We are fours adults spending three days in Penn. Dutch country (staying in Bird-in-Hand)at the end of March. Any suggestions for things to do and specific places for quality crafts? Also - is there any hiking in the area? Thanks.

PA Hiking: http://parec.com/recreation/hikepa.htm

Crafts: You're a bit early for the contemporary craft shows. However, here's a list of craft venues in the Lancaster area: http://www.lancasteronline.com/goingout/galleries.htm

The only one which I'm personally familiar with is the Artworks at Doneker's, In Ephrata. Nice 4-floor complex that has some neat stuff.

Hawk Mountain in Kempton is a wonderful place to hike IF you don't go one a week-end or if your trip doesn't coincide with a large school outing (check first). Under the right conditions, it's great hiking with fabulous views, but at peak periods it's over-run with groups. Check their web site, www.hawkmountain.org for more info.
To find out if a big school trip is planned for the day you have in mind, call the HM office--610.756.6961. We also used to go hiking around Baer Rocks, not too far from HM.
There are several very high quality crafts stores/galleries in historic Bethlehem, PA, if you get over that way, along with some interesting sites. And it's a chance to see the important contributions of the non-Amish/Mennonite PA Dutch.
BTilke

When I last went my Mom and I went to Red Caboose Motel just for curiousity. Well, they have a small petting zoo, a Red Caboose cafe, a nice sized train souvenir shop and a miniature railroad museum is right next to the property. It is in Strasberg (just outside Lancaster) on a country road. Surf the web for Lancaster or Pennsylvania Dutch Country and get info. you need to go here, you'll enjoy, I promise.

Check the State park site: www. dcnr.state.pa.us. I recommend Susquehannock State park. It's located on a bluff overlooking the Susquehanna River. Only about 5 miles of trails in this small park, but they are scenic and reasonable challenging, with scenic overlooks perfect for a lunch break.