Please, Help Me Plan a Trip to Pennsylvania!

[tarheelmjfan]

My DSis & I are considering taking our kids to Pennsylvania for SB, April 9th - 15th. Is that even a good time to go? Our parents took us several times when we were younger, but we always went in the summer.

Background: My DS & I would be flying from FL to Asheville, NC, then we would all drive together from there. The group will include my sister (maybe 2 sisters), an 18 yo. girl, a 16 yo., & (2) 14 yo. boys, & me. My sister, with 3 kids, is on a tight budget, & I will try to keep my spending in line with hers. That said, I'm pretty picky when it comes to hotels.

We're thinking of spending time in the Amish Country, & Hershey. Any suggestions for hotels in either of these locations? Is there any other places you recommend we visit? What would you suggest we do that the kids would enjoy? We're open to any ideas. Any cost cutting ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

 

[PaulaSue]

what is SB?

 

[tarheelmjfan]

what is SB?

Spring Break

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Sorry, I posted this so many times. I thought I was having problems getting the site to respond.

 

[maddi]

We visit Hershey often since my father-in-law live there. In hummelstown, about three miles from hershey is a wonderful Holiday Inn Express. Nice indoor pool, kids eat free, Complimentary Breakfast, fitness room, doesn't smell, clean and on site laundry. It's about 1.5 miles from Hershey World, park, museum, and Zoo. This hotel is about 1/2 hour or so from lancaster PA (AKA...AMISH). If you scour the net long and hard, you can sometimes pick this hotel up for 69.00 a night.

The weather is not very good in April, it can still be snowing and blowing then. I'm not sure if Hershey Park is open then, but I have bought tix for it on ebay extremely cheap. If you have a zoo pass from your local zoo, Hershey Zoo could be listed as a sister zoo which means free admission. If the weather is fit, just driving the Hershey is an experience in it's own. The town smells of Chocolate...yummy, the street lights are shaped as kisses, and if the flowers are blooming...it's quite a sight to see.

 

[snowy76]

My uncle lives in Gap, PA (just east of Lancaster) so I've been there recently. There are some neat little attractions in Amish country -- the village of Intercourse (no joke) has a pretzel factory tucked into what looks like a normal storefront. Bird-in-Hand is also nice stop for some Amish cooking.

The best part is probably just driving on the local routes, away from the divided highways -- you'll see all sorts of "normal life" rather than the tourist-driven stuff.

With the teenagers... you might want to hit the outlet malls in Lancaster or Herhsey -- okay, not exactly Amish but it can be fun. A friend and I just did that for a girl's weekend away from the spouses. We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Denver, PA -- it was clean and cheap and right off the PA Turnpike.

Since you're coming from so far away though -- you may want to consider driving into Philly for a day. Even in April there is so much to see -- Independence Hall, the Constitution Center, etc. Coming in from Lancaster you can also make a stop at Valley Forge.

 

[CheapMom]

We have gone the past 2 years on April 17th. It was a private company day both times and not open to the general public. As far as weather it was really hot the first year and cool but not freezing this year.

 

[PrincessSophie'sMom]

Unfortunately, Hershey park doesn't open for it's regular season until mid May, or maybe even Memorial Day weekend. If you go to their website, you'll see they have a "Springtime Preview" on April 14, 15, 16, 2006. Not sure if everything is open in the park.......here is a quote from the website:

"Preview the Coming Summer Fun!
HERSHEYPARK springs to life for SPRINGTIME IN THE PARK,
our pay-as-you-go preview of the coming summer fun featuring select rides and entertainment!"

 

[jiminy14]

Even if Hershey park is closed you can still visit Chocolate World which is open year round (except for the usual holidays). There is a cute ride that takes you through the chocolate making process and you receive a free candy sample at the end. They have also just opened a new section that allows children to become "candy makers'. They get hats and you have the opportunity to purchase pictures and special containers with candy. There is a new cafe which offers a special chocolate dessert session where you can meet the characters. I think it runs from 4-6 PM. Chocolate World has a large shopping area where you can purchase all kinds of candy and candy-realted items such as mugs, t-shirts and stuffed animals. The candy area offers specials and some newer items that have not yet reached the stores. If you are there after a holiday, you might be able to pick up some special sales on candy that was tied into that holiday.
The Lancaster area is a great place to visit except on a Sunday. Because of the religious beliefs of the Amish, many attractions and restaurants are not open on Sundays. The chain restaurants and outlet centers are open. There are two major outlet centers in Lancaster, Rockvale and Tanger. Rockvale is the larger, older center and Tanger is newer. The Tanger center is a nightmare to exit especially on the weekends. Located on Route 30 between the outlet centers is Dutch Wonderland. This is a small amusement park that is owned by Hershey. I have never been there as my DDs are older but it seems to appeal to younger children.
Try and take a drive out into the Amish country if you can. There are many small towns such as Bird-in-Hand, Lititz, and Intercourse that have wonderful places to shop and eat. The Bird-in-Hand restaurant just completed a major renovation and offers an all-you-can-eat buffet or you can order off the regular menu. The village of Intercourse is a must see. You can visit Kitchen Kettle Village which is famous for its Kitchen Kettle store. Here you can try and buy all sorts of jams, jellies, relishes, salsas, etc., as well as baked goods. If you time it right, you can also watch the ladies making the products. The village sponsors all sorts of different festivals during the year. Intercourse is also home to the Intercourse Canning Company which offers products similar to those of Kitchen Kettle. If you walk down the main street of Intercourse, you will find many quaint shops including some that offer Amish goods.

