Category: Things to Do
New Year’s Events In Lancaster County
December 8, 2019Top 3 Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Lancaster PA
June 30, 2019
During your family vacations to AmishView Inn & Suites, you’ll come to find we are centrally located to a variety of things to do in Lancaster PA with your kids! There are many family-friendly adventures to take advantage of to ensure that you’re loved ones stay entertained. We know that planning an itinerary for your family getaways can be time-consuming, so let us act as your guide and offer advice on how to make your trip a kid-friendly one!
Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park When you’re looking for kid-friendly things to do in Lancaster PA, spending the day at Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park should be at the top of your list! Your kids will be grinning from ear to ear as they experience the many thrill rides that are meant for those with little ones along! The theme park has deemed itself a “Kingdom for Kids,” which means it will be the perfect way to introduce your children to an amusement park! Bring your swimsuit along during your day at the park, and make your way to Duke’s Lagoon, a water play area with activity pools, and water rides! Enjoy a park that features over 30 rides, an abundance of activities, games, and shows for your entire family during your stay at our Lancaster inn!
Hands-on House, Children’s Museum of Lancaster We know children sometimes need constant entertainment, which is why a visit to the Hands-on House Children’s Museum will be the perfect stop during your stay. Plan to spend an hour or two at the museum where there are many indoor and outdoor interactive play areas to explore! Indoors your kids will be able to dress up, face paint, play pretend in a little grocery store, post office, among many other small play areas! The outdoor play location features a playground and meadow for the kids to roam about and expend their energy! Many of the indoor interactive areas are suitable for children ages 2-10 and will be one of your favorite family-friendly things to do in Lancaster PA!
Go ‘N Bananas Family Fun Center Your family will love the variety of adventure offered at Go ‘N Bananas Family Fun Center located just minutes from our Lancaster inn. All ages are welcome to the local family center where you’ll find laser tag, arcade games, bowling, and can even traverse through a ropes course! Check out the Spin Zone where you’ll be able to make quick U-turns, spin cars, and run into your fellow family members bumper cars! When you have toddlers along during family vacation, swing by the Toddler Zone in the center to keep the little ones entertained! The zone is filled with colorful playground objects and obstacles where the kids will be able to explore in a creative atmosphere! Make your way to the Go ‘N Bananas Family Fun Center to have the adventure of a lifetime!
Microbreweries in Lancaster County
October 30, 2017Lancaster County has a rich cultural heritage. However, we’re not only known for our historical legacy and Amish tradition, but also our brewmasters! Lancaster County is home to a number of craft breweries whse connections are downright decadent. There’s a reason we’re called the “Little Munich of America”. With more than a dozen in the area, let’s take a look at five local brewpub favorites.
Iron Hill Brewery
What started as two friends using a homebrew kit back in 1990 has become one of the most beloved local brewpubs in Lancaster. They also feature delicious artisan dishes to accompany your drinks. You can check them out at 781 Harrisburg Pike Lancaster, Pa.
The most popular drink from Iron Hill is the “Pig Iron Porter”. Described as a “classic porter”, it balances a slight bitter flavor with chocolate and roasted malt.
Iron Hill Brewery is also known for their “Ore House IPA”. This beverage emphasizes its hops with hints of pine and citrus. Along with the citrus aroma, it’s golden hue is a delight to see – making it an all-around home run for the senses.
Wacker Brewing Company
Wacker Brewing Company dates all the way back to 1853! When Joseph Wacker made his purchase, it stayed a family-run business until 1938. After surviving a devastating fire, and prohibition, the Wacker family sold its brewery to John Duschl. He maintained the business until 1956 when midwestern breweries overtook the market. In 2014, Wacker Brewing reopened – surging with creative energy combined with classic recipes. To see this historical landmark, head to 417 West Grant Street in Lancaster.
