Unwind in Amish Country: Lancaster PA’s Peaceful Retreat

In the serene landscape of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Lancaster County offers a fascinating glimpse into the traditional world of the Amish. This pastoral region, with its rolling farmland, covered bridges and horse-drawn buggies, seems lost in time – a place where a simpler way of life still thrives.

On a recent getaway to Lancaster, we had the chance to immerse ourselves in Amish culture, history, and legendary comfort food. What we discovered was an unexpectedly rich and rewarding experience, full of warm hospitality, delicious home-cooking, and a profound sense of peace.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear Lancaster moves at a different pace. The landscape is a patchwork of neatly tended farms, whitewashed barns and quaint shops. Along winding country roads, you’ll spot Amish families traveling by horse and buggy, women in bonnets working in gardens, and children riding on kick scooters.

This bucolic scenery alone makes Lancaster worth the trip. But to truly appreciate Amish Country, we found it’s the people, experiences and flavors you encounter that leave the most lasting impression.

Things To Do In Amish Country – Lancaster, PA

Stay at AmishView Inn & Suites: Serene Luxury Surrounded by Farmland

Our immersive Amish Country experience began at the exceptional AmishView Inn & Suites. Situated on a AAA scenic byway with stunning views of surrounding Amish farms, this top-rated Lancaster hotel offers an upscale atmosphere with authentic Amish charm.

We stayed in the adults-only building and were utterly spoiled by our Grand King Suite. This spacious sanctuary featured soaring 10-foot windows framing idyllic farmland views, a kitchenette, a spacious living area, and super comfy king bed. 

And, when they say “AmishView,” they truly mean it. From sunrise to sunset, we could watch the local Amish farming and riding buggies right from the comfort of our room.

Another standout feature was the large, luxurious bathroom. Each Grand King Suite has a Victoria + Albert clawfoot tub perfect for soaking, placed right in front of its own TV. There’s also a huge shower with frameless glass doors and gentle lighting that sets the mood. The bathroom has top-quality fixtures, a separate water closet, Tarocco shampoo and soaps, a lighted mirror for doing your makeup, and a hair dryer – everything you need to pamper yourself.

Each morning we looked forward to the famous AmishView hot breakfast buffet, served in the sun-soaked Great Room. This generous and complimentary spread, praised as one of Lancaster’s best, fueled our days with hearty offerings like fluffy waffles, savory sausages, farm-fresh eggs and omelets made to order. Relaxing over coffee while horse-drawn buggies rode by in the distance was a great way to start the day in Amish Country!

Be sure to take advantage of the hotel’s indoor pool, whirlpool and well-equipped fitness center. Feel free to wind down each evening with a soothing swim or soak and view the brilliant sunset over the farmland. 

From check-in to check-out, AmishView Inn & Suites was the perfect home base for our countryside adventure. From breathtaking farm views, to delicious homestyle breakfasts, and its fantastic location – we were completely immersed in local culture. We can’t wait to return!

Savor Local Flavors at Smokehouse BBQ and Brews

As much as we adored AmishView Inn & Suites, one of Lancaster’s biggest draws is undoubtedly the phenomenal Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. Luckily, one of the area’s best restaurants is literally right next door.

Smokehouse BBQ and Brews serves up mouthwatering barbecue and comfort food classics in a relaxed setting just next door. The tantalizing scent of slow-smoked meats hits you the moment you enter and the atmosphere is fun, casual, and inviting. 

Everything here is made from scratch using local ingredients. You can taste the quality, from the succulent Burnt Brisket Ends basted in White Horse sauce to the mammoth Smokehouse Stacker piled high with beef, pulled pork, slaw and fixings. Alongside honey-butter slathered corn muffins and decadent mac n’ cheese, it’s a carnivore’s dream.

The Smokehouse Rib Combo with a half-rack and your choice of smoked meat is the best of both worlds. We opted for the pull-apart tender pulled pork and were gleefully covered in barbecue sauce by the last savory bite.

Don’t forget to sample their locally crafted brews, spirits and wines for an authentic taste of Lancaster. After a meal here, you’ll understand why Smokehouse is a pilgrimage-worthy destination for barbecue lovers!

Shop for Handcrafted Treasures at Plain and Fancy Country Store

Before leaving Smokehouse, be sure to browse the adjacent Plain and Fancy Country Store. This spacious shop carries a carefully curated collection of handcrafted Amish clothing, toys, crafts, decor and foods that showcase the community’s incredible artisanship.

