Top Amish Country Experiences near Annville Inn
Top Amish Country Experiences in our area include Lancaster County.
The most famous Amish settlement (covering multiple communities and thousands of acres of farmland) in the United States is located in both Lancaster and Lebanon Counties.
A hot-air balloon ride gives you a bird’s eye view of the entire multi-county layout. It’s the perfect combination of excitement and tranquility with breathtaking sights you will only find in Amish country. Lancaster Balloon Rides is a popular company that many of our Guests have used for a relaxing “bird’s eye view.”
When the vacation you really want is one away from all the hustle and bustle of modern-day life, Annville Inn, at the edge of Amish Country, is the perfect place to find solace. A short jaunt into Lancaster County allows one to view Amish culture firsthand. This way of life provides a simpler, more straightforward lifestyle in a rural setting. Indulge in this much needed break from fast-paced modern life. Learn, Taste, Experience!
Top Amish Country Experiences in Pennsylvania centers around Lancaster County, less than 30 minutes’ drive from the Inn. Their settlements dot the rural landscape and come together to make up what is called “Amish Country”. The religious and agricultural-based Amish culture shuns electricity and many aspects of modern life. They do, however, welcome visitors and enjoy sharing their way of life and products with the outside world. Take a look* at what you can experience when visiting Amish Country:
Tip: Pronounce “Lancaster” like a local. Penna Dutch pronunciation almost eliminates the second letter “a” and puts no emphasis or accent on the first “a”—in fact give it a soft “eh” sound. Start off saying “Lehn” and then shoot right into “cster.”
Top Amish Country Experiences that are on our Guests’ list of favorite spots for in Lancaster and our own Lebanon Counties:
First choice not specifically “Amish” but is in the heart of Lancaster County. Sight & Sound has earned a nationwide reputation for exemplary theatre craft. Its professional features include the special effects created in the retelling of Biblical stories. The acting, stage management, and overall production values have earned rave reviews from coast to coast.
Founded in 1976. The original theater was lost to a fire in 1997. It has since been rebuilt as a magnificent theatre with Broadway quality features throughout.
Top Amish Country Experiences very popular among our Guests, besides Sight & Sound:
The Amish Village gives a glimpse into the Amish way of life. Enjoy demonstrations of traditional Amish crafts and recipes. Learn the reasons for Amish wholesome standards and beliefs. Tour an authentic Amish farmhouse. Learn about local agriculture. See a traditional one-room schoolhouse.
Landis Valley Villages & Farm Museum. This living museum focuses on the rural history of Pennsylvania. It brings alive the Pennsylvania German way of life from 1740 until 1940 through architecture, exhibits, and costumed interpreters. Please see our previous Blog about the Landis Valley Villages & Farm Museum.
Amish Buggy Rides, and a Word of Caution:
When traveling through Amish Country, including here in Lebanon County, stay alert for horse horse-drawn buggies on the road.
If you’re curious about this way of getting around, go for your own buggy ride. Rosalie, your Innkeeper, can suggest a number of authentic buggy ride opportunities in Lancaster.
Handmade Amish Goods: Besides Amish quilts, one of the most popular goods is hand-dipped candles. Indeed, some of the best candles are found at the Old Candle Barn. From decorative to utilitarian, they have it all. Established over 40 years ago! Also not to be missed are Amish Quilts, Farm Produce and Crafts available at numerous markets.
The Central Market:
The oldest continuously operated farmers market in the United States of America!
For almost 300 years, people have been coming together to meet at the market in order to enjoy the freshest local food such as ready-made unique dishes and special finds you can only get at Lancaster Central Market. The historic building is beautiful. It projects history and beauty around every corner. The market is in the heart of downtown Lancaster. Here you will find the best of Lancaster under one historic roof.
Also, don’t forget The Lebanon Farmers’ Market, located in a wonderful historic structure that has undergone a worldclass restoration. Look for our Blog celebrating the Lebanon Farmers’ Market to be published this spring.
Three more “Must See” features of Lancaster County: Strasburg Railroad, The National Toy Railroad and The National Railroad Museum.
There is much to say about these three entities that we do not have room here. Instead, we have beautiful photographs and descriptions in the Annville Inn Travel Guide. If you need help with any part of your travel arrangements while staying at Annville Inn, please give us a call or e-mail. 717-867-1991, [email protected]. www.annvilleinn.com.
This summer, enjoy our Gardens and pool, Rosalie’s famous candle-lit gourmet breakfasts, our Game Room with pool table, the Conservatory, our own 20-seat theatre with commercial Dolby 7.1 surround, and the ultimate in comfort and relaxation. Check room availability and make your reservation!
OUR CABIN FEVER SPECIAL CONTINUES THROUGH April. Available by telephone only, for certain rooms and dates: Book two or more nights, and we pay ½ of the second night for you!
*Take a look: But please do not take photos that show an Amish person’s face. Just as the Amish do not carry personal photographs or display them in homes, they do not want others to take photographs of them. Many visitors to Lancaster County, find it difficult not to do so. Yet, if there is one thing that appears to frustrate the Amish, it is tourists attempting to take their picture. Please follow our lead in taking no photographs in which faces are recognizable. Refraining from taking photos is more than just a courtesy; it is RESPECT for our Amish neighbors and their way of life.