Their popular light-bodied dark beer, “Little Dutch Dunkel” is among their most popular beverages. A Dunkelweizen (“wheat beer”), this beverage starts with a bready flavor and finishes lighter like a lager.
Another popular beverage is their “Wacker’s German Pale Ale”, or “Kolsch”. This particular item is pale and fruity, with a medium to light bodied flavor.
Lancaster Brewing Company
In 1995, Lancaster Malt Brewing opened in the iconic tobacco warehouse of Lancaster city. Refashioned as a brewpub, this is where Lancaster Brewing Company still stands today. You can see the big brick building for yourself at 302 North Plum St. Lancaster, Pa.
Lancaster Brewing Company features several intriguing beer options, one of which is their “Milk Stout”. Deliciously sweet, this craft beer has hints of malt with overtones of milk chocolate and coffee. It’s a dessert drink for sure, and a nice introduction for newer craft beer aficionados.
The “Hop Hog IPA” is made especially for hop-lovers. This potent brew charges – like a hog – with hop flavor for a dry, yet satisfying, experience.
Spring House Brewing Company
Matt Keasey began the Spring House Brewing Company in 2006 as a tiny operation. However, his concoctions drew admirers from miles around, and he quickly outgrew his barn! His unique style and experimental brews can be experienced at 25 West King Street in Lancaster.
Spring House offers the “Big Gruesome Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout” for its sweet-loving Stout fans. Made with raw cocoa, vanilla beans, and peanut butter, this beverage has a full-bodied, rich taste. The raw cocoa packs a punch, but the peanut butter mellows it out for a truly mighty experience.
“The Astounding She-Monster Mango IPA” is a Spring House specialty. This beverage combines sweet mango with sour citrus for a fruity sensation.
St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company
In 2010, Jon Northup and Mike Price opened a one barrel nanobrewery in Ephrata. After receiving overwhelming community support, they expanded to a three-barrel operation using local Mennonite-crafted metalwork. By 2015, St. Boniface’s rapid growth resulted in a 15-barrel brewery with over 90% of its production sold in-house. St. Boniface has become a local staple, and you can visit its rustic brewpub at 1701 W. Main St. in Ephrata.
St. Boniface developed the “Paideia Pale Ale” to represent the prototypical ideal for all pale ales. It’s single-hop and malt blend are pure, with reduced bitterness.
Their “Libation DIPA” is meant to evoke the gods themselves. Its emphasis on malt, and unique hop blend, showcase a sweetly balanced beer.
So Much Beer, So Little Time
Not enough time to visit all the breweries during your stay at Amishview Inn? Don’t Worry! You can always come back to finish your tour, we would be glad to have you again. If you are looking to try multiple craft brews at one location, don’t forget to check out our friends at Smokehouse BBQ & Brews or Rumspringa Brewing Company!
AMT Christmas Show
October 17, 2017We love when guests come to visit us for the holidays! You can be sure our halls will be decked, and whether you prefer to shop or to be entertained, Lancaster County has something just for you. In fact, within minutes of the AmishView Inn you can experience some of the best holiday shopping, antiquing, and shows for all ages.
We would like to put the spotlight on one of our favorite annual Christmas shows – The Christmas Show at American Music Theatre! It’s truly a spectacle of fun and nostalgia.
Performances To Make You Feel “Home for the Holidays”
With the holiday season on its way, people are prepping for family traditions and festivities. Soon, holiday decorations will adorn homes and shops. Holiday music will delight listeners over the airwaves and cheer will be everywhere. For many, the time of Christmas is filled with wonder and whimsy.
This year, the American Music Theater aims to recreate that wonder for its audiences in The 2024 Christmas Show: Joy to the World. Evoking the revered holiday nostalgia of hometown America, their stage transforms into a small town winter carnival brimming with family, friends, and entertaining elves. Singing, dancing, and music are sure to put you in the Christmas spirit. Not just any music, that is, but the outstanding musical arrangements played by the AMT orchestra!
It’s Showtime!
