Experience the charm of Riehl’s Quilts & Crafts, here local families share their talents through beautiful handmade creations.
Experience the charm of Riehl’s Quilts & Crafts, here local families share their talents through beautiful handmade creations.
Experience the charm of Riehl’s Quilts & Crafts, here local families share their talents through beautiful handmade creations.
Handmade Is Our Heritage — and that’s the “Riehl” difference!
Quilts – Discover the timeless beauty of traditional Amish quilts in every size — king, queen, and single. Each one is stitched with care to brighten your home.
— and that’s the “Riehl” difference!
Quilts – Discover the timeless beauty of traditional Amish quilts in every size — king, queen, and single. Each one is stitched with care to brighten your home.
Quilts – Discover the timeless beauty of traditional Amish quilts in every size — king, queen, and single. Each one is stitched with care to brighten your home.
Country Gifts & Crafts – Find something for everyone!
Experience the charm of Riehl’s Quilts & Crafts, here local families share their talents through beautiful handmade creations.
Country Gifts & Crafts – Find something for everyone! From quillows, handbags, and purses to leather goods, souvenirs, toys, and baby gifts — the perfect keepsake is waiting for you.
From quillows, handbags, and purses to leather goods, souvenirs, toys, and baby gifts — the perfect keepsake is waiting for you.
H O UR S
Country Gifts & Crafts – Find something for everyone! From quillows, handbags, and purses to leather goods, souvenirs, toys, and baby gifts — the perfect keepsake is waiting for you.
Monday - S r da - 5pm Closed Sundays
or the Home – Add warmth and character to your space ith handcrafted home décor, kitchen items, pillows, lap ows, wall hangings, birdhouses, feeders, brooms, and more.
For the Home – Add warmth and character to your space with handcrafted home décor, kitchen items, pillows, lap throws, wall hangings, birdhouses, feeders, brooms, and more.
For the Home – Add warmth and character to your space with handcrafted home décor, kitchen items, pillows, lap throws, wall hangings, birdhouses, feeders, brooms, and more.
Experience the charm of Riehl’s Quilts & Crafts, here local families share their talents through beautiful handmade creations.
Body Care – Pamper yourself with all-natural lotions, soaps, lip balms, and more — all made right here in Lancaster County, PA.
Body Care – Pamper yourself with all-natural lotions, soaps, lip balms, and more — all made right here in Lancaster County, PA.
Body Care – Pamper yourself with all-natural lotions, soaps, lip balms, and more — all made right here in Lancaster County, PA.
Snack Shack – Take a break and treat yourself! Enjoy Fizzy efreshers, cold foam coffees, and a variety of snacks — dried fruits, nuts, candies, cookies, whoopie pies, and more.
Eveningsby appointment orby chance. For a catalog or i nf call
Say hello to our
Snack Shack – Take a break and treat yourself! Enjoy Fizzy Refreshers, cold foam coffees, and a variety of snacks —
Snack Shack – Take a break and treat yourself! Enjoy Fizzy Refreshers, cold foam coffees, and a variety of snacks — dried fruits, nuts, candies, cookies, whoopie pies, and more.
Quilts – Discover the timeless beauty of traditional is waiting for you.
Quilts – Discover the timeless beauty of traditional is waiting for you.
Travelers have been traversing Lancaster County along Route 30 for well over two centuries. And for over 70 years, a very special building has signaled their arrival in Amish Country. It has a legitimate claim on being the area’s oldest visitor landmark. Most importantly, it’s the “place that made shoo–fly pie famous.” That iconic structure is the Dutch Haven windmill.
With a history dating back to the beginnings of tourism here, the building is rich in memories. From the time it started as a luncheonette in 1920 right up to the present, it has remained most famous for shoo–fly pie, served warm with whipped cream. The Dutch Haven shoo–fly pie has even been mentioned in a TIME magazine article.
Today, as soon as you walk in, you’ll be offered a free sample of that same delicious, gooey pie. Some 40,000 pies are baked annually, using the original (secret) recipe. Visitors are still encouraged to “Take one for yourself or send one to someone nice.” You can buy and ship pies home at the store or at their “online shop,” where you’ll find other local crafts as well.
Yes, Dutch Haven is much more than pies, with over 10,000 unique gift items, foods, and collectibles. Some of the most popular are jams, jellies, and canned goods, noodles, hex signs, quilted spice mats, Amish straw hats, jewelry and gemstones, Amish dolls, onyx and soapstone animals, trivets, Tiffany lamps, framed prints, plenty of T–shirts and postcards, and a tremendous selection of
Amish–made outdoor furniture. It’s an eclectic mix, to say the least. As you explore, you’ll discover lots of other “surprises” around every corner. Expect the unexpected! And don’t forget the Amish–style root beer in the barrel.
Dutch Haven is now open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., and closed Wednesday. Hours are subject to change. Visit our website for information. For more info about this Lancaster County landmark, call 717.687.0111. Look forward to your free sample when you walk in under the welcoming arms of the windmill for this truly is the place that made shoo–fly pie famous.
See Our World From a Buggy!
“Ride back in time, before the car or plane was ever imagined...”
All About Aaron
Did you know?
Aaron was Jessica’s first horse!?
Embrace the moment and travel the countryside in our locally made horse drawn Amish carriages!
All About Jessica
Born a small town girl, it was Jessica's dream to own a horse and carriage where she could share our lifestyle with others. She and her siblings attended a one-room schoolhouse and experienced the rigors of frigid winters and hot summers. At the young age of 14 when her eighth grade education ended, Jessica had the opportunity to select the interior color of her buggy, choosing which style wood dashboard she wanted, and items such as a speedometer or a hand-powered windshield wiper! YES, even 30 years ago every family custom ordered the interior design of their Amish carriage. An opportunity presented at Plain & Fancy Farm to open a carriage business for visitors. Shortly after, Jessica found her favorite horse, named him Aaron, and soon began offering a carriage ride experience to travelers who were seeking to learn more about the Amish, Mennonites, and Old Order Brethren of Pennsylvania. Tracing our heritage back through Pennsylvania Dutch trails, to the Dutch Brethren of the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland, Jessica and her dad had a new found joy of telling others about our way of life. Every few years, another one of the children started learning how to drive a horse. In Lancaster County, you will see children as young as 6 or 7 years old driving their miniature pony to town!
Today, Jessica's family lives in one of the oldest known standing homes in Lancaster County. For over 31 years, the family has maintained the passion to share the Christian faith and "reasons" for living a Plain lifestyle. During those years, Jessica and her five siblings became parents to a combined 15+ children!
Just as we continue to grow and develop, our communities continue to adapt to newer technology that may be permissible to utilize within the home or at work. It is important to understand that Amish and other Plain community members do not have a specific religious belief against technology. Their faith in the New Testament teaches them to follow verses such as John 15:19, to be in the world, but not of the world. No matter the progression, the simplistic lifestyle still holds strong! On our ride you'll have the opportunity to ask questions about day to day life, Don't forget to ask about the electrical sources in our homes (electrical wires are still non-existent).
In Jessica's childhood home, and in a few of the Plain churches, children are permitted to go to school beyond eighth grade. When Jessica had the opportunity to go on local farm calls with a veterinarian, she found a love of medicine and caring for horses.
Once she obtained her vet technician degrees, she worked five years in a horse operating room. She quickly discovered her true passion was caring for not just animals but humans as well. Being the eldest sibling, she led by example and soon her next four siblings followed suit in pursuing healthcare degrees. Jessica’s sisters remain in Lancaster County practicing nursing within the local communities.
Today, you may see Jessica or her youngest sister Miriam offering buggy rides. This is your full opportunity to learn first-hand about our childhood and the Christian beliefs that still hold true to us.
A Family Tradition that Never Disappoints
No matter the stage in life or agenda of the day, guests, locals (and even our drivers) find riding in a horse-drawn carriage to be very relaxing! Even after thousands of carriage rides, Jessica, Sarah, Rachel, Miriam and their two brothers still love taking an evening joy ride in the carriage. When you come to our buggy ride, every ride begins with a ride through our covered bridge!
As Jessica and Miriam continue to expand our rides, we now offer many public, private and “themed” buggy rides. Inquire about scheduling your next special moment and create memories to last a lifetime!
GROUPS ARE WELCOME!
We have team carriages so your group can ride together! Group rates available for 20+ riders.
Summer Hours
May–September Mon–Sat 9am–5pm Open Sundays 10am–4pm
A 30-35 minute tour passing a cluster of Amish homes and businesses in an all Amish area. Travel our country roads, the way we travel! Cookies, snacks and drinks are USUALLY available for purchase, depending on our Amish neighbors availability.
A 50-60 min tour that stops at a local farm! Experience our way of life on a real local, working Amish farm. With our exclusive access, step inside the barn and meet a variety of farm animals, including beef cattle, goats, and horses. Discover how our neighbors continue to adapt to daily life without electrical wires.
A 30-35 minute tour passing numerous Amish farms. Our local drivers can answer your questions and talk to you about points of interest.
Private Journey Tours
For a truly unique experience, book your own private tour, with your own driver, horse, and buggy. Our guests call it “ unforgettable”!
CELEBRATING AMERICA’S 250TH
History Through the Art of Bells!
By Ed Blanchette
America’s 250th Birthday is happening! Right Now! Wow! A monumental milestone in time for America’s place in history. In early December of 2025, I had the privilege of observing the unveiling of
America’s 250th birthday, this one created by G. Robert Wagner at an unveiling ceremony. Representing America250PA, Director of Strategic Partnerships – Kelly Leighton who emceed the unveiling event. She introduced the sponsor of
the Historic Rock Ford in Lancaster County Pennsylvania, which hosted the event and is the featured visiting site for the artistic bell creation of the Lancaster County Bell.
