Things to do in Bird in Hand PA

September 27, 2022

Bird in Hand is probably one of the best known towns in Amish Country, most likely because of the silly name!  If you're wondering what there is to actually DO in Bird in Hand, we're here to help.  Here's a great list of all the wonderful things to see & do, plus places to eat & drink as well.  No visit to Lancaster PA would be complete without hitting at least a few of the places on this list!!

This Blog is all about Things to Do in Bird in Hand PA

1. Enjoy an Amish Buggy Ride

Abes buggy
Source: Rebecca Gallagher

Taking a buggy ride is one of the most enjoyable ways to see Amish countryside and learn about Amish culture!  Slow down and feel what it’s like to be Amish as you take in the lovely scenery.

  • Abes Buggy Ride | 2596 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand | Website
  • Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides | 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand | Website

 

2. Check out these Amish Experience Guided Tours

private tour
Source: Amish Experience Facebook Page

Group and private tours are a great way to see the area, learn about Lancaster’s rich history and Amish culture.  Each of these tours is unique and will bring you to places you might not have found otherwise.  Choose the experience that’s the best fit for you & the time you have available.

Address:  3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand | Website

  • Farmlands tour
  • Amish VIP (Visit in Person) tour
  • Private tour in a 1966 Mustang Convertible

 

3. Do Some Amish Quilt Shopping

Amish Quilt
Source: Log Cabin Quilt Shop Facebook Page

Whether you’re really into quilts & quilting or you just want a truly authentic souvenir to bring home from your Lancaster PA getaway, checking out a few quilt shops is a great idea!  If you’re visiting over a weekend, be sure to shop on Friday or Saturday… these will ALL be closed on Sunday.

  • Log Cabin Quilt Shop | 2679 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand | Website
  • Fisher’s Handmade Quilts | 2713 Old Philadelphia Pike # A | Website
  • Bird in Hand Fabric | 3137 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand | Website
  • Lancaster Home & Fabric | 2851 E Lincoln Hwy A, Ronks | Website
  • Amish Country Lanes | 318 Bridge View Circle, Bird in Hand | Website

 

4. Discover an Awesome, Privately Owned Clothing Shop

Women's Clothing
Source: Ruthie's Facebook Page

If you want to buy some fashionable, quality clothing at a privately owned shop, then carve out some time to visit Ruthie’s.  It’s located right next door to the Log Cabin Quilt shop, so you can check off TWO shops in one stop!  With sizes from XS – 3XL, there’s something for everyone including dresses, accessories & even shoes to make your snazzy outfit complete!

Ruthie’s Apparel | 687 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand | Website

 

5. Take a Fun Scooter Tour

Scooters along road
Source: Dave Gallagher, the BEST tour guide!!

We’ve heard it over & over again from visitors who took a Scooter Tour during their Lancaster PA vacation, “This tour was hands-down the highlight of my trip!!”.  They have traditional 2-wheel scooters for people comfortable riding (if you’ve never been able to ride a bicycle this is NOT the option for you!!).  For anyone a bit nervous, they have 3-wheel scoot-coupes that are nice & stable & very easy to drive.  The “Country Back Roads” tour that leaves out of Bird in Hand takes you around to some of the best Amish-owned businesses in the area, including a Ferrier (person who shoes horses) if he happens to be working on the day of your tour!

Bird-in-Hand Scooter Tour | 2705 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand | Website

 

6. Indulge in some home-baked treats

Pies
Source: Bird in Hand Bake Shop Facebook Page

Homemade Shoofly Pie, Whooie Pies, Apple Dumplings, Sticky Buns and Amish soft pretzels are just a few of the delicious treats you’ll find at the famous Bird in Hand Bake Shop.  This is a MUST DO when you’re visiting Bird in Hand!!

Bird in Hand Bake Shop | 542 Gibbons Road, Bird-in-Hand | Website

 

7. Buy  / Pick Some Fresh Produce

Apple tree and farm
Source: Kauffman Orchards Facebook Page

Whether you prefer to pick your own fruit (whatever’s in season) or browse the aisles for bushels of fresh, locally grown produce, these shops in Bird in Hand will totally fit the bill!

  • Kauffman Orchards | 3097 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand | Website
  • Sunset Acres Produce | 1651 Hunsecker Road, Bird-In-Hand

 

8. Catch a Show


 Prepare to be entertained, uplifted and educated all in one at these Bird in Hand Theaters:

  • Bird in Hand Stage | 2760 Old Philadelphia Pike Suite #A, Bird in Hand | Website
  • Jacob’s Choice: Amish Experience Theater | 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand | Website

 

9. Experience a Lancaster Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot Air Balloons
Source: Zad Leggett

Lancaster’s rolling hills and farmland is absolutely gorgeous from ground level.  Just imagine the splendor of seeing Lancaster from above!!!  For obvious reasons, these rides are weather-dependent.  If there’s rain or high winds the trips will be cancelled and you’ll be rescheduled for another day.  So if you’re in town during times of year when the weather is ‘iffy’, it’s best to plan a 3 day trip or longer to be sure you get your ride in. (if you can’t, they’ll give you a voucher for another time).

