Lancaster, Pennsylvania (PA)

Lancaster PA

I love Lancaster and the laid back life lived by The Amish community. I really like going on a horse and carriage over covered bridges, tasting farm to table fresh meals in a family style dining environment where I will meet a family from somewhere in the world, just for one meal. I love Kitchen Kettle Village and the fact that at night in Lancaster you aren't having to be out half the night...because nothing is open that late. I love seeing firefly's (like Ray from Princess and the Frog) in the fields as you drive back to your hotel, then spending the next hour outside catching them, seeing them light up and then releasing them while other families laugh and join in the fun. I also love that PA is a state where there is no tax charged on clothing, so the outlet shops hold even more bargains than other outlets!

Getting your Bearings
When telling people where we are going, instead of saying Intercourse and getting the sniggers and raised eyebrows, we tend to say Lancaster- thus the name of this post. If you think that the state is Pennsylvania, the county is Lancaster and within Lancaster County, there are a number of different 'suburbs' or towns- one of them being Intercourse. When you get there, you will notice that Bird-In-Hand and Intercourse are 2 such 'suburbs' about 4 minutes drive from each other along one road. 

The Travel Concierge tip: Many places of business are closed on Sunday as that is the Amish community Sabbath day and a lot of the community devote their day to spending time in church and with their family.

Amish Vs Mennonite
When travelling in this area, you might see the traditional Amish family travelling in their horse and carriage, farming with traditional tools and living without the modern convenience of phones and electricity. They live separate to the community around them.Mennonites are more likely to live within the community they live in and can have modern technology like electricity. They might also farm with more than just horse-drawn farming equipment. You will notice that there are no big churches around as Amish and Mennonite families hold their church services at their houses. After men are married, their beards remain uncut, men and women wear plain clothes that are generally hand made. The women and men have coverings over their head. Mennonite people tend to wear clothes that blend in more to their community. If you want to find out more about Amish and Mennonite's, there are a few places that you can go when in Lancaster. The Mennonite Centre is one of them, and mentioned in this blog.

Our delightful children putting on their 'best faces' because they were so embarrassed 
we made them take this shot in front of the Intercourse sign.

We stay in Intercourse. This place gets its unusual name from the roads that all intersect into one area. It was formerly known as the Cross Keys but changed to Intercourse in 1814. Nearby, there is also Bird-In-Hand where you can stay and explore.  There are some really funny souvenirs that you can buy here. They make really funny presents to bring back home!

The Travel Concierge tip: Want a photo with the town name sign?? It is located in front of some bushes near the road on E. Newport Rd. To get there... Park in the car park of Snyder Furniture/ Countryside Car Wash.- 3711 E Newport Rd. Intercourse. While facing the street,walk to the left along next to the road where there are some tall pine like trees (I'm not a botanist) as you get past the first few you will see the sign on your left. Photo time! We have seen some hilarious poses in front of the sign as we drive past. It is not unusual for trucks to blow their air horns at them. I say just go for it though. You only live once.

A note about driving near horse and Carriages.
You will see a lot in this area. You need to be respectful and not scare the horses. Frequently, if room, the driver will pull to the side to allow you to pass them slowly. If it is safe to overtake, you can do so.

Taking Photos in Lancaster
The first time I came here, I had heard that the Amish people do not like having their photos taken for privacy, but also because some are of the belief that the camera will take their soul. I have hardly any photos from that trip because I was so paranoid about offending anyone. Since then I have relaxed a lot more. Obviously, I am respectful, and would never go up to an Amish adult or child and take their photo, but if say, I am driving along and see a carriage, I would take their photo. Likewise, I take photos in the horse and carriage ride.

Driving Times to Intercourse, PA (rough guides)
NYC-2h 41 (although this is often more like over 4 h when you are caught in traffic coming out of New York)
Philadelphia airport- 1h 7mins
Harrisburg airport- 50 mins
Washington DC- 2h 8 mins
Strasburg -23 mins
Hershey- 52 mins (yes this is the home of Hershey chocolates.)
Outlet shops- 12 mins
Williamsburg- 4h 49 mins


Where we stay: We stay at Best Western Plus Intercourse Village Inn website here.
3610 E Newport Rd Intercourse.

