5 Top Reasons to Take a Trip to Amish Country, PA
September 27, 2019
Do you ever just get so tied up at work that you throw your hands up in the air and say, “That’s it. I need a vacation.” Sometimes you need an uninterrupted break from the daily grind, which is why planning a getaway to Amish Country, PA should be on your bucket list. Slow down from the everyday life happenings, relax away from the city, and let your worries fade while staying at AmishView Inn & Suites. Keep reading to find the top 5 reasons as to why your next escape should be to Lancaster, PA.
1. The Atmosphere
The best time to visit Amish Country, PA, is really any time of the year. You’ll quickly find yourself nestled around gorgeous Amish farms, breathtaking landscapes, and quaint shops all around the area. When you physically see how the Amish live, you’ll come to appreciate your time reflecting on life away from technology and the modern-day lifestyle.
2. The Furniture
When shopping in Lancaster, PA, we suggest taking the time to appreciate the Amish furniture. Each piece is truly one-of-a-kind, and the longevity of the furniture far exceeds any mass-produced product. The quality and care put into each piece means that the Amish maker has ensured that the selected pieces of hardwood have matured enough to last from generation to generation.
3. The Food
All around town, you’ll find farm stands, Amish baked goods, and the best restaurants in Lancaster, PA, that use locally grown Amish ingredients. Traditional Amish food is made with fresh ingredients, is deliciously hearty and will not leave you hungry. Get the taste of the Amish Country, PA, ingredients of Lancaster County at Miller’s Smorgasbord.
4. The Buggy Rides
Amish do not drive cars, let alone use transportation that has rubber on the tires as the tractors and buggies are meant to stay close to their farms. Which is why when you visit Lancaster, PA, you’ll find many Amish folks traveling around by buggy. We encourage you to take a tour of their farms and properties by buggy, which will allow you to get a real experience of the Amish traditions along the way.
5. The Amish Products
Not only does the Amish produce high-quality furniture and grow the best quality ingredients around, but they also craft many other products. You’ll find authentic Amish-made clothing, canned goods, quilts, art, candles, leather goods and so much more while shopping in Lancaster, PA. Walk away from your vacation with a gift or keepsake that is one-of-a-kind.
Peaceful Lancaster, PA, Hotels
The Amish take a slower approach to life, and when you visit Lancaster, PA, you’ll get to partake in the experience. Escape from the busy city life and take time to nurture your family connections in Amish Country, PA. During your stay at AmishView Inn & Suites, enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast each morning with the view of an Amish farm just outside the window as you eat breakfast. While we offer a peaceful escape, we also provide modern-day amenities such as free wi-fi and TVs that will keep you connected during your getaway. Please give us a call to book your stay 1-866-735-1600 or book online.
Antique Shopping in Lancaster PA
August 24, 2019Life can get all too busy, which is why a trip to Amish Country will be a great way to slow down. You’ll find many places to spend the day shopping in Lancaster PA when you’re looking for that perfect item to bring back home. Everyone loves a good treasure hunt, so why not spend a relaxing afternoon shopping the local antique stores near AmishView Inn & Suites. Before heading off, make sure to look at the days and hours of the shops you want to see. Some of the locations are only open one or two days a week. So best to plan your visit and map out your stops accordingly.
Shop for Classic
There are great stores offer a fantastic collection of classic items such as records, clothing, toys, home decor, furniture and so much more at Crackleberry Farm Antique Mall. There are 125 vendors so you will be sure to find something perfect in the eclectic mix of items offered.
Shop for Vintage
If you’re in search of vintage items, there are plenty of options in Lancaster PA. We do suggest trying downtown Lancaster for some cool stores that include Building Character. This is a great place to get something completely unique. If you’re in search of pottery art, video games, mid-century furniture with a modern twist you must check out this spot of mixed vendors in downtown Lancaster.
