Lancaster PA tourism?

[Aliceacc]

As a Mother's Day gift to mom, I'm taking her to Lancaster PA for a few days at the end of this week. We're not sure whether the emphasis will be the outlets or Amish Country; we'll see how the mood strikes us.

Any Must Sees/ Must Dos/ Must Eats?

 

[gracie1]

I love, love, love Lancaster! I would move there in a heartbeat! If your going for a couple nights, you have enough time to spend hitting the outlets and enjoying the Amish country!

We were just talking about going to Lancaster today, as well as Hershey. Believe it or not, we have a trip planned for Disney at Christmas, but are having second doubts of spending all that money to go to WDW.

Hope you have a great time with your mom! And there is a Pottery Barn outlet (or was the last time I went through Lancaster!)

 

[KimmyAnne]

The Sights and Sounds Theater is in Lancaster County if you and your mother enjoy religion based theater

If you can make it to Chocolate World, it's always fun.

 

[MEK]

Kirklands - If you have never been to one of their stores. Very unique home furnishings that don't break the budget.

 

[Aliceacc]

The Sights and Sounds Theater is in Lancaster County if you and your mother enjoy religion based theater

If you can make it to Chocolate World, it's always fun.

We already have tickets to Thursday night's performance at S&S

 

[htmom]

http://www.padutchcountry.com/index.asp


This site has some ideas for you. I live in Harrisburg and worked in Lancaster for a long time. Just so you are aware though, make sure you check the hours places are open, places sometimes close "early" in that area.

 

[FiggieFan]

I would definitely hit the shops in Intercourse, PA. There is the Intercourse Canning Company and we always have to pick up a few jars of peanut butter schmier (not the PB creme). One our last visit we also walked around and took a guided tour of Ephrata Cloister which was not too far of a drive, but interesting and a bit different.

I would check out PAdutchcountry.com - they also have a nice driving tour of covered bridges in the area if that is something you would be interested in.

The next time we go we are checking out the Hans Herr House and Museum and staying at Fultons Steamboat Inn, which I have heard good things about.

 

[cybrkitn]

The Sights and Sounds Theater is in Lancaster County if you and your mother enjoy religion based theater

If you can make it to Chocolate World, it's always fun.

OP, if you do this, make sure to check their web site to see if the show you want to see is available. Right now they are showing "Noah". The afternoon shows on the weekends are mostly sold out and only the 7:30 pm showing is available.

I organized a trip for my church last year to see Jonah and I'm currently looking at organizing another to see Noah. Weekday shows (their closed on Sundays and Mondays) are all open, but the weekend shows are filling up very quickly.

If you are interested in going, I highly recommend it! I've been to their theater a few times to see the different shows and all I can say is that their shows are fantastic!

 

[cybrkitn]

http://www.padutchcountry.com/index.asp


This site has some ideas for you. I live in Harrisburg and worked in Lancaster for a long time. Just to let you aware though, make sure you check the hours places are open, places sometimes close "early" in that area.

www.800padutch.com is another good website to use. I use it every time we plan a trip to Lancaster.

Other places to visit or do are:

Kitchen Kettle (if you like to shop)
Tanger Outlets
Rockvale Outlets
The Amish Farm and House (http://www.amishfarmandhouse.com/) - Did this with DS10's Cub Scout pack a few years ago and they loved it.
Strasburg Railroad
Strasburg Railroad Museum (across the street from the railroad)
The National Christmas Center (http://www.nationalchristmascenter.com/) Open daily May through New Year's and open weekends in March and April.
Buggy Rides (there are several companies out there including one at Kitchen Kettle and the Red Caboose Motel)

Those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head that we visit when we go.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Love the amish country!

There are always the outlets in Riverhead and Deer Park, so I would rather do the amish stuff.

Kitchen Kettle Village, some ice cream place dh and I went to and right next door was a place that sold handmade pretzels, amish guy was going in to help his wife. Forgot what town. I would have to look it up. Strasburg - you could ride the little train there. Its relaxing - not the lirr

I dont like the Hershey resteraunt next door to sight and sound. We like Millers and I think there is another place further out that is huge. Shady Maple, heard its good. Some people like Good and Plenty I think its called.

There is also a farmers market on a saturday next to a library in a nearby town. Dh and I went there. The amish sell produce and baked goods. I dont know if this is only in the summer.

Also there is an inside farmers market, its tiny. I cant think of the nae of it,b ut we werent really impressed with it. We just bought some caramel popcorn.

We just enjoyed driving on the back roads and taking al the sights in.

Also places close pretty early, definetely people on not on Long Island time there

Take a cooler with you and some ice from your hotel if you want to bring any fresh stuff like meats and cheese back home etc.

Have a wonderful time

 

[Aliceacc]

Thanks everyone! The cooler idea is pure brilliance!! I'm taking the minivan, so there's plenty of room.

LMP, how are you feeling these days?

 

[gracie1]

We went to Shady Maple for breakfast and it was delicious!! Then we hit Good n Plenty for dinner. People love that place, but it was just okay to me. I do want to try Millers next. And I have heard on the boards the Dieners is a place not to miss. Honestly, I could eat my way through Lancaster

Kitchen Kettle is really nice. We love shopping for some goodies there. And they let you sample everything (I tried the super hot sauce for bbq - beware of this - I thought it burned a hole in my esophagus )

I haven't done the Strasburg Railroad, but was in that area, and plan on doing that the next time. I do enjoy just riding the backroads and looking at the beautiful fields. I know they also have tours that will take you to meet an amish family.

