In our last edition of American Nomad Traveler we discovered the fascinating history of Lancaster PA.Dating back to its settlement in 1718, Lancaster City, PA, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest inland cities in the United States. With over 300 years of history, it still retains its pastoral roots mixed with a rich arts and cultural center in Lancaster City. Read the previous post here.
Because history and cultural experience is key to what makes Lancaster County so unique, we’ll start with a quick history recap.
We’ll then learn about The Pennsylvania Dutch (Amish groups) and discover fun things to do in Amish Country before a breakdown of other Must-See Lancaster sites.
Quick History Overview:
Lancaster City (simply referred to as Lancaster) is the capital of Lancaster County. During the time of The Revolutionary War, Lancaster City had one of the largest inland populations in America with 5,000 residents. It was a major munitions hub for the Continental Army, with gunpowder stores, manufacturing of munitions like the Pennsylvania Rifle and also served as a prisoner of war camp for captured British and Hessian soldiers.
When Philadelphia was temporarily taken over by The British in September 1777, The Continental Congress met in Lancaster and declared it the capital city of America for one day. Given Lancaster’s munitions and food supplies, it was a possible target of British attack, so the Continental Congress decided to move further west to York PA for nine months, until they could return to Philadelphia after the British withdrawal.
As America celebrates the 250th anniversary year of the start of the American Revolution in 2025(April 19th 1775 with Lexington and Concord) and 250th anniversary of the Birth of The United States of America with the anniversary of The Declaration of Independence on July 4th 2026, now is a perfect time to dive into Revolutionary War history. Lancaster is a must-stop for Revolutionary War buffs. We made the day trip after five days in Philadelphia and my only regret is we didn’t spend more time in Lancaster County – there is so much to see and do in the area.
- Colonial, Revolutionary, Civil War History, along with arts and culture and natural scenery make it an unrivaled spot to learn about American history. For readers planning their own historical journeys, it’s worth noting that most states have established commissions for America 250. You can easily follow the exciting list of historical and cultural events gearing up for the 250th anniversary through the national America 250 organization (which lists all participating states) and individual state commission websites. As the birthplace of The United States of America, with Philadelphia being the pivotal site for the debating, writing, and signing of both The Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, Pennsylvania is already hosting a wealth of activities from now through 2026. Lancaster, with its significant history as a one-time national capital, also has numerous engaging events planned. You can find more details on Pennsylvania’s America 250 initiatives here: America250 – PA. https://america250pa.org/HOME
Did you know – Fun Lancaster Facts
- Lancaster is home to the famous Conestoga Wagons, which were used to lug freight, goods and cargo through the hilly backroads of Pennsylvania and beyond to cities like Philadelphia and New York
- Woolworth’s first successful “Woolworth’s Great Five Cent Store” opened in Lancaster on June 21, 1879. While sadly Woolworth’s has all but evaporated, I remember the Woolworth’s in Raleigh NC right before it closed and the chain’s art deco buildings of later years through the United States continue to leave an impression on our cultural memory. It has deep roots in in Lancaster PA
- While most associate Milton Hershey with the town of Hershey PA (located about thirty miles from Lancaster) Mr. Hershey actually opened his first candy shop in Lancaster and introduced Hershey’s to the world in Lancaster. Hershey’s continues to operate a plant in the area. You can combine a trip to Hershey PA with Lancaster for the Milton Hershey grand tour. Learn more here.
Lancaster Country – Pennsylvania Dutch Country
History and Fun Things to Do:
Lancaster Country is most famous for being the center of America’s largest population of Amish, Mennonite and German Brethren communities. Novels and movies have often tried to portray the unique lifestyle of these communities which often rely on traditional farming practice and older technology like horse and buggy. But the best way to truly immerse yourself in these cultures is to visit Lancaster and travel the backroads and small towns that are the heartbeat of these communities.
Hollywood often portrays stories of the Amish falling in love with a stranger outside their community and drama and romance occurs. People have long been fascinated by the prospect of living outside modern society. In times where apps like Facebook and Tiktok are used for interaction more than hanging out with friends in person, it’s easy to be drawn to the idea of simplicity and the idea that maybe we are too obsessed with technology. While I’m not giving up my cell-phone yet, I also am drawn to rural areas and nature where you can contemplate and pray without ‘the noise.’