Who else was there? Of course, the artist and his wife, Robert & Linda Wagner. There were many other individuals from the political landscape of Central Pennsylvania who were also on hand for the unveiling, that were involved with the process, in one form or another, in assisting in making this event come to fruition.
Vice Chairman Joshua G. Parsons, Commissioner
Alice Yoder, Chairman Ray D’Agostino, Representative Steven Mentzner, Representative Mindy Fee, Representative Tom Jones, Representative Nikki Rivera. In addition, there were also representatives from the respective offices of Congressman Lloyd Smucker, State Senator Scott Martin and then Lancaster City Mayor Danene Sorace. It was definitely a full house!
This event, known as “Bells Across PA” is a statewide art series in which local artists adorn and magically transform fiberglass bell structures in a commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 1776-2026. America250PA will place 108 of these artistic bell creations, which have been sponsored by businesses and individuals across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania highlighting each of our 67 counties. Each unique artistic bell tells a story about community, creativity, and pride.
So, how did this all come about? Well, the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semi-quincentennial (America250PA) was established by the legislature and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future. Bells Across PA gave artists across the commonwealth the opportunity to create and decorate a three-foot high fiberglass bell to commemorate the upcoming Semi-quincentennial. Artists were invited to submit their bell ideas, with a final design chosen by the bell’s sponsor. Each bell is a unique original piece, with the goal of having at least one in each of the 67 counties. This program is interactive, encouraging
his detailed pen-and-ink drawings and digital renderings of historical landmarks, particularly in Lancaster County, including the Lancaster County seal way back in 1979. Which is still in use, even today! His fine art often focuses on “meaning and purpose,” aiming to evoke thought on social and political issues through surrealism. He is well-known for his illustrations of covered bridges, which have been featured on local apparel and in regional art exhibitions. His work has appeared in Artistonish Magazine and various local galleries, including the Ware Center in Millersville. He also created a couple of covers for Amish Country News as well, in past issues. Where else can I see the different bells? Again, the bell representing Lancaster County can be found at the Historic Rock Ford in Lancaster County Pennsylvania. For the other 107 remaining bells, it would probably be quicker to go online to www.visitpa .com/2026/bells-across-pa and see where they are all located. There is a map on their site that shows you exactly where each one is located and the name of each bell that was
opportunity for a summer road trip! What a way to start off your summer festivities. Kinda has a nice ring to it, don’t you think? I hope you’re able to see each and every one of those beautiful, artistic bells across the Pennsylvania Commonwealth. Happy Birthday America, here’s to 250 more! The good Lord willing. Be well, be safe, and stay positive.
Back of G. Robert Wagner’s bell
Antiquing in Amish Country
By Ed Blanchette
Do you enjoy searching for antiques? Perhaps you are looking for that special something, or you just enjoy searching for a surprise to add to your home decor. Maybe you hope to find an item worthy of an “Antique Roadshow.” Whatever you discover, once you find it, it becomes your personal treasure. What makes Lancaster County such a great place to go antiquing? One obvious answer would be that this area has a rich history going back hundreds of years to the first settlers in the early 1700s. Many of us have stuff in our attics that we have forgotten about, or inherited. Who knows what may be out there either at a yard sale
or an antique shop? Here in Lancaster County we boast thousands of antique shops and dealers. The Adamstown area alone has over 3,000 antiques dealers, and is known as Antiques Capital, U.S.A. The many locations stretch out along Route 272, just off Pennsylvania Turnpike, Exit 286.
Whether you are after a rarity, or just something old that intrigues you, you’ll find everything from sheet music to music boxes, pocket watches to kitchen sinks, nostalgic clothes to beautiful wardrobes to hang them in. Glassware, crafts, toys, clothes, artwork, china, quilts and fabrics, memorabilia...the list is endless!
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IT AIN’T EASY BEING…
AMISH
By Clinton Martin
Type “It Ain’t Easy Being…” into AI platforms, and they will likely predict the next word as “Green” (maybe even with an accompanying image of Kermit the Frog.) No disrespect to the Sesame Street celebrity, but most people wouldn’t find it so bad being a Muppet. Being Amish? Now that sounds pretty difficult, especially if you don’t grow up with it.
Maintaining a unique language (PA Dutch) while also being able to seamlessly get along in English with the world around them. Insisting on workarounds for technology to preserve a certain way of life. Holding fast to rules for daily living (Ordnung) that might seem arbitrary or unnecessary to the outside world. Plain manners of dress. And then there’s the spiritual side of things – being Amish is not solely a cultural embrace. Rather it is to pursue a specific branch of the Christian faith umbrella.
How does one approach being Amish, in the sense of being devoted to the religious identity, while also upholding the values of the practical day-to-day Amish life? It isn’t always easy. But the Plain People have developed aids for one another that teach on subjects they face. One source of edification that the Amish can turn to is the “Anabaptist Book Ministry.”
Anabaptist Book Ministry is a nonprofit organization governed by a board of four directors, with the purpose of distributing books “that give Biblical teaching and clear direction in plain words” through at least two annual massmailings. Each mailing can have up to 100,000 addresses. There’s typically a “big” book mailing, and a “small” book mailing. One of these distributions can cost as much as $250,000 by the time the book is selected, printed, and mailed. Where does ABM get the money to operate? Entirely by donation. The organization was founded by a likeminded group of Anabaptist business owners, who saw the need to address unique concerns of their own people. They pooled their resources and invited others to join them if so led to print and distribute books dealing with subjects of “moral purity and help for abuse victims, dangers of certain technologies, sound Biblical truths, Godly leadership, etc.”
I received a copy of the “big” book of 2025. A title by author Peter Hoover, “The Secret of Strength.” There are 27 chapters, organized into topics of importance to the Anabaptist reader.
Peter Hoover is a preacher, missionary, and author known for his extensive work within conservative Anabaptist communities across multiple continents. Born in Ontario,
Canada, in 1960, he is a son of a Mennonite minister. Raised in a deeply religious family, Hoover’s early life was shaped by his Anabaptist heritage. He married Susan Krahn, and together they have seven biological children and two adopted children from Mexico. Hoover’s preaching career began with missionary work that took him to Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, the United States, Chile, and Australia, where he focused on fostering Christian communities rooted in New Testament principles. He co-founded the Noah Hoover Mennonite churches and served as a minister and elder in various fellowships, including the Detention River Christian Community in Tasmania, Australia, until 2018, when he joined City Light Christian Fellowship in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. A prolific writer, he authored books like The Secret of the Strength, which explores Anabaptist faith and history, translated into German and Spanish. His ministry emphasizes radical discipleship, community living, and a return to early Christian values, leaving a legacy of challenging modern believers to reconsider their faith’s foundations.
An Evening Gala at Plain & Fancy Farm
By the time guests arrived at Plain & Fancy Farm, the evening had already settled into that soft, anticipatory rhythm familiar to spring in Lancaster County. The lawn, stretching just beyond the main buildings, had been tented for cocktails, where small groups formed and re-formed with ease. There was no clear boundary between arrival and event—just a gradual sense of something beginning.
Inside, the banquet room had been set for a plated dinner for around 250. The space, recently refreshed,
carried itself differently than it might have a year ago. The hardwood floors, now restored, reflected the low light in a way that warmed the room without drawing attention. New chairs, a warm palette, and subtle updates gave the impression not of
change, but of refinement to the rustic space—an adjustment rather than a transformation. Also, the upstairs bathrooms off the banquet room had a full makeover as well.
The evening moved forward without interruption. Guests took
their seats, and the program began, folding in remarks and moments of recognition between courses. A plated meal anchored the night— deliberate, paced—but it was clear that the format could shift easily. The room itself didn’t insist on one style of gathering. It could just as readily hold a buffet or a more casual, family-style meal, depending on the tone the hosts hoped to strike. Alcoholic beverages were available at the full-service bar.
Plain & Fancy Farm offers numerous options when it comes to events. Private dining is available
at Smokehouse, or you can rent a meeting room space at AmishView Inn & Suites. Weddings like to take advantage of the ability hold the rehearsal dinner at Smokehouse, host the wedding in Plain & Fancy’s banquet room and stay at AmishView Inn & Suites all on the same property. Imagine the bride and groom taking a private buggy ride the day prior to get some quiet alone time before the big day. Event planners love the fact that
the sales team at Plain & Fancy Farm can handle all the meals, lodging and room rental needs for events that least multiple days. So, plan your next event here in Lancaster County.
To learn more or schedule a tour of the event spaces at Plain & Fancy Farm, reach out to sales@tesincpa. com or check out their website PlainandFancyFarm.com.
Quilting and Amish Country – the two just go together. But you might not know that quilting was not brought to America by the PA Dutch. Amish and Mennonite ladies largely learned quilting from their English-speaking neighbors, who had already arrived in America, and were well-established when the Germanspeaking waves of immigration took place.
Today, many visitors to Lancaster County associate quilting with the PA Dutch, and indeed the “Plain People” have developed their own style, aesthetic, and industry within the quilting world. There are many quilt shops down back roads and country lanes in the area, but there are a few shops that have built a reputation for exacting standards and fastidious quality.
Miller’s Quilt Shop (on site at the eponymous smorgasbord) is one such shop that prides itself on accepting only the most high-quality consignments. Basically, it takes many, many hours to create a quality quilt. Quilt shops in the area thus source their inventory from numerous local artisans who create the quilts at home and then consign them to the shops to sell.
Miller’s Quilt Shop recently shared a very special quilt with me, which is a one-of-a-kind, in other words “one-ofone” quilt. In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, Sarah, a local Mennonite woman who hand-stitches quilts for Miller’s, made a beautiful queen-size quilt using a preprinted panel in the middle and a careful selection of fabric blocks around it to match. The panel sports a patriotic eagle motif, and the surrounding
Beautiful Quilt
Honors America’s 250th Birthday
By Clinton Martin
piecing is a well-known quilt design called “Trip Around the World,” pieces of fabric cut and sewn together forming concentric rings of diamonds.
