AMT Christmas Show
October 17, 2017We love when guests come to visit us for the holidays! You can be sure our halls will be decked, and whether you prefer to shop or to be entertained, Lancaster County has something just for you. In fact, within minutes of the AmishView Inn you can experience some of the best holiday shopping, antiquing, and shows for all ages.
We would like to put the spotlight on one of our favorite annual Christmas shows – The Christmas Show at American Music Theatre! It’s truly a spectacle of fun and nostalgia.
Performances To Make You Feel “Home for the Holidays”
With the holiday season on its way, people are prepping for family traditions and festivities. Soon, holiday decorations will adorn homes and shops. Holiday music will delight listeners over the airwaves and cheer will be everywhere. For many, the time of Christmas is filled with wonder and whimsy.
This year, the American Music Theater aims to recreate that wonder for its audiences in The 2024 Christmas Show: Joy to the World. Evoking the revered holiday nostalgia of hometown America, their stage transforms into a small town winter carnival brimming with family, friends, and entertaining elves. Singing, dancing, and music are sure to put you in the Christmas spirit. Not just any music, that is, but the outstanding musical arrangements played by the AMT orchestra!
It’s Showtime!
The 2024 Christmas Show will be running from November 5th until December 30th, so don’t miss this spectacular show! Only a few minutes from Amishview Inn, let the talented performers at AMT help you experience the joy of past holidays. Visit American Music Theater’s website for more information.
Let Us Be Your Home For The Holidays
Looking for a winter getaway? Let AmishView Inn be your home during the holidays! Our beautiful views and optional adult-only wing can give you the peaceful retreat that you deserve. Contact us now to get more information or make your reservation today.
Holiday Shopping In Lancaster County
September 28, 2017Looking to do some holiday shopping in Lancaster County? Early birds and last-minute shoppers alike will find that Lancaster is the perfect place to shop this holiday season. Whether you are looking for national brands or local goods from Amish Country, you can find it all. Here are some of our favorite places to finish off that gift list in Lancaster.
Kitchen Kettle Village
If you’re looking for less mainstream gifts, Kitchen Kettle Village offers a variety of local goods. Located in Intercourse, PA, this collection of over 40 shops specializes in rustic and artistic wares. Home-canned jams, handcrafted leather goods, hand-stitched quilts, and more are available at the Village. You can also find specialized gifts at Kitchen Kettle Village, including an assortment of handmade crafts. More information is available on their website. Best of all, it’s located only minutes from AmishView!
Quilt Shop At Miller’s
Hundreds of Handmade Quilts.
Choose from hundreds of handmade quilts, quillows, wall hangings, and exquisite gift items from Amish, Mennonite, and other local artisans. Members of our friendly, knowledgeable sales staff are always available for questions.
3,500 Square Foot, Well-lit Showroom.
Our meticulous Quilt Shop staff selects only the finest examples of craftsmanship to fill our spacious 3,500 square foot, well-lit showroom.
Plain & Fancy Country Store
Shop our 5,000-square-foot store for authentic Amish-made bonnets, dresses, wooden toys, dolls, and crafts to adorn your home. We carry books, DVD’s and souvenirs so you can take a piece of Lancaster County home with you. We have home decor, candles, mugs, and gifts for every occasion. Our store proudly carries an assortment of “Made in the USA” gift items. We feature locally made treats, a large assortment of jams, jellies, and pickled vegetables made from local ingredients, and fresh baked shoofly pie, whoopie pies, and raisin bread.
Tanger Outlets
Located right off of Route 30/Lincoln Highway, this outlet mall houses over 50 individual shops. Tanger’s layout makes it easy to park in one spot and spend the day walking through all of your favorite shops. Clothing, toys, housewares, and everything in between are available from the shops at Tanger Outlets. The outlets make it simple to tackle that shopping list! They keep an updated directory of their shops online for your perusal.
Park City Center
Located at the intersection of Harrisburg Pike and Route 30, Park City Center is the largest enclosed shopping center in Lancaster County. With nearly 1.5 million square feet of space, and over 170 stores, Park City Center is one of the best places to get your holiday shopping done. This mall is divided into 8 wings, with 5 anchor stores, including: Sears, Kohl’s, JCPenney, Boscov’s, and The Bon-Ton. A full listing of their shops can be found here.
Antiques Shopping
Lancaster County is well-known for its antiques shops and what better place to find those nostalgic toys you once owned (or listed on your childhood Christmas Wish List)? TripAdvisor lists numerous antique stores near us, and our guest services staff would be more than happy to help you decide which ones to visit.