Lancaster County – Home of the Antiques Capital
In the northeastern part of Lancaster County lies the small town of Adamstown. Despite its size, Adamstown is considered to be the Antiques Capital of the US due to its massive number of vendors. There are more than 3,000 antique dealers for you to peruse!
We’ve compiled a list of some of the antique shops in Lancaster County. Whether you are looking for furniture, china, jewelry, timepieces, or something unique, these antique stores have got you covered!
Find out what all of the excitement is about by visiting some of the dealers listed below:
272 Antiques
1300 N Reading Rd
Stevens, PA 17578
717-336-0888
(Vintage Apparel)
1707 Lincoln Hwy. East (Route 30)
Lancaster, PA 17602
717-295-1088
Adams Antique
2400 N Reading Rd
Denver, PA 17517
717 335-3116
Adamstown Antique Mall
3014 N Reading Rd
Adamstown, PA 19501
717-484-0464
Alternative Furnishings
266 State St
Hamburg, PA 19526
717-484-2225
Antique Village of Strasburg
227 Hartman Bridge Rd
Ronks, PA 17572
717 687-8802
Brickerville Antique Barn
2 E. 28th Division Hwy. (Route 322)
Lititz, PA 17543
717-626-0786
Burning Bridge Antique Market
304 Walnut St
Columbia, PA 17512
717 684-7900
Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall
3371 Lincoln Hwy E
Paradise, PA 17562
717 442-8805
Columbia Rivertowne Antique Center
125 Bank Ave
Columbia, PA 17512
717 684-8514
Heritage Antique Center
2750 N. Reading Rd Rte 272
Adamstown, PA 19501
717-484-4646
Lancaster County Antique Center, LLC
2255 N. Reading Rd Rte 272
Denver, PA 17517
717-336-2701
Mad Hatter Antique Mall
61 Willow Street
Adamstown, PA 19501
717-484-4159
Moravian House Antiques
122 East Main Street
Lititz, PA 17543
717-475-5570 or 717-474-5584
Morphy Auctions
2000 North Reading Road
Denver, PA 17517
717-335-3435
Oley Valley Architectural Antiques
2453 N. Reading Rd
Denver, PA 17517
717-335-3585
Pine Hills Antique Mall
3 Adams Drive
Reinholds, PA 17569
717-484-6313
Renninger’s Antiques & Collectibles Market
2500 North Reading Road
Adamstown, PA 19501
717-336-2177
Shupp’s Grove Antique Market
607 Willow Street
Reinholds, PA 17569
717-484-4115
Strasburg Antique Market
207 Georgetown Road
Strasburg, PA 17579
717-687-5624
Time Matters Antique Mall
2684 N. Reading Rd. (Rt.272)
Reinholds, PA 17569
717-484-1514
Shopping for antiques is a thrilling pastime. Searching through hundreds of relics of years past to find that new piece for your collection. Whether you are looking for interesting mementos or want to find worn pieces of history to refinish and make new.
Regardless of why you love antique shopping, you’ll find plenty of opportunities here in Lancaster County. Regarded as one of the largest concentrations of antiques in the United States, the area boasts plenty of shops, co-ops, and flea markets for you to explore.
Recharged after Shopping
If you love “antiquing”, turn it into a weekend adventure! With all the antique shops available in Lancaster County, you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of AmishView Inn every night while living out the thrill of the chase during the day!
AmishView offers the atmosphere of a bed and breakfast and the amenities of hotel. Give us a call 1-866-735-1600 to book your accommodations today.
Best Restaurants in Lancaster PA
July 26, 2019One of the best experiences you’ll have when staying at AmishView Inn & Suites is the fantastic food during your stay. Our complimentary breakfast buffet is served fresh each morning so that you’ll be able to start the day off with a full stomach before going about your daily adventures. Many local eateries use authentic Amish-grown ingredients in their dishes, which is why you’ll find some of the best restaurants in Lancaster PA.