So who exactly are The Amish?
Lancaster County is actually home to three groups of Anabaptists found in Lancaster County: the Amish, Mennonites and Brethren
Governor William Penn, founder of the Pennsylvania Colony, was a Quaker and wanted to create a ‘Holy Experiment’ where all faiths could live and worship freely in his colony. This attracted many religious groups including The German Amish and Mennonites to settle in Pennsylvania in the early 1700s. They first came to Lancaster County in 1718.
The Amish and Mennonites both originated from the 16th-century Anabaptist movement in Europe, which emphasized adult baptism and separation from mainstream society. Facing persecution, many Anabaptists fled to Switzerland and Germany, establishing traditions of farming and home worship. Menno Simons, a former Catholic priest, united many Anabaptist groups, who became known as Mennonites. In 1693, Jacob Amman, a Swiss bishop, led a separation from the Mennonites, and his followers were called Amish. Despite their split, both groups share these core beliefs:
- Conscious Choice to Accept God (adult baptism), non-resistance, and basic Bible doctrines.
- All-encompassing authority of the Bible
- A philosophy of brotherhood and non-resistance
- Importance of family and community
How they differ:
The three brotherhoods (Amish, Mennonite and Brethren) differ primarily in matters of dress, language and forms of worship and the extent to which they are allowed to use modern technology to access the ‘outside world.’ Most Mennonites and Brethren wear distinctive Amish clothing but may make use of “worldly’ conveniences such as cars, electricity and telephones.
Whereas Old Order Mennonite and Old Order Amish groups are more restrictive in their views of modern technology.
You can learn more about The Amish culture via the Visit Lancaster site and by visiting Amish historical and interpretative sites in Lancaster County.
Amish Food and Furniture:
The Amish rightfully have reputations as master craftspeople, making high quality furniture sought out by furniture lovers throughout the world. They also have continued the tradition of their old-world recipes with only natural ingredients which are a popular treat for ‘English (aka non-Amish)’ visiting the area. Many stores and restaurants throughout Lancaster County serve up only the best Amish goods and recipes.
Here are a few spots to immerse yourself in Lancaster’s Amish life and culture:
Immersive experiences:
- The Amish Experience, allows you to learn more about and interact with the Amish community via fun and informative guided tours. Watch ‘Jacob’s Choice,’ a film focused on today’s Amish culture and explore the historic homestead and schoolhouse. They also offer an Amish Farmlands bus tour and you can visit Amish businesses. A fantastic introduction to the heart of the Amish culture and community. Website
- Amish Farm and House: Just off scenic route 30 in Lancaster County, The Amish Farm and House is a beautiful spot where you can learn about Amish life. Enjoy farm animals, artisans, a schoolhouse and more. They also have a Countryside bus tour and lots of fun events throughout the year. Website
- Amish Village: Travel back in time to an 1840s Amish farmhouse and explore 12-acres of grounds. The village has an old school house on site too. Website
Pennsylvania Dutch Cuisine:
With traditions dating back to the Germanic and Swiss roots of early as well as a mix of uniquely Pennsylvania recipes, Pennsylvania Dutch and Pennsylvania Amish cuisine will whet your palate.
When I was in Lancaster I noticed a lot of restaurants advertising Amish style food and Smorgasboard. I did some research and learned an Amish smorgasbord in a type of buffet, featuring a wide variety of traditional hot and cold dishes in the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition.
Perhaps what sets Pennsylvania Dutch cuisines apart is the focus on fresh and organic food that is hand prepared and the focus on quality, as well as the community element…the idea of breaking bread within family and community.
Lancaster County has a lot of quality Smorgasbord style buffets, including The Shady Maple Smorgasbord, which is the largest buffet in the United States. Shady Maple also has a farm fresh market with lots of local Amish farm to table goods.
