Ahh, spring — it’s a favorite season for most folks around here.
The snow has melted and planting season can begin again. We get to string laundry up on the lines for the first time in months. As we burst through our doors each morning, our hearts are eager for the new day, one less winter layer shed from yesterday.
We love spring and we love Lancaster so we decided to put together a list of four activities to enjoy this new season in our home county.
1- Bicycle Tour with Farm-to-Table Dinner
Through Intercourse Bike Works
Spend quality time in the great outdoors and reward your hard work with a home cooked sunset dinner at the local Amish home of David and Naomi. The leisurely eight-mile bike ride will pass Amish schools, a covered bride, an old mill and mansion as you wind through beautiful, rolling farmland.
The bike ride ends with a delicious meal from food grown right on their farm and fresh baked goods. Thrill your taste buds with Naomi’s homemade strawberry jelly and her in-season blueberry smoothie.
You won’t be alone in your healthy appetite for the homemade dishes; one of the hosts have been known to eat an entire pecan pie in one sitting!
Dates: April 23-October 22,2016
Stop by Intercourse Bike Works for the tour schedule and details.
2- Sheep Shearing Days
At the Amish Farm and House
Spring wouldn’t be the same without the darling little animals born to farms each year, the fragrant blooming flowers, and everything else that makes a farm complete.
Pop in for a visit at the Amish Farm and House for a delightful day learning about the Amish and their farms. Watch the caretakers shear the farm’s sheep while snacking on baked Amish goods.
You can take a guided house tour through their historic 1805 farmhouse, last occupied by an Amish family. Hear high-pitched squealing of piglets and the soft bleating of new lambs burst in the fresh spring air. Just don’t forget a camera for a photo of these adorable, tiny animals.
Dates: May 6 & 13, 2016
Browse their Amish Farm and House website for more information.
Weather Tip: Spring is known to be rainy — our plants need to grow somehow! — but you can still have fun in the gloomy weather. Throughout spring, volunteer fire companies host major fundraisers called Mud Sales where visitors browse through locally-made crafts and furniture, produce and baked goods, livestock and more!
3- Rhubarb Festival
At Kitchen Kettle Village
Nothing says Lancaster County more than a two-day festival dedicated to celebrating one of spring’s most delightful yet zany vegetables: Rhubarb! There, you will find fun activities for all ages and interests.
Some activities include a rhubarb dessert competition, the world’s only rhubarb race-car derby, and a rhubarb whoopie pie filling contest. And, of course, make sure to sample the many savory desserts and dishes available at their local shops.
Dates: May 20 & 21,2016
Check out the Kitchen Kettle Rhubarb Festival for more details.
4- Heritage Days
In the village of Intercourse
Embrace the good old days right here in Lancaster County. Local businesses and eateries, family and friends, all work hard to make this three-day celebration memorable — and fun!
Children will delight in the various activities like the petting zoo, pedal cart drag race, airplane candy drop, and much more! Other activities include volley ball tournaments, a 5k race, and musical entertainment.
Join our town as we remember what makes our home unique: hard work, fun activities, and lots of delicious, home-cooked food.
Dates: June 17-19,2016
See the Intercourse Heritage Days website for a schedule of the festivities.
Check out one of these activities this spring and let us know what you think.
The beauty of Lancaster County is at your fingertips— go out and enjoy it!
