Plain and Fancy in Pennsylvania Dutch Country
Lancaster and the surrounding area are often referred to as Pennsylvania Dutch Country, a name derived from the Amish groups that migrated to the area from Germany and continue to contribute to the community today.
To gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for local Amish culture, it is worth paying a visit to the Amish Experience on Plain and Fancy Farm, which presents a compelling short film and theater experience called “Jacob’s Choice,” as well as guided tours of a replicated Amish home and a one-room schoolhouse. Groups can also take a tour of the surrounding farmlands, with potential opportunities to speak with members of the Amish community.
Travelers can close out theday with a rich selection of Dutch heritage cuisine at Miller’s Smorgasbord; this venue offers flights of local wines paired with items like seafood bisque or Amish caviar, which consists of cream cheese and pepper jelly on a club cracker.
The drive to Lancaster is characterized by sweeping green farmland, bright-red barns and the occasional horse-drawn buggy on the road. Those hoping to take home a piece of this pastoral paradise need look no further than Kitchen Kettle Village, a sprawling collection of over 40 artisan shops that feature local products such as red pepper jam, pineapple salsa, handcrafted quilts and award-winning wines. Visitors can also watch a cheese-stretching demonstration and take a carriage ride under one of Pennsylvania’s famous covered bridges.
Across from the historic Strasburg Railroad, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania takes groups back to a time when trains fueled the lifeblood of society, with some of the oldest freight cars and locomotives in the country on display.
“A lot of our pieces are the only ones still in existence today,” said Troy Grubb, one of the staff educators at the museum.
As visitors wander around the towering machines, they can view intricate engine mechanics up close, step inside a storage car and walk below a 62-ton locomotive supported on rails.
One of the most beloved attractions in the region is the palatial Sight and Sound Theatre, which has captivated audiences for more than 40 years with its immersive, biblical-themed productions.
“People may be familiar with the story, but we want to bring it to life,” said Katie Miller, corporate communications manager at the theater.
This year’s production of “Jonah” includes features such as bubbles in the air, jellyfish floating down from the ceiling, a life-size whale flying over the audience and a 20,000-pound ship.
Another popular stop for groups is the Tanger Outlet shopping center, which will open 25 new stores on Labor Day weekend following an extensive expansion.
“Out of Tanger Outlet’s 44 locations, Lancaster is the No. 1 motorcoach destination,” said Monica Trego, general manager at the outlet.
Bus drivers and escorts receive $10 gift certificates when they preregister for a visit, and group members can take advantage of customized coupon booklets with coupons to neighboring restaurants and hotels.
Scenic and Serene in Brandywine Valley
Winding through the wooded hills of Chester County, Brandywine Valley is replete with scenery, culture and history, most notably the site of the American Revolution’s Battle of Brandywine. Visitors will find no shortage of delicious menu items in Kennett Square, also known as the Mushroom Capital of the World, with options like cool, creamy desserts from La Michoacana Ice Cream or mouthwatering roasted artichokes from La Verona.
The region is also known for its thriving art scene. In a renovated 19th-century mill, the Brandywine River Museum commemorates the talented Wyeth family, from N.C. Wyeth’s colorful illustrations of knights and pirates to his grandson Jamie’s critically acclaimed realist portraits. From June to September, the museum will feature a special Andrew Wyeth exhibit to honor the 100th anniversary of his birth with over 100 of his paintings in chronological order. After browsing the exhibits, groups can enjoy a sweeping view of the Brandywine River from the Millstone Café, which offers locally sourced soups, salads and sandwiches from resident chef MacGregor Mann.
Longwood Gardens provides a serene natural escape from the bustle of nearby cities. In 1906, prominent businessman Pierre S. du Pont purchased a historic arboretum in Kennett Square to prevent its destruction by a lumber mill. Over the next 40 years, he transformed the property into one of the most exquisite horticultural display gardens in the country, encompassing over 1,000 acres of flowerbeds, topiaries, fountains and meadow footpaths.
Each year between January and March, Longwood Gardens hosts an Orchid Extravaganza within its Conservatory, exhibiting nearly 4,500 colorful orchids.
“It’s a beautiful winter experience to come inside and see it,” said Nina Kelly, director of marketing and communications at Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau.
This spring, Longwood Gardens will reopen the Main Fountain Garden after a two-year, $90 million revitalization project, celebrating with a series of firework and fountain shows called Summer of Spectacle.
For more information go to www.visitpa.com.
