Amish, Antiques and Accommodations in Dutch Country PA
from WorldWeb.com Travel Guide

	An Amish Farmer in Dutch Country 1

Visiting the splendid Dutch Country in Pennsylvania is like visiting no other place in the state, or in the country for that matter. This land had significant value for the lot who made it their home while the country was still in its infancy. Even though much has changed since, many similarities still remain. Artifacts, remnants and the culture of the region's Lutheran, German, Moravian, Amish and Mennonite founders have endured time's attrition. This living history is what gives Lancaster and Dutch Country its charm, and why it has become an important destination for those interested in the heritage and diversity of the United States.

Horse-drawn carriages still ramble down P.A.'s highways and back roads, setting a tranquil, clip-clop-rhythm reminiscent of times long past. Amish and Mennonite farmers are seen tending the fields in their self-imposed solitude. Handmade quilts are still being sewn by mothers, wives and daughters. Small, often beautiful pieces of history can be purchased at any of antiques shops and markets that pervade in the area.

	Antique Shops Are Prolific in Dutch Country 2

Tours are an excellent source of information and can be the easiest and most comfortable way to travel. But for those who prefer to pick their own paths, the WorldWeb Travel Guide has compiled three useful directories designed to help travelers find what they need, when they need it.

Accommodation Directory—This is a complete Lancaster and Dutch Country accommodation directory containing detailed information about hotels, B&Bs, luxury resorts, campgrounds and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, this directory is designed to help visitors find the right place to stay based on their personal preferences.

Secure Room Reservations—Check for Dutch Country room availability and then make secure online room reservations for participating properties with this convenient link.

Maps—The Dutch Country map can assist visitors in choosing where to stay by not only indicating where accommodations are located, but also where they are in relation to attractions, restaurants, shops, tours and transportation.

	Feilds in Pennsylvania Dutch Country 3

ACCESS/TRANSPORTATION

Like most of the Midwest, Pennsylvania's Dutch Country is interlaced with highways, freeways, interstates, streets, roads, train tracks and farm roads. With all of these options, getting from point A to point B is no challenge. However, becoming lost is just as easy a task, so be sure to have an up-to-date and detailed road map when navigating the countryside. In Dutch Country, most major routes, such as Eastbound Route 30 and 283 along with Westbound Highway 222, converge on Lancaster City.

Those arriving in southeastern P.A. by air will likely touchdown at one of the international airports in Scranton, Harrisburg, or Philadelphia. From there a charter flight to Lancaster or ground transportation will have to be arranged.

ORIENTATION

Lancaster Dutch Country sits on the border between Pennsylvania and Maryland in mid-eastern America. The Susquehanna River intersects the western boundary while Philadelphia is within 50 mi (80 km) to the east. The county is 46 mi (74 km) wide, meaning that any point within the area can be reached in about an hour or less.

Geographically, the land is shaped by rolling hills, farmlands and forests, with more pronounced hills rising in the west and south along the Susquehanna. Small villages and towns are interspersed throughout the countryside, weaving a colorful pattern of cultural attractions, museums, theaters and restaurants. The Susqehanna River separates Lancaster and York while treating sightseers to a selection of breathtaking views. This river has three crossings in Dutch Country: PA Route 30 along with Highway 462 in the north and Highway 372 in the south.

The city of Lancaster forms the hub of Dutch Country, both physically and as the central tourism and business point. Equipped with a modern airport and many accommodations, Lancaster is an excellent base for travel and tourism.

	The Restaurant at Best Western Inn 4

WHEN TO VISIT

Pennsylvania is charming in all seasons, however, since the majority of Dutch Country's appeal is exploration and sightseeing it is suggested that one visits during the warmer months (June through September). Due to this logicality, these dates do see a noticeable increase in tourism, meaning those visiting during the winter will experience a much more solitary and personal trip than those in the summer.

Generally considered to have a humid, continental type climate, the area receives a variety of weather, dependent on the time of year. Temperatures usually remain between zero (-17.7°C) and 100°F (37.7°C). Summers are warm, averaging about 75°F (23.8°C) with highs reaching 90°F (32.2°C). During the coldest months, temperatures hover around 0°F (-17.7°C) and often drop well below freezing. Due to its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Dutch Country sees a fair amount of rainfall, which turns to snowfall in the winter months. The greatest precipitation occurs in the spring and summer months, while February is the driest month.

DISTRICTS

Though Lancaster is a centerpiece to the county, many smaller towns like Adamstown, Strasburg, Ephrata, Intercourse and Mount Joy fill in the surrounding area. These towns, and others like them, have retained their own distinctive character and individuality, endowing visitors with a valuable sense of the area's timelessness.

North Count
The highly populated north end of Dutch Country is known as the antiques region and includes the Antique Mile, a section of Route 272 which boasts a high concentration of antique shopping. Notable towns in the north include Adamstown with its European inspired Stoudtburg Village, and the Stoudt's family enterprise which includes a restaurant, brewery, bakery and an antiques market. Ephrata is also located in the north and is home to the Ephrata Cloister. Now open to the public, this place of worship was founded in 1932 by German settlers seeking a highly spiritual way of life.

	Rocky Springs Bed and Breakfast, Lancaster 5

West County
The rolling hills and scenic valleys along the Susquehanna River harbor a batch of historic towns such as Elizabethtown, Maytown and Columbia, but the Scots-Irish town of Mount Joy should not be missed. Home of the Donegal Presbyterian Church, much of this town's architecture dates further back than 1939.