- Fun fact: did you know Whoopie Pies originated in Lancaster County? Legend has it Amish women invented the whoopie pie because they wanted to avoid wasting ingredients and they would drop excess cake batter into mounds and bake them. Then they would take two of the mounds and sandwich them together with a creamy frosting. Reference: https://www.discoverlancaster.com/blog/lancaster-county-whoopie-pie/
Here are a few Pennsylvania Dutch style restaurants highly recommended by locals:
- Katie’s Kitchen: Located in Strasburg PA (Lancaster County) this popular Amish-owned eatery serves up delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners from American style to Pennsylvania Dutch recipes. Website
- BrickHouse Coffee and Kitchen – Refton PA (Lancaster County: located in the southern end of Lancaster County, this charming coffee shop and kitchen is housed in an historic building dating to the mid-1800s. Enjoy delicious pastries, drinks and breakfast items like their world-famous French toast. They are also a popular lunch and dinner spot with locals. Website
- Lapp Valley Farm Creamery and Cafe – Gordonville (Lancaster County): The Amish are renowned for their delicious cheese and dairy products. Lapp Valley Farm has a menu featuring these mouth-watering cheeses as well as locally raised beef, homemade breads and you can top it off with ice cream for dessert. Website
- Hometown Kitchen – Quarryville (Lancaster County): Food is prepared by Amish chefs and features a scrumptious menu of homemade breakfast treats, lunch and dinner plates. A traditional Amish wedding meal is prepared every Friday! Website
- Achenbach’s Pastry – Leola (Lancaster County): All natural and delicious Amish pastries including local favorite peanut butter iced long john’s. Website
- Bird-In-Hand Bake Shop – in Bird-In-Hand in Lancaster County: Feast on homemade breads, pies, whoopie pies, shoofly pies and so much more. They also sell locally made crafts and have a petting zoo. Website
- Down the Farm Creamery – Strasburg in Lancaster County. Enjoy homemade ice cream, milk, cheese and more. The creamery is family friendly with farm animals and a playground. Website
Visit Historic Pennsylvania Dutch villages:
Lancaster County is home to many charming small towns and villages where you can experience real Amish life. While it would take more than a single blog post to detail every Lancaster County town, here are a few Amish country towns to check out while in the area.
Ephrata: En route from Philadelphia to Lancaster City, my mom and I detoured to Ephrata, a quaint town in the heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
Ephrata is home to the Ephrata Cloister where you can travel back in time to 1732, when The Ephrata Cloister, a religious community was established in Pennsylvania . It’s not directly related to the Amish, though both share a historical connection to German Pietism and a desire for a simple, communal life. The Ephrata Cloister was a unique religious community, known for its celibate and married members, their distinctive architecture, music, and printing press. Learn more here.
Bird-In-Hand:
A peaceful community surrounded by rolling farmland. Bird-in-Hand offers travelers Lancaster County hospitality in their shops, cafes and artisan markets. Not to be missed. Website
Lititz: History runs deep in Lititz…Lititz was founded by Moravians in 1756 as a settlement seeking religious freedom, making it one of the four main Moravian communities in Pennsylvania. The downtown was listed as ‘Coolest Downtowns’ by USA Today in 2013. Learn more on their website.
Intercourse: “From the clickety-clack of horse hooves on our streets to the giggles of Amish children on their scooters, Intercourse, Pennsylvania offers something you won’t find anywhere else.
Here you can shop and dine side-by-side with the Amish. Here you can experience the gentle humor, homemade treats, and handspun craftsmanship unique to this one-of-a-kind culture. Here you’ll stand in awe of beautiful views and historic architecture. Here, you’ll feel right at home.” https://www.villageofintercourse.com/
What to do in Lancaster City:
Lancaster is the county seat of Lancaster County and the heartbeat of the region. Lancaster is rich in history, arts, culture and good eats.
In my previous post, I shared how my mom and I enjoyed walking the downtown city center with its historic buildings, eclectic shops and dozens of restaurants. Here is a summary of some fun things to do right in Lancaster City:
History Comes Alive: Learn about Lancaster City’s history – from The Revolutionary War to Civil War era
- Lancaster History Museum: Website History museum with amazing exhibits focused on Lancaster’s pre-Colonial heritage, Revolutionary War history to Civil War and beyond. The historical society also runs tours of President James Buchanan’s home Wheatland
- Wheatland: Home of fifteenth President of The United States, James Buchanan.
- Historic Rock Ford: Located on 33,000 near the edge of Lancaster City Central Park, Historic Rock Ford consists of the circa 1794 General Edward Hand Mansion and the John J. Snyder, Jr. Gallery of Early Lancaster County Decorative Arts. Historic Rock Ford is open for tours from April-October.
