Interested in visiting an Amish town/village as part of my trip to Washington/Virginia
Dec 27th, 2001, 01:50 AM
#1
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Interested in visiting an Amish town/village as part of my trip to Washington/Virginia
I'm fascinated by the Amish way of life (I'm sorry if this is interpreted as voyeurism by some of you but I believe that travel is all about learning about other cultures and also doing so with respect...) and would like to know if there are any places to visit during my trip where I could learn more about it - or 'see' it first hand. In this day and age, and particularly in a country such as the US, I'm so curious that people choose to live such a simple life - some days it seems really tempting..! Any advice?
I realise that I may have phrased my question clumsily - I'm NOT suggesting that I want to do the equivalent of visit a zoo!
I realise that I may have phrased my question clumsily - I'm NOT suggesting that I want to do the equivalent of visit a zoo!
Dec 27th, 2001, 06:16 AM
#3
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I spent some time in the 'Caster (as we locals call it). Surprisingly more Amish around than you may think. Plenty of things/places for you to spend your hard-earned on although almost all completely non-Amish owned.
If you like to watch women pushing an old lawnmower from yesteryear whilst her non-Amish neighbour scuttles about his yard on a motorised ride-on Honda job, then go for it.
If you like to watch women pushing an old lawnmower from yesteryear whilst her non-Amish neighbour scuttles about his yard on a motorised ride-on Honda job, then go for it.
Dec 27th, 2001, 06:18 AM
#4
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Lancaster is the place. The previous post gives good advice, but I'd add something to that.
Get yourself a road map of Lancaster County and drive around the back roads, away from Rte. 30, which will be jammed with tourist traffic. By getting on the back roads, you'll happen across a lot of Amish farms and roadside markets.
It's OK to do the touristy stuff, too, but you'll get more out of the trip if you leave the beaten path.
Get yourself a road map of Lancaster County and drive around the back roads, away from Rte. 30, which will be jammed with tourist traffic. By getting on the back roads, you'll happen across a lot of Amish farms and roadside markets.
It's OK to do the touristy stuff, too, but you'll get more out of the trip if you leave the beaten path.
Dec 27th, 2001, 04:00 PM
#5
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Go to Lititz, this is north of Lancaster but still in the Amish area - there is a wonderful menonite bed and breakfast called, The Swiss Woods Inn - Debbie, the Inn Keeper has lived here forever, she will arrange a dinner for you with an Amish family, she can also arrange tours, authentic quilts if you are interested in a purchase - Lancaster is beginning to be a little over run by outlet malls - the surround area is loosing its charm to waste sites (it is very expensive to maintain a farm) - I don't have the phone number for the Inn, but several years ago I promised my husband a trip to the Amish lands and I found the Swiss Woods at bedandbreakfast.com - they may even have their own site...
Dec 28th, 2001, 05:27 AM
#6
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Thanks so much for your advice - I feel a little silly as I didn't realise that it was such a popular thing to do! I'm particularly keen on arranging to have dinner with an Amish family.
Jan - thanks for your advice about bedandbreakfast.com - I've found lots of lovely places on there.
Jan - thanks for your advice about bedandbreakfast.com - I've found lots of lovely places on there.
Dec 28th, 2001, 09:32 AM
#8
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In Lititz the Sturgis pretzel factory is also a must.
I'm lucky that my ancestor was one of the original Moravian founders of Lititz.
But Kate, there's one thing I think you need to make sure of. How many hours away from where ever you will be in VA is Lancaster going to be??
I'm lucky that my ancestor was one of the original Moravian founders of Lititz.
But Kate, there's one thing I think you need to make sure of. How many hours away from where ever you will be in VA is Lancaster going to be??
Dec 28th, 2001, 11:08 AM
#9
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Chocolate and pretzels too? Fantastic!!
Geoff - we're flying into DC so I think that it'll be 2-3 hours drive to Lancaster. We can go back down to Virginia after that if we decide to. Personally I love driving in the States so don't mind how long the journey is - I live in England where the roads are so much narrower and the traffic so much heavier that it's a joy in the US!!
Thanks for your help.
Geoff - we're flying into DC so I think that it'll be 2-3 hours drive to Lancaster. We can go back down to Virginia after that if we decide to. Personally I love driving in the States so don't mind how long the journey is - I live in England where the roads are so much narrower and the traffic so much heavier that it's a joy in the US!!
Thanks for your help.
