Lancaster

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Pennsylvania Dutch Countryside

A travel journal to Lancaster by EPearl Best of IgoUgo

The Pennsylvania Dutch area around Lancaster, PA has always been an attraction for me. It is very accessible to my hometown, as well as easy to get there, via the PA Turnpike.

  • 10 reviews
  • 2 stories/tips

Pennsylvania Dutch CountrysideBest of IgoUgo

Overview

There is something very special about this area. I love to see working farms. It seems to me to be a very simple, uncomplicated lifestyle. There used to be a lot of farms in Bucks County (my hometown area), but most have since sold out to developers. The Lancaster area is the closest I can get to being able to relive the memories of my youth. In addition to the wide open spaces, complete with cows, horses, chickens, etc., there are many wonderful places to eat. Be prepared to gain weight during your visit, or you just haven't done it right. I will describe some of my favorites in more detail, separately. You can do as much, or as little, as you have a mind to do. Just driving around the countryside is a pleasure!

Quick Tips:

Since you are in Pennsylvania Dutch country, make sure you eat at some of the typically PA Dutch eateries, serving family style meals, as well as buffets. Observe the people and their lifestyles. Learn a new way of living.

Best Way To Get Around:

The best way to experience the area is to get a local map from the Pennsylvania Dutch Country Welcome Center (just off the turnpike exit) and drive, drive, drive.

Red Caboose Motel & RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant"

An out-of-the-ordinary dining experience had by us was a breakfast and lunch at the Red Caboose Restaurant. You go inside an actual caboose. I got the feeling I was in the dining car of a train. Restaurant was typically American in selections of food, but the ambiance added to the flavor of the meal. There were sound effects of the train in the background that added to the realism. There is also a motel made up of various caboose(s) of different sizes, depending on the size of the requesting party. We could not get a reservation here because they were booked. If you are interested, reservations are required in advance. Prices for motel reservations vary, depending on the time of year, but a family weekday during the summer would run about $95.00/night. There are also special packages available for special occasions such as New Year's, birthdays, or romantic getaways.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by EPearl on September 17, 2002

Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant
312 Paradise LN Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17579
(717) 687-5000

Miller''s SmorgasbordBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

If I had to make a choice of just one place to recommend, my favorite would be Miller''s. For one thing, you don''t have to fight with the rest of the family members about what you (and they) want to eat. If they don''t have it at Miller''s, I don''t know where you could take a group and come away any happier. They have a very large selection of all foods, entrees, vegetables, potatoes, salads, desserts, soups, bread, and appetizers. Each time we have been there we have always gone away satisfied, both with the quantity and quality of the food. Dinner begins at 12:00 noon and entrees could include such items as prime rib, turkey, fried chicken, baked ham, and fish, and such typically Pennsylvania Dutch dishes as chicken pot pie with homemade noodles, baked cabbage in cream sauc, and Pennsylvania Dutch shoofly pie. Something for everybody! On Sunday, there is a breakfast, which begins at 8:00 a.m. We also sampled their wares at this time. They have a very large selection of fresh fruit, which was a real bonus for me, as well as all kinds of juices, eggs made to order, sausage, potatoes, pancakes, french toast, omelets, scrapple (of course) and fresh pastry. Take your time and enjoy the meal. It''s real good eatin''.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by EPearl on September 13, 2002

Miller''s Smorgasbord
2811 Lincoln Hwy E Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17572
(717) 687-8853

Good ' N PlentyBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Good n' Plenty"

