Tag: amish

Christmas-traditions-in-Amish-Country

Christmas Traditions in Amish Country

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.

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award winning boutique hotel AmishView Inn & Suites

What is a Boutique Hotel?

Make 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.

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The-charm-of-fall-in-Lancaster-PA

The Charm of Fall in Lancaster PA

Fall in Lancaster Pennsylvania is a must-see!

Enjoy the charm of fall in Lancaster PA. As the leaves begin to change colors and the weather gets colder, there’s no better place to be than in Lancaster Pennsylvania. With so many charming things to see and do, you’ll fall in love with fall, all over again. From taking in the sights of Lancaster County, to enjoying all the delicious local food, here’s why fall in Lancaster PA is a must-see.

One of a Kind Amish Country Tradition

Lancaster County is famous for its Amish community, which provides plenty of charming sights to see and adventures to experience. Take a horse and buggy ride through the rolling hills or visit an Amish farm for a taste of country living. You can also find plenty of local craftsmanship in the many shops around Lancaster County. Be sure to pick up some Thanksgiving decorations while you’re there! 

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Amish thanksgiving

Enjoy an Amish Thanksgiving During an Extended Weekend in Lancaster County

While October’s peak foliage attracts many visitors to the area, soon guests will have holidays on their minds and we can’t think of a better destination than Lancaster County for a celebration of blessings and bountiful harvests!

We have rooms and suites offering breathtaking views of Amish Country and encourage you to call for availability as soon as possible. Visit our site’s Offers page to see updated information on special packages and enhancements to your accommodations.

Read further to learn more about Thanksgiving in Lancaster County.

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Enjoy Safe Overnight Stays in Lancaster County

As the number of coronavirus cases steadily declines, people are starting to travel again. It’s exciting to know Lancaster County tourism continues to emerge from COVID-19 and visitors from surrounding counties and states are once again discovering the beauty of Amish Country.
People are ready to shed their cabin fever: Families coming to Lancaster for the Amish experience or to see shows at American Music Theater or Sight & Sound, couples looking for a romantic getaway, outdoor enthusiasts exploring nearby hiking and biking trails, and so many others.

guest room safety sign
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Amish Furniture

Amish Furniture

The Amish community is well-known for their high quality furniture. Many are left wondering how they do it, especially without using electricity. The answer is overwhelmingly skill. By employing tremendous woodworking abilities, handed down from generation to generation, the Amish have developed an extraordinary legacy.

First, the craftsmen choose the right wood for the piece. A nice cherry wood for a table, or a maple or mahogany. Depending on the client’s request, any wood is possible. Without particle board, or shortcuts, they build furniture using hand tools and tools that are powered with diesel compressors alone. The process is slow and laborious, but yields fantastic results.

Why Buy Amish Furniture?

Because it’s good. Furniture from the Amish community is generally very sturdy and lasts a lifetime. They utilize a painstaking attention to detail, so pieces are genuinely cared for throughout the process. Each piece is unique and visitors to your home will notice.

They have an expansive inventory potential. The Amish woodworkers are versatile, and will create anything from chairs to cabinets. There are several variations of style and technique that different sects use. For example, the Shaker and Queen Ann styles differ significantly. The Shaker pieces emphasize simplicity while the Queen Ann pieces include engraved ornamentation.

The process is environmentally friendly, and it promotes local business. The Plain community steadfastly refuses to waste supplies so trees are not torn down in vain. They also often own their own businesses, and purchasing goods from an Amish-run store stimulates the local economy.

Local Amish Craftsmen:

If you’re interested in acquiring some authentic Amish furniture pieces during your stay at the AmishView Inn & Suites, here are a few local locations!

Peaceful Valley Furniture
3347 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse 17534

Fisher’s Quality Furniture
3061 W. Newport Road, Ronks, PA 17572

Gish’s Furniture and Amish Heirlooms
2191 E Lincoln Hwy, Lancaster PA

Dutch Selections
793 Lancaster Pk, Quarryville PA 17566

King’s Kountry Korner
101 Centerville Rd, Gordonville, Pa

Carriage House Furnishings
3572 West Newport Rd. Ronks, PA 17572

Harold’s Oak House
412 Newport Avenue, Christiana, PA 17509

Amish Transportation

Transportation and The Amish

The Amish are often recognized by one of two things: their dress, or their buggies. The Lancaster landscape is peppered with gray and black-topped buggies as well as the sound of hooves on asphalt. Visitors to Lancaster are awed by the sight, and surprisingly little is known about the Amish outside their towns. As a result, visitors often ask about how the Amish get around, and we’d like to oblige!

