How to Have Fun in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

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By lando123
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Welcome to Dutch Country!

If you've ever been to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, you know how beautiful and charming the countryside is. It is well-known as the home of the Amish people, and rightfully so. The Amish tradition in Pennsylvania goes back to the late seventeenth century. The next time you head over to this tranquil locale, follow these steps for a truly enjoyable trip!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

GPS device/directions/map
Vacation time
A sense of adventure
A desire to travel
Friends and family!

Step 1

Before you venture out into Dutch Country, you need to have a place to stay. I highly recommend Spring Gulch Resort and Campground in New Holland, PA. The resort has many well-kept sites that can be used by campers. It also offers a large number of chalets, cabins, and homes that can be rented out for a few days. The campground has an on-site store, multiple playgrounds for children, seasonal festivities, and hiking trails. Book at least a year in advance to ensure a place to stay during your vacation. Here's the site:
www.springgulch.com.
Step 2

You should also read up on the history and traditions of Lancaster County and the surrounding towns to further familiarize yourself with the area and to gain a greater appreciation for the land and its people. Browse the Internet for information or head to your local library with your family!
Step 3

Relax...

Okay, you've packed the car, gathered the family, and grabbed your GPS and maps, you are ready to go. Leave early in the morning to avoid traffic, depending on where you live, and to take advantage of the invigorating morning air! I suggest taking a slow, scenic route to Dutch Country to take in the stunning vistas of quaint villages and rolling hills.
Step 4

Now, there are a few places that you should definitely visit on your first day in Dutch Country. Once you've settled in at the resort, head over to Shady Maple Farm Market just outside of Spring Gulch Resort. This supermarket is very large and houses an extensive selection of locally grown vegetables and in-store baked goods. In addition to unique items, the store also contains other supermarket features, such as a deli, seafood station, and bakery. You will be amazed by the sheer size of the market and will want to come back again in the next few days of your trip. Have a fun shopping trip!
Step 5

Now, it would be an excellent idea to go back to the resort and spend some quality time with your family and/or friends. There is plenty to do, so you won't be bored. I highly recommend going back to the market and eating at the Shady Maple Smorgasbord for dinner. The food selection is quite diverse and includes everything from mashed potatoes to shoe-fly pie. The restaurant itself is also beautifully decorated in a traditional 'Old Europe' style. You will want to stay just to take in the breathtaking surroundings. The smorgasbord serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so feel free to come back on another day. Here's the site:
www.shady-maple.com
Step 6

After shopping, enjoy a nice campfire!

After a memorable dinner experience, head back to the resort for the night. Over the next couple of days, you can choose from a wide array of places to visit. If you would like to purchase some souvenirs or home furnishings, check out the local stores in the vicinity of Lancaster. You will find the largest selection in the Shady Maple gift shop, which is located directly beneath the smorgasbord. They sell artwork, holiday decorations, collectibles, and much more!
Step 7

After a few hours of browsing the myriad shops and stores scattered around Lancaster, you can visit Hershey Park, which is nearby. Visiting the park will probably take around two days, so plan ahead if you wish to head over there.
Step 8

Another option would be to drive around the small villages just for the wonderful views and quiet way of life. There are a few towns where you can arrange a tour of Amish farms. Here, you can witness how the Amish people live every day. Here's a great tour company: experiencehttp://www.aaabuggyrides.com
Step 9

Explore the countryside...

For the remainder of your trip, spend your time wandering around farm markets and other lively places where festivities are taking place. A great place to wrap up your vacation with is Longwood Gardens, which is primarily a botanical garden center, but also includes various shops and restaurants. This is the site: www.longwoodgardens.org
Step 10

Now, pack those apples, blankets, and other souvenirs, and get ready for the journey home! In Lancaster, PA, you and your family will make memories that you will cherish forever. So, what are you waiting for? Take a break from work and have fun in Dutch Country!

Comments

eveewonder said

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on 11/17/2009 Thanks for the tips. Lancaster is beautiful and the Shady Maple rocks! Excellent article. Lancaster is definitely worth the trip. Educational for kids too.