The 2024 Christmas Show will be running from November 5th until December 30th, so don’t miss this spectacular show! Only a few minutes from Amishview Inn, let the talented performers at AMT help you experience the joy of past holidays. Visit American Music Theater’s website for more information.
Let Us Be Your Home For The Holidays
Looking for a winter getaway? Let AmishView Inn be your home during the holidays! Our beautiful views and optional adult-only wing can give you the peaceful retreat that you deserve. Contact us now to get more information or make your reservation today.
Holiday Shopping In Lancaster County
September 28, 2017Looking to do some holiday shopping in Lancaster County? Early birds and last-minute shoppers alike will find that Lancaster is the perfect place to shop this holiday season. Whether you are looking for national brands or local goods from Amish Country, you can find it all. Here are some of our favorite places to finish off that gift list in Lancaster.
Kitchen Kettle Village
If you’re looking for less mainstream gifts, Kitchen Kettle Village offers a variety of local goods. Located in Intercourse, PA, this collection of over 40 shops specializes in rustic and artistic wares. Home-canned jams, handcrafted leather goods, hand-stitched quilts, and more are available at the Village. You can also find specialized gifts at Kitchen Kettle Village, including an assortment of handmade crafts. More information is available on their website. Best of all, it’s located only minutes from AmishView!
Quilt Shop At Miller’s
Hundreds of Handmade Quilts.
Choose from hundreds of handmade quilts, quillows, wall hangings, and exquisite gift items from Amish, Mennonite, and other local artisans. Members of our friendly, knowledgeable sales staff are always available for questions.
3,500 Square Foot, Well-lit Showroom.
Our meticulous Quilt Shop staff selects only the finest examples of craftsmanship to fill our spacious 3,500 square foot, well-lit showroom.
Plain & Fancy Country Store
Shop our 5,000-square-foot store for authentic Amish-made bonnets, dresses, wooden toys, dolls, and crafts to adorn your home. We carry books, DVD’s and souvenirs so you can take a piece of Lancaster County home with you. We have home decor, candles, mugs, and gifts for every occasion. Our store proudly carries an assortment of “Made in the USA” gift items. We feature locally made treats, a large assortment of jams, jellies, and pickled vegetables made from local ingredients, and fresh baked shoofly pie, whoopie pies, and raisin bread.
Tanger Outlets
Located right off of Route 30/Lincoln Highway, this outlet mall houses over 50 individual shops. Tanger’s layout makes it easy to park in one spot and spend the day walking through all of your favorite shops. Clothing, toys, housewares, and everything in between are available from the shops at Tanger Outlets. The outlets make it simple to tackle that shopping list! They keep an updated directory of their shops online for your perusal.
Park City Center
Located at the intersection of Harrisburg Pike and Route 30, Park City Center is the largest enclosed shopping center in Lancaster County. With nearly 1.5 million square feet of space, and over 170 stores, Park City Center is one of the best places to get your holiday shopping done. This mall is divided into 8 wings, with 5 anchor stores, including: Sears, Kohl’s, JCPenney, Boscov’s, and The Bon-Ton. A full listing of their shops can be found here.
Antiques Shopping
Lancaster County is well-known for its antiques shops and what better place to find those nostalgic toys you once owned (or listed on your childhood Christmas Wish List)? TripAdvisor lists numerous antique stores near us, and our guest services staff would be more than happy to help you decide which ones to visit.
Spend this Winter Season Holiday Shopping With Us!
When you stay at Amishview Inn, you put yourself right in the middle of some of the best holiday shopping available. Spending your days shopping, and your nights relaxing in one of our rooms overlooking Amish Country, makes for a great vacation! Don’t forget to mention our Free Shopping Enhancement.
Lancaster County is the perfect destination for those seeking modern amenities and comfort while in pursuit of nostalgic, quaint experiences that can take you back to simpler days for Christmas. Indoor and outdoor holiday events are taking place throughout Lancaster and neighboring counties.