Spend this Winter Season Holiday Shopping With Us!
When you stay at Amishview Inn, you put yourself right in the middle of some of the best holiday shopping available. Spending your days shopping, and your nights relaxing in one of our rooms overlooking Amish Country, makes for a great vacation! Don’t forget to mention our Free Shopping Enhancement.
Lancaster County is the perfect destination for those seeking modern amenities and comfort while in pursuit of nostalgic, quaint experiences that can take you back to simpler days for Christmas. Indoor and outdoor holiday events are taking place throughout Lancaster and neighboring counties.
AmishView Inn & Suites, Tripadvisor’s Top Lancaster hotel, is one of the best places to stay, be near it all, and still be able to enjoy quiet, retreat-like accommodations. We even offer adults-only building for those without children.
Book your stay today!
Museums in Lancaster County
August 31, 2017Lancaster County is home to many great museums, ranging from historical to child-friendly. Trains, clocks, art, and more await you in Amish country. Try adding some museums from our list below to your own vacation!
Antique Automobile Club of America Museum (AACA)
The AACA showcases dozens of fascinating motor vehicles. It demonstrates the history of cars in an entertaining, and educational, way.. A must see for car enthusiasts.
161 Museum Dr
Hershey, PA 17033
Demuth Museum
This museum is dedicated to the works of American modernist Charles Demuth. It provides a dazzling array of exhibitions and education opportunities. Fans of the visual arts will love this peek into art history.
120 E King St
Lancaster, PA 17602
Ephrata Cloister
One of America’s earliest religious communities, the Ephrata Cloister became known for its printing styles and unique music. Nearly a dozen buildings from the 18th century still remain on site.
632 W Main St
Ephrata, PA 17522
Hands-on House Children’s Museum
The Hands-on House is dedicated to making learning fun for kids ages 2-10 years old. With a philosophy focused on interactivity, children and adults alike will have a blast participating in their classes, exhibits, and programs.
721 Landis Valley Rd
Lancaster, PA 17601
Hans Herr House and Museum
Regarded as the oldest building in Lancaster County, the Hans Herr House is the oldest Mennonite meeting house in America. This colonial-period dwelling epitomizes the medieval Germanic style common of the time.
1849 Hans Herr Dr
Willow Street, PA 17584
Historic Rock Ford Plantation
Showcasing a unique example of architectural integrity, more than 90% of this house is still intact as originally built.Revolutionary War general Edward Hand called this beauty home. History buffs will love seeing the 18th Century elegance that still lives on at Rock Ford Plantation.
881 Rockford Rd
Lancaster, PA 17602
Lancaster Museum of Art
Housed in a Greek Revival style mansion from 1845, this museum displays contemporary art. Its exhibitions focus on both regional and national artists.
135 N Lime St
Lancaster, PA 17602
National Christmas Center
Showing the history of Christmas in an educational and entertaining way, boasts more than 20,000 square feet of holiday cheer. The center is open year round, but if you are planning to go, do so before their doors close at the end of the 2017 season.
3427 Lincoln Highway
Paradise, PA 17562
National Toy Train Museum
A monument to collecting, building, and operating toy trains, the National Toy Train Museum is an exciting attraction for young and old alike. With models going back to the 1800s, and five interactive train layouts, this museum is a fun activity.In fact, it’s often regarded as the best train museum in America.
300 Paradise Ln
Ronks, PA 17572
National Watch & Clock Museum
Recognized as the most comprehensive horological collection in North America, the National Watch and Clock Museum boasts more than 12,000 items. From large standing clocks to small timepieces, their collection houses all things time.
514 Poplar St
Columbia, PA 17512
North Museum of Natural History & Science
For over 60 years, the North Museum of Natural History & Science has been inspiring curiosity in residents and visitors to Lancaster county. For science lovers of all ages, they host exhibits, events, educational programs, and more.
400 College Ave
Lancaster, PA 17603
President James Buchanan’s Wheatland
Visit President James Buchanan’s estate and explore the story of his presidency. The only United States President from Pennsylvania, Buchanan spent much of his private life at Wheatland.
1120 Marietta Ave
Lancaster, PA 17603
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
This museum is considered world-class when it comes to railroad history. It holds artifacts and locomotives dating back to 1825! In addition to its exhibits, it offers special events, a vast library, and a working restoration shop.
300 Gap Rd
Strasburg, PA 17579
What in the World is a Ferhoodle?
