Okay, so, I gotta tell you about this self-guided driving tour I did in Lancaster, PA. It was seriously awesome! I mean, I’ve always heard about the Amish country, but actually seeing it? Mind-blowing.
First things first, I grabbed a map. You can find ’em online, or at the visitor center. Honestly, I just googled “Lancaster County driving tour map” and picked one that looked decent. Then, I hopped in the car. That’s where the adventure really started.
I decided to start near Intercourse, PA. Yeah, I know, the name is kinda weird, but whatever. It’s a good central spot. The first thing I did was just drive. Seriously, just cruised down the back roads. The scenery is incredible. Rolling hills, farms everywhere, and horse-drawn buggies clip-clopping along. I was like, “Whoa, this is like stepping back in time!”
I made a point to stop at a few roadside stands. You know, the ones where they sell homemade jams, quilts, and furniture? I snagged some apple butter that was to die for. I talked to the folks running the stands, too. Super friendly people, happy to chat about their way of life. They are really into making their own stuff, its like a completely different world when you come from the city.
Next, I checked out some of the covered bridges. Lancaster County is famous for ’em. They’re these old wooden bridges, totally picturesque. I pulled over, snapped some photos, and just soaked it all in. It’s a really peaceful vibe out there.
I also wanted to get some yummy Pennsylvania Dutch food. So, I stopped at a restaurant called “Miller’s Smorgasbord.” It was a buffet with all kinds of traditional dishes. Think pot roast, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and shoofly pie (a molasses pie that is surprisingly tasty). I ate way too much, but hey, I was on vacation!
One thing I’d recommend is to be respectful of the Amish community. Don’t take photos of them without asking, and drive carefully around their buggies. They’re just trying to live their lives, and we’re guests in their area.
Overall, the self-guided driving tour was a blast. I spent the whole day exploring, eating, and learning about a different way of life. If you’re ever looking for a unique getaway, I highly recommend it.
Pro Tip: Bring cash! A lot of the roadside stands and smaller businesses don’t take credit cards.
- Plan your route ahead of time.
- Wear comfortable shoes, you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring your camera! You’ll want to capture all the amazing scenery.
Things I Learned:
The Amish are really good at woodworking. Their furniture is gorgeous!
Shoofly pie is way better than it sounds.
Lancaster County is a really beautiful part of the country.