Many local quilters don’t do much of the stitching by hand. They use machines of various sizes, the largest of which can take up most of someone’s living room (so-called “Long-Arm” machines.) But Sarah hand stitched the entire quilt, making it a true work of artisanal folk art. While it is likely the quilt will be sold by the time you read this, if you want a similar quilt, Miller’s does have a very similar design, in King Size, coming from Sarah as a follow up to the Queen Size quilt. Miller’s does not take special orders or make custom quilts for customers. What they have in their inventory is what they have.
Visit Miller’s Quilt shop to see what the current lineup is, and prepare to be impressed with the colors, shapes, styles, and patterns. Miller’s is located at 2811 Lincoln Highway, Ronks, PA 17572. Call 717.687.8439 if you can’t visit in person. Lastly, Miller’s is open every day (even on Sundays).
REMINDERS for Visitors to Amish Country
Although thousands of visitors come to Lancaster County to experience a bit of the Amish lifestyle, the Amish are a private people and find the attention somewhat disconcerting. It is important to respect their feelings while you’re visiting. With that in mind, here are a few tips for fostering good relations between the Amish and non–Amish.
NO PICTURES Please! Don’t ask an Amish person to pose for a picture. Most will politely refuse. It is against our Amish neighbors convictions to have their pictures taken, except in very special situations. Please respect this belief and do not take photos without permission, just as you would like to have your beliefs respected.
HOLD YOUR HORSES Driving along area roads, you will no doubt encounter numerous Amish carriages, or “buggies,” as visitors like to call them. Do not honk your horn, because the sound may frighten the horse and cause an accident. Instead, wait until it is safe to pass and then give the buggy plenty of room. Be sure not to cut back in the lane too sharply in front of the horse. The county’s roads are generally wide enough that you should be able to pass most buggies without much of a problem.
NO TRESPASSING Do not trespass onto private Amish property for a closer look. Amish homes are not museums, and Amish people are not exhibits. Respect their property and privacy as you would like others to respect your own. You can get a good sense of Amish life at many area visitor attractions and on guided tours.
WAVING Do not be offended if the Amish do not wave back to your friendly gesture. With all the people who wave to them throughout a day, they would be waving back all day if they did!
A FINAL WORD Remember the Amish are not on vacation and are not costumed actors. They are real people going about their daily lives. They are not here to serve as tour guides or attractions for visitors. This, after all, is their home, so please respect their beliefs and lifestyle.
NEW YORK. PARIS. LANCASTER.
FREIMAN STOLTZFUS IS HOME HERE. ARTISTRY OF
By Clinton Martin
Ifirst became aware of Freiman Stoltzfus when I started with Amish Country News magazine and was looking through the back issues of the publication. A special one-off edition, printed in 2005 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Paramount movie WITNESS, caught my eye. The cover of the edition sported a beautiful watercolor rendition of the famed farm that formed the primary filming location in the movie. Artist credit was noted to Freiman Stoltzfus.
Additionally, there was artwork on the walls of the office, including a 1990 logo for “Guidepost Properties” – a corporate forerunner to Amish Country
News’ ownership. Freiman Stoltzfus was noted as the artist of that piece too.
And then there was the October 2013 issue of Amish Country News – cover art illustrated by Freiman Stoltzfus.
In all the office actually had a fair amount of unique, and early, work of the artist. So, who is Freiman Stoltzfus? He is an artist who was born in Lancaster County, growing up the youngest of six siblings in an AmishMennonite family. He exhibited artistic ability at an early age, and he often notes in interviews that he received both encouragement and pushback to pursuing a career in art in equal measure from his Anabaptist roots. Perhaps his own harshest critic, he resisted the urge to become an artist vocationally and attempted to land more “traditional” manners of work for a “Plain” young man, but none
of these stuck. Simply put, he was not on this earth to be a bricklayer, farmer, carpenter, etc. He was meant to paint, and so he eventually relented and threw himself into the art world full tilt.
He went off to study in New York City at both The National Academy and Arts Students League. He first began by painting scenes from his childhood, the farmland and scenery of Lancaster County, but eventually branched out to depict many varied scenes. Today, he uses a variety of media, including oil and acrylic paint, pastel, drawing, watercolor, printmaking, photography, collage, and sculpture. His work is inspired by personal interests, including music, the four seasons, poetry, Amish quilts, Gothic architecture, and geometry.
His artwork has been exhibited, both individually and within groups of artists, at galleries in New York, Paris, other countries, and also right here in Lancaster. He maintains a gallery and studio in Lancaster, along Prince Street (Lancaster’s “Gallery Row.”) If you want to see his artwork, you can visit his gallery. It is located at 142 N. Prince St., Lancaster PA, 17603.
Amish Country Diners & Restaurants
A Slice of Community
By Edward Blanchette
So, you’re traveling down the road, enjoying the sights and things to do in Amish Country. Yes, the list is set, and everything’s planned out for today’s trip. Then suddenly you find yourself and/or your family dealing with grumbly-tummy-syndrome. Yup, that time when all you want to do is find something tasty to satisfy that craving, which seems to take over and interrupt all other things on your itinerary for the day, until you’re able to satisfy the monster that is hunger.
But now you find that you may not be familiar with the area or location specifically. Maybe you only want a little something to take the edge off before your main meal or maybe you were looking to have a little bit of everything
Small Business
Spotlight
under the sun to consume that would satisfy your hunger cravings. Ahhh yes, where to go indeed. There are always the fast-food joints dotting your travels, these are always everywhere and all the time! Not to mention those current costs, sometimes more per person than a restaurant would be. But you’re on your special outing today and it’s possible fast food, just won’t cut it. And franchise restaurants are just too much over the top. At least not enough to satisfy this particular craving of cravings for today.
So, where to go? Well, in my travels of “Amish Country”, I have come across several location suggestions that may just fit the bill. What I call a slice of community. Featuring timeless
homemade recipes, wholesome foods, almost like home cooking. And the atmosphere is usually favorable to all, as the whole community seems to visit there. Because frankly, the local diner is a special landmark of the community. That special oasis in a sea of foodie locations. Below is my starter list of places for local community eats that you can add to your list of lists. Granted, not all things can always be perfect or fulfilling, as a whole. But certainly, these suggestions would make a great starting point for reference. At least they did for me. Maybe they will be for you too! When you get there, save a slice for me and tell them Amish Country News sent you. Bon appetite!
Cedar Grill Diner
1800 E Cumberland St, Lebanon cedar-grill.foodjoyy.com 717-279-7210
Cocoa Diner
590 E Main St, Hummelstown www.cocoadiner.us 717-566-6002
The New Cloister Restaurant
607 W Main St, Ephrata facebook.com/thenewcloisterrestaurant/ 717-863-518
Dienner’s Country Restaurant
2855 Lincoln Hwy, Ronks www.dienners.com 717-687-9571
Kountry Kitchen Family Restaurant 944 Lebanon Rd, Manheim kountrykitchenrest.com 717-665-2986
Lyndon City Line Diner 1370 Manheim Pk, Lancaster lyndondiner.net 717-626-9102
Lyndon Diner
1353 Kenneth Rd, York lyndondiner.net 717-699-5523
Miller’s Smorgasbord
2811 Lincoln Hwy E, Ronks www.millerssmorgasbord.com 800-669-3568 (See ad on page 33)
New Holland Family Restaurant 624 W Main St, New Holland www.newhollandfamily.com 717-393-4878
Park Place Diner
2270 N Reading Rd, Denver www.dineatparkplace.com 717-336-2210
Smokehouse at Plain & Fancy Farm
3121 Old Philadelphia Pk, Bird-in-Hand smokehousebbqandbrews.com 717-768-4400 (See ad on page 37)
Red Plate Diner
440 E Penn Ave, Wernersville facebook.com/p/Red-plate-diner100066402563787 610-678-7721
Round the Clock Diner
145 Memory Ln, York roundtheclockdiner.com 717-755-0008
Route 30 Diner
2575 Lincoln Hwy E, Ronks facebook.com/Route30Diner 717-397-2507
Shady Maple Smorgasbord
129 Toddy Dr, East Earl www.shady-maple.com/smorgasbord 717-354-8222 (See ad on page 17)
TOWN KEY
Bird–in–Hand Pg 26
Intercourse Pg 20
Paradise Pg 38
Strasburg Pg 23
New Holland | Blue Ball Pg 44
Lititz Pg 40
Ephrata Pg 41
Intercourse
The
York Fair
July 24 - August 2, 2026
Probably no other town in Amish Country can claim its fame is owed largely to one simple thing—its name. For years people have sent letters home with the name stamped boldly on the envelope… Intercourse, PA. There are several explanations for the name, and they are woven into the brief history that follows.
In the beginning, of course, there was very little here, just settlers arriving in the New World from Europe. Back around 1730, the Old Provincial Highway (or Old Philadelphia Pike, Route 340) was laid out to connect Philadelphia with the inland town of Lancaster. Conestoga wagons, pulled by six to eight horses, hauled supplies and freight back and forth between the two cities. Providing rest for
travelers and horses, taverns sprouted along the way, becoming centers for news, gossip, and business transactions. And that is how the town got started when the first building, a log tavern, was constructed in 1754. The Newport Road, a former Indian trail, came from Newport, Delaware to the south, and it is believed that because of these intersecting roads the tavern took “Cross Keys” as its name. That was true at least until 1814, when it was named Intercourse in a real estate scheme to establish a more sizable town. George Brungard had acquired 48 acres of land north of the roads in 1813. He attempted to lay out a town site and divide it into sections for sale by a lottery, advertising “151 handsome building lots of $250 each to be drawn for by number.”