Transportation Preferences

Plain folk prefer modes of transportation that are slower, it’s true. But they’re not limited to horse-drawn buggies – they also use pony carts, scooters, and tractors. Their vehicles usually don’t utilize electricity, and are limited in distance capability. The reasoning is far more complex than its surface implies.

The Amish prefer slower, lower tech transportation because it encourages introspection and community. The longer the trip, the more thinking. Traveling in horse-drawn buggies or scooters allows more time for contemplation. Not consistently being busy zooming here and there leads to fuller, richer living.

Additionally, the Amish heavily depend on each other as neighbors and friends with each trip. Imagine a typical errand trip for you: groceries, appointments, and shopping. It might take three hours, tops. But for the Amish, that same trip would take triple the time. They must rely on the community to watch the kids, or feed the livestock, or even manage the business.

These requests foster relationships, and in turn trust. Having a tight-knit community of reciprocated familiarity and trust is integral to the Amish culture. As much as they’d like to completely travel in this fashion, there are exceptions.

Transportation Exceptions

Typically, the Amish will try alternate methods before resorting to contemporary vehicles. Sometimes the distance is just too great, or the situation is time sensitive. For example, say an Amish business owner hears about a last-minute sale on livestock – but it’s in California. If it’s important enough for his family’s livelihood, he must purchase it. He cannot reasonably be expected to travel there and back, with thousands of pounds of cargo, in a more traditional Amish vehicle. He will instead contact a driver with a truck.

Drivers like this exist all over areas replete with Plain folk. The Amish individual will not drive the vehicle, but in keeping with his church’s guidelines will ride as a passenger. He can purchase the livestock and transport it without risking speed or his beliefs.

Depending on the sect, the Amish can contact drivers for much simpler scenarios. They can also travel on boats and trains – as long as the church approves.

It’s All Relative

Ultimately, the Amish decided to take a step back, and to focus on each other and their religion. With this kind of discipline, they have been able to preserve a deep cultural heritage. Their close-knit community thrives despite lacking some modern technology.

Mud sales

Mud Sales: It’s Dirty Fun, But Someone’s Gotta Have It

Mud sales Mud sales are a fun and almost legendary event that historically has been organized by the Amish community to support the local fire company. These mud sales often include great food and great deals on furniture, crafts, livestock, and machinery. The origin of the term, “mud sale,” comes from the fact that these auctions are done in early spring when the ground is beginning to thaw. Though it may turn into a slippery situation, it is a still a lot of fun and well worth the tripping hazards.

Mud sales are usually done from the month of March until August, partially because it is when people can come out and enjoy the weather and reunite with neighbors and friends. Since they originated, however, mud sales have become popular all-year-round and that makes them even more varied and convenient for those that live in Amish country or those that are visiting. Most mud sales begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue throughout the day with food and fun activities. They’re a great place to bring your family or go looking for wonderful furniture pieces for your new home! You may even find an amazing quilt for Mom!

While everything Amish from livestock to quilts are sold at mud sales you can also find farm equipment, machinery and smaller crafts and home goods as well. Though many people come to mud sales for larger pieces, there are plenty of smaller items that can make wonderful gifts for those at home or souvenirs for your home. Smaller pieces such as handmade home goods and baked goods are created and sold without an auction or the need to hurry and pay. This way you can take a smaller item with you without having to get out the checkbook or rent a U-Haul.

What may be the most fun part about mud sales is that there is plenty of local food to try and a diverse variety of things to see. Unlike most places in Lancaster County it is likely the Amish will outnumber you two to one at a mud sale. This is a wonderful opportunity to truly see their culture and listen to their language. While you’re there you can also indulge on all foods “Dutchified.” While you will definitely find your whoopie pies and soft pretzels, there are even more options for you to choose from! So go ahead and give our chicken and dumplings or Chow Chow a try! We’re sure you’ll love it!