Lancaster, PA was our next destination. We stayed for two weeks and explored the farms, villages, and bounty that Lancaster has to offer. This area, sometimes called Pennsylvania Dutch country, is home to many Old Order Amish, Mennonite, and various related sects. Many of them still practice the old ways, farming with mule-drawn plows and driving horse-drawn buggies. Their lifestyle is plain but honest. They seem to be exceedingly good stewards of the land, and the countryside is dotted with large barns, silos, and one-room schoolhouses. There are quite a few obvious tourist attractions, including outlet shopping, musical theaters, and all-you-can-eat smorgasbords with attached gift shops. However, we preferred driving around the countryside, exploring the local farms, farmers markets, quilt shops and bakeries. Although the farmers markets were quite good, it was early in the
... read more