The York State Fair, “America’s First Fair,” returns to York, PA. This 10-day tradition blends agricultural heritage with modern thrills. Enjoy 7 free concerts and acts on the Froggy 107.7 Radio Stage or catch live broadcasts from the fair’s dedicated Radio Station. Visitors can maximize value during 8 promo days, including the popular Dollar Day. Explore massive Exhibit Halls, grab a deal at Bargain Bites, or relax at the Stacks State Fair Honky-Tonk. Families will love the Ag Education Center, while the livestock shows showcase the region’s finest animals. For more information visit https:// lancasterpa.com/events-calendar/theyork-fair/ or call 717-848-2596. Tell them, “Amish Country News sent you”!
The newspaper advertisement stressed “the great importance of so many turnpikes and great leading roads intersecting at and near this place.” As one writer has noted, in those days “intercourse had a common usage referring to the pleasant mutual fellowship and frequent intermingling which was so much more common in the informal atmosphere of the quiet country village of that day.” There was no hesitancy on the part of the United States Post office Department to accept the name ‘Intercourse’ since it meant a commercial or trading site.
Intercourse cont’d on page 22
Country Knives Smokehouse at Plain & Fancy Farm
Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides
County, as they walked through the growing tension between relatives, friends, neighbors, fellow congregants, which ultimately resulted in an untenable situation. What I’m saying is the Old Order Amish of Lancaster County has gone through a split. What is somewhat unique about this split is that both sides, at least currently, intend to refer to themselves as Old Order Amish.
With prior splits, the Old Order would remain, and the offshoot would have a new name of some kind. So, for those of us who interact with the Amish in Lancaster County, we’ll respect both group’s desire to be named Old Order. In fact, the split might not be very perceptible to us
homes. Their landline was installed in either an outbuilding, like a barn or workshop, or even out in a specific “phone booth” or “shanty” out at the end of the lane. The usefulness of the phone was harnessed – the intrusion into home life, dinnertime, family closeness was eliminated. When cell phones came along, they also initially only made and received phone calls. The fact they were so portable caused some concern among some Amish, as the phones frequently did end up in the house, and could potentially distract
Split cont’d on page 31
Intercourse cont’d from page 20
But back to our story and Brungard’s scheme. Although lotteries had been used for many years to sell various things, his real estate lottery failed, and most of the land was combined into one tract. More recently, in 1971, another person tried to take advantage of the town’s name and sell one-inch square plots of property to visitors. This plan proved to be a flop as well.
In the old days, there were only five houses, counting the inn, and the town grew slowly. But by 1880, Intercourse had 54 homes and a population of 280. Communications improved with the arrival of the post office, and later the telephone.
Getting the first post office up and running was a difficult matter. The main problem was finding a building and someone willing to perform the duties of a postmaster. The first, Benjamin Fraim, performed his duties from the Cross Keys
Tavern, and may have had a job working there, since “his income, based on a percentage of the postal transactions for the year ending 1829 was only $8.21.”
Over the years the post office moved among stores or restaurants whose owners hoped visits by residents would increase their business.
The local stagecoach service apparently started around 1898. It was “a single horse conveyance similar to a market wagon, with a roll-up curtain and double set of seats.” The stagecoach brought items from Lancaster City for local Intercourse businesses, and even picked up milk, butter, and eggs for delivery to Lancaster restaurants and industries, including an ice cream plant. One history of Intercourse notes that when it snowed, a bobsled was used instead. “When the driver knew of passengers beforehand, their comfort was added to by many a hot brick heated the night before in the
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oven, and wrapped in newspaper to preserve its warmth.”
As the days of the dirt road drew to a close, so too did the stagecoach days with the Rowe Motor Truck service started by Coleman Diller in 1910. In 1923 the Penn Highway Transit Company was organized and initiated bus service to Lancaster. It is noted that “many of the Amish residents of the area were anxious to see the line started, but did not care to subscribe to stock. Instead they liberally bought books of tickets which were really prepaid bus fares.” By 1924 enough money was raised to buy a Mack Auto Bus for $6,800. It held 25 passengers and even had solid rubber tires!
Since the town never really got to be “too large,” it has retained much of its sense of community, from the little public library in a former one-room school to the volunteer fire company. Surrounded by farms, the town has grown little and retains much of its former charm, even when thousands of visitors descend upon it during the tourist season.
Many residents and visitors enjoy the atmosphere of this small town, a place where family, community, religion, and hard work are still important values. The village of Intercourse has certainly changed over the years, but it has changed slowly, and “sometimes the things that grow the slowest are the ones that endure the longest.”
Strasburg
A is for Amish
The area we know today as Strasburg was first settled by Germanspeaking Swiss Mennonites. After bargaining with William Penn in London, they came directly to Philadelphia from the Rhineland, arriving in September of 1710, on board the ship Maria Hope with a combined passenger and crew list of 94 persons. Thirty-six of the leaders were granted patent deeds from Penn’s property commissioners for 14,000 acres of land surrounding Strasburg. Some of the family names are familiar to locals today, including John (Hans) Herr, whose house in Lancaster County is open to visitors and remains as the county’s oldest surviving dwelling (1719).
French fur traders opened up the first path through this area from Philadelphia to the Susquehanna River—known as “Minqua’s Path.” As early as 1716, when the first Conestoga wagon was used for hauling goods between Philadelphia and Lancaster County, it became known as the Conestoga Road.
During the next half century, traffic on this road increased considerably—and Main Street Strasburg was developed. The first buildings appeared in the village about 1733. Strasburg flourished in the 18th century primarily because of its location along the major wagon routes between Philadelphia, Lancaster and the Susquehanna River. Strasburg was one of the principal stopping stations and, with the heavy wagon traffic, there were as many as ten taverns here.
No doubt the religious nature of the first settlers was responsible for the village becoming a center for worship and education. In 1816, when the
village was incorporated into a Borough, the name Strasburg was selected, undoubtedly named for the Cathedral City from which the Swiss Mennonites came, the Alsatian city of Strasbourg.
Wealthy doctors and clergy, and an interest in worship and education, made Strasburg a cultural and educational center for the region. The first formal school opened in 1790, a classical academy where Greek and Latin were taught.
These academic enterprises were followed during the 19th century by a flood of schools. In 1823, by an act of the
Gap Relief Auction
August 7 & August 8, 2026
This is an annual community celebration of generosity with food and a quilt and variety auction to support the relief, development and peace work of the Mennonite Central Committee. The Friday dinner and Saturday breakfast will be take-out only. Mud Sales are a unique Lancaster County tradition to raise funds for local volunteer fire companies.
For more information visit https://mcc.org/ events/gap-relief-auction or call 717-617-9746. Tell them, “Amish Country News sent you”!
Legislature of Pennsylvania, an Academy was established in which “the languages, arts, and sciences will be taught.”
The year 1839 marked the founding of the Strasburg Academy at 37 East Main (the present day Limestone Inn Bed & Breakfast was the headmaster’s home and housed boarding students). The Academy gained the reputation of being one of the best academies in the country for both boarding and day students, and its students came from all
Buggy Rides
Choo Choo Barn National Toy Train Museum
over the East Coast and as far away as Cuba and Puerto Rico.
In 1841, a classical school for girls, the “Strasburg Female Seminary,” opened at 17 East Main. Such a school for girls was quite unusual at that time.
As Strasburg flourished, so did its neighbor to the east, Philadelphia. The commercial interests of Philadelphia pressured the State Legislature to improve the transportation network into their city. As a result, an internal improvements bill passed in 1826 to construct a series of canals. The Philadelphia and Columbia Rail Road was also incorporated with financing provided by the state.
With these undertakings, Strasburg residents became alarmed at the
possibility of losing their commercial position and from this concern emerged the Strasburg Rail Road. In 1832 a charter was secured from the Pennsylvania Legislature to construct a rail line connecting Strasburg with the Philadelphia and Columbia Rail Road main line near Paradise. Due to financial difficulties, the project was delayed until finally put in running order in 1852. But this shortline between Strasburg and Paradise was not financially successful for many reasons, until it was revived to provide rides to visitors on authentic steam locomotives, thus becoming the focal point for all of the town’s train attractions.
ShelleyShepardGray.com
@ShelleyShepardGray
@shelley.s.gray
@ShelleySGray
New York Times
Bestselling Author
Shelley Shepard Gray Launches Heartwarming New Series with The Unexpected
Caller
New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray launches a heartwarming new series with The Unexpected Calle r, the first book in The Amish Widows Club. With more than 2 million copies sold across 100+ books and accolades including two HOLT Medallion wins and nominations for the Christy and Carol Awards, Gray invites readers into a tender story of second chances and finding belonging in the most unexpected places.
After mourning her husband’s death for a year, forty-one-year-old Leanna Mast faces a crossroads. While her community pushes her toward remarriage, Leanna has grown accustomed to her independence and isn’t ready to return to the traditional role of keeping house for another man.
An unexpected invitation to join the Amish Widows Club opens up a world she didn’t know she was missing—a supportive circle of women who share books, stories, and genuine companionship. Within this group, Leanna discovers a sense of belonging that fills her heart. Content with her new life as a widow surrounded by friendship, she believes she’s found the fulfillment she’s been seeking. That is, until Evan Keim enters her
life. Handsome, compassionate, and everything she never knew she wanted, Evan challenges Leanna’s carefully constructed plans for her future. Once again, it seems the Lord has different plans than the life she expected to lead.
Gray skillfully weaves together themes of community, independence, faith, and the courage to embrace unexpected love, delivering the endearing characters and delightful storytelling that readers have come to expect from one of Amish fiction’s most beloved authors.
Bird–in–Hand
28th Annual Haiti Benefit Auction
July 17 & July 18, 2026
338 N Ronks Rd, Bird in Hand, PA 17505
Of the many unique village names that dot the Amish Country map, one of the more interesting is Bird-in-Hand.
