Amish Attractions
Visitors to Amish Country leave urban worries behind to experience a more relaxed environment. The Mennonite Information Center offers a brief media program that interprets Amish and Mennonite beliefs, culture and history. Aaron & Jessica's Buggy Rides provide a 4-mile ride through Lancaster's non-commercial farms. Guided farm and house tours are also available. Visitors may choose to learn about Amish quilt making at the People's Place Quilt Museum.
Historical Interest
The Fulton Opera House, the oldest continually running theater in the United States, attracts many visitors. It has the distinction of being one of only three theaters recognized as National Historic Landmarks.
History lovers explore Wheatland, the estate of James Buchanan, 15th President of the United States.
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, built in 1879, marks one of the stops on the Underground Railroad. The church's congregation assisted African-Americans escaping slavery.
Amusement Parks
Dutch Wonderland, ranked as one of the Top 5 Children's Parks by Amusement Today magazine (2009), offers families daily entertainment, rides, mini-golf, food and fun. The park opens for visitors from May through October.
Caribbean Indoor Water Park, Lancaster's first indoor water park, boasts slides ranging from two to 30-feet tall, wading pool and a spa with a waterfall. Reserve water park tickets at Howard Johnson Inn, Days Inn, Econo Lodge or Wingate at Wyndham.
Hershey Park and Chocolate World, open April through December, combine a love of chocolate and amusement parks. Visitors ride the roller coasters, enter ZooAmerica, featuring animals native to North America, explore the new water park and finish with a tour of Chocolate World. Assembling your own bag of Hershey Kisses, completes the day.
Wine and Beer
Lancaster County supplies the weary traveler with many options for wine and beer tasting. Many establishments host tours and special events as well as delicious beverages.
The Lancaster Brewing Company, a historic microbrewery, follows Reinheitsgebot, a German law mandating that the preparation of beer include only malt, hops, yeast, and water. Consumers receive beer and food at this establishment.
Waltz Vineyards advertises meticulously maintained vineyards and a wine-making technique imported from Italy. Established in 1997, Waltz Vineyards won the Gold and Bronze prizes for Baron Stiegel Rose and Sauvignon Blanc at the 2010 Pennsylvania State Farm Show. The winery offers tours and private tasting sessions.