Smokehouse BBQ and Brew
During your vacation, plan a night to stop into the Smokehouse BBQ and Brew located just outside the lobby doors of our Lancaster hotel. You’ll love the signature house-made sauce options that are on each table. Order a round of wings or a rack of ribs which are both local favorites and pair it with an artisan brew on draft. Even if you don’t have time to sit and dine, grab an order to go and bring it back to your room to relax after a long day out!
Miller’s Smorgasbord
One of the best buffet restaurants in Lancaster PA is Miller’s Smorgasbord as they serve meals made from scratch. They have been a Lancaster County staple since 1929! They are still locally owned and operated. When you genuinely want to taste the flavor of the Lancaster County dishes, this American fare eatery should be your go-to on Lancaster vacation. The restaurant offers full traditional smorgasbord buffet with house-made baked goods and desserts as well as their lighter Soup and Salad Smorgasbord. We suggest trying the traditional smorgasbord where you’ll have access to everything including homemade soups; carving station with roast beef, ham and turkey; Golden Fried Chicken; Baked Cabbage and more! you’ll have so many options. The restaurant is located at The Shoppes at Miller’s where you can get hand-stitched Amish-made quilts, MIller’s Bakery baked goods and mementos of your trip.
Other Restaurants
There is a wide variety of award-winning locally owned restaurants in Lancaster County especially in downtown Lancaster City. It can be fun to try out the specials in Downtown Lancaster during the annual Restaurant Week. Beer lover? Check out the different craft breweries that offer dining as well. Looking for additional suggestions, ask our front desk but be sure to them know what type of food you are looking for.
Book Your Stay in Lancaster at AmishView
When staying at AmishView, you’ll be able to enjoy the complimentary hearty breakfast buffet, before heading out to explore Amish Country. This buffet features oatmeal, country potatoes, made to order waffles, made to order eggs, and other farm fresh items. No matter which of our gorgeous hotel rooms you choose for your stay in Lancaster, you’ll delight in beautiful views of the Amish farms that surround you while looking out your window or the window in the Great Room. You’ll enjoy an intimate getaway with your loved ones out in the country away from the city. It’s never too early to start planning your getaway to our peaceful town of Lancaster, PA. Give us a call at 1-866-735-1600.
Family-Friendly Lancaster PA Inn
June 30, 2019
After spending the day exploring with your family, come back to our Lancaster inn to kick back and relax. We have an indoor pool where your kids will be able to continue the fun and a whirlpool where you can indulge in a carefree zone! For your kid’s entertainment, and maybe even for an adult with a childlike curiosity, we have an arcade room that’s available 24 hours a day! To view our outstanding hotel amenities visit our breakfast and amenities page online! When you’re ready to plan your stay in Lancaster Amish country give us a call at 1-866-735-1600!
Top 3 Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Lancaster PA
June 30, 2019
During your family vacations to AmishView Inn & Suites, you’ll come to find we are centrally located to a variety of things to do in Lancaster PA with your kids! There are many family-friendly adventures to take advantage of to ensure that you’re loved ones stay entertained. We know that planning an itinerary for your family getaways can be time-consuming, so let us act as your guide and offer advice on how to make your trip a kid-friendly one!
Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park When you’re looking for kid-friendly things to do in Lancaster PA, spending the day at Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park should be at the top of your list! Your kids will be grinning from ear to ear as they experience the many thrill rides that are meant for those with little ones along! The theme park has deemed itself a “Kingdom for Kids,” which means it will be the perfect way to introduce your children to an amusement park! Bring your swimsuit along during your day at the park, and make your way to Duke’s Lagoon, a water play area with activity pools, and water rides! Enjoy a park that features over 30 rides, an abundance of activities, games, and shows for your entire family during your stay at our Lancaster inn!
Hands-on House, Children’s Museum of Lancaster We know children sometimes need constant entertainment, which is why a visit to the Hands-on House Children’s Museum will be the perfect stop during your stay. Plan to spend an hour or two at the museum where there are many indoor and outdoor interactive play areas to explore! Indoors your kids will be able to dress up, face paint, play pretend in a little grocery store, post office, among many other small play areas! The outdoor play location features a playground and meadow for the kids to roam about and expend their energy! Many of the indoor interactive areas are suitable for children ages 2-10 and will be one of your favorite family-friendly things to do in Lancaster PA!