The story of the town of Bird-inHand is as colorful as the name itself. To be correct, the town is really a village since it has no governing body. When Bird-in-Hand celebrated its 250th Anniversary (1734 – 1984), a commemorative booklet was put
together. It outlined a brief history of the town…
William Penn, an English Quaker, had founded the colony of Penn’s Woods (Pennsylvania), and settlers began arriving from Europe in the early 1700s, moving westward from the port city of Philadelphia. English Quakers and Swiss Mennonites were the early settlers. The Quakers built a meetinghouse and twostory academy, which stands today, next to the fire company. But over the years, the Germans “made the greatest lasting impact.”
A friendly relationship existed between the early settlers and the Shawnee and Conestoga Indians, who were the area’s first inhabitants. They taught settlers how to deaden trees,
Our community looks to support and uplift the less fortunate communities of Haiti. Using the community outreach of an “auction”. Friday at 4:30 p.m., starts the kickoff with a Chicken BBQ Supper, a singing group at 6 p.m., then an evening auction at 7 p.m.. Saturday from 6:30 to 9 a.m. kicks off with a breakfast and the auction starts at 8 a.m. sharp in the large white tent.
For additional details visit https://www.pa haitiauction.com/benefit-auction or call 574-658-4618. Tell them, “Amish Country News sent you”!
use deerskin, prepare corn as food, and use medicinal herbs.
“When the Old Philadelphia Pike became a well-established route of transportation for those traveling west to the Alleghenies, Lancaster became known as the gateway to the west.” The trip by stagecoach for passengers, or Conestoga wagon with freight and merchandise, lasted several days. Inns were built every few miles, identified with signs held by an iron pole or attached to the side of the building.
Bird–in–Hand cont’d on page 32
To Forest Hill
Craft
To Mr. Sticky's
To Flory's Cottages & Camping
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The Amish Experience
250 Years of Teachable Moments in History
The Under Ground Rail Road—Part 3
By Ed Blanchette
In December of 2016 to March of 2020 the Amish Experience at Plain & Fancy Farm looked to create a bit of tangible and visual history for teachers and students through the wonders of the Magic Lantern Shows at Plain & Fancy Theater. Due to Covid in 2020, the Magic Lantern Shows were discontinued, but
those teachable elements from history that were put together by Lancaster County historians Randolph J. Harris and Leroy T. Hopkins, Jr., Ph.D., as a study guide for the Magic Lantern Show at the Amish Experience still remains mostly intact. As we celebrate the 250th year of the constitution “1776-2026”, we
here at Amish Country News feel the contributions of this valuable information would be right in line to share with you, our readership. In doing so, we will be sharing multiple parts over multiple issues. In the last issue we visited an Introduction in Parts 1 & 2 – Now the Under Ground Rail Road Part 3, enjoy.
Christiana, Lancaster County, PA September 11, 1851; Riot or Resistance? The debate continues
The events leading to what was originally called The Christiana Riot began with enactment of the 1850 Fugitive Slave Law. This U.S. statute amended an earlier law from 1793 that set rules for the return of freedom seekers who crossed state lines. The new, stricter law was part of the so-called Compromise of 1850 because this law was supposed to correct complaints by Southerners of lawbreaking in support of freedom seekers by Abolitionists and the people secretly working on the Underground Railroad.
There was widespread resistance to the new law. Soon after passage, this law increased the divide of a country already at odds over slavery.
Over the next several years there were many clashes over the Fugitive Slave Law between slave owners, Abolitionists, freedmen of color,
newspaper editors and politicians of all kinds. In Autumn 1851, a Maryland slave owner named Edward Gorsuch and his elder son, Dickinson, accompanied by federal marshals, came to the Christiana area of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to a Quaker farm, where men formerly enslaved by Gorsuch had taken refuge. The Marylanders and federal agents were met first by an extended “war of words” from William Parker, the leader of the local Black farmers who formed a militia group to combat the constant
threat of bounty-hunting slave catchers. This area is only a few miles from Maryland, at the time a state that allowed slavery. Suddenly, during this debate between Gorsuch and Parker, gunfire erupted. When the shooting stopped, the slave owner was dead, and his son was seriously wounded. Parker fled to Canada. President Millard Fillmore sent in US Marines. They helped marshals arrest 38 men, four of them white. They were charged with treason against the United States. If convicted these men could have been executed.
November/December – The
The U.S. attorney dropped charges after a jury acquitted the first defendant, Castner Hanaway. A Quaker, he took no actual part in the uprising. The remaining defendants later were acquitted in this case that was then called The Christiana Riot by many newspapers. Their dramatic trial was held at Independence Hall, Philadelphia. The Hon. Thaddeus Stevens, co-counsel for the defense, was then a sitting US Congressman. Historians claim that Stevens’ support of the defendants in this case resulted in his rejection by members of his political party when he next ran for re-election. Today, historians refer to this event as The Resistance at Christiana, since this spontaneous uprising attempted to “resist” the inhumane system of slavery.
Thomas Gorsuch, the teenage son of the deceased Edward Gorsuch, was tormented that no one was held accountable for the death of his father and the serious wounding of his older brother, Dickinson, in the violent events of September 11, 1851. Thomas’ boarding school
friend was a young aspiring actor, John Wilkes Booth, who, as one author describes, appears to have been filled with such hatred against Black people and Northerners, that he became radicalized by this event that so afflicted his schoolmate. What did Booth do later in life?
Our State’s Biggest Celebrity? WILLIAM PENN
By Clinton Martin
Move over Taylor Swift. I think it is time to shine a spotlight on Pennsylvania’s second-most famous celebrity.
That would be William Penn. Yes, he’s more than just a statue on top of city hall in Philadelphia. A brief history of William Penn, how he connects to the Amish, and the area of Lancaster PA…
In the 1600s in England, there was a man named Sir Admiral William Penn. He loaned the King of England a large sum of money. The King got into some expensive wars and he wasn’t able to pay for them. The King wasn’t able to repay the debt, so he said to the Admiral, “…as repayment, I’ll give you a large tract of land in the New World that I claim…”. The Admiral accepted the repayment. In Olde English, the word for “woodland” was, “sylvania”, so the King called the land grant, “Penn’s Woods” or, “Penn’s Sylvania”. That’s how this State got its name.
The Admiral had a son, who was also named “William Penn” (probably a junior). William Penn the son chose to be a member of the Society of Friends, otherwise known as the “Quakers.” Since William Penn (the son) wasn’t a member of the Anglican Church of England he got thrown into prison. Sounds strange today, but in the 1600’s that was totally commonplace. When he got out, his father (the Admiral) had died and he had inherited all of his father’s wealth (including the land grant in North America).
He sent Land Agents throughout Europe inviting the persecuted religions of Europe to come to America, live and worship as they pleased. He called it the “Holy Experiment”. The Amish, the Mennonites, French Huguenots, anyone who was willing to work hard, could get land from the William Penn family. These families could buy the land outright or the Penn family would hold a mortgage.
These families had to be willing to work hard, because the land was covered with old-growth trees (almost all of which were over two feet in diameter) and the trees had to be cut down and the stumps removed before you could plant crops and farm the land. It took generations to clear most land grants. The land generally sold for pennies an acre.
Many early Amish families settled in Berks County (north of Lancaster) securing land directly from the Penn family land agents (Penn himself died in 1718, before the major waves of Amish immigration into Pennsylvania.)
from family life. Nevertheless, they were manageable. Then cell phones became cameras. Then they became games. Then they became computers – literally the world in your pocket. Social media, which almost anyone will agree has an addictive nature to it, took hold. Time to get rid of cell phones from the Amish community, right?
Well, not so easy. Today, most of the Amish in Lancaster County make their living doing something other than farming. Even if they live on a small homestead, have a few chickens, plant a sizeable garden, and maybe raise and butcher a hog or two, that’s not their fulltime job. Most Amish families keep the mortgage current and the taxes paid with “cottage industries.” Think of small manufacturing business right there on site at their home. These businessmen had become quite accustomed to running their business on their smart phones. Spreadsheets. Invoicing. Accepting orders. Contacting customers. All possible on the phone. Very difficult to give up once you’ve got it.
Besides, these business functions on the phone didn’t really threaten the Amish way of life. So, what’s the big
deal? The temptation to noodle on that business device – social media, games, let’s face it – very easy access to “adult
content” – which once again most people would agree has an addictive nature to it, makes these phones a big deal for the Amish.
For about 20 years, the Amish community has attempted to find unity on the matter of cell phones. Meetings were held, multi state conferences with leadership from various Amish communities were convened. Cell phones were discussed. The idea was to craft, create, agree to, and then disseminate out to the various communities, one unified ruling about cell phones. At these meetings, sometimes these agreements were reached. Unity appeared to be there. But immediately afterwards, the “rule” fell apart. The various Amish enclaves would either not observe it at all, or only partially, or maybe take it in the other direction and attempt a total ban, which caused tension and disunity. The Old Order Amish simply weren’t able to come up with one, standard, approach to the cell phone.
The split may have happened only recently, but it was brewing and bubbling for years.
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The reason for these signs was twofold. First, they could be understood by all nationalities. Secondly, many teamsters or waggoneers were poorly educated and could not read. If they were given orders to stop at a certain inn, they could do so by recognizing the artwork on the signboard.
The old legend of the naming of Birdin-Hand concerns the time when this pike was being laid out. Legend says that two road surveyors were discussing whether they should stay at their present location or go to the town of Lancaster to spend the night. One of them said, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,” and so they remained. The sign in front of the inn is known to have once “portrayed a man with a bird in his hand and a bush nearby, in which two birds were perched,” and soon was known as the Bird-in-Hand Inn.