August 2, 2017As a staple of our breakfast buffets, we’re often asked what our “Ferhoodle” is. Here’s a handy infographic to explain!
From the infographic:
“Derived from the Pennsylvania German (Dutch) dialect used to describe something that is confused or “mixed up”.
At AmishView Inn it’s a delicious part of an extensive hot and fresh breakfast buffet served each morning to our guests!
The AmishView Inn Ferhoodle takes scrambled eggs, potatoes, baked ham, bell peppers, and onions …and then they Ferhoodle them!”
Make Our Tradition Yours
There you have it! Many visitors know Lancaster County for its homemade Dutch foods. The fun thing about Ferhoodle is that there is more than just one way to make it. Each family has their own spin on this dish, some substituting in sausage, rice, or other family favorites. You can add almost anything to make your family’s very own version.
Enjoy our Ferhoodle at AmishView Inn, and then take the tradition home to your family to enjoy!
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Amish Community
July 27, 2017For people residing outside of Lancaster County, the Amish can seem like a mystery. Why do they reject the use of some modern technology? What do they believe? Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions with brief answers. It is impossible to summarize any culture in such a short text, but we’d like to give you some basics.
When did the Amish begin?
They trace their roots back to Switzerland in 1525 during the Anabaptist movement. The emphasis for Anabaptists at the time was voluntary adult baptism – as well as a church that the state did not control. The Amish remained a part of this movement until 1693 when they formed their own group under the leadership of Jakob Ammann.
What language do the Amish speak?
A majority of the Amish speak the Pennsylvania German dialect that is commonly referred to as Pennsylvania Dutch. A few communities favor a Swiss dialect. For most in the community, English is learned during school and is their second language.
Where do the Amish live?
Currently, there are communities in as many as 31 states and several Canadian provinces. The vast majority,roughly 63%, reside in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. In total, about 2,260 local congregations exist – called church districts. Each of these districts typically includes between 20 and 40 families. Pennsylvania has both the largest and the oldest population of Amish in the United States.
How many Amish are there?
In North America, there are estimated to be about 308,000 adults and children. Since children make up more than half of most communities, it is likely that there is about 138,000 baptized adult church members.
Are there different kinds of Amish?
Yes. When referring to “the” Amish, most people are actually referring to many different affiliations, each with its own distinct culture. Dress styles, technology restrictions, occupations, and more all rely heavily upon individual Amish groups.
If you would like to learn more about the Amish, take part in one of the many experiences offered by AmishView Inn. This includes our Visit In Person Tour where you can interact with the Amish culture first hand!
Fun-Filled Couples Getaway
July 25, 2017Life can get crazy, making it hard to plan an engaging vacation. Follow our trip outline to help you and your significant other maximize your vacation! Forget about work and responsibilities while you take in the stunning Lancaster County scenery and all that it has to offer.
Morning Relaxation and Excitement
Start your day off by getting an aerial view of Lancaster from a hot air balloon! The United States Hot Air Balloon Team in nearby Bird-in-Hand offers private and shared rides that will take you on a tour of the countryside. This exciting experience is for early birds only though, with most rides starting at 6:00 AM and lasting for about an hour.
With the thrilling part of your day behind you, take some time to relax. A couple’s package from one of the area’s many spas will give you a quiet moment to reconnect.
Great Food and a Countryside Tour in the Afternoon
Next up, stop at Miller’s Smorgasbord to experience one of the best buffets in Lancaster. Treat yourself to great local foods and desserts. Miller’s cooks many of their heritage dishes from scratch, giving a fresh take on PA Dutch favorites. They also have a variety of other foods available in their all-you-can-eat buffet, with a la carte beer, wines, and spirits.
Afterwards, take a ride through the local Amish towns and villages at Aaron and Jessica’s Amish Buggy Rides. Take the time to learn about the Amish culture, stop by a roadside stand, and tour the peaceful countryside.
BBQ, Drinks, and a Quiet Night In
Finish out your adventures for the day with slow-smoked barbecue and locally-made craft beer at Smokehouse BBQ and Brews.
Afterward, retire to the beautiful rooms of AmishView Inn and their tranquil views of the Amish farmland. To get even more out of your stay, make sure to reserve a room in the “Adults Only” wing and upgrade your package to include in-room wine, truffles, and a movie.
9 Things for Families to Do in Lancaster
July 22, 2017If 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.
Lancaster County Fairs and Festivals in September
July 19, 2017Autumn 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!