Plan Your Visit

Travel Planning Resources

Lancaster County Sampler

Traditional Lancaster County shopping, a buggy ride, Amish tours and attractions and more.

As part of your planning during this time, please call or check the website & social media of these properties for their most current operational information.

Photo of Lancaster County farmland from Smoketown Helicopter in Lancaster, PA.

DAY ONE

BUGGY RIDE

Travel like the Amish do with a horse and buggy ride through the countryside. Places like Abe's Buggy Rides, Aaron & Jessica’s, Amish Country Buggy Rides and AAA Buggy Rides offer rides that take you through the countryside with an Amish or Mennonite driver at the reigns. Along the way, drivers encourage questions, and can provide history and facts about the Amish lifestyle in Lancaster County. Allow between 30 minutes to 1.5 hours


KITCHEN KETTLE VILLAGE | 3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534

A day at Kitchen Kettle Village is like no other. With over 40 specialty shops, restaurants, and plenty of hands-on activities including a self-guided tasting tour in the Jam & Relish Kitchen, there is so much to do. Try a horse-drawn carriage ride through picturesque farmland, or shopping for the perfect take-home treasure. From colorful, locally made quilts to hand-crafted candles and locally-cured meats and cheeses, you are sure to find something for everyone on your list. Allow at least 2 hours

MILLER'S RESTAURANT, SMORGASBORD & BAKERY | 2811 Lincoln Highway East, Ronks, PA 17572

Real, good food, since 1929— Miller’s is Lancaster’s original buffet & restaurant. Their tried & true PA Dutch recipes are prepared with the freshest ingredients, and are always served up with a smile. Allow 1.5 hours

THE AMISH VILLAGE | 199 Hartman Bridge Rd, Ronks, PA 17572

This 12-acre village offers an authentic look at Amish life. Guided tour are offered of an 1840 Amish farmhouse, village store, smokehouse market, blacksmith shop, and one-room schoolhouse. Allow 1-2 hours

DAY TWO

MAGIC & WONDER SHOW | 3065 Lincoln Highway, Paradise, PA 17652

Be amazed at the Magic & Wonder Theatre by the show's dazzling costumes, sidesplitting comedy and crowd-pleasing variety, this family-friendly show offers something for everyone – and the jaw-dropping illusions will make you feel like a kid again. Allow 3 hours

LANCASTER CENTRAL MARKET | 8 N Queen St, Suite 700, Lancaster, PA 17608

Lancaster Central Market is the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the United States, and was honored by CNN on their “10 of the world’s best fresh markets” list. Find everything from fresh-from-the-farm meats and produce to locally-made artisan cheeses, delectable desserts, and even creations made from special family recipes from around the world. Allow 1-2 hours; open Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

LANCASTER HISTORY & PRESIDENT JAMES BUCHANAN'S WHEATLAND | 230 North President Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603

LancasterHistory welcomes you to the Lancaster Campus of History—our region’s hub for history and heritage and the perfect place in Central Pennsylvania for citizens to connect with the past. American history begins on the local level, and the Lancaster region played a critical role in the formation of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and in the design of the founding documents of the United States a unique experiment in freedom and democracy. Tour President James Buchanan' mansion virtually on Lancasterhistory.org.

TURKEY HILL EXPERIENCE | 301 Linden St, Columbia, PA 17512

Learn how our ice cream is made, brainstorm your own ice cream flavor, milk a mechanical cow and learn about the people and culture of Turkey Hill in more than 26,000 square-feet of interactive exhibits. Allow 1 – 1.5 hours

DUTCH APPLE DINNER THEATRE | 510 Centerville Road, Lancaster, PA 17601

Enjoy Broadway-style musicals combined with a classic American-cuisine all-you-can-eat buffet – just the ticket for a wonderful evening of entertainment! Allow 3+ hours

DAY THREE

STRASBURG RAIL ROAD | 301 Gap Rd, Ronks, PA 17572

Your journey starts with a 45-minute train ride on America’s oldest short-line railroad, dating back to circa 1832. Back at the station, test your power on our authentic Pump Car, take a ride on our miniature steam train or go along for a behind-the-scenes tour of where passenger cars and steam engines are built, restored and refurbished. Allow 45 minutes to 1.5 hours

CHOO CHOO BARN | 226 Gap Rd, Route 741 East, Strasburg, PA 17579

Choo Choo Barn features more than 1,700 square feet of special model train displays with more than 150 hand-built animated figures & vehicles, and 22 operating trains. The layout represents many Lancaster sights and sounds, such as an authentic Amish barn raising, Dutch Wonderland and the Strasburg Rail Road.

FIRESIDE TAVERN | 1500 Historic Drive, Strasburg, PA 17579

Located at the Historic Strasburg Inn, the Fireside Tavern offers a cozy, comfortable bar and dining area that features a 16 seat bar, high-top tables, and plenty of room for casual diners and families. Allow 1.5 hours

For a downloadable version of this itinerary, click here.

FEATURED PARTNERS

LancasterHistory & President James Buchanan's Wheatland

HOURS LancasterHistory is open to the public Mondays - Saturdays from 9:30am until 5pm. Tours of Wheatland are offered those days beginning at...

Visiting the Pennsylvania Amish in Lancaster County

Kitchen Kettle Village

Kitchen Kettle Village is a place for sharing laughter, carving out family time & relishing a Lancaster County experience. For over 65 years...

Dessert Options

Real. Good. Food. Since 1929. Lancaster’s Original Buffet & Restaurant Open 7 Days A Week Part eatery. Part history lesson. Beginning in 1929...

Amish Village

Take a guided tour of an authentic 1840's Amish farmhouse and learn about today's Amish lifestyle. Then, after your farmhouse tour, explore our...

New Magic Goblets

Experience Lancaster, PA's premiere Magic & Wonder Dinner Theater. This 320-seat venue gives audiences an unforgettable journey of magical entertainment. Master Illusionist Brett...

Lancaster Central Market

When you shop at Lancaster Central Market at Penn Square in the heart of Lancaster City you become a part of a living...

Logo

The Turkey Hill Experience features interactive exhibits allowing you to learn about dairy culture, the story of Turkey Hill Dairy and how the...

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

A year-round dinner and Broadway show package featuring professional performers from across the United States and a live orchestra. Dutch Apple features traditional...

Strasburg Rail Road

Take a ride on America's oldest operating railroad at Strasburg Rail Road. Voted 2021's TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Award, this is not an attraction...

Choo Choo Barn - Traintown U.S.A.

Experience one of America's largest, most engaging custom model train displays! Choo Choo Barn features more than 1,700 square feet of special model...

Outside Seating

The Fireside Tavern offers a cozy, comfortable bar and dining area that features a 16 seat bar, high-top tables and plenty of room...