How to Make the Most of a Weekend in Pa.’s Amish Country
By Sue Kovach Shuman
Washington Post
April 16, 2008
Washingtonians travel to Lancaster County, Pa., about 2 1/2 hours from the Capital Beltway, for a glimpse of Amish life. Horse Drawn buggies. Men in broad-brimmed black hats. Women in bonnets and long dresses. And don’t forget those “No Sunday sales” signs. Lancaster is home not only to Amish but also to Mennonites. Sundays, many locals go to church and relax… and close up shop for the day.
So how do you pack the most into a Pennsylvania Dutch weekend if many things are closed half the time? Not to worry. Lancaster is quiet, but we found plenty to do on a Sunday. Tip 1: Make the Pennsylvania Dutch Convention and Visitors Bureau (800-723-8824) on Route 30 your first stop.
Travel in a steam train from Strasburg to Paradise on the Strasburg Rail Road. Rides start at $12. The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is across the road, and the National Toy Train Museum is nearby.