Go ‘N Bananas Family Fun Center Your family will love the variety of adventure offered at Go ‘N Bananas Family Fun Center located just minutes from our Lancaster inn. All ages are welcome to the local family center where you’ll find laser tag, arcade games, bowling, and can even traverse through a ropes course! Check out the Spin Zone where you’ll be able to make quick U-turns, spin cars, and run into your fellow family members bumper cars! When you have toddlers along during family vacation, swing by the Toddler Zone in the center to keep the little ones entertained! The zone is filled with colorful playground objects and obstacles where the kids will be able to explore in a creative atmosphere! Make your way to the Go ‘N Bananas Family Fun Center to have the adventure of a lifetime!
Lancaster Amish Community
June 11, 2019You’ll pass by numerous buggies and farmlands while staying at our Lancaster hotel in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. The Amish community takes a slower approach to life, which will give you a new found appreciation for quality time. While in Amish country, you’ll notice the variety of handcrafted one-of-a-kind items while shopping in Lancaster, PA. There’s an abundance of Amish owned stores where you can pick up handmade quilts, furniture, baked goods, and more! Once you bake a pie with freshly-farmed Amish ingredients, you’ll never look at baking the same again! The beautiful side of the Amish community is that they cater to faith, family, and farming, which is fascinating to the modernized world today, and will leave you with a better understanding of the important things in life!
Amish Furniture
December 19, 2017The 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
Transportation and The Amish
December 12, 2017The 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.
Simple Pork & Sauerkraut for a PA Dutch New Year
November 14, 2017If you live in, or have visited, Pennsylvania near the New Year you’ve probably experienced our famous pork & sauerkraut. This simple dish has been passed down from generation to generation with minor tweaks throughout. Many visitors are curious about the popular PA Dutch tradition meant to bring good luck, and more importantly, how to make it. Let’s give it a look!
The PA Dutch Tradition
Every year, eager residents of Lancaster County eat pork & sauerkraut for good luck. But how did they get started? Some say that early farmers were inspired by their pigs. As an analogy, the pigs “rooted forward” for forward momentum. The truth is, despite how good our guesses may seem, we don’t actually know! One thing we do know: it’s delicious.
Pork and Sauerkraut in 4 Steps
Now for the recipe itself, which is surprisingly simple. It takes about 6 hours, and feeds five:
Prepare the Pork
Start with 1 pound of pork roast and cut it into small cubes – roughly 1 inch in size. You may also want to slice or shred the pork, depending on your personal tastes.
Get an Apple Ready
One of the key aspects of getting that unique PA Dutch Sauerkraut taste is by using an apple. The apple itself won’t be a part of the finished product, but is essential to the process. Peel half an apple, remove the core, and then put it in a crock pot to get things started. If you like a more acidic taste, you can use an entire apple. However, for your first time half should be plenty.
Put the Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Now place the pork into the crock pot along with the following:
- 1 32 ounce jar sauerkraut with juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh dill weed
- 1 teaspoon onion salt
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
Cook!
For the final step, turn your crockpot to high for 1 hour. Then, switch it to low for 5 hours. Then, take out the apple and voila! You now have traditional pork & sauerkraut at home.
Nothing Beats The Authentic Dish
If you can’t quite get it right at home, you’re always welcome to try the original in Lancaster County! Stay at AmishView Inn and explore our local restaurants to get your fill of genuine PA Dutch cooking right from the source.
Microbreweries in Lancaster County
October 30, 2017Lancaster County has a rich cultural heritage. However, we’re not only known for our historical legacy and Amish tradition, but also our brewmasters! Lancaster County is home to a number of craft breweries whse connections are downright decadent. There’s a reason we’re called the “Little Munich of America”. With more than a dozen in the area, let’s take a look at five local brewpub favorites.
