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.
Types of Amish Quilts: Plan a Weekend in Lancaster to Learn More
November 5, 2024Key Takeaways: A Guide to Authentic Amish Quilts
- Three Iconic Styles: Discover the artistry behind Applique (hand-drawn and stitched designs), Pieced (traditional patchwork), and Whole Cloth quilts (focused on intricate depth and stitching).
- Symbolism in Design: Learn the meanings behind famous patterns like the Wedding Ring (eternal love) or the Log Cabin, often featuring the signature Amish style of dark backgrounds with vibrant, solid-colored accents.
- Top Shopping Destinations: Visit The Quilt Shop at Miller’s, just minutes from AmishView Inn, to view over 600 hand-stitched masterpieces created by local Amish and Mennonite artisans.
- Annual Quilt Events: Plan your visit around the Lancaster Quilt Show (scheduled for March 25–28, 2026), featuring dozens of vendors and expert-led quilting classes.
- The Ideal Quilter’s Retreat: Stay at AmishView Inn & Suites for easy access to the county’s best quilt shops and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for an inspired, creative weekend.
In Amish and Mennonite communities, quilts mark milestones such as marriage and birth. The creativity, craftsmanship, and detail that goes into each quilt makes them highly desirable and valuable. You will find Amish quilts displayed in art museums, admired for their beauty and the skills needed to create them. Yet, they also are available in local country stores here in Lancaster County.
Horse and Buggy Rides: An Authentic Amish Experience
November 4, 2024Key Takeaways: An Authentic Amish Buggy Experience
- Authentic Cultural Immersion: Discover the heritage of Pennsylvania Dutch Country through a traditional horse and buggy ride, offering a unique, slow-paced perspective on Amish farmlands, schools, and local history.
- Exclusive Farm Access: Gain “insider” access to the community with tours like the Amish Farm Tour, which includes a visit to a privately owned and operated Amish dairy farm.
- Convenience & Proximity: Enjoy seamless travel planning with tours from Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides, which depart daily, year-round, from Plain & Fancy Farm.
When you first drive into Pennsylvania Dutch Country, it will become very apparent that you’re “not in Kansas anymore” (as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz would say). One of the first things you’ll notice upon your arrival is the classic horse and buggies on the roads. Make sure to slow down around buggies and pass them with care.
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.
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.
Enjoy Strawberry and Cherry Picking in Lancaster County
June 12, 2024Key Takeaways: Summer Fruit Picking in Lancaster County
- Strawberry Season (Late May – June): Enjoy the peak of summer sweetness at family favorites like Cherry Hill Orchards, Shenk’s Berry Farm, and Barnyard Kingdom, which offer kid-friendly farm activities alongside the fields.
- Cherry Season (Starts Mid-June): Transition from berries to cherries at Kauffman Orchards and Stauffer’s Fruit Farm, where you can pick both sweet and sour varieties by the pound or bucket.
- Always Check Before You Go: Fruit ripening depends heavily on the weather; it is highly recommended to call the orchard or check their social media updates for daily picking conditions before heading out.
- Classic PA Dutch Dining: Round out your harvest day with a visit to Miller’s Smorgasbord, a Lancaster County staple for over 95 years, consistently recognized as one of USA Today’s 10 Best Buffets.
- The Perfect Summer Home Base: Stay at AmishView Inn & Suites to enjoy a gourmet breakfast buffet and easy access to the U-Pick fields, located right in the heart of the scenic Plain & Fancy Farm.
Lancaster County is the perfect destination for families and couples looking to enjoy the sweet flavors of summer with strawberry and cherry picking. This guide will help you discover some of the best spots for picking your own fresh fruit, along with other fun activities and excellent accommodations.
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.
Antique Shopping in Lancaster PA
March 1, 2024Key Takeaways: Antiquing in the Heart of Lancaster County
- The Antiques Capital of the US: Explore the legendary town of Adamstown, home to over 3,000 antique dealers and an unparalleled density of vintage, classic, and architectural finds.
- Curated Variety: From the 125 vendors at Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall to the eclectic, modern-vintage vibes of downtown Lancaster’s Building Character, there is a “treasure hunt” for every style and budget.
- Pro-Traveler Tip: Many local shops and co-ops operate on unique schedules, some opening only one or two days a week. Always verify hours and map your route before heading out to maximize your shopping time.
- The Ultimate Collector’s Retreat: Turn your hunt into a weekend getaway by staying at AmishView Inn & Suites—the perfect, central location to “recharge” with luxury amenities after a day of exploring the county’s best markets.
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.
Exciting Renovations at AmishView Inn & Suites!
February 6, 2024Nestled amidst the rolling hills and charming traditions of Lancaster County, AmishView Inn & Suites has long been a haven for travelers seeking relaxation, connection, and a taste of local culture. We understand that comfort and familiarity are key, and we’re excited to announce upcoming renovations in our East Building designed to elevate the experiences you know and love, without impacting your stay in our serene and adult-only West Building.