The original hotel was destroyed by fire about 1851. By the following year, a three-story hotel was built to replace it. More recently, it was known as Bitzer’s Hotel before becoming the present Village Inn of Bird-in-Hand, now on the National Register of Historic Places. The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County noted that it “may be one of the few 19th century inns in the context of a small town in Lancaster County, which survives with a high degree of architectural integrity.”
The town post office was established in 1836 as the Enterprise Post Office. “Enterprise” was then the official name of the town, until the final change back to Bird-in-Hand in 1873.
After a large fire in 1896, people discussed the need for a fire company. In the early days, hitting a circular saw alerted the men of a fire. The year 1916 saw the change from horse-drawn to motorized fire equipment. Today the Hand-in-Hand Fire Company remains a volunteer organization, famous for its delicious fund-raiser dinners.
The town of Bird-in-Hand remained relatively unknown until a musical called PLAIN & FANCY opened in New York. The show Playbill noted that “The action takes place in and around Bird-in-Hand, a town in the Amish country of Pennsylvania.” The cast was brought to Bird-in-Hand on January 17, 1955, prior to the official opening.
Today, the town of Bird-in-Hand is still small, said to have a population of only about 300 people. On any given day, there may be more visitors than inhabitants. Many are city folks who have come to enjoy the country atmosphere, history, and shopping. It is said that visitors “can still expect friendly shopkeepers, homegrown Lancaster County foods, and restful lodging for weary travelers.”
A is for Amish Buggy Rides 717–875–8304 | AmishBuggyRidesLancaster.com
Amish VIP (Visit–in–Person) Tour 717–768–8400 | AmishExperience.com
Shady Maple Farm Market 717–354-4981 | Shady-Maple.com/farm-market/ Smokehouse at Plain & Fancy Farm 717–768–4400 | SmokehouseBBQandBrews.com
Water’s Edge Mini Golf 717-768-4653 | WatersEdgeGolf.net
For Plain People, Sunday is a day of rest, but there are many things to do in Amish Country on Sundays. Save some of these for your Sunday sight–seeing.
Shady Maple Farm Market 717–354 – 4981 | Shady-Maple.com/Farm-Market/ Smokehouse at Plain & Fancy Farm 717–768–4400 | SmokehouseBBQandBrews.com
Turkey Hill Experience 844–847–4884 | TurkeyHillExperience.com
Water’s Edge Mini Golf 717-768-4653 | WatersEdgeGolf.net
Since 1929, Miller’s has been cooking from scratch, serving Lancaster County PA Dutch heritage dishes like chicken pot pie, ham balls, chicken & waffles and fresh baked desserts.
Buffet Dining OptiOns: Lancaster’s Traditional Smorgasbord OR Soup, Salad & Bread Smorgasbord. Plus, wine, beer and cocktails available.
Open 7 Days a Week Reservations Strongly Encouraged|Walk-ins Welcome Reserve Online at Millers1929.com or call 717-687-6621.
Traditional Adult Smorgasbord Dinner
Valid for up to four adults on our Traditional Adult Smorgasbord Dinner. Not valid Saturdays, Easter, Mother’s Day, or Thanksgiving. Not valid with any other offer, special, discount, birthday offer, or group rate. Applies to Traditional Adult Smorgasbord Dinner only. Not valid on any other dining option. Must show coupon to server prior to dining. Not valid on prior purchases or vouchers.
Expires 8/31/26. PLU ACNS26
Shop local here you can find locally made items including hand-stitched quilts from Amish and Mennonite artisans, tasty Lancaster County baked goods, handcrafted jewelry, and specialty gift items.
Route 30, two miles east of Rt. 896 • 2811 Lincoln Highway East, Ronks, PA 17572 MILLERS1929.com
WITNESS the emotional story of an Amish teenager's struggle in Jacob's Choice, where he must choose between his faith and the modern world. 3–D sets, special effects, unique "ghost–like" characters, all on five screens.
EXPLORE the Amish Country Homestead, the region’s only Officially Designated Heritage Site Amish home then sit at a desk in the Fisher Amish Schoolroom furnished authentically with desks and more from an actual Amish classroom.
TOUR the magnificent back roads through Amish Farmlands with a certified tour guide in complete comfort onboard one of our 14 passenger busses.
SATISFY yourself that you’re making the most from your Amish Experience. Since 1959, the area’s first, and still foremost, interpretative source of Amish Culture.
Journey along back country roads, deep into the Amish Farmlands to discover sights rarely seen. Under the watchful eye of your certified guide, you’ll gain insights into the “how” and “why”of an ever–changing culture, and see at–the–moment activities of the Amish. If you’ve seen the Amish portrayed on the various “Reality” TV shows, and you wonder what really is true and not true about the Amish, this is the tour you won’t want to miss! We’ll debunk myths about the Amish and provide accurate, respectful, and authentic information, just like we have done for over 60 years.
Rare is the opportunity to meet with Amish families willing to share their traditions and beliefs with you. In a group whose size is never more than 14, this is the only Amish Tour to be designated an official “Heritage Tour” by the County of Lancaster. Visit an Amish farm at milking time, stop at a Cottage Industry, and finally enjoy a visit and chat with one of our Amish friends in their home.
Monday through Saturday at 5 p.m.
The SuperSaver Package includes the Amish Farmlands Tour, the acclaimed “Jacob’s Choice” at the Amish Experience F/X Theater, and a tour of the Amish House & One–Room School.
PLAIN & FANCY
The Only Place Where You Can Do
It All...
Drive along the area’s only AAA Scenic Cultural Byway, and when you’re mid–way between Bird–in–Hand and Intercourse, you’ll discover the ten pristine acres known as Plain & Fancy Farm, and home of the Amish Experience Theater, Country Homestead, farmlands & VIP tours, buggy rides, shopping, restaurant and hotel.
Jacob’s Choice at the Amish Experience Theater
Discover what it means to be Amish through an immersive film as you become part of the emotional struggle of the Fisher family to preserve more than 400 years of Amish traditions. Five viewing screens, a unique barnyard setting and special effects create a one–of–a–kind experience.
Amish Farmlands Tour
Journey down rarely traveled back country roads, deep into the farmlands, to discover the sights sought after by visitors. Gain insights into the hows and whys of an ever–changing culture from certified guides in mini–shuttles. Stops may include a roadside stand, quilt shop, country store or craft shop on an Amish farm.
Amish Country
Homestead & Schoolroom
Visit the only officially designated “Heritage Site” Amish house. As you walk through the nine rooms with your guide, unravel the riddle of Amish clothing, life without electricity, and eight–grades–in–a–room education as you sit at authentic Amish school desks.
Visit–in–Person Tour
This officially designated “Heritage Tour” is a rare opportunity to meet and talk to the Amish personally. On this exclusive tour you will go right into the barn on an Amish farm at milking time, visit with an Amish artisan at his workplace, and then enjoy a personal visit and conversation right in an Amish home.
AMISHVIEW INN & SUITES
SMOKEHOUSE AT PLAIN & FANCY FARM THE BARN & HEARTH SHOP RESTROOMS & ATM
AMISH EXPERIENCE THEATER BOX OFFICE VIP & FARMLAND TOUR
AMISH COUNTRY HOMESTEAD
AARON & JESSICA’S BUGGY RIDES
Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides
Aaron & Jessica’s drivers are happy to share life stories and answer questions.
Smokehouse at Plain & Fancy Farm
Please see right hand page.
The Barn & Hearth Shop
Find home décor, home goods, and kitchenware. Plus, locally made foods and baked goods. You’ll also find Amish mementos from straw hats to Amish dolls.
10 Acres of Fun & Food |
AmishView Inn & Suites
A Top Hotel in Lancaster County
The place for the perfect adult-only getaway or family vacation with indoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, and hot hearty breakfast. Our rooms and suites all feature kitchenettes, and many rooms feature clawfoot soaking tubs, and farmland views.
Adult-Only AND Kid-Friendly Buildings
The family-friendly East Building includes a wide array of beautiful, award-winning rooms, suites that are newly renovated as well as a pool and arcade that will satisfy the requirements of any family. The adultsonly West Building features elegant Grand King rooms with clawfoot soaking tubs and guaranteed farmland views - fulfilling the needs of adults seeking a tranquil escape.
Complimentary Hot Hearty Breakfast Buffet Lancaster’s best complimentary hot breakfast buffet includes made-to-order omelets, eggs, and waffles along with endless helpings of bacon, sausage, country potatoes and much more. Plus, don’t forget tasty bakery items from our own Miller’s Bakery. Menu items subject to change.
Other Amenities
Every room or suite includes a kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, sink, and coffee maker. Bathrooms feature lighted make-up mirrors, hair dryers, and the Tarocco line of shampoos and soaps. Plus, complimentary Wi-Fi. Book today as there are so many things to do on Plain & Fancy Farm.
Get the Whole Story at: AmishViewInn.com • 1-866-735-1600
Paradise
For over 250 years, visitors coming into Lancaster County from the east on Route 30 have traveled through a small town known as Paradise, just one of the many intriguing town names in the area. Officially, Paradise Township adopted the name during its organization in 1843.
Different sources credit different people with naming the area. Some say that the name Paradise was given by Joshua Scott, who later became
known for his map of Lancaster County. Standing in the middle of a road admiring his surroundings one day in 1804, he remarked that the town should be called Paradise, because its beauty made it seem like one.
