Lancaster County

In Lancaster County farming has long been a way of life for the Amish and the Mennonites. With their unique style of life centered around their deeply felt religious beliefs, these people and the land on which they live have become magnets for visitors for over 300 years. Whether the attraction is the simple way of life they have devised, their quilts for which they are widely known, or their wonderful food products is less clear than the fact that these folk seem to set an example of life that others envy. The Amish and Mennonite people, originally from Germany and Switzerland, speak either English or their own language—a mixture of English and German. They dress simply: women are clothed in black, with either straw hats or bonnets and men are equally simple in style. Even young boys will be seen with hats. Schools are often in just one room but the education the children receive is no less rigorous than that in other American institutions.To reach Lancaster County from Philadelphia, take I-76 west either to Route 222 and then south to the city of Lancaster or Route 202 west from Philadelphia to Route 30 into Lancaster. (If you are coming from the Brandywine Valley, take Route 322 north then turn west on Routes 202 and 30.) While access by car will afford you views of the scenic farmland and roadside stands with quilts, crafts, and food products, Lancaster can also be reached by flying into either the Lancaster or Harrisburg Airports.