We first stayed here when it was just a standard Best Western, but on our last trip, they had finished major renovations. It is gorgeous now. We stay here because it is just across the road from Kitchen Kettle Village and we love the free breakfast included. It is in their restaurant, and you will never try eggs as fresh as these. (and I used to have chickens!) We are not the Bed and Breakfast type family, we like our privacy and like to just relax with our own company. There is a number of great Bed and breakfasts in Lancaster.

Kitchen Kettle Village
What: A village of unique shops and food outlets including the Kitchen Kettle Jam and Relish kitchen. This is a tasters heaven. The corn chips are amazing (and gluten free) and the jams and salsas are amazing. You can purchase heavy duty boxes that protect your jars for travelling. We have brought back the jams on many trips (don't forget to declare them, and don't open them before you get back or you might have it taken off you,) Each day, a new type of relish or jam is freshly made in the kitchen, and you can see this process happening.
Where: 3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse.
Hours: basically 9-5 but in Summer hours they are open longer. They are closed on Sundays.
Website and further details: Interactive map  Shop Listing. My favourite two shops are The Grande Place- music boxes and Christmas decorations. the man that owns the store is delightful and is always happy to demonstrate the music boxes and clocks. I always seem to pick up on sale Christmas items here that we don't have in Australia. Tin N Treasure- I bought some battery-operated candles that look the original thin candles. they flicker and are on a timer. I have them in candle holders that I also bought here. They go in each of my windows at Christmas.

The Travel Concierge tip: If 'Banjo Jimmy' is playing, grab a cuppa and something to eat from one of the many food shops and pull up a bit of concrete and sit back listening to him play while you people watch.

The Travel Concierge tip: At night time, depending on what season you are there, take a drive through suburban streets and you will see that they have flickering candles in the windows. This was an old tradition people used to do in the area to show travellers that they were welcome there.

The Travel Concierge tip: Up near the main road at the front of Kitchen Kettle Village is a mini farm with animals that you can feed. There are coin-operated dispensers around their pens.  There is also a park with wooden play equipment. My children used to love to play here and see the animals. Now we come here for nostalgia and to see if 'Derby'- the shetland pony is still here for another of our visits. He uses his head to bang against the feeding tray to tell you he wants food NOW. Once you put food in the tray, he bangs against the tray to dislodge the food to the ground so he can eat it from the floor. It is totally worth a quarter to watch this show! It is a great place to let the children burn off some energy so you can then go quilt and craft shopping.

Kling House At Kitchen Kettle Village (closed Sunday)
Kling House is open for Breakfast and lunch 6 days a week. The Breakfast menu is found here. The lunch menu is found here.
Where: 3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse.

AAA Buggy Rides at Kitchen Kettle Village
What: This is my favourite buggy ride to go on. I have been on others in the area, but the drivers here are always happy to talk and informative. This is a bigger buggy, so if you wanted to go on a smaller style one, try Abe and Jessica's. I like the bigger one as you pass by a street side shop where you can buy food, drinks, and small craft items from Amish children. The Kettle corn is, to quote my daughter, "Delish." There are a number of different trips. We always go on the Five Mile Covered Bridge tour. It is 55 minutes long.All tours and cost found here.

The Travel Concierge tip: You can download and print off a coupon for AAA Buggy Rides here.

Shopping near Kitchen Kettle Village.
There are a number of great little shops along the same road as Kitchen Kettle Village. Just walk along and check each one out. Some you will walk in and straight back out, others you will spend ages going through everything they sell.

The Olde Mill Restaurant at Best Western Intercourse Village Inn
3610 E Newport Rd Intercourse.
Open 7 days for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
This full-service restaurant is a favourite of ours as it is at our hotel. The breakfast included with the room is very substantial. The lunch and dinners are all fresh and tasty. The menu is found here.

The Travel Concierge tip: You can download and print a 10% off coupon here.

Stoltzfus Restaurant- I'm very sad to say this Family owned and run restaurant (that was our favourite) has closed. They have opened a Stoltzfus Meats but it is not a restaurant. In the same complex, there is a little coffee shop owned by Stoltzfus. When everything else is closed, they are usually still open. The coffee shop is straight across the road from Kitchen Kettle Village.