The story of Paradise and its first settlers goes all the way back to Europe, to the area of the Palatinate in Germany. Here many Protestants had settled following the declaration of King Louis XIV that all Protestants in France would
July 3, 2026
Join us for our third annual community celebration of America’s 250th birthday at The Barn at Paradise Station! Featuring more food trucks, more amazing vendors, a Maker’s Market, games and activities for all ages, followed by a concert featuring America’s 2nd Oldest Community Band, The New Holland Band, Perfect Harmony, and the Celebrate America Singers on the lawn that will wow your socks off. End the night with a bang as Schaefer Fireworks presents a stunning fireworks show that will light up the night sky! For more information visit https://allevents. in/paradise/celebrate-america-250-atparadise-station/200029973841545 or call 717-687-5000 ext. 117. Tell them, “Amish Country News sent you”!
be persecuted. With fears of invasion by the army of France looming, many of these people decided to accept the invitation to settle in William Penn’s colony of Penn’s Woods in the New
World. In 1708, Daniel Fierre (Ferree), along with his family and mother Mary, went to England to obtain citizenship papers before proceeding to New York. By 1712, these French Huguenot settlers had secured land in Pennsylvania, in Lancaster’s Pequea Valley. They were the first white people in the area and lived peaceably with chief Tanawa and the local Indians. Mary Fierre died four years later at the age of 63. Hers became the first grave in the family’s cemetery. If you ride the Strasburg Rail Road, you
will pass her gravesite at Carpenter’s Cemetery, one of Lancaster’s oldest.
The origins of Route 30, also known as the “Lincoln Highway,” go back to Lancaster’s colonial days when this frontier county needed a communication route between it and the provincial capital of Philadelphia. At that time, the first “planned” road between
Philadelphia and Lancaster was what is now Route 340. It was called the “King’s Highway,” and today we still call it the “Old Philadelphia Pike.”
As time went on, it became evident that the road could not accommodate the increasing traffic between Lancaster and Philadelphia. Since the cost of Paradise cont’d on page 45
SHOP | DONATE | VOLUNTEER
Freedom Thrift New Holland 114 Ranck Church Rd. New Holland, PA 17557
Freedom Thrift on 30 2853 Lincoln Hwy E. Ronks, PA 17572
Monday - Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm
All proceeds support addiction recovery
There really is no place quite like Lititz, and everyone should plan to spend some time there while in Amish Country.
Lititz Springs Park is a popular spot for locals, and the site for many community activities. Indeed, the town’s 4th of July Celebration, begun in 1818, is reputedly the “oldest continuing community-wide observance in the United States.” The Lititz story is tied to that of the Moravian faith in Bohemia. It was in the presentday Czech Republic that John Hus and followers founded the Moravian Church in 1457. Historians note that since this was 60 years before Luther’s Reformation, the Moravians may lay claim to being the oldest organized
Protestant Church. But over the course of the Thirty Years War, its 200,000 members nearly disappeared. In the 18th century, a renewal of the Moravian Church came through the patronage of Count Zinzendorf of Saxony. He invited all those persecuted for their faith to come to his lands in Saxony.
As was the case with other persecuted religious groups in Europe, many Moravians sought freedom by taking the perilous journey to the New World, arriving in the early 1700s, with the main settlements becoming established in Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
Missionary work was integral to the faith, and preachers were sent from the Moravian community in
70th Annual Lebanon Fair
July 25 - August 1, 2026
It’s no surprise that the this fair was voted Lebanon Valley’s Best Local Event by area residents; more than 50,000 attendees flock to the Fairgrounds each summer to enjoy the annual showcase of Lebanon County agriculture, great food, carnival rides, track events, and live entertainment! For more information and details please visit https://www.lebanonareafair.com/ or call 717-273-3795. Tell them, “Amish Country News sent you”!
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Zinzendorf himself arrived in America in 1742. A local resident, John Klein (Kline), was so moved by hearing Zinzendorf’s preaching that he made arrangements to transfer his lands over to the Moravian community in 1755. It was in the following year that the town actually got the name of Lititz, the German spelling for Lidice, where European Moravian reformers had taken refuge in 15th century. For about a hundred years, Moravian church members were the only people permitted to live in the town. A Brothers’ House and Sisters’ House were erected for the unmarried men and women, although they did not live communally. It was not until 1855 that non-Moravians were allowed to own their own houses.
The Brothers’ House played a role in the American Revolution. George Washington ordered it used as a military hospital between 1777-78. Some 1,000 soldiers were nursed here, about half of whom died and were buried nearby. One name is linked forever with the history of Lititz—Julius Sturgis. It was Sturgis who opened the first commercial pretzel bakery in the New World in Lititz. The year was 1861, and the site at 219 East Main Street is on the National Register of Historic Places.
A tour of the bakery is unlike any other. Inside, you get to try your hand at pretzel twisting. It’s not as easy as it looks. Guests also may see the old brick bake ovens, as well as the more modern facilities. Schedule a tour by calling the bakery at 717-626-4354.
Ephrata
Ephrata, a small yet influential town, derives its name from Genesis, meaning “fruitfulness.” With a population of 13,800, it’s strategically positioned between Lancaster and Reading, serving as the gateway to Northern Lancaster County’s lucrative manufacturing sector.
Its history dates back to the 18th century Ephrata Cloister, founded by Conrad Beissel, which evolved into a thriving village. By 1871, Ephrata was described as “a well-built country town of about one hundred and twenty families, and very beautifully and healthily located.”
In 1848, Senator Joseph Konigmacher established the Ephrata Mountain Springs Hotel, a luxurious resort frequented by notable figures like Presidents Lincoln, Buchanan, and Grant.
A trolley system was built to connect the hotel with the town of Ephrata down the hill. At its peak, the hotel could accommodate up to 500 visitors who would stay throughout the summer.
The Reading & Columbia Railroad was completed in 1883, and the town experienced economic booms through industries like cigar manufacturing, horse trade, silk, textiles, and shoes. Downtown Ephrata once catered to all needs, from groceries to hardware.
Today, Ephrata retains its historical charm with landmarks standing as important reminders of the borough’s history. The community’s first bank, Ephrata National Bank, still serves customers today behind its Georgian style structure designed by renowned architect, C. Emlen Urban.
Located near the town’s square sits the circa 1880’s railroad station, owned by the Ephrata Borough and serving as home to Mainspring of Ephrata, economic development corporation for the borough. The area surrounding the station has been beautifully landscaped and is known as the Whistle Stop Plaza. Many events, services and even weddings are held at this popular gathering place. The community’s Welcome Center is also located in this building. From here, visitors and residents alike can download a historic walking tour through the Uniquely Ephrata app.
Recreation thrives with facilities like the Ephrata Rec Center, community pool, and the newly opened Ephrata Unleashed Dog Park. The WarwickEphrata Rail Trail and Heatherwood Bike Park offer outdoor activities, while quality education and healthcare are ensured through the Ephrata Area
Ephrata Performing Arts Center Presents “1776”
July 16 - August 1, 2026
Experience the birth of America like never before in the bold and exhilarating musical 1776. With wit, drama, and a stirring score, this Tony Award-winning classic brings to life the passionate debates, clashing personalities, and high-stakes decisions that led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. At the center are John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin—founding fathers portrayed not as distant legends, but as flawed, fiery individuals fighting for a new future. Both timely and timeless, 1776 is a powerful reminder of the courage it takes to build a nation—and the cost of making history. For more information and details please visit https://epactheatre.org/ or call 717-733-7966. Tell them, “Amish Country News sent you”!
School District and award-winning Wellspan Ephrata Community Hospital. Municipal services include police, code enforcement, and utility management, with the borough’s own electric company providing power.
Ephrata is experiencing some significant revitalization that will secure a vibrant, healthy town for future generations. The borough, under the auspices of Mainspring of Ephrata, completed a walkability project in the downtown area that enhanced pedestrian safety, and launched a Façade Improvement Grant Program and Revolving Loan Fund Program
Ephrata cont’d on page 45
By Clinton Martin
Affinity Fraud – a type of investment scam that exploits the inherent trust of a member of a specific community which often leads to significant financial losses for the participants. Groups like the Amish and the Mennonites are especially vulnerable to this kind of scam. While a complete stranger knocking on the door of an Amish farmhouse would not get very far trying to sell risky investment products, a person who dresses “Plain” and speaks the PA Dutch dialect and knows the cultural norms and customs organically would be able to establish a connection of trust and familiarity rather quickly.
Risky investment products might land successfully in such a setting. The most recent example of such a problem is the still-unfurling Ponzi-scheme perpetuated by Daryl Heller and his Paramount Management Group, a company that maintained free-standing ATMs at high-traffic locations. Investors entrusted funds to the company, which was to purchase and place ATMs. When people used the ATMs to withdraw money, the fees collected for the service would be pooled and distributed to the investors as returns. That was how it was supposed to work, but instead it became a massive Ponzi-scheme where “old” investors were being paid by “new” investors, with the actual number of ATMs being well below published numbers, and fees collected by users amounting to insignificant revenues for investors.
Heller had a few people working to recruit investors, one of which was Dave Zook, a man who had been
Concerned Amish and Mennonite Brethren Form Fraud Awareness Organization
born and raised in an Old Order Amish family. Zook was a successful businessman in both manufacturing and real estate investments. He therefore had immediate credibility with Plain Community investors, which could cause them to overlook red flags surrounding the ATM network’s operation.
Affinity Fraud is, however, by no means the only type of scam circulating among Amish and Mennonite communities. No – the “usual” scams of fake callers, fraudulent job offers, bogus prizes and sweepstakes, etc. that we see in the “English” world around us also exist among the Plain People. The growing prevalence of these targeting efforts among Amish and Mennonite people led a group of concerned individuals to form Fraud Aware.
What is Fraud Aware? It is an organization formed by Amish and Mennonite brethren who were concerned by the consequences of many different types of fraud wreaking havoc in their communities. Fallout is financial, emotional, and even spiritual, and they felt something needed to be done to help educate their communities on identifying and preventing fraud.
to serve as cautionary tales and sober reminders about scam artists and the strategies they employ to hoodwink otherwise reasonable people.
“We believe that the more our people are aware of the strategies that scammers use and the more we tell each other our stories, the better prepared we’ll be the next time a scammer calls.”
