People travel to Lancaster County from all over the world. Every year, they show up by the tens of thousands. Thirty years ago, it was mostly to see the “plain” people. The Amish and Mennonite populations of Lancaster County are always grouped, loosely, under the heading: “Plain People”.

What makes these people so different?

The Amish, and their way of life, began almost 500 years ago. They still live, dress and act pretty much the same now as they did then! This is the reason many people come to see them. The Amish do not use modern conveniences. They don’t have electricity in their homes. They don’t drive cars…(or campers). They make their own clothes, grow their own food, and build their own buildings.

They live by an unwritten set of rules, called the Ordnung. Even though these rules have never been committed to writing, all Amish know them.  Amish is a Christian religious sect that follows the teachings of the Bible very strictly. They believe it is necessary for them to remain apart from the rest of the world.

Ironically, the things Amish do to keep them apart from others, draw attention and interest to them. There are many books and casual periodicals that will give you more information about the Amish. In your travels through Lancaster County, you are bound to come across these gentle people.

Be careful on the roads. Amish use horse drawn buggies as their major way of travel. Normal “speed” of these buggies is probably less than 5 miles per hour. It takes only seconds to overtake them. Each year horses, and sometimes people, are injured because of this.

The Amish believes pictures and photographs are forbidden by the first Commandment. It would be very rude and offensive to ask Amish people to pose for your camera. It would be equally offensive to stick a camera in the face of a stranger…Amish or otherwise.

Drive the back roads in Lancaster County. Delight in the sights. Enjoy the Amish scene.

In your travels, be sure to visit the Village of Strasburg. Especially if you like trains. First stop for the family should be THE CHOO CHOO BARN. This attraction features a gigantic replica of Lancaster County. Making their way around the replica are countless trains and planes, and more things then you will notice on one visit. This attraction will delight every member of your group. This pleasure is presented to you by some of the nicest people in the world. They work hard to present it. Let them know you appreciate it. Let us know how you liked it.

While you’re in Strasburg, visit the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. Giant “Iron Horses” of days gone by are there for you to see, and touch. Early electric trains are on display too! Not models, these are the real thing. Some of the exhibits are interactive. Your kids will get a kick out of it. So will the kid in you. The echoes of train whistles in this larger than life building will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up (if you grew up in a country setting, 50 years ago!).

Take a trip back in time, with a ride on the Strasburg Railroad. The engines and passenger cars are not replicas. Ride, and thrill, in comfort in these beautifully restored pieces of history. The sounds, sights and smells are unlike anything else you are likely to experience. Trains run regular schedule much of the year. There are Dining cars, and special events. You can get much more information by calling 717-687-7522.

Traintown, and a whole cluster of shops, are right in the area of both attractions. Different kinds of shops, too.

And…. When you’re finished there, Rockvale Square Outlets ( 100+ stores ) and Tanger Outlet Center are only minutes away. The area that borders US Rt. 30 and 896 contains outlet stores of some of the biggest name brand manufacturers in the country. Take advantage of it. Do your holiday shopping early. We could say the same things about Tanger, which is located just a few miles West, on the way into Lancaster. There is more to “check out” than we could remember to tell you. Create your own shopping adventure, and share some of the stories with us, when you get back home.

World famous Dutch Wonderland sits right in the heart of the Dutch Country, on Rt. 30, East of Lancaster. They are open for your enjoyment every day, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Call 717-291-1888, all the information you need about rates, etc. is available.

There are at least a thousand more “tips” we could give you about this lovely area. Space does not permit us this luxury. E-mail us with questions, or suggestions. Tell us about your experiences. We’ll share it with everybody (and, of course, give you the ‘credit’). If you have a good experience at any of the places we have mentioned, let those places know where you learned of them. It would be really kind if you let us know, too.

Happy travelin’

      --- Paul Adam Larkin

go to story archives.