If you’re visiting Lancaster County on a budget or looking to see a different side of Amish Country, you’ll find plenty of inexpensive or cheap stuff to do for adults or with kids. Lancaster County has numerous tried-and-true tourist destinations that people have come to love. However, if you only visit the popular attractions or amusement parks, you’ll miss out on a stunning amount of unique activities and things to do. Consider this list of fun things to do as a great way to fill a few hours or enjoy a fun day.
1. Hit the farmers’ market
Most people have heard about Lancaster’s claim to fame, Lancaster Central Market, the country’s oldest continuously running public farmers’ market. But have you been to Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market? At this family-owned and operated farmers’ market, you can browse an abundance of produce, locally sourced meats, cheeses, canned and baked goods like wet bottom shoo-fly pies, snacks like hand-rolled pretzels, as well as handmade crafts and furniture. Pretty much everything but the farm animals themselves! Experience the small-town America experience of Bird-in-Hand and built an afternoon full of memories. Other unique vendors sell items like homemade quilts, oak glider rockers, beautiful floral arrangements, Amish wooden toys, and other Amish-made furniture and crafts.
2. Go antiquing in Adamstown
Go on a treasure hunt in Adamstown, the United States’ antique capital, and find some antique and vintage gems. Nestled in the heart of scenic Lancaster County, Adamstown’s small-town boasts over 5,000 antique dealers. During the warmer months, many outdoor markets open for visitors to browse antiques, vintage items, and collectibles.
3. Lace-up your boots for a mud sale
Mud sale crowd at Lancaster County Mud Sale
If you’ve never been to a mud sale in Lancaster County, you’re missing out on one of the best cheap things to do. People travel from all over to buy items from a mud sale auction. To pay for needed equipment and supplies, local fire companies host a mud sale each year to raise necessary funds. The name stems from the muddy spring conditions, as mud sales are typically held every weekend from late winter to early spring.
4. Stop and taste the shoo-fly pie
Stop by Dutch Haven for a free sample of their delicious, old-fashioned shoo-fly pies. Established in 1946, the bakery and gift shop is home to America’s best shoo-fly pie, made famous by TIme magazine. Today the pie is still made from their original recipe. At Dutch Haven, you’ll also find locally made furniture, jams, jellies, gifts, and more. If you’re looking for some Lancaster County fun, visit the place that made shoo-fly pie famous, and you’ll be sure to fall in love with their time-tested recipe.
5. Take in Lancaster County’s Friday culture
Are you visiting Lancaster city on a Friday or planning a day trip with kids? You can celebrate nearly every Friday night somewhere in Lancaster County with free music, arts, and entertainment when stores and cafes stay open late. You have first Fridays in downtown Lancaster, second Fridays in Lititz and Elizabethtown, third (Music) Fridays back in downtown Lancaster, and fourth Fridays in Mount Joy and the river towns of Columbia, Marietta, and Wrightsville.
From shopping to sampling Lancaster County’s flavors, both locals and tourists can discover all the area has to offer by barely even spending a dime. Are you looking for more deals and cheap things to do for quality shopping, delicious food, and fun activities? Be sure to check out other distinct attractions in Lancaster County.
6. Self Guided Tour at Hershey Farm Restaurant
Couple walking the nature trail at Hershey Farm Restaurant
While many know that Hershey Farm Restaurant‘s Grand Smorgasbord serves a delicious selection of Pennsylvania Dutch flavors and dishes, yet few know that the grounds of the inn are peaceful, beautiful, and open to the public to tour. Enjoy a free self-guided tour of the wonderfully maintained flower garden, or inspect the productive vegetable gardens for home growing tips! Have a picnic, take a photo with an Amish horse and buggy, or with farm animals. If you’re looking to book a stay, they offer coupons for the restaurant and coupons for the Inn.