Good N Plenty Restaurant
150 East Brook Rd Smoketown PA
M-Th- 11:30 to 7pm. Fri- Sa- 11:30 to 8pm Sun- 11:30 to 5pm.
This restaurant offers you 3 choices of how to dine. You can do a buffet style meal served family style, You can order a meal from a menu where you get one choice of food or you can order takeaway. All 3 menus are found here.

The Travel Concierge tip: You can download and print a coupon here.

The Travel Concierge Opinion: We prefer to do the family style where we get to meet someone from somewhere around the world. As you ask them to pass you something, you end up in conversation as they hear your accent. We have had some amazing conversations meeting people from all over the world. It usually ends up with everyone laughing as you swap funny sayings and travel stories.We often talk about these people and wonder where they are now. It is a lot of fun!

Plain and Fancy Farm
3121 Old Philadelphia Pike (Rte 340)
Open 7 days from 11:30am.
The Amish Farm Feast menu for lunch and dinner is found here. 
The A La Carte menu is found here.

The Travel Concierge tip: You can download and print coupons here.

Miller's
2811 Lincoln Highway E.Ronks 
Open 7 days.Mon-Fri 11:30 to 8pm. Sat-Sun They offer Breakfast smorgasbord, so are open from 7:30 to 8pm.
Miller's have also come on board with the a La carte menu. You can also still do the smorgasbord menu. Their menu is found

The Travel Concierge tip: You can download and print off coupons here.

Aaron and Jessica's Buggy Rides
3121A Old Philadelphia Pike Plain and Fancy Farm Rte 340 Bird in Hand.
Open 7 days from 10:30 to 4:30pm (later in Summer.)
This was the first Buggy ride we went on in Lancaster. They have small buggy's that would fit a small family or larger group buggies. If you want to get pictures etc. in a small buggy this is the place for you. Rides and routes are found here. 

The Travel Concierge Opinion: Although we got some amazing photos here, our experience was that the Amish guides were not as friendly or informative and we felt like we couldn't take pictures and ask many questions. You might have a totally different experience, we just prefer to go elsewhere now.

The Travel Concierge tip: You can download and print coupons here.


Bird-in-Hand Farmer's Markets
2710 Old Philadelphia Pike Bird-In-Hand
These markets are open at different times of the year on only certain days. Look for these hours here. A list of the stalls is found here.  There are a variety of craft, souvenir and food stalls under one air-conditioned roof.

The Amish Farm and House
2395 Lincoln Highway East Lancaster
Tours and prices are found here.
This is a great way to take a look at who the Amish are and how they live. While here you can also visit a one class school house. There are animals to pat and see in their real life atmosphere.

The Travel Concierge tip: There is a lovely picnic area you can have lunch at when you pay for any tour.

The Travel Concierge tip: You can download and print a coupon here.

The Mennonite Centre
2209 Millstream Rd. Lancaster
Open Mon-Sat. 8:30-4:30 (1/2 hr longer each end in Summer)
If you want to fid out more about the Mennonite community, this is the place for you. There is an information centre, guided tours, and quilting displays. Their website is found here.

'Hamming it up' to show what a day's shopping at the Outlets looks like.

Outlets and Restaurants at the Paradise Area

There are two outlets about 3 minutes from each other. These are approx. 12 minutes from Intercourse. They are both outdoor outlets (not under one roof.) Tanger outlets I usually park somewhere in the middle and it is not too far to walk to each end. Tanger is a more updated outlet, but it is worth going to the Rockvale outlets just for the Disney Outlet alone. We seem to always get great bargains here...but it is the luck of what is there on the day.

Tanger Outlets
311 Stanley K Tanger Blvd. Lancaster
Mon-Sat 9am-9pm.
Sun 10am-7pm.

The Directory is found here.

The Travel Concierge tip:
- There is free wi-fi throughout the centre, so bored members of your family can use wi-fi to search the internet or go on apps.
- Show your AAA card at customer service to get a free coupon booklet.
- I always print out the directory and map and prioritise where I want to go first so that if one of my children get too restless/tired etc. I have at least done my favourite stores.
- Teacher's get a discount here on top of the coupons available in many of the shops at these outlets. Just show an I.D. that identifies you as a teacher- payslip/ photo I.D. etc.