There’s also a mouthwatering array of authentic Pennsylvania Dutch sweets and snacks like whoopie pies, shoofly pie, chow chow and jams made from Amish family recipes. It’s the perfect spot to pick up unique gifts and tasty souvenirs.

Explore The Quilt Shop at Miller’s: Amish Quilting at Its Finest

Amish Country is legendary for its stunningly intricate handmade quilts. At The Quilt Shop at Miller’s, you can witness the fascinating tradition of Amish quilting in its full glory.

Established in 1998, this specialized store boasts over 1000 gorgeous hand-stitched quilts, wall-hangings, pillows and textiles made by local Amish and Mennonite artisans. Displayed in a bright 3500 sq ft showroom, the craftsmanship and artistry on display is jaw-dropping.

Vibrant and iconic patterns burst from each quilt in a kaleidoscope of color and detail. The stitching is impossibly precise, with thousands of tiny uniform stitches creating a supple yet substantial texture. The amount of time required to complete this process can vary depending on factors such as the size of the fabric and the complexity of the design, with some quilts taking up to 1000 hours to finish! 

Whether you’re a serious collector or simply an admirer of handmade beauty, The Quilt Shop at Miller’s provides an incredible opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind, future heirloom that can be cherished for generations. With a range of sizes and designs for every taste and budget, you’re sure to find an amazing quilt to take home.

Stock Up on The Flavors of Amish Country at Locally Made Food Shop

Speaking of take-home treats, no visit to Lancaster is complete without stocking up on authentic Pennsylvania Dutch foods and baked goods. And there’s no better place to get your fix than Locally Made Food Shop.

Located next to The Quilt Shop, this delightful store features a vast selection of Amish-made sweet and savory delicacies prepared using traditional recipes and local ingredients. Shelves are lined with jars of chow chow, pepper jam, bacon dressing, fruit butters and pickled everything alongside fresh-baked shoofly pies, gooey whoopie pies, sticky buns and signature breads.

With its abundant variety of locally made delicacies you can’t find elsewhere, Locally Made is an absolute must-stop for foodies. Just leave extra room in your vehicle – you’ll need it for all the mouthwatering goodies you’ll want to bring back!

Dine at Miller’s Smorgasbord: Serving Amish Feasts for Nearly a Century!

No visit to Lancaster County is complete without indulging in an authentic Pennsylvania Dutch smorgasbord. And for almost 100 years, Miller’s Smorgasbord has been the go-to spot for experiencing this delectable Amish tradition.

Miller’s story began in 1929 when Anna Miller started serving her famous chicken & waffles to hungry truckers while her husband repaired their rigs. Word of her delicious down-home cooking quickly spread, and soon Anna’s humble truck-stop diner evolved into Miller’s Smorgasbord, a Lancaster institution now in its fourth generation of family ownership.

Today, the restaurant serves a massive smorgasbord menu featuring over 100 items, all made from scratch using Anna’s time-honored recipes and fresh local ingredients. But while the menu has expanded, the warm hospitality and commitment to homestyle cooking remains unchanged.

Dinner at Miller’s is a belly-busting affair, so arrive hungry and wear your stretchy pants. 

Endless rows of Pennsylvania Dutch comfort foods span as far as the eye can see – succulent slow-roasted beef, crispy fried chicken, savory chicken pot pie with homemade noodles, creamy baked cabbage, and so much more.

Be sure to try Anna’s original chicken and waffles, an Amish Country classic featuring tender, juicy fried chicken atop a golden malted waffle – a heavenly pairing of sweet and savory. Other must-try dishes include the mouthwatering Swedish meatballs, beef burgundy, and an endless supply of fresh, peel-and-eat shrimp.

Just when you think you can’t possibly eat another bite, the dessert bar offers a decadent selection of baked pies, cakes, and more.

Miller’s Gourmet Apple Pie and Pennsylvania Dutch Shoofly Pie are local legends, while the Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake and Warm Chocolate Pecan Pie are decadent delights sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Pace yourself and save room for a slice (or two).

Nearly a century after Anna Miller served her first chicken and waffle, her legacy of fabulous food and gracious service continues to draw locals and visitors alike. Making the pilgrimage to Miller’s Smorgasbord is a cherished Lancaster County tradition that offers an authentic taste of Amish culture, where everyone leaves stuffed and smiling.

