Weekend getaway to Lancaster, Pa or where else?

[Tiggeroo]

DH had been out of work for some time, although we were fortunate enough to have a small family business to bring in income. But it has been a stressful year with little down time. He is now back at work in a position that is fairly stable. I would like to do a short get away trip just the two of us, nothing fancy. We live in Ocean City, NJ so no beach. I'm thinking about Lancaster. We have been there before but not for some time. If you have been there do you have any tips for reasonable hotels and places to eat? We will likely do the Amish market for lunch, or a little place on the main street with the shops. So I need breakfast and dinner. Also, what things are there to do? We have already toured an Amish farm. We'd just like to walk in some shops, ride thru the country side, and if possible buy some apples from a farm. I also want to buy some whoopie pies as apparently my kids have never had them. Trying to keep it simple and relaxing. Also, we had thought of going Saturday to Sunday. Will I have a difficult time finding breakfast on Sunday. Is everything closed up?
Does anybody have any other suggestions for inexpensive get-away less then two hours from us?

 

[C.Ann]

DH had been out of work for some time, although we were fortunate enough to have a small family business to bring in income. But it has been a stressful year with little down time. He is now back at work in a position that is fairly stable. I would like to do a short get away trip just the two of us, nothing fancy. We live in Ocean City, NJ so no beach. I'm thinking about Lancaster. We have been there before but not for some time. If you have been there do you have any tips for reasonable hotels and places to eat? We will likely do the Amish market for lunch, or a little place on the main street with the shops. So I need breakfast and dinner. Also, what things are there to do? We have already toured an Amish farm. We'd just like to walk in some shops, ride thru the country side, and if possible buy some apples from a farm. I also want to buy some whoopie pies as apparently my kids have never had them. Trying to keep it simple and relaxing. Also, we had thought of going Saturday to Sunday. Will I have a difficult time finding breakfast on Sunday. Is everything closed up?
Does anybody have any other suggestions for inexpensive get-away less then two hours from us?

"No Sunday Sales" is a BIG thing with the Amish - but - not "all" of the establishments are run by Amish.. (Be careful of "Amish" shops where you pick up merchandise, flip it over, and it says "Made in China"..)

I would go to their web site and see what you can find.. If I recall, there's a pretty neat museum in that area (haven't been to it - my neighbor told me about it), but I'm not sure if it's open on Sundays..

Also (since I'm doing all of this Amish research), I subscribed for an email notification from the Lancaster Tourism Center and I believe there is something going on every weekend in October - which might make it crowded.. Seems I also recall reading that Bird-in-Hand is very nice, smaller, less shops, but also less tourists..

There are folks here on the DIS that live in the Lanc. area and I'm sure they'll be along to give you more info..

If you do go, have fun for me!!!

 

[Tiggeroo]

If we go on Sat/Sun. we will leave here very early on Saturday so we can have the day there, stay the night, have a leisurely breakfast and head home. I have been to the museum and it is very nice. I will need to know what I should do on Saturday and if there is anything we can do on Sunday am on our way out. I am trying to remember where we went before that had a nice indoor market and nearby were quilts for sale $$$$ for me, but also nice baked goods and smoked meats. My son has a friend whom he dealt with when buying a puppy who is Amish. I think I would offend him if I asked him how I can come to his neighborhood as a tourist but I know he has a fairly large farm that he works every day.

 

[C.Ann]

See if this works:

http://www.padutchcountry.com/index...Lancaster+County+TravelGuide+-+September+2010

 

[LisaNJ25]

We liked this place:

http://willowvalley.com/lancaster-pa-hotel/

 

[Tiggeroo]

Thanks Carol it works. I'm going thru the things to do section. Willow Valley seems to be booked every day I click. I'll have to call.

 

[4nana]

Ahhh, one of my favorite retreats, love Lancaster this time of year, so much to do, see and taste!! I'm sure you'll get plenty of advise from Dis'ners who live there, but I'll include a few of our fave things. Please note, we're seniors, so what applies to us may not be your thing.

BTW ~ good to hear your DH is back to work steady and I know you could use getaway. My heart goes out to the many who've had tough times, I've been there.

Lots of hotels to consider, it's their busy season, but hopefully there's a room waiting just for you two.
It depends on your taste, altho not 5*, two reasonable nice places we've stay are:

http://www.edenresort.com/
http://www.fultonsteamboatinn.com/index.php A real quaint place, that steps back in time.

Strasburg Train offers a neat trip in country while you enjoy wine/cheese or a nice lunch or dinner:
http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/eat-on-the-train.php

There are several Dinner theaters, we've had fun at the Dutch Apple Dinner theater several times: so so buffet food
http://www.dutchapple.com/Content/default.asp

Central Market is a fun walk back in time with many different foods, crafts, goodies to enjoy:
They close early on Sat and are closed on Sunday I believe.
http://www.centralmarketlancaster.com/

There is much fun to do and see in Lancaster, but a couple other places we love in nearby towns are:
http://www.kitchenkettle.com/our-village/the-shops.asp

http://www.birdinhandfarmersmarket.com/

I could go on and on about my favorite town and surrounding area, but I'm sure you'll get lots of good ideas from others. Do enjoy yourselves!