Iron Hill Brewery
What started as two friends using a homebrew kit back in 1990 has become one of the most beloved local brewpubs in Lancaster. They also feature delicious artisan dishes to accompany your drinks. You can check them out at 781 Harrisburg Pike Lancaster, Pa.
The most popular drink from Iron Hill is the “Pig Iron Porter”. Described as a “classic porter”, it balances a slight bitter flavor with chocolate and roasted malt.
Iron Hill Brewery is also known for their “Ore House IPA”. This beverage emphasizes its hops with hints of pine and citrus. Along with the citrus aroma, it’s golden hue is a delight to see – making it an all-around home run for the senses.
Wacker Brewing Company
Wacker Brewing Company dates all the way back to 1853! When Joseph Wacker made his purchase, it stayed a family-run business until 1938. After surviving a devastating fire, and prohibition, the Wacker family sold its brewery to John Duschl. He maintained the business until 1956 when midwestern breweries overtook the market. In 2014, Wacker Brewing reopened – surging with creative energy combined with classic recipes. To see this historical landmark, head to 417 West Grant Street in Lancaster.
Their popular light-bodied dark beer, “Little Dutch Dunkel” is among their most popular beverages. A Dunkelweizen (“wheat beer”), this beverage starts with a bready flavor and finishes lighter like a lager.
Another popular beverage is their “Wacker’s German Pale Ale”, or “Kolsch”. This particular item is pale and fruity, with a medium to light bodied flavor.
Lancaster Brewing Company
In 1995, Lancaster Malt Brewing opened in the iconic tobacco warehouse of Lancaster city. Refashioned as a brewpub, this is where Lancaster Brewing Company still stands today. You can see the big brick building for yourself at 302 North Plum St. Lancaster, Pa.
Lancaster Brewing Company features several intriguing beer options, one of which is their “Milk Stout”. Deliciously sweet, this craft beer has hints of malt with overtones of milk chocolate and coffee. It’s a dessert drink for sure, and a nice introduction for newer craft beer aficionados.
The “Hop Hog IPA” is made especially for hop-lovers. This potent brew charges – like a hog – with hop flavor for a dry, yet satisfying, experience.
Spring House Brewing Company
Matt Keasey began the Spring House Brewing Company in 2006 as a tiny operation. However, his concoctions drew admirers from miles around, and he quickly outgrew his barn! His unique style and experimental brews can be experienced at 25 West King Street in Lancaster.
Spring House offers the “Big Gruesome Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout” for its sweet-loving Stout fans. Made with raw cocoa, vanilla beans, and peanut butter, this beverage has a full-bodied, rich taste. The raw cocoa packs a punch, but the peanut butter mellows it out for a truly mighty experience.
“The Astounding She-Monster Mango IPA” is a Spring House specialty. This beverage combines sweet mango with sour citrus for a fruity sensation.
St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company
In 2010, Jon Northup and Mike Price opened a one barrel nanobrewery in Ephrata. After receiving overwhelming community support, they expanded to a three-barrel operation using local Mennonite-crafted metalwork. By 2015, St. Boniface’s rapid growth resulted in a 15-barrel brewery with over 90% of its production sold in-house. St. Boniface has become a local staple, and you can visit its rustic brewpub at 1701 W. Main St. in Ephrata.
St. Boniface developed the “Paideia Pale Ale” to represent the prototypical ideal for all pale ales. It’s single-hop and malt blend are pure, with reduced bitterness.
Their “Libation DIPA” is meant to evoke the gods themselves. Its emphasis on malt, and unique hop blend, showcase a sweetly balanced beer.
So Much Beer, So Little Time
Not enough time to visit all the breweries during your stay at Amishview Inn? Don’t Worry! You can always come back to finish your tour, we would be glad to have you again. If you are looking to try multiple craft brews at one location, don’t forget to check out our friends at Smokehouse BBQ & Brews or Rumspringa Brewing Company!