Category: Traditions
7 Weirdly Named Amish and PA Dutch Foods You’ll Love
May 14, 2026Key Takeaways: Exploring PA Dutch Culinary Classics
- Quirky Names, Hearty Flavors: Dive into Lancaster County’s rich culinary heritage with seven traditional Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish dishes that sound a little weird but taste incredible.
- Sweet & Savory Staples: Discover the ingredients and local folklore behind regional favorites—ranging from molasses-rich Shoofly Pie and traditional Fasnachts to crispy Scrapple and hearty, handmade Pot Pie.
- Your Culinary Home Base: Stay centrally located in the heart of Amish Country at AmishView Inn & Suites for immediate access to authentic roadside stands, farmers’ markets, and local dining landmarks like Miller’s Smorgasbord.
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.
Amish Schools in Lancaster County, PA
March 12, 2024Key Takeaways: Understanding Amish Education
- One-Room Schoolhouses: Amish children in Lancaster County are educated in private, community-funded schoolhouses that typically serve up to 30 students from 1st through 8th grade in a single room.
- Core Curriculum: Education focuses on “the three Rs” (Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic) plus Geography and Spelling. Students are taught in both English and German, though “worldly” subjects like science are excluded.
- The 8th Grade Limit: Following the 1972 Supreme Court ruling Wisconsin v. Yoder, Amish children complete their formal schooling at age 14 to begin vocational training in farming, trades, or homemaking.
- Community-Led Teaching: Schools are lead by “schoolmarms” or “schoolmasters” who are chosen for their values and proficiency in Pennsylvania Dutch rather than formal college degrees.
- Experience an Authentic Schoolhouse: Visitors can tour a traditional one-room schoolhouse at the Amish Experience. Guests staying in a Grand King at AmishView Inn & Suites can often see local students walking to school in the mornings and playing in the school yard.
Nestled within the serene landscapes of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, lies the one room schoolhouses of the Amish. These schoolhouses teach up to 8th grade, all in one room.
Amish Clothing: A Window into Tradition and Values
February 29, 2024Key Facts about Amish Clothing in Lancaster County
- Amish attire embodies humility, modesty, and separation from the world, guided by strict Christian principles and unchanged for centuries.
- Women wear heart-shaped “kapp” head coverings from age 13, white daily and black for single women at church, per biblical mandates like 1 Corinthians 11:6.
- Men don plain dark trousers with suspenders (no belts), broad hats; women wear long solid-color dresses with aprons, fastened by pins or hooks instead of buttons/zippers to reject vanity.
- Subdued colors (black, navy, brown) and no patterns promote uniformity and community over individualism; men grow beards post-marriage sans mustaches, per Psalm 133.
- “Gelassenheit” (yielding to God’s will) avoids modern fasteners like zippers, seen as flashy; barefoot practicality common in daily life.
- Learn more about Amish at Plain & Fancy Farm by taking a farm tour with Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides or seeing the show at the Amish Experience
In the heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the Amish community that has captivated the imagination of many with its simplicity and dedication to tradition. The distinctive Amish clothing and attire intrigues outsiders. Amish attire reflects not just a fashion choice, but a deep-seated commitment to cultural heritage and religious beliefs.
The Charm of Fall in Lancaster PA
October 17, 2022Fall in Lancaster Pennsylvania is a must-see!
Enjoy the charm of fall in Lancaster PA. As the leaves begin to change colors and the weather gets colder, there’s no better place to be than in Lancaster Pennsylvania. With so many charming things to see and do, you’ll fall in love with fall, all over again. From taking in the sights of Lancaster County, to enjoying all the delicious local food, here’s why fall in Lancaster PA is a must-see.
One of a Kind Amish Country Tradition
Lancaster County is famous for its Amish community, which provides plenty of charming sights to see and adventures to experience. Take a horse and buggy ride through the rolling hills or visit an Amish farm for a taste of country living. You can also find plenty of local craftsmanship in the many shops around Lancaster County. Be sure to pick up some Thanksgiving decorations while you’re there!
Booking The Perfect Honeymoon Suite
August 9, 2022
Romantic Honeymoon Suites Near Me
Booking the perfect honeymoon suite can be overwhelming. You have probably already spent the last year planning your wedding and big day, so of course you want to make sure your honeymoon is perfect too. A newlywed couple’s honeymoon is very important as it is the first time you get to spend quality time with each other as a married couple and to connect without the distractions of everyday life. Booking the perfect honeymoon suite can be fun and stress free when you know what to look for. Here are some things to consider when booking your romantic getaway.
9 Astonishing Facts About the Amish Community
November 28, 2019Key Facts
- Old Order Amish prioritize community, faith, and simplicity; they avoid motor vehicles and grid electricity, favoring horse‑and‑buggy transport and limited, community‑approved technologies like batteries or solar when needed.
- Teen Rumspringa (roughly ages 14–18) lets youth experience the “English” world before choosing baptism and lifelong membership, with most returning to the church.
- Cultural markers include plain, handmade clothing (no flashy patterns, zippers, or collars) and married men wearing beards but not mustaches; children attend one‑room schools through eighth grade.
- Lifestyle choices (homegrown food, no alcohol or tobacco) and strong community ties contribute to distinct health and social patterns observable in Amish settlements.
- Learn more about Amish at Plain & Fancy Farm by taking a Buggy Ride with Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides or taking a tour with Amish Experience
You 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.
5 Top Reasons to Take a Trip to Amish Country, PA
September 27, 2019Key Takeaways: Why Visit Amish Country, PA
- Experience a Slower Pace: Escape the daily grind and relax among the breathtaking landscapes and picturesque farms of Lancaster County.
- Shop Heirloom-Quality Goods: Discover one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted Amish hardwood furniture, authentic quilts, and artisanal keepsakes built to last generations.
- Enjoy Farm-to-Table Dining: Taste traditional, hearty Amish cuisine and baked goods made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Take an Authentic Buggy Ride: Tour traditional farms and properties via horse and buggy for a firsthand look at Amish heritage and daily life.
- Stay at AmishView Inn & Suites: Combine a peaceful countryside escape with modern amenities, featuring a complimentary morning breakfast overlooking an active Amish farm.
Simple Pork & Sauerkraut for a PA Dutch New Year
November 14, 2017Key Takeaways: Sauerkraut – A Traditional PA Dutch New Year’s Classic
- A Symbol of Good Luck: Discover the heritage behind the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition of eating pork and sauerkraut to kick off the New Year—a custom rooted in the idea of “rooting forward” into a prosperous future.
- Simple 4-Step Recipe: Master this authentic slow-cooker dish with a straightforward process that combines savory pork roast with the tangy, fermented flavors of local sauerkraut.
- The “Secret” Ingredient: Learn why a fresh apple is essential to the cooking process, providing a subtle balance to the acidity of the sauerkraut for a truly traditional flavor profile.
- Slow-Cooked Perfection: Achieve the ideal texture with a specific six-hour cooking method designed to tenderize the pork while infusing it with garlic, dill, and dry mustard.
- Taste the Original: Experience the authentic flavor of Lancaster County by visiting local eateries near AmishView Inn & Suites, where regional heritage recipes are served right from the source.