Visit Lancaster County, Pa., one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Trip tips: Part of the region's old-fashioned charm stems from the Pennsylvania Amish community. These families, farmers and craftsmen follow a deeply religious, family-centered lifestyle that has not adopted the mainstream culture yet has adapted in many necessary ways throughout the past 300 years. Explore miles of scenic winding roads, farm-fresh cuisine and heritage lodging.
Getting there: Round-trip rates to Harrisburg average $308 (40 miles to Lancaster); from $268 to Philadelphia (77 miles); Delta, nonstop.
BUDGET
Stay:
Stay in the peaceful countryside at the Olde Stone Guesthouse, a late 1700s farm home in rural Chester County. A small stream flows beside Spring House ($125 per night) and past a half-century-old rock flower garden. Stroll through the vast gardens on winding paths and visit the horses in the meadow or in the barn. Rates include all-you-can-eat breakfast. Spring House accommodations feature a private entrance and a sitting room with a fireplace. 1599 Swan Road, Atglen.
, www.oldestoneguesthouse.com.
Eat:
Head to Dienner’s Country Restaurant any time of the day for Amish comfort food buffets. Breakfast buffet, $6.25; soup and salad buffet, $6.95; and $11.50 dinner buffet on Fridays and Saturdays (roasted chicken, brown butter noodles, beef and gravy, and much more). Save room for a piece or two of pie. Closed Sundays. 2855 Lincoln Highway E., Ronks.
, www.dienners.com.
Experience:
Road trip! There are more than 25 covered bridges in Pennsylvania Dutch Country’s Lancaster County. See a few or a couple of dozen with one of five driving tours through various areas of the county. Each set of directions includes things to do along the way, unique towns and villages lined with restaurants, shops, galleries and historic attractions; www.padutchcountry.com. One town known for its tree-lined streets and eclectic architecture (a mix of English, German and Victorian) is Lititz, first settled in the 1720s and recently lauded as the “Coolest Small Town in the Country” at BudgetTravel.com. Visit the art galleries, boutiques and antique shops and have a picnic at Lititz Springs Park. A few steps away is the Wilbur Chocolate Factory Store, celebrating its 125th anniversary of making homemade chocolates (free museum admission). 48 N. Broad St.
, www.wilburbuds.com.
MODERATE
Stay:
Cameron Estate Inn & Restaurant is a historic 1805 Federal mansion set on 15 acres along Donegal Creek located midway between Lancaster and Harrisburg, Hershey and York. Suites and guest rooms feature European antiques, luxury linens and fireplaces. Rates from $129-$299 per night, including a full country breakfast. On-site is a five-star Zagat-rated restaurant; dinners from $28; 1855 Mansion Lane, Mount Joy.
, www.cameronestateinn.com.
Eat: Iron Hill Brewery is a casual yet upscale spot to enjoy fresh-from-scratch New American cuisine and fine handcrafted beers. Menus range from small plates, Under 600 Calories (Moroccan Salmon, $19) and Brewhouse Favorites (Fish & Chips, $15) to main entrees ($18.50-$26). 781 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster. 717- 291-9800, www.ironhillbrewery.com.
Experience:
Have a look around the German-style Stoudtburg Village, a quaint hamlet of many gardens, European shops and homes. Adamstown.
, www.stoudtburgvillage.com. Nearby is Ephrata Cloister, founded in 1732 by German settlers. Today, the National Historic Landmark is open for tours; $10. 632 W. Main St., Ephrata.
, www.ephratacloister.org. Landis Valley Museum, a nationally significant living history village of Pennsylvania Dutch life, has more than 40 historic structures located on 100 acres. The region’s history and heritage from 1740 through 1940 are exhibited with tours, wagon rides, craft demonstrations and heirloom gardens; $12. 2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster.
, www.landisvalleymuseum.org. Step back in time to an era before the car, train or plane was imagined. Take a ride through Amish country’s farms and gardens by buggy. A variety of tours rate from $10-$17. www.amishbuggyrides.com.
SPLURGE
Stay:
King’s Cottage Bed & Breakfast is located in a residential neighborhood — a mile and a half from Lancaster’s art scene, museums, restaurants and just a few minutes from Amish country. Individually decorated guest rooms are luxurious with fireplaces, and guests enjoy gourmet breakfast and afternoon goodies. Rates from $175-$289. 1049 E. King St., Lancaster.
, www.kingscottagebb.com.
Eat:
Checkers Bistro combines the freshest ingredients with a French touch to make it a top dining choice in Lancaster. Small plates, $11-$16; pastas, $16-$19; and Bistro Plates, $19-$29. Closed Sundays, Mondays. 300 W. James St., Lancaster.
, www.checkersbistro.com.
Experience:
The Victorian-style Fulton Theatre is America’s oldest, continuously operating theater featuring dramas, comedies and musical productions. Current season performances include “A Chorus Line” (through March 30), “Dreamgirls” (April 23-May 12) and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (June 4-30). Ticket prices range from $20-$65. 12 N. Prince St., Lancaster.
, www.thefulton.org. Try to schedule a visit to Lancaster County during one of its famous Mud Sales. Besides getting a glimpse of local color, deals can be had at these auctions on Amish quilts, crafts and Amish farm fare. Dates, details at www.padutchcountry.com/towns-and-heritage/amish-country/amish-mud-sales.asp.
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