How to Spend Your Lancaster County, PA Day Trip

Posted on by in Experiences

Lancaster County, PA is well known as the home to the oldest and largest Amish communities in the United States. However, Lancaster County, PA has more than just the rich culture of the Amish to offer the local adventurer or visitor. The area has much to choose from: the great outdoors, culinary delights, unique art, historical attractions, and more things to do are added all the time. We assembled a sample one-day itinerary for a day trip to Lancaster, PA, with the right balance of the expected and special surprises.

 

Start your day trip in Lancaster, PA off right

Get the lay of the land around Lancaster, PA from above. A morning air balloon ride with Lancaster Balloon Rides will show you Lancaster County from a different perspective. Experience the thrill of a sunrise ride over the rolling farmlands and views of the Susquehanna River’s tributaries and beyond. If heights aren’t your thing, why not experience the Amish’s favored transport with a horse and buggy ride through the countryside?

 

Live a day the Amish way

One of the favorite Amish day tips in Lancaster, PA, Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides will take you on tour through authentic, working, non-commercial Amish farms. Guided by an Amish buggy coachman (or coachwoman), they’ll regale you with the rich Amish history of Lancaster, PA and share their traditions, lifestyles and customs as they navigate you around the rural parts of Lancaster County. You’ll your buggy ride at the Plain & Fancy Farm, home of the Plain and Fancy RestaurantAmishView Inn & Suites, and other points of Amish interests.

 

Epicurean offerings

Seekers of the savory and fans of the flavorful will find a wealth of things to do in Lancaster, PA. Head on over to the wildly popular Kitchen Kettle Village and shop for Amish quilts and authentic food in the marketplace. Discover you’ll find colorful, locally-made quilts, hand-crafted candles, fresh salsa, award-winning wines, and locally-cured meats and cheeses.

 

Historic Markets

If you’re still itching for more market finds or a quick lunch, check out Lancaster Central Market, the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the United States. At Lancaster Central Market, you’ll find the usual suspects: meats, produce, and artisan cheeses fresh from the farm. You won’t want to miss delicious, favorite local desserts like shoofly pie along with other family recipes from around the world.

 

Take a short trip to Lititz

As part of your day trip to Lancaster County, PA make sure you check out Wilbur Chocolate, a landmark fixture in Lititz for over 100 years. The company is known for its chocolate candy called Wilbur Buds, first introduced in 1894. Shop the candy store for a wide choice of unique gift items, homemade fudge, various sweets, and, of course, Wilbur Buds.

 

Wrap up your day trip in Lancaster County with an amazing meal

Log-Cabin-Outdoor-Feature

The Log Cabin

Finish off your tour of Lancaster County with a well-deserved fine dining experience at the Log Cabin. Opened as a speakeasy during Prohibition, the restaurant features various dining areas, a piano bar, and an outdoor patio. At the Log Cabin, you can relax amid the log walls and fireplace while you enjoy your steak or seafood fare.

Plan a refreshing day trip to Lancaster, PA

Now is the time to get lost on the quiet backroads and explore the charm of Lancaster County. The beautiful countryside and unique attractions of Lancaster spread out all over the county make it the perfect place for friends, couples, or if you’re planning a day trip to Lancaster with kids. It’s best to plan to make the best use of your day in Lancaster County. Remember: There’s more than just the Amish in Lancaster County! Make sure you check out our other post on Amish Country day trip ideas and start planning your memorable trip today!

Staying for more than a day? Get started planning your trip to Lancaster, PA here!

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