AmishView Inn & Suites, Tripadvisor’s Top Lancaster hotel, is one of the best places to stay, be near it all, and still be able to enjoy quiet, retreat-like accommodations. We even offer adults-only building for those without children.
Book your stay today!
Museums in Lancaster County
August 31, 2017Lancaster County is home to many great museums, ranging from historical to child-friendly. Trains, clocks, art, and more await you in Amish country. Try adding some museums from our list below to your own vacation!
Antique Automobile Club of America Museum (AACA)
The AACA showcases dozens of fascinating motor vehicles. It demonstrates the history of cars in an entertaining, and educational, way.. A must see for car enthusiasts.
161 Museum Dr
Hershey, PA 17033
Demuth Museum
This museum is dedicated to the works of American modernist Charles Demuth. It provides a dazzling array of exhibitions and education opportunities. Fans of the visual arts will love this peek into art history.
120 E King St
Lancaster, PA 17602
Ephrata Cloister
One of America’s earliest religious communities, the Ephrata Cloister became known for its printing styles and unique music. Nearly a dozen buildings from the 18th century still remain on site.
632 W Main St
Ephrata, PA 17522
Hands-on House Children’s Museum
The Hands-on House is dedicated to making learning fun for kids ages 2-10 years old. With a philosophy focused on interactivity, children and adults alike will have a blast participating in their classes, exhibits, and programs.
721 Landis Valley Rd
Lancaster, PA 17601
Hans Herr House and Museum
Regarded as the oldest building in Lancaster County, the Hans Herr House is the oldest Mennonite meeting house in America. This colonial-period dwelling epitomizes the medieval Germanic style common of the time.
1849 Hans Herr Dr
Willow Street, PA 17584
Historic Rock Ford Plantation
Showcasing a unique example of architectural integrity, more than 90% of this house is still intact as originally built.Revolutionary War general Edward Hand called this beauty home. History buffs will love seeing the 18th Century elegance that still lives on at Rock Ford Plantation.
881 Rockford Rd
Lancaster, PA 17602
Lancaster Museum of Art
Housed in a Greek Revival style mansion from 1845, this museum displays contemporary art. Its exhibitions focus on both regional and national artists.
135 N Lime St
Lancaster, PA 17602
National Christmas Center
Showing the history of Christmas in an educational and entertaining way, boasts more than 20,000 square feet of holiday cheer. The center is open year round, but if you are planning to go, do so before their doors close at the end of the 2017 season.
3427 Lincoln Highway
Paradise, PA 17562
National Toy Train Museum
A monument to collecting, building, and operating toy trains, the National Toy Train Museum is an exciting attraction for young and old alike. With models going back to the 1800s, and five interactive train layouts, this museum is a fun activity.In fact, it’s often regarded as the best train museum in America.
300 Paradise Ln
Ronks, PA 17572
National Watch & Clock Museum
Recognized as the most comprehensive horological collection in North America, the National Watch and Clock Museum boasts more than 12,000 items. From large standing clocks to small timepieces, their collection houses all things time.
514 Poplar St
Columbia, PA 17512
North Museum of Natural History & Science
For over 60 years, the North Museum of Natural History & Science has been inspiring curiosity in residents and visitors to Lancaster county. For science lovers of all ages, they host exhibits, events, educational programs, and more.
400 College Ave
Lancaster, PA 17603
President James Buchanan’s Wheatland
Visit President James Buchanan’s estate and explore the story of his presidency. The only United States President from Pennsylvania, Buchanan spent much of his private life at Wheatland.
1120 Marietta Ave
Lancaster, PA 17603
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
This museum is considered world-class when it comes to railroad history. It holds artifacts and locomotives dating back to 1825! In addition to its exhibits, it offers special events, a vast library, and a working restoration shop.
