Lancaster, PA: Where in the world is Dutch Country?

Lancaster, Pa., prospered as the largest inland town and major manufacturing center of munitions during America’s Colonial period. Due to an unusual set of circumstances, it served as the nation’s capital for one day during the Revolutionary War. But, those distinctions aren’t what most Americans think of when Lancaster comes to mind.

The modestsized city is much better known as “the unofficial capital of  Pennsylvania Dutch Country.” In the 18th century, large numbers of German immigrants were drawn to Southeastern Pennsylvania by plenty of fertile yet uncultivated land, as well as the freedom to practice their faith without intrusion or condemnation.

There are 130,000 Amish living in the United States today. Sixteen thousand call Lancaster County home. If not for the curiosity about the intriguing lifestyle of Lancaster’s Amish, the city may not attract five million visitors a year. But, the chance to witness the “Plain Folk” way of life, along with the region’s unimaginable natural beauty, rich historic district, plenty of first-rate shopping and theatres, as well as its proximity to major cities, make Lancaster one hot U.S. destination.

The city of Lancaster, Amish homesteads, miles of scenic farmland, and clusters of quaint villages comprise Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Although Lancaster is the heart of the county, most groups venture outside the city limits to explore the surrounding villages, places with odd names like Bird-in-Hand, Chickies Creek, and yes, Intercourse. They soon discover each village, no matter its size or proximity to a much larger village, has its own identity.

Often, a community is associated with a special food made by and preferred by the locals, a town’s trademark of sorts in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. For groups especially interested in all things culinary, this is paradise. Farm families working the land with horse and plow don’t need to count calories. So, be prepared to eat, and eat some more.

Most of the villages have antique stores, a farm market and a bakery. The center of activity is often the local café or diner, where the topic centers on the weather and the menus always include several varieties of homemade pie. Many Dutch Country restaurants are designed and staffed to serve plenty of food to large groups of people. Plain and Fancy Farm, located in Bird-in-Hand, is a popular dining choice and typical of the Amish style restaurant. It’s one big communal feast at the Plain and Fancy.

Diners sit at long wooden tables and consume platter after platter of breads, salads, relish, chicken pot pie, ham in cider sauce, corn, noodles, and mashed potatoes, followed by several desserts. Plain and Fancy Farm continues to add to the attraction. There’s a 6,000-square-foot country store stocked with souvenirs, gifts, and their own food products. Buggy rides are also available.
Recently, the farm added lodging to the amenity list.

Navigating the roads connecting Amish Country villages is an experience in itself. There are 26 covered bridges throughout the county and the distinct possibility of sharing the road with buggies, not to mention the incredible scenery found around each corner.

Lancaster’s downtown is compact, and the area designated as the historic district even more so, making walking an easy option. The Heritage Center of Lancaster County provides an historical overview of the city and its people, housing both the Lancaster Cultural History Museum and the Lancaster Quilt and Textile Museum.

The permanent exhibit here includes hundreds of artifacts and decorative pieces from Lancaster’s early families. From the folk art they chose to display to their simply made tools and cookware, each item tells a story about the life of its original owner. The History Museum is scheduled to reopen on April 6 after being closed for renovation. However, the Quilt and Textile Museum is currently closed for renovations. A grand reopening celebration is planned for September 2007.
City Focus Lancaster, Pa.

By Kitty Cayo

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Courtesy of leisuregrouptravel.com