Dec 28th, 2001, 11:53 AM
#10
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Kate: Don't know about eating with an Amish family, but if you visit the town of Lancaster, go to the Good and Plenty Restaurant. Amish food is served family style at long tables and benches. You will meet (sit side-by-side) with fellow travelers. The food is very good and authentic. I especially remember the corn relish and cracker pudding. Great fun. Also, visit an Amish Farm. Some provide tours and you will see how the Amish live. The tourist office can direct you to the farms that can be toured. Great fun and our children loved it
Dec 28th, 2001, 12:31 PM
#11
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Because of having a small property in Amish country, I have over the last 20 years become very close to and understanding of those in the Amish population. Do know that you will see a different style in Pennsy. than in Ohio or Indiana or Michigan? The Amish live and work in tota within a structure of 26 families. That way they can have church in each of their own homes once a year. (CHURCH IS EVERY OTHER SUNDAY.)
When I read a joke or tongue in cheek comment- such as the "lawn mower" one etc. above, it makes me want to explain or educate someone about Amish life. It is NOT as portrayed as a joke on Saturday Night Live or other media. There is tremondous peace in their lifestyle. Both men and women work very hard and experience rewards from that work beyond that noted with a time/proficency study. The children are not considered Amish until they choose to be baptised. Sometimes they don't choose. The teenagers party and socialize like others in the rural society. Each 26 family unit is self sufficient and observes the old ways with a kind and loving simplicity. They are the most industrious and compassionate group en masse that I have ever had the good fortune to associate with.
I am familiar with the Indiana and Michigan Amish communities. They have taught me much, including this year how to make a new kind of Christmas cookie. They always seem to have time to teach you, if you ask. Endless time. No TV program to go watch.
In abstract I always thought the Amish belief system too patriarchal and too primitive/ anti-education to be other than a joke, until I really got to know them. Kate, spend as much time as you can. It's amazing what you can hear when the modern "me" whine is tuned out.
Great food too. I just got the Mendon, Michigan area's meatloaf recipe. Starts out with 5 lbs of beef alone. Everybody gets fed big time. We spent a whole week with them last fall, and had a dinner with them first week in December. Kids will sing and entertain with jokes after dinner. I have never seen a self esteem, moody, or lazy problem with the children of the Amish groups I know. Seek them out.
When I read a joke or tongue in cheek comment- such as the "lawn mower" one etc. above, it makes me want to explain or educate someone about Amish life. It is NOT as portrayed as a joke on Saturday Night Live or other media. There is tremondous peace in their lifestyle. Both men and women work very hard and experience rewards from that work beyond that noted with a time/proficency study. The children are not considered Amish until they choose to be baptised. Sometimes they don't choose. The teenagers party and socialize like others in the rural society. Each 26 family unit is self sufficient and observes the old ways with a kind and loving simplicity. They are the most industrious and compassionate group en masse that I have ever had the good fortune to associate with.
I am familiar with the Indiana and Michigan Amish communities. They have taught me much, including this year how to make a new kind of Christmas cookie. They always seem to have time to teach you, if you ask. Endless time. No TV program to go watch.
In abstract I always thought the Amish belief system too patriarchal and too primitive/ anti-education to be other than a joke, until I really got to know them. Kate, spend as much time as you can. It's amazing what you can hear when the modern "me" whine is tuned out.
Great food too. I just got the Mendon, Michigan area's meatloaf recipe. Starts out with 5 lbs of beef alone. Everybody gets fed big time. We spent a whole week with them last fall, and had a dinner with them first week in December. Kids will sing and entertain with jokes after dinner. I have never seen a self esteem, moody, or lazy problem with the children of the Amish groups I know. Seek them out.
Dec 28th, 2001, 03:33 PM
#13
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I don't know about Pennsyl. but in Michigan they are setting up a store that is going to sell hand made quilts with no third party involved. Like a lot of Amish activity, this and the mill are NOT open on Sunday, and usually for about 5 hours a day. If you are buying in a "tourist" area, most of the time it is not authentic Amish. You have to go to their farms or country area stores.
Also they all pay into Soc. Security etc. and yet NEVER COLLECT IT. As a matter of principle, they are self-sufficient. A good hand-made authentic Amish quilt usually runs in the $300-500 range, depending on the complexity of the pattern. To really relate with the Amish it would be best to take the B&B advice and go to a thresher dinner with their connection.
