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Lancaster Pennsylvania

Lancaster is a fascinating destination to explore. Visitors will get a glimpse of farm life as it was in the early 1800s, and they can explore markets and farm stores for homemade shoo-fly pie and fresh produce, or shop for handmade quilts. President James Buchanan's elegant home, Wheatland, is located in Lancaster. Consider a side trip to nearby Hershey, home of Hershey Park and the Hershey Chocolate Factory.

Hop on board the Strasburg Rail Road, which is also located in the beautiful Lancaster County. Or take a ride on the 45-minute train excursion through the farms and scenery of Lancaster. After your tour, stop at the Thomas the Tank gift shop for that special present for the little engine in your life. During the year, there are wonderful events hosted aboard the historic trains. Stop at the Kitchen Kettle Village for some yummy Amish treats...kettle corn!!!!

RESTAURANTS

Miller's: Using the freshest vegetables from the local Lancaster farms, Miller's serves up seasonal, homestyle dishes night after night. Visitors and locals frequent Miller's from morning to night, never getting enough of the selection of buffet items. The restaurant offers several different buffet packages depending on the size of your stomach, and the size of your wallet. No matter what you choose, Miller's will exceed your expectations. Soups, salads, fish, steak, turkey, the best fried chicken and so much more is available to diners, again, again and again! Make sure to add dessert into your dinner package, as you'll want to conclude the night with something sweet. Highly recommended are the Iced Raisin Bread and the Pennsylvania Dutch Shoofly Pie!

ACTIVITIES

Antique Auto Museum: In the town of Hershey, about a half hour away from Lancaster, is the Antique Auto Museum. Car enthusiasts can rejoice, as there are other sites to visit in PA besides the Amish and Hershey's chocolate shop. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., car culture is proudly displayed dating back to the early 1900s. Many different vehicles are on display, such as buses, motorcycles, scooters, and custom cars that were actually featured in major motion pictures. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the interactive exhibits in which some of the cars can actually be sat in for an antique view of the interior. Be sure to check the schedule of the museum to keep track of special changing exhibits throughout the year.

Strasburg Rail Road: Running yearround except during January, the Strasburg Train will take passengers through the fertile, green landscape of Lancaster, PA. Traditional Amish homes rest in farms abundant with crop and farm animals. The 45-minute train ride passes through more than 1,000 acres of farm fields. There are various seating arrangements that provide a choice for those traveling on a budget. Check the schedule, as the times vary throughout the year. Seasonal events are also scheduled, such as the "Easter Bunny Train" and "Santa's Paradise Express." Adults can have a more mature experience dining on the "Wine and Cheese Train." For a more thrilling ride, consider the "Murder Mystery Dinner Train."

SHOPPING

Bird-In-Hand Farmers Market: Appropriately named, Bird-In-Hand Farmers Market is named after the town that it resides in. As an indoor market, this shopping center is unique as there are many separate vendors selling the popular items of this particular region. Instead of just fruits and vegetables, visitors can purchase baked goods, fudge, dairy products, pies, pretzels, homemade mustard and jam, ice cream, and even souvenirs. For some of the same bakery items, try the quaint bakery across the street from the market that also sells some well-known items, and others that are native.

Tanger Outlets: For those who have not visited Lancaster, you should know that aside from the Amish homes nestled into the countryside, Lancaster is a modern area with up-to-date shopping facilities and restaurants. For a day of contemporary shopping, head over to the Tanger Outlets selling a wealth of items from jewelry and apparel, to home goods.

Kitchen Kettle Village: This cozy shopping center looks just as it is described, like a little village off the side of the road. Like many other shops in Lancaster, you will find many of the same local products that the natives are so very proud of. Expect to spend some time in the homemade jam and jelly shop, and across the way, stop into the Smokehouse Shop for an ice-cold birchbeer. Strolling down roads with names like Rhubarb Road and Peach Path, make sure you're hungry enough to try the kettle corn and homemade ice cream, freshly made from local cow's milk. With 28 shops, eight places to grab food, and seven lodging options, a good amount of your vacation can be spent here at Kitchen Kettle Village.

LODGING

Mill Stream Country Inn: No traveler should pass up the opportunity to stay at Mill Stream Country Inn, a quiet and simple lodging choice that is minutes away from all that Lancaster has to offer. Start your morning with a complimentary breakfast of pastries, eggs, bagels, and wonderfully light and crisp waffles that you can make in five minutes. While dining, make sure to check out the horse and buggies making their way through the attractive and safe neighborhood. The rooms are comfortable and decorated to reflect a homey, country style. To cool off after a long day of sightseeing, take a dip in the outdoor pool. Mill Stream is ideal, giving families, couples, groups, and single travelers an amazing experience for very little money.