- Underground Railroad: learn more about Lancaster’s role in The Underground Railroad here
- Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center: Housed in the site of ardent abolitionists of the U.S. Congressman Thaddeus Stevens and his confidante Lydia Hamilton Smith, this museum will open in early 2026. The museum will provide state of the art exhibitions to examine the lives and legacies of these important Americans and their work to end slavery and promote freedom.
- Check out the Lancaster City Visitor Center in the heart of Penn’s square and Take a historic walking tour https://www.historiclancasterwalkingtour.org/
Theatre:
Fulton Theatre is a must stop for theatre lovers in Lancaster. This is your ticket to great Broadway quality shows, performed in one of the most historic theatres in the United States. Opened in 1852 on the site of an old jail, over the years The Fulton has welcomed well-known actors and performers including the Barrymore Family, Al Jolson and Mark Twain. Learn more about The Fulton, its history and book tickets here. https://thefulton.org/theatre/history/
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre: A year-round dinner and Broadway show package featuring professional performers from across the United States and a live orchestra. Dutch Apple features traditional classics and new critically-acclaimed shows, coupled with an all you can eat buffet meal that changes with every production. Website
Millersville University’s Ware Center boasts a wonderful season of top music and performing arts talent from across the globe. Check out their schedule here.
Arts:
Lancaster City is known for its eclectic mix of art galleries and wonderful museums. Here are a few artistic spots to check out:
- Demuth Center for the Arts: A master watercolorist and pioneer of the Precisionist style, Charles Demuth (1883-1935) was an early American Modern artist and a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The Demuth Museum was established in 1981 in his former home and studio. Today, the Demuth Museum offers a unique experience of Demuth’s artistic life and groundbreaking works through its collections, exhibitions, and educational programs that explore Demuth’s legacy.https://www.demuth.org/
- Lancaster City Museum of Art: The Lancaster Museum of Art’s collection contains over 400 pieces representing 200+ artists. Most works are 2D paintings, drawings, and collages, though we do have ceramic, wood, and metal sculptures. The collection is periodically displayed in special exhibitions. A long-term goal for our organization is to have the full collection accessible online. Below are highlights of our Permanent Collection that have been featured in recent exhibitions.
- Gallery Row: Gallery Row in Lancaster, PA, is the heart of the city’s art scene, a vibrant area concentrated on the first and second blocks of North Prince Street. It’s a hub for art galleries, shops, and businesses related to the arts, offering a variety of art, sculpture, and decorative items, including French and American antiques. Learn more here
Food: Lancaster offers delicious eats for any palette…Lancaster City is a melting pot of amazing cuisines from Pennsylvania Dutch fare and American grub to Italian bistros, Irish pubs and more. Click here for restaurant tips
- While in Lancaster any foodie must stop at The Central Market – which is the oldest continuously operating public market in The United States. Since 1730 The Central Market has served up the freshest foods and good eats. The current location is near The Lancaster Visitor Center near Penn Square.
- The Southern Market was a personal favorite during our stay in Lancaster. This food hall includes a delicious mix of food vendors including Barbaret – a yummy coffee and pastierre shop. The macarons at Barbaret were so mouthwatering we purchased a dozen to take home.
Other interesting things to do in the greater Lancaster area:
Helpful Resources to Plan Your Trip to Lancaster:
Discover Lancaster – wonderful website detailing fun things to do in Lancaster County and tips to plan your trip.
Visit Lancaster City – lots of information about Lancaster City’s history, tips for where to stay and eat and a list of upcoming events.
Learn more about Lancaster City in my previous post: ‘Exploring Lancaster PA’
Where to stay? Lancaster County offers a variety of accommodations from chain hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts. This link from Discover Lancaster is a good starting point for booking accommodations.
I hope this post has energized you to plan your own adventure to Lancaster County!
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Next up we’ll be heading south to NC for a tour of Brunswick Town NC and beyond.
We’ll also be launching a new podcast/vlog in May (stay tuned for updates)
American Nomad is written by travel and history buff Adele Lassiter. When she’s not blogging, Adele is a singer-songwriter, whose Americana/County EP American Nomad is available on Bandcamp and all streaming platforms.