Another very unique experience that we had was at the Good n' Plenty Restaurant. It is a very large restaurant, so the chances of getting in even without a reservation are pretty good, but you might have a small wait. They will give you a number when you register. While you are waiting, you can browse in the bakery and consider taking home a snack for later in the night, that is if you think you will ever be able to eat again after you've finished. There are large tables, usually seating 12 people, and the meals are served family style. Introductions are made before the meal, with everyone telling their name and where they are from. This is supposed to help stimulate conversation between people who did not come together, I think. It didn't work, from what I could see. Everyone was too busy trying to make a grab for the nearest available bowl and heap the goodies on their plate. They had relishes, such as pepper cabbage and chow chow, if your tastes lean in that direction, as well as homemade breads with apple butter or whipped butter. Plenty of main entrees, such as: ham, fried chicken, beef stew, roast beef, baked country sausage, pork and sauerkraut, and brown buttered noodles. Entrees do change over time. Vegetables might include mashed potatoes, stuffing, jello with fruit, green beans. Desserts were rather anti-climactic, but included ice cream or sherbert, apple pie or crumb cake, as well as shoo fly pie. Soft drinks and coffee and tea were also available, as well as milk, if requested. I would definitely recommend this totally unique dining experience.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by EPearl on September 21, 2002

Good ' N Plenty
RR 896 Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17576
(717) 394-7111

Rockvale Square Outlets Information CenterBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Rockvale Square Outlets"

Hey, you know what they say, if you can't leave home without it - buy a new one. Well, for those of us shop-a-holics, we NEED to spend some quality time with our charge cards. There is a great, big beautiful shopping outlet just sitting there waiting for the unsuspecting. There are over 120 stores in this particular mall (all outdoor-type). Stores range from Burlington brands, Gap, Jones NY, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Payless, Black & Decker, Waterford, Samsonite, and on and on and on. There must be something you forgot to pack! Or something else you would like to pack and take back home with you. Well, you've found the right spot for your itchy palms. And after all that walking, and shopping, you've probably gotten pretty hungry (or thirsty). Well, what would any self-respecting mall do without its favorite eateries. To name a few: Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel, Pizza Hut, TCBY, Kentucky Fried Chicken - are in the vicinity. So pack your bags (or unpack them to make room) and drive on over to the Rockvale Square Outlets.

Stores are open from:
9:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. (Mon.-Sat.)
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by EPearl on September 13, 2002

Rockvale Square Outlets Information Center
35 S Willowdale Dr Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602
(717) 293-9595

The Amazing Maize Maze at Cherry-Crest FarmBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Amazing Maize Maze"

Our sole purpose was to go through the corn maze. We chose to do it precisely at the wrong time, during mid-afternoon. It is very hot and stifling because the corn stalks, of which the maze was created, prevent any breeze from cooling you off. It would be a good idea to buy water before entering to take with you. There are clues along the way, which confused me more than helped, but maybe that's just me. I was mostly the leader of our little group, but we took turns deciding on which way to go at intersections. I had a good time! I enjoy mazes, and this one was as good as it gets -- better than sitting on the couch with your book of mazes. You are the pawn in this interactive maze. We did find our way out without any help. There is someone perched on a tall chair/platform, overlooking the maze, in case people have trouble finding their way and start to panic. The pole/flag helps to identify your location. For a different kind of activity, I would definitely recommend this for those with a spirit of adventure. If you want to really get the feel of the farm, accommodations are available.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by EPearl on September 14, 2002

The Amazing Maize Maze at Cherry-Crest Farm
150 Cherry Hill Rd Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17562
(717) 687-7034

Strasburg RailroadBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

For the train lovers among you, or for those of you who just want to sit it out, try a ride through the countryside on this old-time train. The prices I quoted were for the standard coach. There is also a lounge car, parlor car, and dining car. If you would like to arrange for dinner, reservations have to be made in advance. There is one stop made by the train at Groff's Grove. If you and your family would like to disembark, you can pack a picnic lunch, enjoy it and your surroundings, and pick up the train, when you are finished, returning back to the station. Check the train schedule though. If you are still in the train mode after the relaxing ride, check out the Railroad Museum of PA, across from the railroad station. There are hands-on exhibits for children and adults, and you can actually sit in the engineer's seat of a locomotive. There is a collection of more than 100 historic locomotives and rail cars. Enjoy your day!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by EPearl on September 21, 2002

