The hills, river, and countryside are calling you for a weekend of active fun to connect with nature.
Strasburg Scooter Tour
Your active weekend away can start before dawn if you want to experience Lancaster County from a mile above the farmland. Rise before the sun and head to meet the US Hot Air Balloon Team for a flight to remember. A hot air balloon ride gives you a bird's eye view as you drift with the wind. Enjoy some quiet time as you take in the sights.
After you land, grab breakfast at nearby Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Cafe. A build-your-own breakfast sandwich, donut, pastery, or bagel will satisfy the hunger built up during your morning adventure.
If you'd rather start your outdoor adventure after the sun is up, grab a tasty breakfast at one of these locations before hitting the trail: Speckled Hen (cafe with casual, fresh breakfast options) or Grand Central Bagel (housemade bagels, sandwiches, coffee, and smoothies).
Enjoy some quiet time as you take in the sights.
Chiques Rock Outfitters offers couples the chance to paddle along the Susquehanna River or bike along the nearby trail with their kayak, canoe, and bike rentals, conviently located at the Columbia Crossings River Center. Stop by and choose your adventure! The staff at Chiques Rock Outfitters will assist with equipment, plus plenty of local guidance. Estimated Time: 3-5 hours
Strasburg Scooters Tours offers a faster way to experience the backroads. Their Covered Bridge Tour takes you over the rolling hills and past Amish one-room schoolhouses, farms with families working in the field, and through covered bridges that dot the Lancaster County countryside. Along the way, you'll spend some quality time in nature and learn about the history of the area, bridges, and Amish culture. Estimated Time: 3 hours
Hiking and biking trails are plentiful across the county for a range of skill levels. Grab your sneakers or bike and hit the trail for a morning of exploring fresh air, and breathtaking vistas. Rent an Ebike from Let's Roll in Columbia and hit the trails. Check out Discover Columbia for outdoor adventure recommendations! Or go for a ride through downtown Lancaster learning about its rich history with Unique Lancaster Experience! You can also explore the way Outdoor Adventure and Lancaster's History combine in Lancaster. Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
Afternoon
When lunchtime rolls around, here are some options that offer both areas to sit down as well as take-out if you want to eat at a park: S. Clyde Weaver (subs, sandwiches, and salads with house-cured and smoked deli meat), Fox Meadows Creamery (house-made sandwiches and soup to pair with ice cream made with local dairy), or Harvey's Main Street BBQ (house-smoked BBQ, award-winning ribs, and plenty of sandwich options).
Craving more outdoor time? Here are even more options for an afternoon adventure.
The Zipline at Refreshing Mountain gives guests a chance to fly from tree to tree and test their balance. Featuring three zipline courses plus their new aerial obstacle course, this wooded retreat will give your group the chance to refresh and bond over the adrenaline rush. Estimated Time: 2+ hours
When lunchtime rolls around, there are plenty of options in Lancaster County, PA.
Indian Echo Caverns is cool in more than one way. Take the stunning natural underground beauty as you tour the caverns, that are always 52 degrees. You'll learn more about the caverns as you enjoy this adventure. Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
Mt. Gretna Beach & Lake offers guests the chance to relax and cool down in nature. The lake and beach area are family-friendly, and surrounded by lush wooded hills. Grab your beach towel and enjoy the sun. Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
Village Greens Mini Golf
Evening
Round out your day with dinner and a round of mini-golf or a visit with wolves. Find suggestions for both below and get ready for some friendly competition.
Water's Edge Mini Golf is located behind Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord, the perfect dinner spot before a round of mini-golf. The course is nicely landscaped and family-friendly. After the winner has been declared, enjoy a scoop of ice cream at the shop at the end. Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
Village Green Mini Golf & Snack Shoppe features two courses that wind through lush greenery. Make your way through the round, then enjoy dinner and ice cream at their Snack Shoppe to complete your exciting evening. Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
With plenty of camping options, you can sleep under the stars, in a cozy cabin, or in the RV you brought with you.
Wolf Sanctuary of PA's Full Moon Tour is a monthly event you won't want to miss. Venture to Lititz to visit the wolves at the sanctuary and learn through their self-guided tour. After you've ventured from wolf pack to wolf pack, relax by the bonfire. Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
Here in Lancaster County you can even stay in the great outdoors. With plenty of camping options, you can sleep under the stars, in a cozy cabin, or in the RV you brought with you.
Lake-in-Wood Campground offers unique rentals – from cabins and yurts to a covered wagon, tipi and decked-out double decker bus. To keep the whole family entertained, head to the pool or participate in one of their weekend activities.
Country Acres Campground is surrounded by Amish countryside, combining the Lancaster countryside with the adventure of camping. You'll love the clean accommodations, and the feel that you're away from the hustle and bustle, yet close to popular attractions.
Starlite Camping Resort features spectacular views to compliment your camping adventure. Campsites are mainly for tent and RV campers. Guests will also enjoy their recreation areas, including the pool and playground.
If you need a more traditional space to rest your head for the night, try out the Poppy House on Mulberry. It is a stunning airbnb with a mural of a poppy of the side of the home, that is also close to the Northwest River Trail!
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