Pennsylvania Dutch Country: Pastoral Beauty

	Pennsylvania Dutch Country

Time seems to stand still in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Age-old traditions, brought to America centuries ago have kept life peaceful. Acres of rich farmland attracted many settlers, primarily German and Swiss, to Pennsylvania in the early 1700s. Since then the Plain People, as they are often called have held on to their ancestral way of life with a passion. The ways of their elders have permeated everything from their work ethics to their clothing. Devoutly religious, the Pennsylvania Dutch include Amish, Mennonite and Brethren faiths, among others.

HISTORY

Although there are many different religious traditions in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country, it is commonly believed that life, as it is still lived here, began with the Swiss and German Mennonite sects of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Suffering religious persecution for some unorthodox views such as adult baptism, Anabaptist leader Conrad Beissel came to the new world of America in 1720, carrying with him the Anabaptist traditions. Enticed by rich farmland and the promise of religious freedom offered by William Penn, Beissel originally settled in Germantown, near Philadelphia before moving to what would later become Lancaster County.

Beissel began converting locals to his strict religious ways, and by 1735 the small religious community had firmly established itself as a self-sufficient sect. Making their own tools and growing their own crops proved an enjoyable way of life and the community began to grow. By 1740 the Cloister, as they were then known, had built a considerable reputation for their singing talents and their skill with the printing press.

In September 1773 Lancaster County received a visit from President Washington as he toured the country. During this time, the city of Lancaster was the largest inland city in America. It remained so for the better part of its first one hundred years, in fact. Even more remarkable, not to mention unique, is that for one day in September 1777, as congress fled British invaders, the city became the US Capital. This short-lived honor is one of the most unique events in the history of the Pennsylvania Dutch country.

Country Church

In 1859, John Wise, a scientist and inventor from Lancaster County, gave the world airmail. Wise had always been fascinated with all things aerial, and once tied his cat to a home made parachute and dropped it off the church steeple to a safe landing on the ground below. His keen interest led to many balloon experiments through which he discovered many things about the atmosphere, including "the great river of air" in high altitudes, what we now call the jet stream. Some of his inventions, like the parachute's ripcord safety mechanism, are still in use today.

In 1860 Lancaster County organized the area's first volunteer fire department. Made up primarily of wealthy landowners, the fire department included among its ranks lawyers and judges, physicians, merchants, and businessmen. One time president James Buchanan was a member, and held the respectable duty of carrying the long ladders, as was Supreme Court Justice Jasper Yeats, who was in charge of keeping the water buckets orderly.

Milton Hershey, founder of the well-loved Hershey chocolate company, began life as a choclateer in the city of Lancaster. In 1905, Hershey built the predecessor of the modern chocolate factory and by the end of the first decade the Hershey Company had become the largest chocolate producer in the world. Two years later he developed Hershey Park to help entertain his employees and their families. Today the park is known as the cleanest theme park in America. The success of the Hershey Company also led to the Milton Hershey School. In 1910, its first year of operation, the school had only four boys who lived and studied in the home Hershey was born in. The school is still running and is the largest of its kind in the US, teaching more than 1,000 pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students.

Milton Hershey was considered a great humanitarian by those who knew him. During the Great depression, he kept people working by adding to his factory and developing a small community for his employees, offering comfortable homes, green spaces and, of course, recreation parks. This community known as Hershey, PA is a thriving and fascinating place to visit.

CLIMATE

Pennsylvania Dutch Country experiences moderate summers, with temperatures averaging in the low 80s Fahrenheit, (mid 20s Celsius). Summers tend to be warm and humid, lending to the strong agricultural nature of the community so light clothing is advisable. Snow falls fairly regularly, covering the fields as far as the eye can see, but the streets and highways are fairly well maintained. The higher humidity leads to a penetrating cold, so layering and warm clothing is a must. Winter temperatures settle in the low 30s Fahrenheit (just below 0 Celsius).

