DH & I are thinking about going to Pa to Amish country. Anyone been-if so where did you go & what did you do. Was it worth the drive. Honestly I am a Johnston County Girl.
My Mom moved to Carlisle, PA a few years ago, it is absolutey beautiful up there! We did see some of the Amish country while there year before last,beware of from some of the more "commercialized" areas, I felt some of it was a bit "put on" for the tourists, but overall well worth the drive. We took a horse drawn buggy ride through some of their farms, highly interesting. I can't remember the names of the towns right now, but I will email my Mom and get some recommendations. I do remember it was near where the Amish school house shooting took place. :cry: One thing to remember is that the Amish don't like to have their picture taken, you can take them from a distance with their permission, but they won't allow you to do it close up to get their faces. If you get a chance, Hershey Park is a can't miss. Planning on going back ourselves sometime this summer. It's good bit cooler up there, so plan for that. We went in early June and thought we'd freeze!
Great Idea I have been there many times, Every time I go I find something new and interesting to do. A must see place that is also realy cool is the Hanover Pretzel factory that is located in the heart of Amish Country. As stated before . Please no picture taking of the Amish people. It is against their Religion to have their picture taken, They feel that it takes their soul away. And you realy do have to respect that. Yes they will allow the back of them to be taken but never a face pic. They are a very hard working people and do everything by hand. Never any phones, computers, T.V. or any of that stuff. They are the best crafts people around, and they take extream pride in their work and religion. They are very hospitable, Friendly and will offer a handshake to anyone. But remember when speaking to them , They are Very old world and that they do not use bad language or gestures, They feel that every one is thier brother and expect to be treated the same way and with respect. Some will even invite you into their homes if you get to know them. This is an Awsome treat. as I have been in 3 differant family homes . I for one am proud to have known these hard working pleasant people. They do have some turisty spots that everyone seems to enjoy. But a must see is the real shops and Mom & Pop stores and taverns. Get to know the People not just the Idea. Have a wonderfull time and don't be in a hurry to do everything. relax and enjoy .opcorn:
There is SO much to do there. The pretzel factory is a must. There are also some railroad things to do. Hershey is a bit a ways from there, around 45 minutes I believe. But worth going to. There is alot of stuff to do on the tour. The 3-D show is a MUST see for sure. It's awesome. The kids have lots to do there as well and a good chunck of it is free. Amish country is gorgeous. I'm from NE PA originally but my aunt still lives in Manhiem, near Lancaster. There are great mom & pop shops that are worth going to. An Amish horse and buggy ride through the countryside is so relaxing and just beautiful. The farmland is pleasant. It will be a fun tirp no matter what you do and plenty to see. Kreider's has great milkshakes btw. My aunt takes us there every time. Anyhow, you'll love it up there. Enjoy the trip. Stephanie--mom to 7
It is a great place to visit. I absolutely love the relaxed atmosphere of the Amish Country. Beautiful scenery, good food, and an overall slower pace of life. I've been several times and just enjoyed riding around the beautiful countryside and looking at the very neat, well maintained farmland. We especially enjoyed seeing the covered bridges and my DH because obsessed with finding all of the covered bridges in the little county so we followed a map and went searching. Now that my DS is huge into trains, we'd like to go back and take in the Strasburg railway station and museum. Making the trip on spring break is sounding nice to us. Enjoy!!
I still can't believe your are planning on being that far from home with you know who!!! Also, bring me back something from the Hershey place.
We had a blast when we went. We stayed at a B&B and everyone was so nice. We did the buggy ride. It is so peaceful once you get off the main road and get out to the farms. We also drove over to Gettysburg. Lots of shops and of course the quilts. If you are going to buy one I recommend buying directly from an Amish person (many have things for sale in their front yard).
My husband lived there for 5 yrs. DEFINITELY go to Lititz. They also have a pretzle factory AND Wilbur's Chocolate factory. It is a sweet, quaint town with shops and restaurants. I would love to live back there some day.
I'm from Western PA and we used to visit the Amish Country, which is located Eastern PA. There are several Amish places that you can go to, and they're really pretty there. They have several great country restaurants but I can't remember the names. Be sure NOT to miss the Hershey Park and Gettysburg Memorial Park nearby.
I was up that way for my Grandma's funeral last spring. You won't find more beautiful farm country anywhere, imho. I was going to suggest Gettysburg, also. And all the Philadelphia stuff isn't far away, if you really want to do the tourist thing to the max.
Be sure to visit Intercorse, Pa. It is right in the middle of Amish country. Send a card postmarked from Intercorse to all your friends!!!!
i have a few questions... where did you stay? how did you like it? is there anywhere to avoid? (hotels, or areas)
