Tag: Amish Country
Annual Lancaster Hot Air Balloon Festival and Country Fair
May 5, 2026Family Friendly and Romantic Fun in Lancaster County
The Hot Air Balloon Festival in Bird-In-Hand is back in 2026! Dates & Time: September 25 & 26, 3-10PM both days. Can’t make it, schedule a your own balloon ride with Lancaster Balloon Rides which is just minutes away from AmishView Inn & Suites.
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.
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.
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.
Give Lancaster County this Holiday Season
November 1, 20237 Special Holiday Gifts Straight from Lancaster
As the holiday season approaches and special occasions abound, finding the perfect gift is so important. Lancaster County has the perfect holiday gift for even the toughest friend or family member. From hand-stitched Amish quilts to sweet gooey shoofly pie, we have something for everyone! Today we’ll share our list of the top 7 most popular Christmas gifts available at The Shoppes at Miller’s.
Experience the Theaters of Lancaster County
October 14, 2023Key Takeaways: Exploring the Lancaster Theater Scene
- Broadway-Caliber Productions: Visit the historic Fulton Theatre—the oldest continuously operating theater in America—for high-end musicals like West Side Story and Annie.
- Immersive Biblical Epics: Witness the world-renowned Sight & Sound Theatre, where massive sets and live animals bring stories like Joshua to life for nearly 800,000 annual guests.
- World-Class Concerts & Variety: Catch Grammy-winning artists and the famous Winter Wonderland holiday show at the American Music Theatre, or enjoy intimate “boutique” musicals at Prima Theatre.
- Dinner & A Show: Combine a delicious buffet with professional theater at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, or experience master illusions and nostalgia-filled music at the Magic & Wonder Theater.
- Local & Cultural Gems: Discover diverse performances from jazz to opera at The Ware Center or high-quality community productions at the Ephrata Performing Arts Center.
Explore the performing arts in Amish Country
Are you searching for the perfect way to spend a night out on your upcoming trip to Lancaster County? Be sure to check out the bustling theatre scene to can catch exciting concerts, spectacular retellings of classic stories, Broadway hits, and much more. Our diverse local theaters are sure to have something that will appeal to everyone in your group. Take a look at some of the theater offerings that you can check out on your next visit.
Christmas Traditions in Amish Country
December 8, 2022Key Takeaways: Authentic Christmas Traditions in Amish Country
- A Simple, Candlelit Holiday: Experience the peaceful atmosphere of an Amish Christmas, where homes are illuminated by the warm glow of candles and oil lamps rather than modern electric lights.
- Unique Seasonal Decor: Discover the “simplified” approach to holiday decorating, featuring festive evergreen branches and handcrafted paper stars displayed in window baskets instead of traditional Christmas trees.
- Practical & Sustainable Gifting: Learn about the Amish custom of exchanging handmade, practical gifts—often packaged in reusable cloth bags—reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to community equality and environmental stewardship.
- Traditional Holiday Feasting: Explore the hearty flavors of a classic Amish Christmas dinner, ranging from roast beef and mashed potatoes to iconic desserts like shoofly pie and pumpkin custard.
- Your Winter Gateway: Located in the heart of Lancaster County, AmishView Inn & Suites offers the perfect, cozy home base to witness these timeless holiday customs firsthand.
Amish Country Christmas Traditions & Customs
The Christmas traditions in Amish Country are full of old-fashioned customs and activities that keep the holiday season alive. Christmas is a special time for many of us, but for the Amish, it’s a chance to come together and celebrate their culture. Whether you live nearby or plan on visiting one day soon, you won’t want to miss out on experiencing these unique holiday traditions for yourself! From candlelit decorations to special meals shared among family members or friends, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience! Let’s take a look at some of these unique holiday traditions.
What is a Boutique Hotel?
November 4, 2022Make Unique Memories on Your Next Vacation
Looking for a unique and customized travel experience? Consider booking a stay at a boutique hotel! Though the term “boutique hotel” might conjure up images of luxury and extravagance, there’s much more to these types of accommodations than meets the eye. Read on to learn all about boutique hotels, including what they are, where they got their start, and what you can expect when staying at one.