Pennslyvania Dutch country help

[Betsyt82]

Hi all I was looking for a little input on going to Lancaster PA area and around there to the Langhorn PA are (we are going to Sesame Place too) I found two hotels to stay in but are looking for some fun things that you all have done in those two areas. Also fav eating places. We are going in two weeks for a week stay.

We are going to see Thomas at Strasburg (sp), Hershey, Dutch wonderland, Sesame Place, Crayola plant and and looking around at the Amish stuff. My two kids have both said they would rather go to Disney, but they are not going this year( just me and My older Neice are going in Nov.........I can't wait for that) So they are not overly excited, both kids are 5 and 4 and have gone to WDW twice.

It has been YEARS since I was in PD country. Help!!!

PLEASE.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

I guess you plan to go on the Strasburg railroad in Strasburg too. In Hershey, there is the park and the chocolate factory. If you need more things to do, you could always go to Philadelphia.

We are near there but I am sure someone else will have more info. I think Wovenwonder lives in that area.

Have fun.

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

That's quite a to-do list! I would suggest staying in the Reading area, since that would put you at an hour's distance from all of those places. Or, anywhere in the region between Lancaster and Reading, like Ephrata or New Holland. These towns would put you in the center of many of your planned activites. The Crayola Factory is about an hour north of Reading and Sesame Place is an hour the east. Hersheypark is to the west and Strasburg south.

For more, go to the Reading area visit the Berks County website . There is a Sheraton, Wellesly Inn, Hampton Inn, The Inn at Reading, Country Suites, to name a few places to stay. All of the above hotels are outside the limits of the City of Reading, in an area called Wyomissing.

There's lots of shopping and restaurants- The Berkshire Mall has Sears, Boscovs, and The Bon Ton as anchors. Walmart and Target aren't far from the mall. Oh, and don't forget the VF Factory Outlets!
Local restaurants include the chains of Outback, T.G.I.Friday's, Bucca di Beppo, Olive Garden, Red Lobster and Chili's. Local favorites are Austins, Chef Alan's American Bistro, The Peanut Bar, Judy's on Cherry, and Crab Barn.

Other things to do- Sports fans will enjoy the Reading Phillies (if they're in town while you're here), Ozzy's Sports and Fun Center (go karts, roller skating, laser tag, mini golf, & more), and many golf courses; the PA Renaissance Faire (nearby Mt. Hope Estate & Winery), Daniel Boone Homestead & Hopewell Furnace for the history buffs. There's more on the website link I've provided.

 

[piratesmate]

We used to go to the Fulton Inn (looks like a paddle boat) near Dutch Wonderland for a couple days over C'mas vacation. The kids loved the area. Places to eat . . . .
- Across the street from Dutch Wonderland there is Lapp's diner. They serve a breakfast buffet in additon to menu items. DS always gets an Apple Dumpling - doesn't matter if it's dinner or breakfast!
- A few doors down from DW there is Tony Wang's Chinese Restaurant. (I know, I know - Chinese in Amish country! ) But it's possibly the best we've ever had! They have a big glass window outside the kitchen & the kids can watch their food being cooked.
- For a big family-style PA Dutch meal there are several nearby: Good 'n Plenty, Plain & Fancy, Miller's . . .
- If you don't mind driving ~20 min south Willow Valley has a really nice buffet. (It's a family resort.)
- Right on 30 there is a Cracker Barrel & a Fuddrucker's.

Things to do:
I agree with Breezy_Carol - A ride on the Strasburg is really neat. If it's a nice day, pay the little bit extra to ride the "Hello Dolly" car. (It's an open car & much cooler than the regular cars.) There's the railroad museum across the street & a miniature train layout (Choo-choo Barn) just up the street. Great for the RR buffs. Roadside America is a bit further away, but is larger.

I don't know about your family, but ours really enjoys going to the "Sight & Sound" theater. They put on musical plays about Bible stories. I think their current one is about Daniel. I haven't seen this one, but we've seen a number of them. Expensive, but worth every penny!

I don't think that the Amazing Maize Maze opens until the beginning of July - but that's sooo cool! It's a maze made out of a corn field.

PA Dutch Country This link has a bunch of info that might be helpful.

I just noticed that Willow Valley is opening an water park in mid-June! I'd like to check that out myself!

We've only ever done Hershey as a day trip from the Route 30 area & Sesame Place as a day trip from home, so I can't help much there.

Have a great time!

Deb

 

[Spinning]

SHOP!!!!!!!!
I love shopping in Reading! Great deals! Lancaster has some nice areas too but not the bargins!
Also if you ride the Stausberg train you can get off at the meadow and have a picnic!

 

[apagano]

All of the above places that have been suggested are great. Let me add one more suggestion: Visit the attractions along Route 30 in Lancaster County DURING THE WEEK!!! Traffic along route 30 on weekends is brutal. I lived in the area for three years and learned very quickly to avoid that area on summer weekends.

 

[Desnik]

We just came back from Hershey Park. Actually went 2 week ends in a row!! We love it there and tell your kids there are so many rides for them they will love. Chocolate world is great with the tour ride and they now have a really cute 3D show and Trolly tour. The parkitself isclean and a really nice family atmosphere. The first weekend we were at the Hershey Lodge, it was great and the room was really nice and clean. They also offer shuttle service to the park and have 3 restaurants on the property. The second time we stood at the Hilton Garden Inn. We have stood here many times before and love it. It is only about a 5-7 min. drive from the park. If you have any questions about either of those hotels, just ask. Also I know Hershey nderland offer a combo pass for the parks. We have also gone to the Strausburg area and the Choo Choo Barn is really cute. The train ride is fun and there is a good icecream parlor there in the village. The Crayola factory is about an hour northeast of Hershey and Lancaster is about 40 min. from Hershey. You plan on doing alot of jumping around to alot of different areas, keep that in mind when planning and alot appropiate time for traveling. Honestly, for us, Strausburg is a day trip, Hershey 2days, Lancaster area a day or two. You only need a couple of hours for the Crayola factory and a full day for Sesame Place. You will have a great time. We often just jump in the car and visit Hershey for a weekend, it is so much fun. Just ask if you have any more questions I'd love to help!
Also don't forget time for shopping! Now we could spend a week just doing that!!!

