Nothing says “getaway” like a trip to Lancaster County, Pa. Whether you are looking to slow down and enjoy quiet sunsets and rolling farmland, shop in quaint market and antique shops, or rev up and take in a theatre experience, the Lancaster area has it all.

The Amish Experience

Lancaster County is home to more than 25,000 Old Order Amish, the oldest and second largest community in the United States. The Amish lead a frugal, humble life. They prefer horse-drawn buggies to automobiles and shun modern technology. The Amish came to America from Europe in the late 1600s and early 1700s in search of the religious freedom they desired. Today, the Amish live a life of humility and simplicity, much as they did when they first settled in Pennsylvania. The Amish dress in plain clothing and do not own things like cars or computers. Their homes do not have electricity, or other modern conveniences that the “English” (how the Amish refer to their non-Amish neighbors) take for granted.

One of the best ways to get a glimpse inside a typical Amish family is to visit “The Amish Experience” at the Plain & Fancy Farm on Route 340, between Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse. To avoid missing the turnoff, look carefully for a sign on your left as you drive east from Bird-in-Hand. Two of the main attractions are the Homestead Tour and the F/X Theater. 

At the F/X Theater, you are surrounded by amazing sound, five screens, lighting, and special effects: it is one of only three theaters like it in North America.  “Jacob’s Choice,” the show at the F/X Theater, is a story about an Old Order Amish family and their lives and struggles.  See the show and afterward take the Homestead Tour, which takes you into the home of the family you met during “Jacob’s Choice.” The home is a Lancaster County Heritage site, and as you tour it, you can learn about the day-to-day lives of an Amish family.  The whole experience is educational and fun.  Maybe you will learn a few ways to simplify your own life and achieve the relaxed and disciplined lifestyle of the Amish. For information, visit www.amishexperience.com.

Wine and Cheese Train

Enjoy this unique spin on the 45-minute ride on the “Ride to Paradise” aboard America’s oldest shortline railroad. As the sun sets, enjoy a glass of wine and selection of cheeses while you sit back and watch as the scenic countryside rolls by. Journey back to the golden era of steam railroading, while  you’re enjoying the luxurious amenities of the restored turn-of-the-century coash. The train might look familiar: it was featured in the movie “Hello Dolly!”  For information, visit www.strasburgrailroad.com. 

Families get royal treatment

Whether seeking roller coasters or miniature golf, pretzel-twisting or petting zoos, Pennsylvania Dutch Country has endless opportunities for fun for the entire family. From hayrides to water rides, the fun never ends.

Families can receive the royal treatment at Dutch Wonderland Family Entertainment Complex. This Family Amusement Park houses pint-sized rides, games, children’s shows, and an interactive water park, and the accompanying museum and mini-golf complete the day. Guests can be sure to get a warm welcome from Duke the Dragon, the park’s friendly mascot, as well as from the Princess and Knight of Dutch Wonderland, who teach kids about the importance of literacy and safety. For those families seeking a bigger thrill, nearby Hersheypark offers looping roller coasters, upside-down amusements, and musical extravaganzas. If the adrenaline rush from the rides still isn’t quite satisfying, a sugar rush from the interactive chocolate tour ride at Hershey’s Chocolate World will be. For information, visit www.hersheypa.com or www.dutchwonderland.com.

Couples hideaways

In the heart of Amish countryside, visitors seeking that romantic hideaway will find more than 100 B&Bs ranging from historic stone mansions decorated in Victorian elegance to quaint cottages featuring fantastic views and quiet seclusion. Enjoy a romantic evening on the front porch along the quiet country lane as Amish buggies clip-clop by, or take in a leisurely gourmet breakfast by candlelight. Comfortable rooms overlook the enchanting countryside and allow couples to relax and enjoy.

Couples can also wander the day away during a relaxing weekend getaway by strolling through quaint towns and villages, stopping in friendly cafes as they browse through country shops. The many antique shops and cute boutiques let visitors browse through the towns reminiscent of old romances in history. Visit any of the county’s fine wineries or breweries for tours or tastings, and enjoy a gourmet dinner by candlelight for the ideal way to wrap up this romantic retreat.

Girlfriends Getaways

Nothing calls girlfriends away from their busy lives like a weekend of pampering, eating out, and shopping. Now, it might seem odd to recommend a place with “kitchen” in its name, but this kitchen will simply pamper you.  At Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse, PA., girlfriends can wander through a village of 42 shops and restaurants built around Lancaster County’s nationally celebrated Jam & Relish kitchen. Girlfriends can look, smell, and taste over 70 flavors of jams, jellies, and relishes, not to mention indulge in ice cream and visit the bakery and fudge shops. There is plenty of lodging right in the village. Please note that the village is closed on Sundays. For information, visit www.kitchenkettlevillage.com.

Girlfriends can shop till they drop at Rockvale Outlets, which is the 10th largest outlet center in the country, and offers more than 100 brand name outlet stores. The outlets are located at Routes 30 and 896 in Lancaster. For information, visit rockvaleoutletslancaster.com.

 
Theatre events

As the sun sets on the countryside, fun takes the center stage in Lancaster for top-rated entertainment.

Perhaps the most well-known theater is the Sight & Sound Millennium Theatre, the nation’s largest professional Christian theatrical company on the East Coast. This year the theatre is showing “In the Beginning,” the story of creation, which runs until Oct. 27. With live animals, amazing special effects, and the magnificent staging that’s made Sight and Sound famous, you will never forget this show. Beginning Nov. 23, Sight & Sound presents “Miracle of Christmas.”

In nearby Living Waters Theatre, “Psalms of David” runs until Oct. 13. “Voices of Christmas” opens Nov. 10 and runs until January. For information, visit www.sight-sound.com.

There’s always a headliner at the American Music Theatre. “Broadway’s Best” runs through Oct. 11, which features show-stopping moments from America’s greatest musicals. “My Generation” features music from the ‘60s and ‘70s. The show runs through Oct. 14. “The Christmas Show” runs Nov. 1–Dec. 31. For information, visit www.AMTshows.com.