300 Gap Rd
Strasburg, PA 17579
9 Things for Families to Do in Lancaster
July 22, 2017If you are visiting Lancaster, or are lucky enough to live here, fill your time by exploring the exciting offerings in the area. Not sure where to start? Here are some of our favorite things to do in the early months of Autumn.
Experience Lancaster’s Natural Beauty
Looking to take in the area’s beautiful wildlife while avoiding the summer heat? Check out some of Lancaster’s best biking and hiking trails. If you have young ones, drive through the countryside and take it all in.
First Friday for Art and Shopping
Experience the excitement and creativity of Lancaster City on First Friday. The first friday of each month, stores, galleries, and boutiques hold extended hours and special events. Live music, a variety of shopping, and a dynamic atmosphere welcome you as you walk through downtown Lancaster.
Full Steam Ahead
Fans of trains and tranquil countrysides should make sure to get tickets for the Strasburg Rail Road. In September, you can take part in Day Out With Thomas, a special event featuring Thomas the Tank Engine.
Get Your Fill of Lancaster Foods
Can’t get enough of the local cuisine? Eat your fill of local, from-scratch foods at Miller’s Smorgasbord. If you are in the mood for smoked BBQ or a PA Dutch platter, stop by Smokehouse BBQ and Brews.
Find Your Own Treasure
Collectors, refurbishers, and general explorers will love Lancaster County’s variety of eclectic antique shops.
Take the Kids to the Castle
For kids that want excitement, Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park offers rides for the whole family. It’s open most weekends in September and October, and hosts special events around Halloween.
Attend Broadway-level Performances
If you are more interested in thespian entertainment, Lancaster County has quite a few high-caliber theaters and shows. American Music Theater regularly puts on a variety of shows of all musical styles.
Have Fun While Learning
Satisfy your child’s “educational trip” requirement at school by visiting one of the area’s kid-friendly museums.
Shop Local Goods
Can’t bear to leave Lancaster County? Take some baked goods and local wares home with you from Central Market. America’s oldest farmers market boasts a wide variety of local meats, cheeses, and more so that you can experience a taste of Lancaster wherever you are. If you want to take home some PA Dutch favorites, pick up some baked goods at Miller’s Gift & Bake Shop.
Don’t worry if you can’t fit all of the activities in one trip, you will always be welcome back! For more ideas on things to do, check out our list of attractions near AmishView Inn.
Lancaster County Fairs and Festivals in September
July 19, 2017Autumn is here, and in Lancaster County that means fairs! Almost every town in the area runs their own fair during the fall. To help you plan your trip to Amish Country, here are some of our favorite events.
Annual Latin American Cultural Festival
This year marks the 5th anniversary of this lively event held in Downtown Lancaster. Come experience the culture, art, customs, and cuisine of Latin American countries. The Binn’s Park stage will be host to live music as well as folk dances. Vendors and food trucks from throughout the area will also be in attendance, so make sure to come hungry! This year the celebration will take place from 2:00 to 9:00 PM on September 29th. Admission is free for all in attendance.
Annual Cloktoberfest at the National Watch and Clock Museum
Held this year on September 30th, the 3rd Annual Cloktoberfest will host a variety of fall and clock-themed events. Typically included in the activities are a steampunk fashion show, vendors, workshops, behind-the-scenes museum tours, and even watch evaluations. And of course it wouldn’t be a true Oktoberfest event without plenty of beer on hand. Admission to this event is free, and runs from 9 AM to 3 PM.
Community Fairs
Throughout September and the rest of autumn, communities across Lancaster county hold their annual fairs. Contests, rides, parades, food, and agricultural exhibits are just a few of the attractions available to fair-goers. The specifics of each fair vary from town to town, with some boasting live music and competitions in addition to the more traditional events.
If you like dunk tanks and funnel cake, take a look at this listing of fairs that are held in Lancaster County for more details!
Lancaster County may be tranquil, but it sure isn’t boring. If you attend one of these events and have a blast, remember to come back next year!