Category: Vacation Ideas
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.
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.
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.
Activities for Fall Fun in Lancaster County
September 8, 2024Key Takeaways: Your Guide to Autumn in Lancaster County
- Family-Friendly Farm Adventures: Explore the region’s top agricultural attractions, including the massive corn mazes at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, and hayrides at Barnyard Kingdom.
- Thrills & Haunted History: From the terrifying haunted houses at Field of Screams to candlelit ghost tours and lantern-lit history walks through Lancaster City and Columbia, there are plenty of haunts for every level of bravery. Plus, check out “Happy Hauntings” at Dutch Wonderland.
- Unique Seasonal Experiences: Take part in one-of-a-kind local events like a Murder Mystery train ride on the Strasburg Rail Road, full-moon bonfires at the Wolf Sanctuary, or a subterranean tour of the historic Indian Echo Caverns.
- Classic Harvest Traditions: Enjoy the best of the season by visiting local apple orchards for pick-your-own fruit, attending the Lititz Craft Beer Fest, or spending a themed weekend at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.
- Scenic Fall Foliage: Discover the best vistas for autumn colors in the Mid-Atlantic, including Breezyview Overlook and the Susquehannock State Park, all located just a short drive from AmishView Inn & Suites.
Where Do Amish People Live?
January 17, 2024Key Facts about Amish Communities and Populations
- Pennsylvania hosts the largest Amish population, over 81,000 as of 2020, with Lancaster County alone home to about 30,000, making it a major tourism draw alongside communities in Chester, York, Belleville, and Mifflin counties.
- Amish settlements have expanded to Ohio (especially Holmes County), plus growing groups in Mississippi, North Carolina, Virginia, Canada, Bolivia, and Argentina.
- Amish prioritize community living, attending one-room schoolhouses and speaking Pennsylvania Dutch primarily, though they interact with non-Amish (“English”) via businesses selling crafts like furniture and quilts, and can be spotted shopping at places like Costco or driving buggies on roads like Route 30 and 340.
- Variations exist among Amish groups in dress, technology use, and even buggy colors (e.g., Lancaster’s dark gray vs. Belleville’s bright yellow), but all reject cars, public utilities, TVs, and military service.
- Visitors to Lancaster can stay at spots like AmishView Inn & Suites on Plain & Fancy Farm for farmland views, buggy rides, and tours, while enjoying nearby attractions like Dutch Wonderland, Sight & Sound Theatre, and Amish quilt shopping.
The first large group of Amish arrived in the U.S. in the early 1800s and settled in Lancaster County, PA, according to Learn Religions.
Pennsylvania has the largest population of Amish people, estimated at more than 81,000 in 2020 according to “Amish Population, 2020.” (Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, Elizabethtown College.) In fact, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is home to approximately 30,000 Amish and their presence is a significant draw for tourism. Chester, York, Belleville, and Mifflin counties are also home to Amish communities.
Tee Up for the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open
November 8, 2023Lancaster, PA Golf Tournament & Top Golf Courses
As the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open draws nearer, Lancaster is filled with excitement. This year, the USGA has chosen Lancaster Country Club as the host for the 79th U.S. Women’s Open, scheduled to take place from May 27th to June 2nd in 2024. This championship is revered as the biggest event in women’s golf, and has sent waves of anticipation through Lancaster, PA. The Lancaster Country Club is a gem renowned for its lush fairways and challenging greens. This private club has hosted prestigious golf events including the 2015 U.S. Women’s Open and is a true test of skill for golfers. The course’s rolling terrain and beautiful landscape provide a serene backdrop for an unforgettable golf experience.
If you plan to attend this exciting event, you may want to explore some of Lancaster’s other stunning golf courses during your visit. Here, we’ve compiled a list of local golf courses for you to consider when you visit.