Lancaster Balloon Rides | 2727 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand | Website

 

10. Bring Home Handcrafted Furniture

Rustic Furniture
Source: Creative Rustic Furniture Facebook Page

The Amish are famous for their handcrafted furniture.  Check out these furniture stores in Bird in Hand to see the craftsmanship for yourself.

  • Creative Rustic Furniture | 2709 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand | Website
  • Stoltzfus Furniture | 2729 Church Road, Bird in Hand

 

11. Take a Helicopter Tour

Helicopter over farmland
Smoketown Helicopter Facebook Page

Smoketown Helicopter offers a variety of Lancaster County tours based on your budget and the amount of time you want to spend in the air.  Tours range from 15 minutes ($79.99/pers) all the way to 2 hours ($369.99/pers), with lots of intervals in between!

Smoketown Helicopters | 311 Airport Dr, Smoketown | Website

 

12. Enjoy a Unique Putt-Putt Golf Course

Putt Putt Golf
Source: Waters Edge Mini Golf Facebook Page

Waters Edge Mini Golf is a totally cute putt-putt golf course with lots of water features throughout.  The course is surrounded by Amish Farms.  This is a great way to spend some time enjoying the fresh air and sunshine during your visit.

Waters Edge Mini Golf | 230 N Ronks Rd, Bird in Hand | Website

 

13. Toss Back Some Locally Crafted Beer, Wine & Mead

Brewery
Source: USA Restaurants

You might not expect to find locally crafted adult beverages right in the heart of Amish Country.  Yet set in a historic barn located along the Old Philadelphia Pike, you’ll discover a Craft Winery, Brewery and Meadery!  Downstairs is the wine shop / gift shop and tasting room for the wines and meads.  Upstairs you can experience a British-style pub with craft brews by the bottle or growler, along with wine flights & bar eats.

  • Rumspringa Brewing Company | 3174 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand (2nd floor)
  • Mount Hope Estate Winery | 3174 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand (1st floor)

 

 

14. Shop for Hand Crafted Gifts

Soaps
Source: Rebecca Gallagher

Forget the chain stores!  Shop at some fantastic privately owned stores for unique gifts that are often hand-crafted by the owner!

  • Garden Path Soap | 342 Beechdale Road, Bird-in-Hand
  • Forest Hill Leather Craft | 225 Forest Hill Road, Bird-in-Hand
  • Unique Design by Sharon | 2916 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand
  • Labadie Looms | 2572 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand
  • Olde Heritage Homemade Root Beer & Gift Shop | 3217 Old Philadelphia Pike, Ronks
  • Kauffmans Clocks | 3019 W. Newport Road, Ronks | Website

 

15. Visit Unique Stands & Vendors at the Bird in Hand Farmers Market

Farm Market
Source: Bird in Hand Farm Market Facebook Page

2710 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand | Website

The Bird in Hand Farmers Market has been family owned and operated for over 30 years.  It’s open from 9 am – 5:30 pm Friday & Saturday year-round with Wednesday added from April – November and Thursday from July – October.  There are over 30 unique stands, here are a just a few:

  • Beiler’s Country Corner
  • Country Crafters
  • Creative Home Shop
  • Beiler’s Candyland
  • Village Country Crafts
  • Countryside Canned Goods
  • Aunt Ruthie’s Coffee & Tea
  • Deerskin Leather Shop
  • Grandma Jacks Gourmet Popcorn
  • Uncle Leroy’s Homemade Fudge
  • … AND MORE!!

 

16. Grab a Bite to Eat

BBQ sandwich
Source: Smokehouse BBQ Facebook

After all your tourist-ing in Bird in Hand your bound to work up a appetite. Here are some delicious options for lunch or dinner while you’re in the area.

  • Hudson Botanical Cafe | 2433A Old Philadelphia Pike, Smoketown | Website
  • Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord | 2760 Old Philadelphia Pike | Website
  • Smokehouse BBQ & Brews | 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike | Website
  • Sue’s Sandwich Shoppe | 2710 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand
  • DJ’s Taste of the 50’s | 2410 Old Philadelphia Pike | Website

 

17. Stay at one of the Best Bed and Breakfasts Near Bird in Hand!

Stone B&B Rated the #2 Bed and Breakfast in the entire country by TravelAwaits, the Historic Smithton Inn Bed and Breakfast is just a short drive away from Bird in Hand.  Located in Ephrata PA, the Inn was built in 1763 as a stagecoach stop along the route from Philadelphia to Harrisburg!  Guests enjoy the historic charm of a Colonial era stone Inn while basking in luxurious amenities and modern updates like screaming-fast WiFi, flat screen TVs and an on-site wine bar with live entertainment on weekends.

king bed There are nine guest rooms & suites to choose from and each one has its own private bathroom & working or electric fireplace. (Smithton Loft Pictured here)

Book your luxurious getaway today!  You can Book Online or call 717-733-6094 to speak with the Innkeeper directly.

 

This Blog is all about Things to Do in Bird in Hand PA

 

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