Farmhouse and misty cornfields at sunrise near Bird-in-Hand, PA, with a fenced pasture and rolling hills in the background

One of Lancaster's most charming Amish villages

Visit Bird-in-Hand PA

Welcome to the Quaint Village Named “Bird-in-Hand”

Welcome to Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, in the heart of the Amish Country. Conveniently located near Sight & Sound, Dutch Wonderland, outlet shopping at Rockvale and Tanger, immediately west of the Village of Intercourse, and next to Ronks and Smoketown. There’s lots to explore in and near Bird-in-Hand, PA:

How Did Bird-in-Hand, PA Get Its Name?

Bird-in-Hand probably received its name from the sign on an 18th century inn. As Merriam-Webster defines it, “it is better to hold onto something one has than to risk losing it by trying to get something better.” The inn was named as such because when travelling from Philadelphia (or points east) and making it as far as Bird-in-Hand, you could either find lodging there (a bird in the hand) or continue traveling to find lodging in the larger town of Lancaster (two in the bush). In the 1700s, many travelers and residents in this area spoke different languages. Early inns often took their names from an image they could paint on their sign that would be recognizable in any language, such as a blue ball, a white horse, or a hand holding a bird. Later, the communities that grew around these inns often took on the name of their local inn, such as the villages of Blue Ball, White Horse, and Bird-in-Hand. Note that even though they end up being used interchangeably, technically, the town of Bird-in-Hand and Bird-in-Hand Corporation are separate entities.

 

Enjoy Your Visit to Bird-in-Hand!

Bird-in-Hand is surrounded by rolling Amish farmlands. You’ll frequently see the Amish ride through town in their buggies or on scooters. You’ll also encounter them in local shops, at the Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market, and occasionally at the Bird-in-Hand Restaurant & Smorgasbord. There’s several places in town where you can take a ride on a horse and buggy!

 

Things To Do in Bird-in-HandDining in Bird-in-HandShops in Bird-in-HandLodging in Bird-in-Hand

For visitors to Lancaster County, Bird-in-Hand offers a drastic contrast to the suburban sprawl and congested highways back home. Bird-in-Hand is one Lancaster County village you won’t want to miss! This quiet little crossroads village of shops is located along Route 340 (Old Philadelphia Pike) approximately 7 miles east of Lancaster City and 4 miles west of the village of Intercourse, Pennsylvania. It’s only 1.5 miles north of Route 30 East, so even though you’re in Amish Country, you’re not far from many nearby attractions.

Below are many of the businesses you’ll find in Bird-in-Hand, Ronks, Smoketown, and the surrounding countryside.

Hotel room with king bed, sitting area, and farmland view through large windows at AmishView Inn and Suites

AmishView Inn & Suites

Top-Rated Tripadvisor Lancaster County Hotel. Between the villages of Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse on Route 340, an AAA Scenic Byway. Complimentary breakfast buffet.  Indoor pool, spa, and fitness center. AmishView makes the perfect romantic getaway with an adult-only building or family vacation in our family-friendly building. Check out our farmland views.

AmishView Inn & Suites

at Plain & Fancy Farm
3125 Old Philadelphia Pike (Rt 340)
Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505
Smoked chicken mac and cheese and coleslaw with craft beer flight at Smokehouse BBQ and Brews Plain and Fancy Farm Lancaster PA

Smokehouse at Plain & Fancy Farm

A fun new dining experience featuring authentic, slowly-smoked American BBQ, house-made sauces, sides, sandwiches, salads, kid’s plates, hand-crafted beers, local wines, and signature cocktails. A relaxed dining experience with slow-smoked meats and traditional PA Dutch dishes. You’ll find sandwiches, entrees, salads, and kid’s plates. Plus, a great list of beers, wines, and cocktails.

Smokehouse at Plain & Fancy Farm

at Plain & Fancy Farm
3121 Old Philadelphia Pike (Rt. 340)
Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505