Lancaster’s fields stretch high into the blue sky, anticipating the harvest. Round pumpkins and long gourds await purchase at roadside stands. Bright sunshine, rust, and burnt orange-colored mums proudly sit upon many dining tables. The stacks of hay in the field remind all who see of autumn’s approaching arrival.
Kind of sounds like it’s time for a visit to the beautiful Lancaster County, doesn’t it? While you’re planning and dreaming, we thought we would pitch in and give you a guide for a memorable trip!
How to Travel:
Immerse yourself in the Lancaster County world with a unique buggy ride offered by many local business in the Intercourse/Bird-in-Hand area.
We have only heard good reviews about Aaron and Jessica’s Buggy Rides, located outside of Bird-in-Hand. This buggy ride tour, along with many others one, will give visitors a true glimpse of the hidden world of the Amish. You will experience how they travel — on a horse-drawn buggy — and see the fields at the peak of harvest.
Of course, travelling by foot will provide great exercise and an opportunity to walk through the places us locals walk — the farm markets, the back roads, the city sidewalks. Each provide a different and new experience to your Lancaster County fall visit.
Who to See:
Besides the obvious answer — come to Peaceful Valley Furniture and visit us! — there is a lot of cool folks around here for you to visit. The second most obvious answer is…the Amish! They are kind of a legend around here.
We already mentioned buggy rides but there are plenty of other Amish-inspired activities around Lancaster that will give you a good idea of our lovely life here. Places like the Amish Village or the Amish Farm and House offer a one-stop experience you won’t forget. Both locations provide an unique tour of an preserved Amish home and farm — the perfect combination to show you where and how the Amish live.
What to Do:
Come visit one of our favorite towns — the Village of Intercourse. Here you will find the well-known Kitchen Kettle with a bunch of fun shops for craft-lovers and foodies alike. Don’t forget this lovely town also provides a home to one of our locations of Peaceful Valley Furniture.
Our county offers a wide variety of unique activities, depending on what you enjoy and would like to do. Catch a ride on the Strasburg Rail Road and enjoy the views from the oldest short-line in America. Historic buildings and charming cafes call the heart of Strasburg home. And, what’s a trip to Strasburg without stopping by our third location?
One of the best parts about visiting Lancaster in autumn is an abundance of town fairs, week after week. It’s hard to resist the sweet aroma of frying foods like french fries and funnel cake. Plus, most fairs have a section for everyone — farm animals, baked foods, art and crafts, carnival rides, and more!
Apple Cider Making — Why not try your hand at making fresh apple cider of your own? Join Naturalist, Lisa Sanchez, from the Lancaster County Park’s Environmental Center, to learn about the history of the apple tree and make apple cider with an old-fashioned cider press! Mark your calendars for September 29th.
Kid’s Pumpkin Pickin’ Days & Punkin Chuck’r — Explore Lancaster’s autumn paradise at the perfect place: the farm at Oregon Dairy. Children can enjoy several fall-inspired activities such as tractor and wagon rides, pumpkin painting and decorating, and, of course, the unique Punkin Chuck’r! This event is open every Saturday and Sunday in October.
Where to Stay:
For a more small hometown-feel, we recommend checking out the local Bed-and-Breakfasts where you’ll get a personalized experience. Olde Homestead Suites, located in Ronks, will give your family a perfect place to rest and unwind from a busy day of adventuring. If you’re looking for some good country lodging, check out Orchard Inn, located in Bird-in-Hand.
Keep an eye out for our future blog post about some of our favorite towns in Lancaster County. We wanted to take a moment and highlight the unique culture and atmosphere of few beautiful towns.
Don’t forget the food! A visit to Lancaster wouldn’t be complete without sampling the savory and sweet dishes we are known for. We’re talking the famous buffet lines of Shady Maple Smorgasbord or feasting at one of our local restaurants.
Just imagine taking a step away from your busy fall schedule and immersing yourself in our small hometowns, savoring the homemade Amish dishes on your tongue.
We invite you to take a step into our world, our home — the simple, beautiful farm land and hardworking people — and creating memories that will last your family a lifetime.