Strasburg Railroad
RR 741 Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17579
(717) 687-8421

Village Greens Miniature Golf and Snack BarBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Village Greens Miniature Golf"

This course was probably one of the nicest courses I have ever had the pleasure of playing on. Actually, there are two courses, one more difficult than the other, but both of them are beautifully landscaped, and very relaxing in their scenery, as well as the floral plantings, attracting loads of butterflies to the bushes. There are natural hazards, such as streams and a mature wooded setting. The course is open at 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. (during summer months) and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays. Noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday. There is a snack bar with indoor and outdoor seating, including milk shakes, ice cream, sodas, sandwiches and french fries. Enjoy the scenery and the fresh air and relax and have some fun.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by EPearl on September 19, 2002

Village Greens Miniature Golf and Snack Bar
RR 741 Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17579
(717) 687-6933

Sturgis Pretzel HouseBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

The Sturgis Pretzel House is America's first pretzel bakery. It was founded in 186l by Julius Sturgis. This was one of the first places we visited when we entered the PA Dutch area. It is the closest to the turnpike, and along one of the routes that we had to travel to get to where we wanted to go. It was an interesting self-tour of the mechanization of the pretzel-making process. I understand they also have tours for school classes. It doesn't take too long to go through the factory. And, of course, there is the snack shop at the end of the line. Stock up for all your other sightseeing!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by EPearl on September 24, 2002

Sturgis Pretzel House
219 E Main St Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17543
(717) 626-4354

Kitchen Kettle VillageBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This particular shopping area is a very unique collection of stores in the little town of Intercourse, PA. It is right along the main street. Plenty of free parking. Lots of stores for shoppers of all ages and interests. Some of the stores include a candy shop, pretzel house, artworks, basket store, bake shop, delicatessan, ice cream shop, toy store, quilts, pottery, to name a few. There are 32 stores in all. It reminded me of a small village. There is often local entertainment, as well as buggy rides and hay rides available. There is a very good restaurant, the Kling House Restaurant. If I remember correctly, we ate there for lunch. You get the feel of actually joining a friend at their house for dinner. It is a converted house, with separate rooms used as the dining rooms. Food was very good. Many of the products that are sold in the Kitchen Kettle Village are served at this restaurant. Did I mention we like to eat out a lot when we go on vacation? Where else could you get the selection of restaurants and food?
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by EPearl on September 24, 2002

Kitchen Kettle Village
Rt. 340 Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17534
(717) 768-8261

Renninger's, Adamstown, PABest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

For a different type of shopping, try a very large "flea market" located close enough to Lancaster. On Sunday mornings, beginning at sunrise, up to 400 vendors gather for your shopping pleasure. You can find everything from valuable antiques to "early basement." In addition to the outdoor vendors, there are permanent indoor dealers, more than 375, by last count. They open at 7:30 a.m. Nice way to start an early morning. We drove through the countryside (from Strasburg) to Adamstown. We weren't positive where we were going, even with our map, but we kept heading in the direction I thought was right, and we found our way. During that time, we got to see some wonderful farmland scenery. If you're a bargainer at heart, you'll love this type of shopping, too. Hone your skills! You may even find something you didn't know you needed.

Ed's Buggy RidesBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

For a relaxing drive through the Amish countryside, try taking a buggy ride. You will ride through the back roads, listening to the stories, told by the buggy driver, about Amish life. Ride only lasts about an hour at most, but it is a pleasant way to while away some time when you don't feel like hanging out by the pool before dinner. This particular riding company just happened to be next door to the motel we were staying at in Strasburg (address: Rt. 896 - reservations suggested). There are various companies throughout the area through which you could get a similar tour. Sit back and let somebody else do the driving.

About the Writer

EPearl
EPearl
Langhorne, Pennsylvania

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