Tanger Club 
Register  for the Tanger Club. One of the perks is that if you show receipts adding up to a minimum of $250 you can get rewards. Register here.

Rockvale Outlets
35 S. Willowdale Dr. Lancaster
Mon- Sat 9:30am -9pm.
Sun 11am-5pm.

The Directory is found here. or here.

The Travel Concierge tip:
- Show your AAA card at customer service to get a free coupon booklet.
- Rockvale has a Preferred Shopper program. See details and sign up here.

Dining at Rockvale

Cracker Barrel
Sun-Thurs 6am to 10pm.
Fri-Sat 6am to 11pm.

Cracker Barrel is one of my family's favourite restaurants for a few reasons. You know how when you are on holidays you get to a point where you crave vegetables? Cracker Barrel offers a great range of yummy home-style meals with great sides like corn, peas, and mash potato. What's more, the cost is unbelievably cheap. With most meals you get a choice of three vegetable sides and either a biscuit (like a savoury scone) or a corn muffin. I prefer the corn muffin...but that's just me.

Breakfast Menu is found here.
Lunch and Dinner menu is found here.

Olive Garden
Sun-Thurs 11am to 10pm.
Fri-Sat 11am to 11pm.

Olive Garden is another example of nice Italian food at a reasonable cost. I particularly like the complimentary selections available as part of your meal. The menu is found here.

Ruby Tuesdays
I couldn't locate the specific hours for this site. Standard Ruby Tuesday hours are below. I would probably think realistically you could estimate the closing hours here don't go beyond 10pm.
M-Th 11am to 11pm
Fri- Sat 11am to Midnight
Sun-11am to 10pm
Out of the 3 restaurants in this area, this one has the widest selection to please everyone in your family. (Cracker Barrel is still My favourite though) From burgers to ribs, to chicken/fish/steaks and salads. The menu is found here.

The Travel Concierge tip:
-Kids eat free here on Tuesdays after 5pm- one child's meal per paying adult ordering a main.

Strasburg

Strasburg is approx 23 minutes from Intercourse.

Strasburg Railroad
We love to ride Steam Trains. At Strasburg Railroad, they have a steam train ride with different styles of rides. You can just ride the train and sit in an area that is an open car all the way up to having a meal in the dining car. I love that you pass by fields with Amish farmers using traditional tools to farm their land. I love that there is a crossing where the train blows a 'ghost whistle' and it echoes back to the train. I love that every time we have been there, the same staff have been there, which tells me this is a great place to work. We have a number of photos of our children over the years with the same conductor. I will try and find one to put here so you can ask him for a photo- which he usually is happy to do after the train ride has finished. We have the photo with the train behind them.

The passes can be bought here. A description of the dining can be found here. The 'hobo' lunch was brought in between our second last and last trip there, but when I e-mailed my contact at Strasburg Railroad she said they had discontinued that and when we went, it was back to the old style meal- which is better in my opinion than the hobo lunch. I am going back in December so I can clarify that. We love the dining package. You buy your train pass and then pay for dining on board. I book in advance and have the tickets waiting for me at the ticket window. I am of the mindset that if a tour group was going the same day as me, I am travelling from too far away to miss out if it is sold out. The trains only run specific times, and the train waits for no one! During the year, they have seasonal train rides. I am going to be going on the Santa's Paradise Express this time. I'm so excited. I will blog about it. A list of the events can be found here.

The operating schedule is here.

A Day out with Thomas details are here. As it sounds, they replace their engine car with Thomas the Tank. Great fun for all Thomas fans young and old. They have all other activities based around Thomas also.

There are a number of little shops along the station platform. I have bought some great things here including a wooden train track with my nephew's names and DOB burnt into the track. There is a whole range of Thomas related items.

Railroad Museum of PennsylvaniaFor anyone who wants to see a great collection of train history, across the road, there is a Railroad Museum. Their website is found here.  There are re-built historic trains out the front, and a warehouse size collection inside. There are virtual tours of the museum here.

The Travel Concierge tip: There is free wifi for visitors.