Category: Plan Your Stay
Trip Itinerary to Celebrate America 250 in Lancaster County
February 13, 2026Key Takeaways: Your America 250 History Itinerary
- A Landmark Celebration: Join the national celebration of America’s 250th birthday with a curated journey through Lancaster County—a region uniquely blending Revolutionary leadership, colonial faith, and the pursuit of freedom.
- Four Days of Discovery: Experience a comprehensive “History Hub” itinerary covering the Ephrata Cloister, President James Buchanan’s Wheatland, the nation’s oldest farmers market, and the new Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center.
- Diverse American Stories: Explore the layered history of the region, from the endurance of Amish agricultural traditions and Pennsylvania German craftsmanship to the pivotal roles played in the Underground Railroad and early American modern art.
- Interactive Heritage: Enhance your visit with seasonal hands-on farm demonstrations, historic steam train rides, and guided walking tours that reveal Lancaster’s brief tenure as the United States capital.
- The Perfect Home Base: Stay in the heart of history at AmishView Inn & Suites, offering a tranquil countryside retreat with convenient, central access to every landmark on the America 250 trail.
A History-Filled Road Trip: From Philadelphia to Lancaster, Gettysburg to Washington, DC
February 11, 2026Road Trip Highlights at a Glance
- A scenic east coast historical road trip connecting Philadelphia, Lancaster County, Gettysburg, and Washington, DC.
- Explore Revolutionary War landmarks in Philadelphia and Valley Forge
- Experience Amish heritage and historic sites on a memorable Lancaster County road trip
- Walk the battlefield on a powerful Gettysburg road trip through Civil War history
- Discover iconic monuments and Smithsonian museums on your Washington DC road trip
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, there’s no better way to honor the nation’s history than by exploring the places where it all began. If you’re planning an East Coast historical road trip, consider taking a scenic and meaningful route from Philadelphia to Washington, DC, with Lancaster County and Gettysburg as unforgettable stops along the way.
Why You Should Visit Lancaster County During Pennsylvania’s Big Sports Year
February 11, 2026Key takeaways: Visiting Lancaster PA during the World Cup
- Stay just 90 minutes from Philadelphia’s FIFA World Cup matches and official Fan Fest locations
- Convenient to the MLB All-Star Game, PGA Championship, NFL Draft, and March Madness events across Pennsylvania
- Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary while exploring historic Lancaster County between game days
- Easy drives to FIFA World Cup Events in Philadelphia, New York/New Jersey, and Boston
2026 is shaping up to be a big year in Pennsylvania. As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, there’s no better place to be than the birthplace of American democracy. Pennsylvania is home to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the very spot where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. But it’s not just about history this year—some of the biggest sporting events in the world are headed to the Keystone State, drawing travelers from across the country and around the globe.
Top Things to Do with Kids in Lancaster County, PA: A Perfect Blend of Family Fun, Learning & Amish Charm
May 2, 2025Key Takeaways: Family Fun in Lancaster County
- Top-Rated Attractions: Explore Dutch Wonderland, a “Kingdom for Kids”, or enjoy over 50 farm-themed activities including a corn maze at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm.
- A Hub for Train Lovers: Experience a ride on an authentic steam train at Strasburg Rail Road or visit the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania to see full-sized locomotives.
- Hands-On Learning & Animals: Spark curiosity at the Lancaster Science Factory or get up close with nature at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA and local alpaca farms.
- Authentic Farm Experiences: Take a guided tour of the Kreider Farms dairy operation or enjoy a traditional horse-drawn buggy ride through the quiet Amish countryside.
- The Ultimate Family Home Base: AmishView Inn & Suites offers spacious family suites, an indoor pool, a kid-friendly arcade, and a complimentary hot breakfast buffet featuring made-to-order eggs.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is the kind of place where memories are made—where generations connect over shared experiences, and where every turn in the road brings a story. Pennsylvania Dutch Country balances family fun with authentic learning experiences.
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.
Why Stay at an Adult-Only Hotel?
August 28, 2024Adult-only hotels or hotels offering adult-only accommodations, like the luxurious adult-only East Building at AmishView Inn & Suites in Lancaster, are gaining popularity among travelers seeking a tranquil and tailored experience. These accommodations cater specifically to adults looking for a peaceful getaway, free from the lively energy that children bring.
What is a Boutique Hotel?
November 4, 2022Make Unique Memories on Your Next Vacation
Looking for a unique and customized travel experience? Consider booking a stay at a boutique hotel! Though the term “boutique hotel” might conjure up images of luxury and extravagance, there’s much more to these types of accommodations than meets the eye. Read on to learn all about boutique hotels, including what they are, where they got their start, and what you can expect when staying at one.
