If you are visiting Lancaster, or are lucky enough to live here, fill your time by exploring the exciting offerings in the area. Not sure where to start? Here are some of our favorite things to do in the early months of Autumn.

Experience Lancaster’s Natural Beauty

Looking to take in the area’s beautiful wildlife while avoiding the summer heat? Check out some of Lancaster’s best biking and hiking trails. If you have young ones, drive through the countryside and take it all in.

First Friday for Art and Shopping

Experience the excitement and creativity of Lancaster City on First Friday. The first friday of each month, stores, galleries, and boutiques hold extended hours and special events. Live music, a variety of shopping, and a dynamic atmosphere welcome you as you walk through downtown Lancaster.

Full Steam Ahead

Fans of trains and tranquil countrysides should make sure to get tickets for the Strasburg Rail Road. In September, you can take part in Day Out With Thomas, a special event featuring Thomas the Tank Engine.

Get Your Fill of Lancaster Foods

Can’t get enough of the local cuisine? Eat your fill of local, from-scratch foods at Miller’s Smorgasbord. If you are in the mood for smoked BBQ or a PA Dutch platter, stop by Smokehouse BBQ and Brews.

Find Your Own Treasure

Collectors, refurbishers, and general explorers will love Lancaster County’s variety of eclectic antique shops.

Take the Kids to the Castle

For kids that want excitement, Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park offers rides for the whole family. It’s open most weekends in September and October, and hosts special events around Halloween.

Attend Broadway-level Performances

If you are more interested in thespian entertainment, Lancaster County has quite a few high-caliber theaters and shows. American Music Theater regularly puts on a variety of shows of all musical styles.

Have Fun While Learning

Satisfy your child’s “educational trip” requirement at school by visiting one of the area’s kid-friendly museums.

Shop Local Goods

Can’t bear to leave Lancaster County? Take some baked goods and local wares home with you from Central Market. America’s oldest farmers market boasts a wide variety of local meats, cheeses, and more so that you can experience a taste of Lancaster wherever you are. If you want to take home some PA Dutch favorites, pick up some baked goods at Miller’s Gift & Bake Shop.

Don’t worry if you can’t fit all of the activities in one trip, you will always be welcome back! For more ideas on things to do, check out our list of attractions near AmishView Inn.

Autumn is here, and in Lancaster County that means fairs! Almost every town in the area runs their own fair during the fall. To help you plan your trip to Amish Country, here are some of our favorite events.

Annual Latin American Cultural Festival

This year marks the 5th anniversary of this lively event held in Downtown Lancaster. Come experience the culture, art, customs, and cuisine of Latin American countries. The Binn’s Park stage will be host to live music as well as folk dances. Vendors and food trucks from throughout the area will also be in attendance, so make sure to come hungry! This year the celebration will take place from 2:00 to 9:00 PM on September 29th. Admission is free for all in attendance.

Annual Cloktoberfest at the National Watch and Clock Museum

Held this year on September 30th, the 3rd Annual Cloktoberfest will host a variety of fall and clock-themed events. Typically included in the activities are a steampunk fashion show, vendors, workshops, behind-the-scenes museum tours, and even watch evaluations. And of course it wouldn’t be a true Oktoberfest event without plenty of beer on hand. Admission to this event is free, and runs from 9 AM to 3 PM.

Community Fairs

Throughout September and the rest of autumn, communities across  Lancaster county hold their annual fairs. Contests, rides, parades, food, and agricultural exhibits are just a few of the attractions available to fair-goers. The specifics of each fair vary from town to town, with some boasting live music and competitions in addition to the more traditional events.

If you like dunk tanks and funnel cake, take a look at this listing of fairs that are held in Lancaster County for more details!

Lancaster County may be tranquil, but it sure isn’t boring. If you attend one of these events and have a blast, remember to come back next year!