s, shippable pies/jams from The Shoppes at Miller’s, or nostalgic antiques; stay at AmishView Inn & Suites for farmland views and proximity to all events.
Why You Should Always Book Directly With a Hotel (Especially Ours!)
March 29, 2025When planning a relaxing getaway to Lancaster County, choosing the perfect place to stay is just the beginning. But how you book your room matters just as much as where you stay. At AmishView Inn & Suites, we often hear guests ask whether it’s better to book directly with us or through a third-party site like TripAdvisor or Expedia.