Best Restaurants in Lancaster PA
July 26, 2019Key Takeaways: A Culinary Guide to Lancaster, PA
- A Premier Dining Destination: Discover why Lancaster is a must-visit for foodies, featuring a blend of world-class fine dining, traditional Pennsylvania Dutch smorgasbords, and nationally recognized, award-winning chefs.
- Iconic Local Staples: Savor scratch-made traditions at Miller’s Smorgasbord — a local landmark since 1929 — and enjoy signature smoked meat, local dishes and artisan brews at the Smokehouse at Plain & Fancy, located right on the AmishView property.
- Nationally Acclaimed Eateries: Explore a landscape of restaurants honored by the James Beard Foundation, the New York Times, and USA Today, ranging from romantic hotspots to innovative, farm-to-table kitchens.
- Enjoy the “best complimentary breakfast in the area” at AmishView Inn, featuring farm-fresh, made-to-order items paired with stunning views of the surrounding Amish countryside.
Holiday Shopping In Lancaster County
September 28, 2017Looking to do some holiday shopping in Lancaster County? Early birds and last-minute shoppers alike will find that Lancaster is the perfect place to shop this holiday season. Whether you are looking for national brands or local goods from Amish Country, you can find it all. Here are some of our favorite places to finish off that gift list in Lancaster.
The Barn and Hearth Shop
The Barn & Hearth Shop offers a thoughtfully curated selection of locally made gifts, specialty foods, and artisan-crafted goods. As a modern home accents store with rustic charm, it features unique décor, kitchenware, apparel, accessories and seasonal items. Guests will find Lancaster County favorites like Miller’s Bakery treats, nostalgic candies, signature jams, and Olio olive oils. Whether you’re shopping for your home or the perfect gift, The Barn & Hearth Shop blends local character with fresh, welcoming style.
The Shoppes at Miller’s
Right next to Miller’s Smorgasbord, you will find several shops. Anna’s Gifts and Sundries featuring locally made jewelry, Lancaster themed apparel and crafts from local artisans. Locally Made Food Shop where you’ll find Miller’s baked goods, jams, pickled items, and candy as well as locally made kitchenwares. The Quilt Shop at Miller’s with hand stitched quilts and other locally made crafts. Ruthie’s is a upscale women’s clothing boutique.
The Quilt Shop At Miller’s
Hundreds of Handmade Quilts.
Choose from hundreds of handmade quilts, quillows, wall hangings, and exquisite gift items from Amish, Mennonite, and other local artisans. Members of the friendly, knowledgeable sales staff are always available for questions.
Our meticulous Quilt Shop staff selects only the finest examples of craftsmanship to fill our spacious 3,500 square foot, well-lit showroom. Located at The Shoppes at Miller’s.
Kitchen Kettle Village
If you’re looking for less mainstream gifts, Kitchen Kettle Village offers a variety of local goods. Located in Intercourse, PA, this collection of over 40 shops specializes in rustic and artistic wares. Home-canned jams, handcrafted leather goods, hand-stitched quilts, and more are available at the Village. You can also find specialized gifts including an assortment of handmade crafts. More information is available on their website. Best of all, it’s located only minutes from AmishView!
Antiques Shopping
Lancaster County is well-known for its antiques shops and what better place to find those nostalgic toys you once owned (or listed on your childhood Christmas Wish List)? TripAdvisor lists numerous antique stores near us, and our guest services staff would be more than happy to help you decide which ones to visit.
Tanger Outlets
Located right off of Route 30/Lincoln Highway, this outlet mall houses over 50 individual shops. Tanger’s layout makes it easy to park in one spot and spend the day walking through all of your favorite shops. Clothing, toys, housewares, and everything in between are available from the shops at Tanger Outlets. The outlets make it simple to tackle that shopping list! They keep an updated directory of their shops online for your perusal.
Park City Center
Located at the intersection of Harrisburg Pike and Route 30, Park City Center is the largest enclosed shopping center in Lancaster County. With nearly 1.5 million square feet of space, and over 170 stores, Park City Center is one of the best places to get your holiday shopping done. This mall is divided into 8 wings, with several anchor stores, including: Kohl’s, JCPenney, Boscov’s, and Raymour & Flanigan. A full listing of their shops can be found here.
Spend this Winter Season Holiday Shopping With Us!
When you stay at Amishview Inn, you put yourself right in the middle of some of the best holiday shopping available. Spending your days shopping, and your nights relaxing in one of our rooms overlooking Amish Country, makes for a great vacation! Don’t forget to mention our Free Shopping Enhancement.
Lancaster County is the perfect destination for those seeking modern amenities and comfort while in pursuit of nostalgic, quaint experiences that can take you back to simpler days for Christmas. Indoor and outdoor holiday events are taking place throughout Lancaster and neighboring counties.
AmishView Inn & Suites, Tripadvisor’s Top Lancaster hotel, is one of the best places to stay, be near it all, and still be able to enjoy quiet, retreat-like accommodations. We even offer adults-only building for those without children.
Book your stay today!