cebubelle

We will be arriving from Tinton Falls NJ, spending 3 days in and around Amish Country/Stroudsburg/Lancaster/etc. and heading back from Intercourse to Bergen County in NW Jersey. Can anyone recommend some good scenic drives and/or restaurants along the way. We'd love to see some pretty vistas, wildlife, and farmland via the back roads. Also roadside food and farm stands are always a treat.

Any suggestions would be very much appreciated!!

bookhall

Roots Market in Manheim on a Tuesday, and the Green Dragon in Ephrata on a Friday are always great central PA farm markets to visit. As is Lancaster Central Market, which is Thurs.-Sat., I believe.

VirginiaC

Cross back into New Jersey at the Delaware Water Gap, then take Route 80 east to Route 94 which meanders across Sussex County to Route 23 south. Then take Route 23 to Route 287 north to route 208 east. Follow 208 east and you'll land on Route 4 in Paramus about half a mile from the malls. You might want to stop at Olde Lafayette Village near the intersection of Route 15 and Route 94, for a meal at the Lafayette Inn or just to poke around in the shops.

cheapbutnice2

There is a great visitor center just east of Rte. 222 on Rte. 30. They have a great map available. The nicest areas are between Rtes 23 and Rte. 340. Don't forget the evenings-the stands may be closed but the roads will be deserted.

SuCo27

Lancaster Central Market is open Tues, Fri and Sat. It's full of history, local flavor and charm and shouldn't be missed if you're in the area. There's also the Bird-In-Hand farmer's market open Wed-Sat thru Oct, then open Wed, Fri and Sat in Nov. and just Fri/Sat in Dec.

To truly see the real Amish, stay off of the main roads. If it has a Rt. #, it's full of tourist traps. You can never get too lost around here, so don't worry. Just drive slowly, you never know when you're going to come up over a hill behind an Amish buggy. Also, please remember to not take pictures of the Amish or ask them questions about their religion.

Some of the locals' favorite restaurants for PA Dutch food (you won't see too many tourists or any busses) are Lapp's and Diener's. I can't personally vouch for either, since I don't like typical 'PA Dutch food', but I know a few people who say they are the best. IMO, stay away from the smorgasbords and family-style restaurants...they're overpriced and the food is just so-so.

Have fun!

mmouse52

You definately want to stay off the main roads and travel the back roads. The web site www.800padutch.com has a covered bridge drive with detailed driving directions. This would be a great way to see the countryside.