Weekend Getaway: Lancaster, PA
Lancaster Pennsylvania is a place I know well (since childhood) and no matter how many times we go as a family, we always have fun.
New Yorkers love Lancaster. I know this because my family vacationed there every year for the better part of my childhood. When we all moved back to the DC/Maryland/Virginia area, my sentimental sister suggested that we take a vacation there as a family. Well, needless to say, we went back a few years ago, stayed at the same hotel we grew up staying in, and basically began the tradition all over again. I don't know if this is an Italian thing or a Barone thing, but we love to do the same thing over and over. We thrive on nostalgia.
My husband was so surprised when the family booked the place for the following year.
Michael: "Don't you guys want to go somewhere different?"
Me: "No way, honey! We have to go back to all of our favorite places, eat at our favorite restaurants, and relive our past experiences over and over!!!!!"
For real though, the Amish Country is down-home, cute, relaxing, and fun for families. It doesn't cost an arm and a leg to go and there is plenty to do. It really is a great weekend getaway since it's so close to the DC area.
When we go, we stay at The Continental Inn. This hotel has an indoor and outdoor pool, shuffle board, and tether ball. I have many vibrant memories of swimming in the pool and being hit in the face with a volleyball on a string. It's quite a nostalgic place since it hasn't changed one bit in over two decades. When we first went back, I remember thinking that it looked the same as how we left it back in the early 90's.
See....it's still there. :)
Besides, the memories that Lancaster holds, there are so many fun things to do.
A few of our favorites are:
The Strasburg Railroad
The Amish Countryside (view from the train)
The Railroad Museum
A Taste of Amish life: The Amish Village
It wouldn't be a trip to Lancaster without going to the shops at Kitchen Kettle Village, a shopping area where the Amish come to sell produce and little mom & pop shops line the streets. You just HAVE to stop in "The Canning Kitchen" for spicy pickles, strawberry rhubarb jam, raspberry dressing, soup kits in mason jars, and more free samples than you have ever seen in your life.
Kitchen Kettle Village
Oh yeah...and there's bluegrass. :)
And this is just the tip of the iceburg my friends, there is SO much more fun to be had and more activities that you could ever accomplish even if you stayed a whole week.
Some other family favorites are:
Riding the rides at Dutch Wonderland
Eating at Good 'N Plenty
Seeing a show at Sight & Sound Theatre
Creating your own ice cream flavor at Turkey Hill
A Buggy Ride with Abe (yep, he's still there...good 'ol Abe...)
And for many, many more check out Lancaster County's website
