Escape To The Country
By Scott McAllister
Newark Post
January 11, 2007

A brisk hour’s drive up Route 896 allows Newarkers to leave the hustle and bustle of New Castle County in order to slow down and take in the beautiful scenery of Lancaster County, Pa.

For years, Lancaster County has been known for the simple beauty and slowed down life of its Amish residents. In recent years, commercial build up has allowed for the addition of strip malls, discount outlets, concerts, theater production and sports entertainment.

People travel from around the country to this area that has become known for outlet shopping and fine Amish craftsmanship. Along 896 are little shops offering their goods for sale, from road side fruit and vegetable stands to barns full of hand made quilts and furniture.

Many visitors now come for entertainment, as two world renowned theaters have opened for business. Sight and Sound Music Theater, located on 896, offers world-class original productions of biblical stories, such as “Noah,” which had a cast that included many live animals. Each year they also offer their “Christmas Miracle,” the biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ.

About a mile down the road on Route 30 sits The American Music Theater, which hosts the original “Summer Spectacular” and “Christmas Spectacular” shows along with a host of celebrity entertainers throughout the year. Performers have included Dion (of the Wanderer fame), Kenny Rogers, The Beach Boys, Peter, Paul, and Mary and, in 2007, the theater will play host to Bill Cosby.

For the sports fan, downtown Lancaster holds Clipper Magazine Stadium, home of the Lancaster Barnstormers minor league baseball team. The Barnstormers play in the Atlantic League.

Lancaster also offers many educational opportunities. Learn about the Amish way of life at the Amish Farm and steam locomotives at the Strasburg Railroad Museum. Visitors can take a train ride through the Lancaster countryside to take in all the beauty the area has to offer.

Take a weekend get away at the local bed and breakfasts or the many hotels in the area and enjoy what Lancaster County has to offer. Go for a day of shopping and dining and take in a show. There are plenty of things to see and do in Lancaster, Pa.

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