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.
A Guide to Apple Picking & Apples in Lancaster County
September 17, 2025Key Takeaways: Apple Picking in Lancaster County
- Vibrant Harvest Window: Lancaster’s apple season runs from mid-July through November, featuring early varieties like Yellow Transparent and late-season favorites like Fuji and Pink Lady.
- Expert Picking Tips: For the best orchard experience, dress in layers, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, and always check current harvest schedules to ensure your preferred variety is ready for picking.
- Top U-Pick Locations: Discover local favorites like Kauffman Orchards (conveniently located right next to AmishView Inn), Cherry Hill Orchards, and Masonic Village Farm Market.
- Authentic Local Flavors: Beyond the orchards, indulge in “must-taste” treats including Miller’s Smorgasbord’s gourmet apple pie, fresh cider donuts, and traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Snitz.
- Stay Near the Orchards: AmishView Inn & Suites offers the perfect autumnal home base, placing you within walking distance of prime picking at Kauffman Orchards and the heart of fall harvest country.
As autumn rolls in and the air turns crisp, apple season becomes one of the sweetest times of year here in Lancaster County. Whether you’re staying at AmishView Inn & Suites or exploring the countryside, there’s nothing like picking your own apples, tasting local treats, and slipping into cozy fall rituals. Some varieties of apple start to ripen in mid-July and others in November so make sure to check the orchards websites for when they will start pick your own and which varieties will be available.
Lancaster County Fairs and Festivals in September
July 19, 2025Key Takeaways: Autumn Fairs & Harvest Festivals in Lancaster
- Community Fair Season: Experience the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch culture through local annual fairs featuring agricultural exhibits, traditional parades, live music, and classic fair foods like handmade funnel cakes.
- Signature Arts & Entertainment: Plan your visit around prestigious regional events, including the juried Longs Park Art Festival over Labor Day weekend and the immersive Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, which runs from late summer through October.
- Harvest Traditions: Embrace the season with family-friendly activities like apple picking at local orchards, navigating massive corn mazes, and visiting pumpkin patches at iconic spots like Cherry Crest Farm and Oregon Dairy.
- A “Next-Door” Harvest Experience: Enjoy unmatched convenience when staying at AmishView Inn & Suites, located directly next to local favorites like Kauffman’s Fruit Market for fresh apple butter and cider.
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.
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 Lancaster County Is a Smart Choice for Travelers Looking for An Affordable Vacation Getaway
April 11, 2025In today’s economy, many travelers are rethinking how to vacation—choosing destinations that offer quality experiences without the high costs of big cities or tourist-heavy hotspots. For those seeking a beautiful, enriching, and affordable vacation getaways, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is one of the best-kept secrets on the East Coast.
Lancaster County – an Affordable Getaway: 14 Budget-Friendly Vacation Ideas for Families and Couples
April 11, 2025Key Takeaways: Planning an Affordable Lancaster Getaway
- Maximize Your Stay with Perks: Save significantly on dining by staying at AmishView Inn & Suites, where a full, made-to-order hot breakfast and all-day refreshments are included with every room.
- Explore Free Scenic Attractions: Enjoy the beauty of Amish Country without spending a dime by taking a self-guided covered bridge tour or hiking the Enola Low Grade Trail.
- Value-Driven Dining: Feed the whole family at Miller’s Smorgasbord, which features consistent all-day pricing and free meals for children under three.
- Low-Cost Cultural Gems: Experience authentic local life at Central Market or seasonal Mud Sales, and take advantage of various museums with admission prices typically under $15.
- Free Community Entertainment: Time your visit for First Fridays in the city or the Long’s Park Summer Music Series to enjoy high-quality art and live performances at no cost.
Looking for a budget-friendly vacation that doesn’t skimp on charm or experience? For families and couples alike, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is a wonderful destination that offers many things. Not only can visitors experience the peace and beauty of Amish countryside, but they can also experience the area’s rich culture. Not to mention, there are many low cost and free things to do in Lancaster PA. Plus, accommodations and restaurants in Lancaster are more affordable than in big cities and beach towns. Best of all, it’s just a short drive from major cities like Philadelphia, New York City, Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Pittsburgh.