TRANSPORTATION

	Lancaster County

The Pennsylvania Turnpike touches the northern part of the territory, and minor highways connect with the center of activity in the south. Amtrak offers multiple daily trips through Lancaster on one of three train lines, Keystone, the Pennsylvanian and the Three Rivers. While driving is possible, the religious and cultural beliefs of the Pennsylvania Dutch don't favor that mode of transportation. In light of this, it is less offensive (not to mention more fun) to tour the country by horse drawn carriage, bicycle or hot air balloon, available for rent in Lancaster. However, if the thought of touring the countryside at such a laid back pace does not meet your travel plans, Red Rose transit runs extensive bus tours of the farmland. And of course, horse drawn carriages can also be rented in many of the towns and make for a fun and leisurely way to tour the Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

ATTRACTIONS

Pennsylvania Dutch Country is known for its agriculture, so it is not surprising that it is also known for its fabulous cooking. Restaurants are everywhere, and they all offer home style cooking, as though you were right on the farm. The region is also famous for shoofly pie, a local favorite, funnel cakes and for bringing pretzels to America. Here you can try them the way they were meant to be, home made and fresh. Always a nice addition to dinner is one of the many locally brewed wines. The wine here has a taste as distinctive as its legend. Local superstition has it that for three minutes on Christmas night, all the water in all the wells throughout the land will turn into wine.

For the Pennsylvania Dutch, food often takes on a medicinal role as well. A traditional headache cure was to wear a buckwheat cake on the top of the head. Rheumatism was often treated by drinking an unusual blend of dandelion roots soaked in whisky, or by washing the affected body part in potato water after it cools. Mind you, it was also once believed that on the Christmas Eve night cows are given the power of speech and anyone born on Christmas Day will understand what they say.

Pennsylvania Dutch Country Pretzels

Many lovers of fine food harbor a deep love of sweets, so a visit to Hershey is not to be missed. Home to the famous Hershey Chocolate Company, and Hershey Park, with chocolate Kiss street lights, rides and shows for the whole family, Hershey, PA remains a popular vacation destination.

The city of Lancaster is the hub of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and offers many surprises to first time visitors. Penn Square is the center of Lancaster activity, and is easily recognized by the Soldiers And Sailors Monument. The monument honors the fighting men of the American armed forces. Not far from Penn Square is the oldest running theater in America, the Fulton Opera House. Built in 1852, and named after famous inventor Robert Fulton, the stage has been host to many world-renowned performers including the Barrymores, Sarah Bernhardt, and Al Jolson.

Close to Penn Square is the Central Market, where farmers, bakers and butchers sell their wares. The market has been running since the mid-1700s. Lancaster is also home to the nations oldest operating tobacco shop. Demuth's Tobacco Shop opened its doors in 1770 and survived economic recession, revolution and war by selling tobacco and snuff to such distinguished gentlemen as Jasper Yeats and General Edward Hand. The shop was owned and operated by the same family for more than two centuries.

Visitors to Pennsylvania Dutch Country can also visit the fully restored home of America's 15th president, James Buchanan, the only president to come from Pennsylvania. It was from this home that President Buchanan made a name for himself, and a considerable fortune, practicing law.

Horse and buggy rides through the peaceful countryside are surely one of the greatest ways to relax and experience life in rural Pennsylvania. Tours are available from most towns and are not to be missed on any trip. Along the way sightseers can even visit the home and store used by Paramount Pictures while filming "Witness", starring Harrison Ford and Kelly McGillis.

There are also many less famous but equally popular attractions to be found here. Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Complex in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, for example, offers rides and entertainment for the whole family. The park opened in 1963, and has grown steadily ever since. The rides are not too extreme, and are geared more for the younger children and parents. Also designed for family fun is the Maize Maze at Cherry-Crest Farms. Much like a traditional hedge maze, the maize maze twists and turns through 5 acres to entertain both young and old alike. Unlike the traditional hedge maze, this one is designed in a cornfield. As laid back as the Pennsylvania Dutch Country is, there is never a shortage of wonderful things see and do.

ACCOMMODATION

Lancaster is the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, but there is no lack of variety when looking for lodgings. Hotels and motels are reasonably priced and can be found in most towns, and there are many campgrounds throughout the county. Many campgrounds are found near cities with tourist attractions, like the KOA Kampground of Hershey. Hotels are less common around the countryside, but visitors can find many bed and breakfast stops, as well as a few farmhouses with rooms for rent. This is a fun and fascinating opportunity for visitors interested in learning about this way of life. It is a good idea to ask about modern amenities like electricity and indoor plumbing when staying with locals, as some farms do not have them. The visitor's bureau keeps up to date listings of farms that welcome visitors.