Category: PA Dutch
Explore the Bike Trails of Lancaster County
October 15, 2020Touring Lancaster County by bike is an exhilarating experience and a great way to explore the countryside that surrounds AmishView Inn & Suites, Tripadvisor’s #1 Lancaster hotel!
While the bed and breakfast atmosphere of our inn makes it tempting to retreat and relax during your stay, we don’t want you to miss out on the beautiful farmland views and scenic bike trails so easily accessible in Lancaster County.
We’re so excited to help visitors discover how much the Susquehanna Valley has to offer. Whether you’re a tourist who loves to bike, a dedicated bike tourist, or a bikepacking devotee who needs a break from roadside camping, we welcome you and offer these local bicycle resources.
Following is a list of biking trails in Lancaster County near AmishView Inn & Suites. Many cyclists just ride the bicycle-friendly roads in Bird-in-Hand.
ENOLA LOW GRADE TRAIL
(approximate 24-minute drive)
This 8.27-mile rail-trail is a crushed gravel pathway that provides a scenic view along the Susquehanna River. The trail is open year-round, highlighting Lancaster County’s robust and vibrant foliage in the fall, waterway wildlife in spring and summer, and the river’s calming effects in winter.
View the Susquehanna Riverlands Enola Low Grade Trail Map.
ICE CREAM LOVER’S BIKE RIDE TRAIL
(less than 4 miles on bike!)
This 42-mile bike ride that typically starts at Landis Valley Museum (about 23 minutes away from here) and includes 3 ice cream stops along the way. It’s a route created by members of Lancaster Bicycle Club, which has temporarily offered public access to the route. You do not need to coordinate with the club to enjoy this trail.
With Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop among the featured ice cream shops, you can start your ride there via Route 340. The Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop is just 3.5 miles away from AmishView Inn & Suites! Other ice cream shops along the way include Lapp Valley Farm and Oregon Dairy. The route crosses over three covered bridges: Hunsecker’s Mill, Bitzer’s Mill, and Pinetown-Bushong’s Mill
CONESTOGA GREENWAY TRAIL
(approximate 20-minute drive)
In 1999, a group of municipalities in central Lancaster County built the Conestoga Greenway Trail that runs along the Conestoga River. Bikers can enjoy this protected green space that showcases the river and the Little Conestoga Creek. The trail connects to Lancaster County Central Park, which includes a Garden of Five Senses and an environmental center.
View the Conestoga Greenway Trail Map.
WELSH MOUNTAIN NATURE PRESERVE
(approximate 23-minute drive)
This 2.4-mile loop is mostly used for hiking and walking but there are areas designated for mountain bikes. The preserve extends into Money Rocks County Park. Open trails are marked for specific use.
View the Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve Mountain Biking Trails Map.
LANCASTER JUNCTION TRAIL
(approximate 26-minute drive)
Part of the former Reading-Columbia rail line, this trail travels through farmland and borders the northern half of Chickies Creek. Its level, well-graded surface makes it enjoyable for novice and seasoned bicyclists alike.
Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation recommends trail visitors park in the Champ Boulevard Parking Lot.
View the Lancaster Junction Recreation Trail Map.
In addition to biking trails, Lancaster County has many regional trails and nature preserves to help our guests enjoy and explore the outdoors, whether pedaling, riding, driving, or on foot.
So, we invite you and your family to come stay with us and immerse yourselves in the peaceful country scenery and riverside views offered by Lancaster County biking and hiking trails. Whether you explore established trails or set out on your own route through Amish Country, we know your stay with us will be a well-deserved, stress-free vacation.
8 Astonishing Facts About the Amish Community
November 28, 2019You may find yourself becoming naturally curious about the Amish community while staying at Amishview Inn & Suites. There are two main groups of Plain People in Lancaster, PA: the Amish and the Mennonites. Today we’ll be focusing more on the Old Order Amish traditions. The Old Order Amish community believes in a simple way of life and does not permit the use of technology and electricity. There are many unique things about the Amish community that may make you think twice about daily living. Keep reading to learn eight fascinating facts about the Old Order Amish traditions.
1. Daily Transportation
You’ll often see the Amish traveling around Lancaster, PA, on a horse and buggy on the local roads. Old Order Amish do not operate vehicles with motors, which also means they do not use tractors in their fields. The Amish will, however, use horses as well as mules to pull modern farm equipment.
2. Rumspringa
Between the ages of 14 and 18, Amish teens can join the English world, which is known as Rumspringa. During this time, the teens decide whether or not they want to leave the Amish community entirely or if they’d like to return, become baptized, and dedicate themselves to the Amish way of life.