 

[MEM]

We found that spring break is a great time to go! We live in Boston and my family lives in Pittsburgh, so we hauled our camper to Lancaster county for a few days, then to Pittsburgh to see my parents and then back again. Our trip coincided with the special Spring hours at Hershey Park and found it was an inexpensive way to visit a park we had never been to - admission is free and you either pay per ride or buy an all-day ride wrist-band. Our weather that week was gorgeous - 70s and 80s. Even if the weather had been more seasonable, a lot of what we did was indoors. Lancaster County has so much available that it would take many trips to see everything.

 

[Tink's little fan]

I have to agree with what everyone posted. I live in the middle of Blue Ball, Intercouse and New Holland... right in the middle of Amish Country! Most of the tourists arrive right around Easter and leave at Thanksgiving. I think April weather should be good.

Definately do a trip to Philadelphia as it is SO close.

In the spring you should be able to see the Amish planting/plowing with their team of horses, just by driving the back roads. Invest in an ADC map of Lancaster County when you arrive, and you will not get lost. There are lots of tourist stuff to do, not that I have done many of them cuz I live here.

Any other questions, please ask. I have benefited so greatly from the DIS that I feel I should give back to the community.

 

[JRoglitz]

We love Lancaster and visit there a few times a year. We love staying at the Bird and Hand Family Inn. There is a nice website with information...

www.800padutch.com

Have fun!

 

[PA DISNEYLOVER]

A very nice place to stay is Willow Valley Resort. http://www.willowvalley.com/ It is a little Pricey but the weather in April can be iffy around here. Willow Valley has an indoor Water slide.

Another place that my kids enjoyed staying at was Fultons Steamboat Inn http://www.800padutch.com/fulton.html

This is right on Route 30 near Dutch Wonderland and the outlets. Make sure you come visit us in Bucks county Just north of Philly. We have New Hope which is a neat little town to walk around and peddlers village. We have Sesame Place but I don't think it will be open in April and of course Washington's Crossing where George Washington crossed the Delaware on Christmas Day.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

You guys are great!!! Thanks for all the info. I'll call my sister to see if she still wants to go in April, or put the trip off until summer. It sounds like we'll have plenty to do, if we go in April though.

When our parents used to take us to the Amish Country, we always stayed in Bird-in-Hand. There was a BW (I think ) that we stayed in most visits. My parents liked the management. Is it still there? Just curious. I also remember there being a great restaurant in their parking lot. When the BW (?) was full, there was another motel that we would stay at. I don't remember the name, but it was the only one with an indoor pool & tennis courts, at that time. I'll check out everyone's hotel suggestions.

The kids want to visit Chocolate World. My sister & I went a few times, when we were younger. We've told them about it. I hope it can live up to our hype. I'll see what they think about the situation at Hershey Park. That could be an April deal breaker with teens.

None of us have ever been to Philadelphia. We'll definitely add that to our itinerary. I'll keep Bucks County in mind, as well.

When we decide between SB & summer, I'll be back with lots more questions. Thanks again

 

[PA DISNEYLOVER]

I live right down the street from a huge Pa Visitors Center if you would like me to send you info from the different area's just let me know.

 

[jamzots]

We have stayed at the Bird-in Hand family inn which is very nice, clean, and has 2 indoor and 1 outdoor pool. It is also very reasonably priced but you have to make ressies way in advance, maybe like 6 months even. It is 5 minutes drive to all local attractions and on the same road as many nice shops and markets. Hershey is about 45 minutes drive from there but very do-able!!! Good Luck!!

 

[jonestavern]

Not to be missed is the Sturgis pretzel Factory tour in Lititiz, Pa. It's in an historic area, so very lovely Tour takes about 30 minutes. You will have a lesson in pretzel making, given some paper hats & a certificate . sample the pretzels or buy a large freshly made hot one--
Strasburg Railroad, perhaps a little pricey for those on a budget but loads of fun--google their website
we enjoyed the Edged weapons Museum in Intercourse, Pa It is small but jam packed with swords, pikestaffs & other weapons. It opens in May, though
We stay at a B&B in Mt Joy, one of the few that would accept children. It is convenient to everything, but is secluded. Cedar Hill Farm B&B. Mr & Mrs Swarr have lived in the area forever & are a great source of info. Super hearty breakfast, too. I think the rooms are from $85 - $105 per dble. $10 per child
we also do Philadelphia & Gettysburg. In late May is a great time to do Sesame Place.

Jean

 

[JRoglitz]

We are staying in Lancaster the weekend of December 9th. Anyone know if any good lighting displays or Christmas events going on? I see Bird in Hand and Kitchen Kettle has things planned.

 

[jabelena]

Hey Tarheel...

Just so you know it might still be a little cold here in PA when you plan to come up. Might even be snow and I know someone mentioned HersheyPark but it doesn't open until towards the end of May. You might be able to visit the Amish COuntry then. I just don't want you to be dissappointed when you come up. Where actually do you want to come to in PA?

Let me know if I can be of any help.

~Jen

 

[jabelena]

Hey J

You might want to check out Hershey, PA around Christmas. They have a nice display.

~Jen