 

[Kallison]

If you are traveling up 611 to the Crayola factory you might want to check out our awesome playground called Kid's Castle in doylestown, PA. It's free! We have two really cool museums Fonthill and the Mercer Museum, very unique. Personally I would skip Crayola, I think it is a real snoozer.

If you are in Intercourse we love to eat at the Kling House. YOu can sit on the screened porch and watch the Amish buggies go by. Check out the porch of Zimmerman's that is where Witness was filmed.

 

[wovenwonder]

You've gotten some great info already! I'd be happy to pick up a bunch of touristry brochures for you and drop them in the mail. PM me if you'd like me to do so.


Don't forget to have some Shoo Fly Pie!

 

[Cindy B]

I've heard the same thing about the Crayola Factory...


Here's a wonderful FREEBIE that is in the Same general area as Lancaster.

Herr's Potato Chip Factory Tour. It is in Nottingham, PA, not that far from Lancaster. Its actually pretty close to Longwood Gardens as well.

You go in, go to the tour, watch a movie, and watch them make pretzels, cheese puffs, popcorn, nacho chips, and watch the packaging, sorting, and the warehouse. All the factory is covered in glass windows, and you are complete with a tour guide. You then walk around to a few other buildings, and see the warehouse, and then the best part of the tour.. HOT FRESH OFF THE LINE POTATO CHIPS! OMG! They are sooo good... One time it was just my kids and me in the tour and they ate the whole tray up!

Then you go off and get a complimentary free promo sample.. which usually changes.. one time we got a pretzel sample, another time a new potato chip, and other stuff.


Parking is free, the tour is free. You do need to call for reservations though. Around the area of the factory is a very pretty park where you can picnic as well.

Its the funniest thing you are driving down Route 1, and then you smell it... the potato chips cooking...

My kids loved the tour, they loved watching the machinerey, and asking questions on how it worked, and watching how the wrappers got on the chips, and how the boxes were weighed, and how the chips got in the bags... they really how it worked...

The tour itself is about an hour or so long...

Yes, the traffic on 30 in the summer is BRUTAL... think about standstill traffic! We used to take our kids to Dutch Wonderland years ago..its a very quiet, tame, family place... I went there as a kid as well. Sesame Place, well, I haven't been there in a long time, so its hard to gauge how that is. On the local news last night they did have a story on Sesame Place. Apparently due to the weather, they have been closing Sesame Place early.

Hershey is a better park, IMO than Dutch Wonderland. My kids love thrills and excitement, and Hershey offers that. Lightning Racer and Roller Soaker alone are worth the admission.

The Reading Phillies is a lot of fun.. I've been there twice with work related activities. Its a fun small stadium which makes you feel at home. My kids loved it!

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

All the previous posts just about covered it all. Your kids will have a fun time even though its not WDW. We're headed to Strasburg and HersheyPark in a little over a week. My DS is 5 and this is our 4th year going and he really has a great time. We are staying at the Hershey Lodge and Willow Valley this time. We stayed on a working farm last year and that was alot of fun. Dutch Wonderland is a real nice park for kids 10 and under. Have a great time!

 

[Betsyt82]

Thanks all for the info. We are looking for ward to the trip. I plan on shopping........if I have to drag hubby kicking and growling in all the stores. Well maybe I could leave him and the kids and go by my self..........alnone......no kids..........and could focus on shopping and not the kids. Hummmmmm this could be a good idea.

 

[piratesmate]

Originally posted by Betsyt82
I plan on shopping........if I have to drag hubby kicking and growling in all the stores. Well maybe I could leave him and the kids and go by my self..........alnone......no kids..........and could focus on shopping and not the kids. Hummmmmm this could be a good idea.

A couple years ago, my knee (injured in high school lacrosse) finally gave out. That year, DH took DD to Dutch Wonderland & I went shopping. I didn't miss DW & shopped at my leisure. Everyone was happy! We've done the same thing ever since.

Deb

 

[LeapYear Debbie]

Desnik:

I am going to Hershey the week of July 4th and staying at the Hilton Garden Inn. How are the rooms? Did you have the breakfast in the hotel? I am also interested in places to eat around the area. Can you suggest a place to eat other than fast food? I am going with my husband, niece, and parents.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Debbie

 

[RUDisney]

OK, so I'm bad with restaurant names, but I can tell you where my favorite Mediteranian style restaurant is. On Rte. 30, away from the outlets, get off on the Centerville Rd. exit and make a left. You'll see That Pet Place on the left side of the road about 1/4 mile from the exit ramp. That is a great place if you want to buy something for your pets, or want to get something for your pond, fishtank, etc. The place is huge and has very good prices.

Anyway, follow Centerville Rd to the Turkey Hill gas station on the left. Go through the intersection and you'll see an National Bank of Lancaster County Bank and immediately after that, on the left is the restaurant.

We have never had a bad meal there. They also have very good wines. Even their house wine is very palatable.

Anyone from the area know what the restaurant is called? I can picture the owners, although I can't think of their names or their restaurant name.