There’s a reason people keep coming back to explore Pennsylvania Amish Country. The slower pace, rolling farmland, and charming covered bridges offer an undeniable appeal, but it’s the authenticity of the Amish Country experience that really stands out. From the clatter of a horse-drawn buggy on a quiet country road to roadside stands brimming with homemade baked goods and hand-stitched quilts, Amish Country in Pennsylvania offers a peek into a lifestyle that’s both deeply traditional and incredibly fascinating.
Visiting Pennsylvania Amish country is only one of the things that make staying in the Lancaster, PA area so rewarding. While you’ll find no shortage of iconic Amish experiences, from buggy rides and working Amish farms to attractions like The Amish Village, there’s also an impressive mix of dining, arts, history, and shopping to explore. Spend your morning browsing antique shops or sampling regional fare at one of the area’s best Amish restaurants, then catch a performance at a local theater or unwind with a craft beer at one of the city’s breweries.
If you’re looking to go beyond the usual tourist trail, there’s plenty here that only the locals (or your innkeeper) might know about. After all, visiting Lancaster is less about going back in time, but more about seeing how old and new come together in unexpected ways. Get an authentic taste of Pennsylvania Dutch Country when you stay at our top-rated Bed and Breakfast near Lancaster. Our Inn blends historic charm with modern comforts, and we’re always happy to point you toward experiences that feel a little more off-the-beaten path.
From favorite Amish towns and tours to hidden-gem shops and local festivals, we’re here to help you experience Pennsylvania Dutch country like a true insider. Get ready to enjoy the best of Pennsylvania Amish Country, and book your stay at our Bed and Breakfast today!
Explore the Best of Pennsylvania Amish Country
Pennsylvania Amish Country is centered in Lancaster County, a region that offers one of the most immersive and authentic views into Amish culture in the United States. From the rural backroads of Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse to the quieter corners of Strasburg and New Holland, these Amish towns are where you’ll find horse-drawn buggies sharing the road, clothes drying on lines outside white farmhouses, and roadside stands selling everything from homemade root beer to handwoven baskets.
The best way to experience Amish culture in Pennsylvania Dutch Country is by visiting places that prioritize respectful engagement, like The Amish Village, Amish Farm & House, or by booking small-group Amish Tours with a knowledgeable local guide. These experiences offer a deeper understanding of Amish values, traditions, and daily life, from the way they farm and cook to how they worship and educate their children.
Above all else, a visit to Pennsylvania Amish Country offers a rare opportunity to slow down and learn from a community that’s stayed true to its roots. We’ve listed a few of the best ways to get to know this unique facet of American culture below.
Scenic Tours and Countryside Drives
One of the best ways to experience the heart of Amish Country Pennsylvania is by simply hitting the road. The rolling farmland, whitewashed barns, and clip-clop rhythm of horse-drawn buggies set the scene for a memorable drive through the region. Whether you prefer to explore solo or take a guided excursion, there’s no shortage of photo-worthy views and fascinating stops along the way.
We recommend starting with a driving tour through the backroads of Lancaster County or booking an authentic buggy ride with Abe’s Buggy Rides. These Amish tours often include stops at an Amish farm, a Mennonite-run bake shop, or a quilt store where you’ll find handmade treasures passed down through generations. You’ll cross historic covered bridges, wind through 18th-century villages, and maybe even catch sight of a team of draft horses plowing a field the old-fashioned way.
For a deeper dive, guided experiences like those offered by The Amish Village or Amish Farm & House provide a respectful introduction to everyday life in the Amish community.
Amish Culture and Craftsmanship
Understanding the Amish way of life is central to appreciating the region. The Pennsylvania Amish have lived here for centuries, adhering to a lifestyle grounded in faith, humility, hard work, and simplicity. Their homes and farms are often close-knit and multigenerational, and visitors are often struck by how visibly those values shape their communities.
Several local attractions offer opportunities to respectfully explore Amish culture firsthand. The Amish Farm & House is a great starting point, where you can tour a one-room schoolhouse, visit farm animals, and speak with local interpreters who can explain the significance of Amish customs. The Amish Experience at Plain & Fancy Farm also offers guided tours of Amish homes and farmland, along with the immersive “Jacob’s Choice” movie, which adds helpful context to your visit.
Families love the Lil’ Country Store and Miniature Horse Farm, where kids can meet gentle miniature horses and parents can shop for hand-stitched quilts, wooden toys, and delicious baked goods. The Amish are known for their craftsmanship, and many still make furniture, quilts, baskets, and leather goods the way their ancestors did: By hand and with care.
Amish Restaurants and Pennsylvania Dutch Flavors
Pennsylvania Dutch cooking is its own kind of comfort food. Rooted in simple ingredients and time-honored techniques, Amish food is hearty, homemade, and deeply satisfying. A trip to Amish Country in Pennsylvania isn’t complete without a taste of shoofly pie, chicken corn soup, apple dumplings, or sticky buns straight from a roadside stand.
You’ll find countless markets, bakeries, and country stores offering homemade jams, jellies, pickles, and relishes, which are perfect to take home or enjoy as you explore. The Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop, Kitchen Kettle Village, and Riehl’s Quilts and Crafts are all fantastic spots for sampling and shopping local specialties.
For a sit-down meal, don’t miss out on the classic Amish restaurants that have become local legends. Shady Maple Smorgasbord, Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant, and Dienner’s Country Restaurant are just a few that serve up traditional meals like pot roast, buttered noodles, and pork and sauerkraut. Portions are generous, service is friendly, and it’s easy to see why so many guests return again and again.
The Best Place to Stay Near Lancaster, PA
After a full day of exploring Pennsylvania Amish Country, including touring farms, sampling homemade jams, and getting to know the quiet beauty of the countryside, you’ll want a place to unwind that feels like home. That’s where we come in. Our refined Bed and Breakfast near Lancaster offers a blend of old-world charm and modern comfort, making it one of the top choices for lodging near Lancaster.
Built in the 1700s and thoughtfully restored, our Bed and Breakfast in Amish Country, Pennsylvania, is full of character, from exposed stone walls and original wood beams to cozy fireplaces and curated local artwork. Each of our guest rooms is uniquely designed with luxury in mind, with high-end amenities like pillow-top beds, spa-quality robes, private bathrooms, and lightning-fast WiFi for those who like to stay connected. Several of our rooms also offer jetted tubs, and all offer electric fireplaces, perfect for a little post-tour pampering.
Each morning at our Lancaster Bed and Breakfast begins with a gourmet, made-from-scratch breakfast featuring locally sourced ingredients like farm-fresh eggs, seasonal fruit, and baked goods that rival anything you’ll find in a country market. Our breakfast is sumptuous and sets the tone for a full day of adventure in Amish Country in Pennsylvania. We’re also proud to offer personalized travel tips and insider suggestions you won’t find in most travel brochures, helping you discover everything from hidden roadside stands to lesser-known Amish tours and attractions.
When you stay at the Historic Smithton Inn, you’re not just booking a room—you’re getting a truly local experience, right in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country. Book your stay at our elegant Inn today!