 

[cybrkitn]

Love the amish country!

There are always the outlets in Riverhead and Deer Park, so I would rather do the amish stuff.

Kitchen Kettle Village, some ice cream place dh and I went to and right next door was a place that sold handmade pretzels, amish guy was going in to help his wife. Forgot what town. I would have to look it up. Strasburg - you could ride the little train there. Its relaxing - not the lirr

I dont like the Hershey resteraunt next door to sight and sound. We like Millers and I think there is another place further out that is huge. Shady Maple, heard its good. Some people like Good and Plenty I think its called.

There is also a farmers market on a saturday next to a library in a nearby town. Dh and I went there. The amish sell produce and baked goods. I dont know if this is only in the summer.

Also there is an inside farmers market, its tiny. I cant think of the nae of it,b ut we werent really impressed with it. We just bought some caramel popcorn.

We just enjoyed driving on the back roads and taking al the sights in.

Also places close pretty early, definetely people on not on Long Island time there

Take a cooler with you and some ice from your hotel if you want to bring any fresh stuff like meats and cheese back home etc.

Have a wonderful time

I like the look of Tanger in Deer Park, but like Riverhead and Lancaster better. Lancaster has the look of the one in Deer Park, but IMO, the layout is better.

The Farmers markets are great. I bought a 4 piece blue pansie placemat setting from one of the Amish women that had a Christmas pattern on the back. We loved it so much that last year when we went back, I ordered another set of 4. Glad I did as we had two unexpected guests for Christmas dinner (DH's older brother who we hadn't seen in a few years).

Plain N Fancy is an excellent place to eat as well. It's family style and we all love it. Gotta make this short. Dinner is ready as DH is already pointing out to me.

 

[WDW in Pearls]

I'll be visiting my grandmother in Strasburg the end of next week as well, maybe I'll see you as I'm sitting in outlet traffic!

Seriously though, Sight and Sound is a MUST. Other than that, just take a drive. You'd be surprised what little shops and fun things you may come across.

My friend is a VP at a bank out in Lancaster County so she knows a LOT of people and places. I'll chat with her and hopefully come back with some ideas!

 

[gracie1]

Has anyone been to the national Christmas center? I have always wanted to go, especially after seeing it on the travel channel. Would love to hear some feed back!

 

[M&N]

Bird In Hand Family restaurant is my personal favorite. They have a musical based on the Beverly Lewis books, The Confession. It is in their banquet rooms and I saw it 4 times last season.

 

[cybrkitn]

Just got an email from Sight and Sound yesterday for their upcoming 2014 season. Moses is coming March 8, 2014 and Jonah is coming to the Branson, MO Sight and Sound theater March 26- Dec. 31, 2014.

 

[4nana]

Lancaster is one of DH and my fave places, specially in the autumn to see all the beautiful foliage . It's step back in time area, as others have suggested lots to see and do, but even the browsing makes for a fun filled day! I won't go into all the restaurants as there's plenty of advise already offered. They are all good! No doubt, you've picked a great place for you and your Mom to really enjoy your time making special memories in Lancaster and surrounding areas.

Our fave place to stay is Fulton's Steamboat - http://www.fultonsteamboatinn.com/ very quaint and arranged like an old steamboat. Has a beautiful lake you sit and relax to feed the ducks and coy fishes Sign up for Cpt. club on line and rec auto discounts on room, etc. When booking you can sign up for the breakfast for 2 - delicious!

We've also enjoyed a dinner trip on the Strasburg Rail - http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/flavors-of-lancaster-county.php

Along w/The Sights and Sounds Theater you have tickets for - we've also enjoyed the The Dutch Apple Dinner Theater: http://www.dutchapple.com/Content/default.asp . Always a good play/musical that includes a buffet - not 5* food, but good selection of descent food.

Our kids gave DH a Hot Air Ballon ride for his 75th BD he had a blast! - http://www.ushotairballoon.com/pa_flights/lancaster-county.asp

If you're in to covered bridges, there's an interesting self guided tour you can take that we've enjoyed. http://www.padutchcountry.com/activities/pa-covered-bridges.asp

We also enjoy having lunch at the Central Market where all the local farmer's set up inside/outside a huge building. You can enjoy lunch while watching a school band perform marching around market. http://www.centralmarketlancaster.com/about/

When/if photobucket decides to cooperate, I'll try to post some pix.

 

[loveysbydesign]

Lititz is not too far from Lancaster(its in Lancaster county) It's a really nice town and has Wilbur Chocolate Factory, Julius Sturgis prezel factory, cupcakery, a lovely park and little shops. We also love cafe Chocolate...their food is to die for!

 

[gracie1]

Lititz is not too far from Lancaster(its in Lancaster county) It's a really nice town and has Wilbur Chocolate Factory, Julius Sturgis prezel factory, cupcakery, a lovely park and little shops. We also love cafe Chocolate...their food is to die for!

I need to put these places on my list! And I definitely need to search cafe chocolate!