Central
The city of Lancaster takes up the central position in the area, but towns like Leola, Millersville, Bird-In-Hand, Ronks and Paradise surround this axis affording the area a variation of character. East of Lancaster, the town of Intercourse acts as a hub of activity for the surrounding Amish, the local folks, and the thousands of visitors arriving each year. This simple village has always stood as a reminder of the traditional American way of life.

Southern
Southern Dutch Country includes the villages of Quarryville, Oxford and the historic Strasburg Village. A unique 18th century village, Strasburg has long been recognized for its numerous railroad attractions and has managed to retain that unique small-town ambiance that is lost to so many other communities.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Though a range of accommodations in the area can offer visitors everything from economical motels to extravagant luxury hotels, the bed and breakfasts of Dutch Country must be acknowledged. In an area where historic buildings and peaceful living prevail, it is not surprising that visitors might want an honest experience of what life is like here. To wakeup to the sound of horses trotting down the road, to see the local Amish and Mennonites tending their fields and to enjoy a traditional American breakfast each morning. These inns, and those who keep them, can provide this unique view into Dutch Country.

	Suites at the Best Western Inn, Intercourse 6

With numerous bed and breakfasts around each village, one might want to do their research before choosing where to stay. It's important to find one near attractions of interest, however, the county is small enough to drive in a day so one can also make the choice solely on where they want to stay.

North
Staying in Ephrata presents visitors with many options when looking for an inn that suits their tastes. The Kimmell House, a charming Georgian sandstone house built in 1795, can accommodate up to six people with three private rooms each with their own full baths. This historic bed and breakfast is located in the heart of Ephrata.

Staying in the Jacob Metzler Suite at the Hertzog Homestead is like stepping back in time. In use since 1786, this limestone farmhouse is perfect for those looking for simple, luxurious lodgings.

The Historic Smithton Inn still stands after 230 years as one of Dutch Country's most prominent inns. Surrounded by gardens and pastures, this unique home is built in stone and sits atop a hill overlooking the Eprata Cloister. With working fireplaces in each room, oil lamps in the windows and hand sewn Dutch quilts on the beds, the Smithton is possibly one of the county's most authentic traditional inns.

	The Dinning Room at the Limestone Inn 7

In the neighboring village of Adamstown, the Amethyst Inn provides two guestrooms each with Jacuzzi baths and fireplaces. Seated high up a hill, this Victorian inn features a magnificent view of the historic downtown below.

East
Within the village of Intercourse, Best Western seems to have altered its game plan to suit the county's ambiance and character. Here, instead of its typical hotel style accommodations, they have created a combination of three country style lodgings representing the area's heritage and culture. The Luxury Inn and Spa with its plush suits and five-course gourmet breakfast, the Vacation Homes ideal for families and groups, and the Best Western Village Inn which offers a variety of rooms from family suites to standard rooms. The inn also offers a friendly, country-style restaurant which opens early and features traditional Lancaster dishes.

South
It is often asked in Strasburg whether the buildings are reproductions. The truth is that each historic structure has withstood the test of time and the Limestone Inn is a perfect example of that. This amazing building is one of the most photographed homes in town and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

	The Majestic Chambre at the King's Cottage 8

Lancaster
No journey to Dutch Country is complete without a visit to Lancaster. In this celebrated city visitors will find no shortage of hotels, inns and bed and breakfasts.

There is the Rocky Springs Bed and Breakfast down by Central Park. This onetime amusement park now delights guests with beautifully appointed pre-Victorian guestrooms.

Due to its central location, The Kings Cottage is a great choice for those exploring Lancaster's many historic sites. This elegant Spanish mansion was built in 1913 and has been beautifully restored, bestowing travelers with luxurious rooms, whirlpool baths, a relaxing massage parlor and a private honeymoon cottage.

Aside from the many Lancaster bed and breakfasts, the city is also a hotbed for hotels. The Courtyard by Marriott is located downtown on the aptly named Hospitality Drive.

	Gold Sunflower Room at The Smithton Inn 9

In the heart of the city, the luxurious Hotel Brunswick accommodates guests with a traditional motif and comfortable, quiet atmosphere.

Just off of North Prince Street, the Hotel Arts has found a perfect mix of style, comfort and aesthetics. Although this luxurious hotel showcases original artwork, the building and its décor is something to behold in itself.

The area surrounding Lancaster features such notable names as Travelodge, Travel Inn and Quality Inn, plus numerous independent bed and breakfasts.

The Artist's Inn and Gallery, located in the little district of Terre Hill on the periphery of Lancaster, offers a romantic getaway with three suites and a detached stone cottage. This Federal-style home was built in 1848 and is surrounded by Amish farmlands.

PHOTO COURTESY An Amish Farmer in Dutch Country; Terre Hill, P.A., USA Antique Shops are Prolific in Dutch Country; Adamstown, P.A., USA Fields in Pennsylvania Dutch Country; City, P.A., USA c/o Best Western Intercourse Village Inn; The Restaurant at Best Western Inn; Intercourse, P.A., USA Rolph Kullander ; c/o Rocky Springs Bed and Breakfast; Rocky Springs Bed and Breakfast; Lancaster, P.A., USA c/o Best Western Intercourse Village Inn; Suites at the Best Western Inn; Intercourse; P.A., USA c/o The Lime Stone Inn; The Dinning Room at the Limestone Inn; Strasburg; P.A., USA c/o The King's Cottage; The Majestic Chambre at the Kings Cottage; Lancaster; P.A., USA c/o The Smithton Inn; Gold Sunflower Room at the Smithton Inn; Ephrata; P.A., USA