3. Yes, Amish Vacation
Yes, believe it or not, Amish do enjoy an occasional trip outside of their local community of Lancaster, PA. One popular Amish winter destination is Pinecraft, FL, which is jokingly referred to as “Amish Las Vegas.” Learn more about transportation and how the Amish travel here!
4. Facial Hair
In biblical times, it was quite common for a man to have a beard, which is perhaps one reason why you’ll find so many men with long beards in Amish Country, PA. Men without a beard are waiting for marriage to begin growing them out as a symbol of their transition into manhood. In the earlier days, wearing a mustache meant you were associated with the military (Amish are exempt from the military), which is why in Old Order Amish traditions, men shave them off entirely.
5. Lower Risks of Cancer
Researchers believe that the Amish have lower cancer rates because of their lifestyle. Amish eat and grow their own food and also do not allow alcohol or tobacco.
6. Simple Clothing
Amish wear Plain clothing that does not have patterns, zippers, buckles, or collars, and typically favor dark colors such as burgundy, brown, black, blue, or purple depending on the Amish community. While Amish females generally make clothing, they do purchase socks, fabric, shoes, hats, and other items from a dry goods store.
7. What Do Amish Believe?
While there are many intricate details of the Amish religion, in a simplified statement, their beliefs are similar to traditionalist Christians and are associated with the Anabaptist denominations. Lancaster County has an informative article about the Amish beliefs and practices related to their faith.
8. Amish Schooling
Amish children are only required to attend school until eighth grade (age 14) and typically attend classes in one-room private schools.
Escape to Amish Country, PA
While we could go on about the fascinating Amish beliefs and practices, we hope you enjoyed getting to know a little more about the Amish traditions. This holiday season, if you’d like to learn more about shopping for Amish furniture and what makes the quality of each piece special, take a look at our Amish Furniture blog online. Indulge in a relaxing getaway to Amish Country, PA, where time slows down, and worries fade entirely. Please contact our staff at 1-866-735-1600 for general questions or, for convenience, book online!
5 Top Reasons to Take a Trip to Amish Country, PA
September 27, 2019
Do you ever just get so tied up at work that you throw your hands up in the air and say, “That’s it. I need a vacation.” Sometimes you need an uninterrupted break from the daily grind, which is why planning a getaway to Amish Country, PA should be on your bucket list. Slow down from the everyday life happenings, relax away from the city, and let your worries fade while staying at Amishview Inn & Suites. Keep reading to find the top 5 reasons as to why your next escape should be to Lancaster, PA.
1. The Atmosphere
The best time to visit Amish Country, PA, is really any time of the year. You’ll quickly find yourself nestled around gorgeous Amish farms, breathtaking landscapes, and quaint shops all around the area. When you physically see how the Amish live, you’ll come to appreciate your time reflecting on life away from technology and the modern-day lifestyle.
2. The Furniture
When shopping in Lancaster, PA, we suggest taking the time to appreciate the Amish furniture. Each piece is truly one-of-a-kind, and the longevity of the furniture far exceeds any mass-produced product. The quality and care put into each piece means that the Amish maker has ensured that the selected pieces of hardwood have matured enough to last from generation to generation.
3. The Food
All around town, you’ll find farm stands, Amish baked goods, and the best restaurants in Lancaster, PA, that use locally grown Amish ingredients. Traditional Amish food is made with fresh ingredients, is deliciously hearty and will not leave you hungry. Get the taste of the Amish Country, PA, ingredients of Lancaster County at Miller’s Smorgasbord.
4. The Buggy Rides
Amish do not drive cars, let alone use transportation that has rubber on the tires as the tractors and buggies are meant to stay close to their farms. Which is why when you visit Lancaster, PA, you’ll find many Amish folks traveling around by buggy. We encourage you to take a tour of their farms and properties by buggy, which will allow you to get a real experience of the Amish traditions along the way.
5. The Amish Products
Not only does the Amish produce high-quality furniture and grow the best quality ingredients around, but they also craft many other products. You’ll find authentic Amish made clothing, canned goods, quilts, art, candles, leather goods and so much more while shopping in Lancaster, PA. Walk away from your vacation with a gift or keepsake that is one-of-a-kind.