Also they all pay into Soc. Security etc. and yet NEVER COLLECT IT. As a matter of principle, they are self-sufficient. A good hand-made authentic Amish quilt usually runs in the $300-500 range, depending on the complexity of the pattern. To really relate with the Amish it would be best to take the B&B advice and go to a thresher dinner with their connection.
Dec 28th, 2001, 04:22 PM
#14
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The AMish are a wonderful part of my childhood. I would highly recommend visiting Lancaster Co. Bird in Hand or Intercourse---Stolfus family restarant. Have a great time and relax and think about what really is important in your life. These are great folks.
Dec 28th, 2001, 09:05 PM
#15
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Heed the above advice. Lancaster is an easy drive from the DC area. Good and Plenty is a great place to sample food prepared as the locals eat it. Also, pick up a copy of the 'auto tape tour' which provides a narrated driving tour of the area peppered with Amish homesites. Click: http://www.autotapetours.com/
to purchase it ahead of time. It gives history and insight into the Amish way of life. Listening to it before you go will enhance your visit.
Many of the shops sell true Amish made craft items including the fantastic quilts. You might also stop by one of the homes that gives tours. Much to be learned there, too.
More information at this link:
http://www.metrocast.com/Lancaster/Tours.html
to purchase it ahead of time. It gives history and insight into the Amish way of life. Listening to it before you go will enhance your visit.
Many of the shops sell true Amish made craft items including the fantastic quilts. You might also stop by one of the homes that gives tours. Much to be learned there, too.
More information at this link:
http://www.metrocast.com/Lancaster/Tours.html
Dec 28th, 2001, 11:25 PM
#16
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I'm so glad that I've decided to make this part of our trip. Both my friend and I have had 'difficult' years, much of it as a result of stress at work, and this sounds like the perfect antidote - both in an immediate 'switch-off' way and also perhaps as a time to consider my life priorities and reassess. Here's to a truly educational trip!
Dec 30th, 2001, 05:41 AM
#18
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HOPE YOU HAVE A GOOD TRIP-LANCASTER CONTAINS SOME OF THE MOST FERTILE FARM LAND IN THE COUNTRY-YOU CAN GROW JUST ABOUT ANYTHING HERE. I WAS BORN AND RAISED HERE AND COULDNT IMAGINE BEING AS CONTENTED ANY WHERE ELSE. TRY TO COME IN EARLY SPRING WHEN TOURIST SEASON IS NOT YET IN FULL SWING AND THE AIR IS SWEET! TAKE THE EARLIER ADVICE AND USE RT 30 SPARINGLY-ITS BEEN UNDER CONSTRUCTION FOR AN ETERNITY. BACK ROADS ARE BEAUTIFUL BUT TWIST ALONG OLD COW PATHS SO BE CAREFUL! STRASBURG,LITITZ,KINZERS,PARADISE-ALL BEAUTIFUL TOWNS-IF YOU HAVE TIME TAKE RT 741 AND DRIVE THRU PEQUEA AND CONESTOGA-NOT QUITE AMISH BUT THEY RUN ALONG THE SUSQUEHANNA RIVER AND CAN BE BREATHTAKING AT SUNSET. DO NOT MISS THE FOOD-SHOO FLY PIES AND STICKY BUNS FOR YOUR SWEET TOOTH/FILLING BREAKFASTS-IF YOU LIKE YOUR EGGS SUNNYSIDE UP REFER TO THEM AS DIPPY.
Dec 31st, 2001, 08:13 AM
#19
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If you can, tour the Amish countryside by bike. There are books that contain routes you can follow. The Amish seem friendlier and more open when you're not behind the wheel of a car. You will see more too. I once saw a large pair of fuzzy dice hanging from the front window of a carriage driven by a young Amish man. Too funny!
Dec 31st, 2001, 09:51 AM
#20
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Kate:
You would be surprised how many horse and buggies are in the Lancaster area. Actually Lancaster is more city-like, go east a few miles and you'll see all kinds of quilt stores, etc. I would suggest going to Red Caboose Motel in Strasburg. It has a petting zoo w/a really neat train store and Red Caboose Diner on the premises. There is a miniature railroad museum connected to this too. Hint: many all you can eat smorgasbords in the area too!
You would be surprised how many horse and buggies are in the Lancaster area. Actually Lancaster is more city-like, go east a few miles and you'll see all kinds of quilt stores, etc. I would suggest going to Red Caboose Motel in Strasburg. It has a petting zoo w/a really neat train store and Red Caboose Diner on the premises. There is a miniature railroad museum connected to this too. Hint: many all you can eat smorgasbords in the area too!