Take a Scenic Drive Through Amish Countryside 

One of the most memorable parts of our trip was simply driving around Amish Country. As we meandered through the picturesque backroads of Lancaster, we were treated to stunning views of emerald fields, charming farms, and classic red barns. The scenery was dotted with quaint roadside shops, where we found unique handmade goods and delicious local treats.

We often encountered horse-drawn buggies, adding to the timeless feel of the landscape. The abundance of farm animals was also a delight—longhorns, horses, sheep, and lots of adorable baby animals greeted us at nearly every turn. It was pure joy to see them grazing peacefully in their fields.

As we passed by the local farms, we observed Amish families working together to tend their crops. It was heartwarming to see generations of farmers, even young children, all contributing to the labor with a sense of purpose and community. This simple yet profound way of life was a beautiful reminder of the value of hard work and togetherness.

Driving these backroads provides an intimate glimpse into the Amish way of life and an invitation to slow down and embrace the simple pleasures we so often overlook. 

Visit the Charming Village of Bird-in-Hand

During your stay, definitely plan to visit the charming village of Bird-in-Hand, just a 5 minute drive from AmishView Inn & Suites. Seemingly frozen in time, this little hamlet looks like it was plucked from a pastoral painting.

The story goes that in 1734, two road surveyors debated whether to stop for the night, noting “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” The name stuck, and today Bird-in-Hand retains the same folksy appeal that convinced those colonial surveyors to stay.

At the heart of town is the Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market, a sprawling bazaar packed with fresh produce, local crafts, smoked meats, jams and Amish staples. Nibble your way through the stalls enjoying PA Dutch pretzels, funnel cake, fudge and endless samples. The baked goods are particularly divine – don’t miss the sticky buns or raspberry cream cheese pie.

Beyond the market, you’ll find plenty of quaint shops, buggy ride tours and restaurants serving authentic fare. We loved poking into the country stores brimming with handcrafted items, antiques and souvenirs. 

Visiting Bird-in-Hand feels like stepping into a Norman Rockwell scene, a nostalgic vision of small-town America that time forgot. Spending an afternoon here provides a captivating glimpse into a simpler era, brimming with authentic country charm and nostalgic appeal.

Embrace Simplicity and Tradition

Lancaster and Amish Country offer a chance to escape modern life’s fast pace and reconnect with simpler living. Here, the focus is on faith, family, community, and living harmoniously with the land. Every moment, from shared food to crafted goods, feels intentional and meaningful.

Amish Country is not just a quaint look at the past; it’s a reminder to value our roots, cherish communities, and make time for life’s simple pleasures.

When modern life becomes overwhelming, treat yourself to a peaceful getaway in Lancaster. Let this countryside rejuvenate you, and return home with a newfound appreciation for simplicity.

Ready to explore this unique corner of Pennsylvania?

➡ Book your stay at AmishView Inn & Suites and start planning your trip now!

FAQ on the Amish

What is the origin of the Amish? 

The Amish trace their roots back to the Anabaptist movement in 1525 Switzerland, which emphasized adult baptism and separation of church and state. In 1693, a group led by Jakob Ammann broke off to form their own sect, which became known as the Amish.

What language do the Amish speak? 

The Amish speak several languages. Pennsylvania German, also known as Pennsylvania Dutch, is the primary language used at home and in church. This is a dialect of German with some English influence. Most Amish learn English at school, making it their second language. A few communities, especially in Indiana, speak a form of Swiss German.

Where are Amish communities located? 

Amish communities exist in 31 U.S. states and several Canadian provinces, with the largest populations in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. Lancaster County, PA has both the oldest and largest Amish settlement. In total, there are approximately 2,200 local church districts, each typically consisting of 20-40 families.

What is the Amish population? 

As of 2023, experts estimate there are roughly 308,000 Amish in North America, including adults and children. Because their communities tend to have high birth rates and low attrition, the Amish population is rapidly growing, with numbers doubling about every 20 years.

Are there different types of Amish groups? 

Yes, there are many distinct affiliations within the Amish, each with their own specific practices, lifestyles and beliefs. Customs like dress, technology use, occupations and even buggy styles can vary significantly between different Amish orders. When talking about “the Amish” it’s important to recognize this diversity between subgroups.

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