If you want a copy of the booklet, you can purchase one for $4.95 or a bundle of 10 copies (to hand out to friends and family) for $39.50. Call 800776-0478 (Christian Light Publishers) to order.
I became “aware” of Fraud Aware when I picked up a booklet they had published. Titled “I Almost Fell For It!” the booklet contains stories of real losses, close calls, articles, facts, and statistics intended
Small Business Spotlight
Get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure as Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s MARY POPPINS flies onto the stage at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre June 26 through August 8.
Based on the beloved stories by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, MARY POPPINS is a spectacular musical filled with dazzling choreography, unforgettable characters, and iconic songs audiences know and love including “ A Spoonful of Sugar ,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Let’s Go Fly A Kite,” and the tongue-twisting favorite, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”
When the mysterious and magical MARY POPPINS arrives at the Banks household, ordinary life is turned upside down in the most extraordinary way. With the help of the charming jack-of-all-trades Bert, MARY POPPINS brings joy, adventure, and a little bit of magic to everyone she meets.
Bursting with high-energy production numbers, breathtaking stage magic, and heartwarming moments, MARY POPPINS is a mustsee theatrical event of the summer.
MARY POPPINS cont’d on page 45
at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
New Holland & Blue Ball
Blue Ball
New Holland, settled in 1728 by John Diffenderfer of Heidelberg, Germany, is located in the fertile farmlands of Lancaster County. It is a charming small town similar to many towns in rural America, but its story goes back to well before the founding of our nation.
The unstable situation in Europe in the late 1600s spawned and nurtured the pioneer interest in the deep forest
lands of Pennsylvania—60 miles inland from Philadelphia. In 1681 William Penn received his 40,000 squaremile land grant to settle King Charles’ debt to his father. The area now called New Holland was practically covered by virgin forests—sturdy timber of oak, ash, chestnut, and walnut.
By 1728, William Penn, had been dead for 10 years and his American colony, called Pennsylvania and was
New Holland Summer Arts in the Park 2026
Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday evenings in July & August
Free entertainment in the New Holland Community Park.
Check for our full schedule of Live Music. For more information, please visit https://newhollandsummerarts.com/ schedule-of-shows. Tell them, “Amish Country News sent you”!
being administered by a proprietary governor while the sale of land was formalized by patent deeds. In the case of one of the town’s early settlers, John Diffenderfer, the record shows that he applied for land to live on in 1728. It was surveyed and placed on the county map in 1735. The deed was finally issued to him on March 22, 1758 after 30 years!
The village founders were German, not Dutch. They were surrounded by English and Welsh Quakers, Episcopalians, a few SwissGerman Mennonites and some Scotch-Irish Presbyterians. The Amish arrived later.
The town was once known as New Design, a name given by Michael Diffendefer for his real estate development in 1750. But in 1802, when a post office was established and an official name was necessary, there was no dissension to naming the town New Holland. These grateful people remembered how extremely kind the inhabitants of Holland were to them when they fled persecution and sought religious freedom in the New World.
New Holland was laid out as a “street town” in the typical European style of having the villagers live in a central location along both sides of the street, but each having an outlying plot of land to cultivate as an
New Holland cont’d on page 45
Paradise cont’d from page 39
such a road was too much for the state to undertake, the company charged with building it was given the power to demand “reasonable” tolls from users. Investors received dividends earned from the tolls collected along the gates of the turnpike.
The 1792 Act went on to describe the construction of the highway, which was to be a bed of small crushed stones on top with larger stones underneath, rather than dirt, so as to prevent carriage wheels from cutting into the soil. Such a revolutionary system of road construction combined the ideas recently developed by a Frenchman and two Englishmen, one of whom was named John McAdam. We now take the term for paved roads or “macadam” from his last name. The turnpike officially opened in 1795 and was the first long-distance, hard-surfaced road in the country.
The backroads around Paradise remain beautiful to this day, as the lush greens of the summer give way to the fall colors of the harvest season. So, during your visit to Lancaster, be sure to spend a little time in Paradise.
Ephrata cont’d from page 41
to improve aesthetics and help businesses to expand. The borough continues to strengthen the economy by promoting available leased
PO Box 414 • Bird–in–Hand • PA 17505 717.768.8400, ext. 217 AmishCountryNews.com
Published by Dutchland Tours Inc.
Clinton Martin, Editor–in–Chief clinton@amishnews.com
space within commercial properties, attracting specialty retailers, and preserving historic buildings.
The borough’s commitment extends to preserving natural assets like the Ephrata Mountain, exploring plans for hiking trails and conservation easements to enhance community living. It is from this 200 acres of public wooded land that the healing waters flowed all those years ago to the Mountain Springs Hotel.
Ephrata continues to thrive as a fruitful community, blending its rich history with modern amenities for residents and visitors alike.
cont’d from page 43
Audiences of all ages will be swept away by this enchanting production that reminds us that anything can happen if you let it.
“Our production of is pure theatrical magic,” said Lauren Sobon, Artistic Producer. “From the stunning visuals to the timeless score, this show is packed with excitement, laughter, and wonder from beginning to end.”
MARY POPPINS is at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre June 26 through August 8. The dinner theatre experience includes a full meal and Broadway-style entertainment all under one roof.
All tickets are on sale – get tickets now for the best seats in the house! DutchApple.com 717-898-1900; in
For advertising information contact Edward Blanchette
Director of ACN & Business Development ed@amishnews.com • 717.344.0871
Got great photos? Send them to us and see your photo in the pages of Amish Country News and win prizes! Visit AmishCountryNews.com for Photo Contest prizes and more info. Email your HIGH RESOLUTION ONLY photos in JPG format to clinton@amishexperience.com (minimum size 8”x10” at 300 DPI). Put 2026 Photo Contest in the subject line. File names should contain your name. Include your name, address and phone number with brief details of location and subject matter in the email. No more than five photos can be submitted. LOW RESOLUTION PIXELATED IMAGES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
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person 510 Centerville Road Lancaster, PA 17601.
To arrange interviews, press engagements, or for photos, please contact: Nanci Jo Anderson, Marketing Manager 717-898-1900 NAnderson@dutchapple.com.
New Holland cont’d from page 44
adjunct to his trade as a craftsman. Even today, the main street of New Holland has major “kinks” or bends in it. Unsympathetic visitors claim it looks as if the town were built along a “cow path.” But if one looks with a discerning eye, the street also follows the high ground. The land on the ridge was the driest, and in winter it would be blown clear of much of the snow. These settlers made the obvious facts of nature work for them rather than against them, offering a lesson for us all even today.
MARY POPPINS
A Scenic Culinary Journey and a Taste of Amish Country
Ride through the rolling hills of Lancaster County Pennsylvania, tucked within the panoramic Susquehanna Valley. Immerse yourself in a landscape of picturesque farmlands, covered bridges, and fresh local flavors. From the physical challenge of the Fondo, to the best of farm-to-table culture, this event is a must for cyclists and foodies alike.
From beginners to avid enthusiasts, there’s a distance for you. The Amish Country terrain features a marvelous blend of gentle rolling hills and short, invigorating climbs. All while passing by corn stalks eight feet tall through the beautiful, tranquil farmland.
On August 29, 2026, experience the Amish Country Fondo in the heart of Lancaster County like never before with Farm to Fork Fitness Adventures. Starting and ending at the historic Barn at Paradise Station in Ronks Pennsylvania. This bicycling tour is designed for the “foodie cyclist” who appreciates both
a picturesque ride and fresh organic local agriculture. Participants will cycle through breathtaking scenic farmland, stopping at local family farms along the way to enjoy food/snack tastings prepared with ingredients straight from the fields. The four main farm stops along the bike routes include Down on the Farm Creamery, White Oak Nursery, Red Barn Market, and Wayvine Winery. It’s a beautiful celebration of fitness, community, and the rich bounty of our local area farmers.
Hosted by The Barn at Paradise Station. A stunning restored 19thCentury space located in the heart of Lancaster County’s Amish Country, providing a perfect backdrop for a classic Farm to Fork event. Every route starts and finishes at The Barn at Paradise Station. Every route showcases a di erent side of what makes this region so unique. As you ride through the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, you’ll cross several of Lancaster County’s 28 historic covered bridges and share the road with traditional horse-and-buggies.
Join us in supporting local agriculture and building community, one pedal stroke at a time. For more information you can visit: https://www.farmtoforkfitness.com/ pa-dutch-fondo-
August 29, 2026
Farm to Fork Adventures include Fully supported rides • Carefully curated farm stops • Fresh, locally sourced snack bites • Support vehicles & staff • Community-focused atmosphere
by For more information or to sign up
www.farmtoforkfitness.com/ pa-dutch-fondo-
The Barn at Paradise Station
A stunning 19th-century space in Lancaster’s Amish Country.
A blend of biking, exploration & farm fun
Amish Country Fondo Lancaster County, PA
Hosted
Amish VISIT-IN-PERSON Tour
EXCLUSIVE
Amish Visit-In-Person Tour (3 Hrs.)
$58.95 adult, $48.95 child (age 6-12*)
* Children under age 6 not permitted on VIP Tour
Stop 1: The Amish Farm Observe the milking process and discover “Amish electricity” as you learn that the Amish do not milk cows by hand.
Stop 2: Amish Cottage Industry As the Amish population grows, more Amish turn to home businesses rather than farming. Visit an Amish workshop to see what they make and how they make it.
Stop 3: The Amish Home We’ll go to the home of one of our Amish neighbors for friendly conversation…a chance to sit, chat, and visit the Amish way.
Enjoy a 2.5–HOUR Experience featuring a traditional Amish Family-Style Meal, served in an Amish home.
$67.95 adult, $65.95 child (12 and under)*
* Small children must be in a car seat you provide.