Peaceful Lancaster, PA, Hotels
The Amish take a slower approach to life, and when you visit Lancaster, PA, you’ll get to partake in the experience. Escape from the busy city life and take time to nurture your family connections in Amish Country, PA. During your stay at Amishview Inn & Suites, enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast each morning with the view of an Amish farm just outside the window as you eat breakfast. While we offer a peaceful escape, we also provide modern-day amenities such as free wi-fi and TVs that will keep you connected during your getaway. Please give us a call to book your stay 1-866-735-1600 or book online.
Best Restaurants in Lancaster PA
July 26, 2019
Best Restaurants in Lancaster PA
One of the best experiences you’ll have when staying at AmishView Inn & Suites is the fantastic food you’ll have access to during your stay. Our complimentary breakfast buffet is served fresh each morning so that you’ll be able to start the day off with a full stomach before going about your daily adventures. Many local eateries use authentic Amish-grown ingredients in their dishes, which is why you’ll find some of the best restaurants in Lancaster PA.
Smokehouse BBQ and Brew
During your vacations plan a night to stop into the Smokehouse BBQ and Brew located just outside the lobby doors of our Lancaster hotel. You’ll love the signature sauce options that are on each table, but chances are with the juicy, tender and smokey flavor that’s prevalent in the meats, you won’t need the additional sauce as the BBQ tends to stands alone! Order a round of wings or a rack of ribs which are both local favorites and pair it with an artisan brew on draft. Even if you don’t have time to sit and dine, grab an order to go and bring it back to your room to relax after a long day out!
Miller’s Smorgasbord
One of the best restaurants in Lancaster PA is Miller’s Smorgasbord as they serve meals made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients from the neighborhood Amish farms. When you genuinely want to taste the flavor of the Lancaster County dishes, this American fare eatery should be your go-to on vacation. The restaurant offers both a regular menu and a buffet as well as delightful baked goods and desserts! We suggest trying the buffet where you’ll have access to everything from Beef Barley, Golden Fried Chicken, to Baked Cabbage and more, you’ll have so many options. The restaurant also has a lobby gift shop where you can browse books, unique decor, candles, mugs, among other souvenirs you may want to bring home as a keepsake.
Lancaster PA Inn
Before heading out to explore Amish Country stop into the Great Room to get your fill of oatmeal, country potatoes, made to order waffles and other fresh items from our breakfast buffet. No matter what room you choose for your stay, you’ll delight in beautiful views of the Amish farms that surround you while looking out your window. You’ll enjoy an intimate getaway with your loved ones out in the country away from the city. It’s never too early to start planning your getaway to our peaceful town of Lancaster PA. Give us a call at 1-866-735-1600.
Lancaster Amish, Lancaster PA hotels, Lancaster PA inn
Simple Pork & Sauerkraut for a PA Dutch New Year
November 14, 2017If you live in, or have visited, Pennsylvania near the New Year you’ve probably experienced our famous pork & sauerkraut. This simple dish has been passed down from generation to generation with minor tweaks throughout. Many visitors are curious about the popular PA Dutch tradition meant to bring good luck, and more importantly, how to make it. Let’s give it a look!
The PA Dutch Tradition
Every year, eager residents of Lancaster County eat pork & sauerkraut for good luck. But how did they get started? Some say that early farmers were inspired by their pigs. As an analogy, the pigs “rooted forward” for forward momentum. The truth is, despite how good our guesses may seem, we don’t actually know! One thing we do know: it’s delicious.
Pork and Sauerkraut in 4 Steps
Now for the recipe itself, which is surprisingly simple. It takes about 6 hours, and feeds five:
Prepare the Pork
Start with 1 pound of pork roast and cut it into small cubes – roughly 1 inch in size. You may also want to slice or shred the pork, depending on your personal tastes.
Get an Apple Ready
One of the key aspects of getting that unique PA Dutch Sauerkraut taste is by using an apple. The apple itself won’t be a part of the finished product, but is essential to the process. Peel half an apple, remove the core, and then put it in a crock pot to get things started. If you like a more acidic taste, you can use an entire apple. However, for your first time half should be plenty.
Put the Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Now place the pork into the crock pot along with the following:
- 1 32 ounce jar sauerkraut with juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh dill weed
- 1 teaspoon onion salt
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
Cook!
For the final step, turn your crockpot to high for 1 hour. Then, switch it to low for 5 hours. Then, take out the apple and voila! You now have traditional pork & sauerkraut at home.
Nothing Beats The Authentic Dish
If you can’t quite get it right at home, you’re always welcome to try the original in Lancaster County! Stay at AmishView Inn and explore our local restaurants to get your fill of genuine PA Dutch cooking right from the source.