Lancaster County, PA
Ambassador Travelogue by Patrick Groff - BIO

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“The Aromatic Amish Country”

There’s more to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania than just the Amish, but let’s be honest. No trip to Pennsylvania Dutch Country is complete without seeing at least one horse and buggy. Located in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Lancaster (pronounced LANG-KISSED-HER) is the vacation destination for about 8.3 million people every year.

Unpack your binoculars and zoom lenses though as the Amish are not an endangered species, but local residents of the county. A gaggle of photo-happy tourists is not the most authentic picture one can think of when visiting Lancaster, PA so what do you say we explore the road less traveled to Lancaster’s hidden gems of interest?

Lancaster County with its rolling farmlands and bustling farmer’s markets is home to 494,000 or so “Lancastrians”. As a Lancastrian myself, I can say that life in Amish Country is inherently localized with much of the food and produce locally grown. Even Walmart can’t help but sell shoofly pies! But a trip to one of Lancaster’s famous farmer’s markets will really have your smell receptors begging for more. Whoopie pies, soft pretzels, and funnel cake fill the air as you shop the hundreds of stands at one of the markets.

The best place to satisfy this hunger is to visit Green Dragon. My apologies to anyone “hankering” for an eggroll, but Green Dragon is actually one of Lancaster County’s largest farmer’s markets. Located on a 300 acre site, Green Dragon has been a staple of the Amish Country experience. With over 400 local growers, merchants, and craftsmen, this farmer’s market is a must-see for anyone interested in authentic Pennsylvania Dutch culture and cuisine. And yes, the Amish will be there! Open every Friday from dusk til dawn, Green Dragon has something for everyone from plants and produce to apparel and artwork.

For those of us with historical taste buds, Lancaster County’s rich history is sure to please. Founded in 1719, the county has long been a part of some of American history’s most notable events including the Underground Railroad

Movement. You can delve into these historical events through Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church’s “Living the Experience” production, an interactive reenactment about the lives and spiritual journeys of African slaves in Lancaster County. After the show, guests enjoy a buffet-style meal consisting of customary African foods.

If fun in the sun is more your style, Lancaster County’s own Dutch Wonderland is sure to be a life experience. Voted one of the Top 5 Best Kid’s Parks in the World, Dutch Wonderland’s 48 acres of fun consists of dozens of rides, interactive games, water rides, shows, and sprawling botanical wonders. As one of the top family destinations in the country, Lancaster County’s largest theme park is a must see.

One wouldn’t think that Amish country could tire you out, but after a long day of running around, why not take a nice calm stroll through the rolling farmland? Let Aaron and Jessica’s Buggy Rides take care of you. Family-owned and operated, this experience is sure to be the highlight of your trip. You’ll meet real Amish people as well as Mennonites and Brethren (people of other plain sect groups). With working farms all around you, you’ll have a first hand account of Amish life as your driver details from his own life experience. It’s the most excitement you’ll ever have at 5 mph.

If the soft rumble of the buggy ride didn’t put you to sleep, Lancaster Host Resort sure will. As the Lancaster area’s premier vacation resort, “The Host” offers unparalleled accommodations. From an 18 hole championship golf course to a variety of pools and restaurants, this grand hotel is just a stone’s throw from many of the Lancaster area attractions (Dutch Wonderland is just across the street). Offering high quality luxury with affordable prices, this is the crème de la crème of Lancaster lodging.

For a land steeped in humble living, Lancaster County is surprisingly upbeat and full of adventure. The markets, the theatres, even the local antique stores have much to offer to a wide variety of tastes. It’s the perfect vacation destination! So why haven’t you come on by yet? Like the Amish say,

“We get too soon old and too late smart!”