Lancaster Travel Guide: What To Do
A Lancaster Travel Guide for a Weekend Visit to Amish Country
Lancaster PA is a terrific weekend destination in central Pennsylvania. There’s something for everyone, both adults and kids!
You can choose from wineries, Amish farms, amusement parks, hiking, shopping, and so much more.
So, if you’re looking for what to do in Lancaster PA, my recommendations are perfect for a long weekend stay.
I’m covering where to stay, where to eat, and the highlights of what to do in my Lancaster travel guide!
Don’t forget to check out Discover Lancaster’s deals and coupons page for constantly updated discounts in the area!
Lancaster Travel Guide
Where to Stay in Lancaster:
Lancaster has a variety of options for staying overnight, from chain hotels to quaint B&Bs to an actual farm experience!
Residence Inn by Marriott Lancaster – When you want to go with a chain hotel, Marriott is always a great option. Their Residence Inn hotels feature reasonable prices, big rooms, and a free breakfast included!
Red Caboose Motel – If you’re a train enthusiast or have kids who love trains, you must stay at least one night at the Red Caboose Motel! The rooms are actually train cars, so it’s quite an experience!
Verdant View Farm B&B – If you’re looking for an authentic farm experience, check out Verdant View B&B. Located on a working farm, guests can enjoy hands on activities such as milking a cow, feeding a calf, and venturing inside a chicken coop!
Greystone Manor B&B – For a more traditional B&B, stay in this gorgeous historic Victorian mansion in the heart of Amish country.
Where to Shop:
Renninger’s Flea Market – This flea market in Adamstown is open every Sunday from 7:30am – 4pm. It features a variety of outdoor stands as well as an indoor market.
Adamstown – Known as Antique Capital, USA, this small town if chock full of antique malls and specialty stores. Pick one out of a hat to start and bounce around from there for as long as you wish.
Tanger Outlets – Find loads of discounts at the 60+ stores in Tanger Outlets.
Where to Eat:
Shady Maple Smorgasbord – You can’t come to Lancaster without a stop at Shady Maple!! This is a legendary restaurant in my family and we love it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The selection of delicious homemade food on the buffet is simply staggering. You’ll need a solid 5 minutes just to absorb all the options when you first arrive : ) While I can’t guarantee every single item you eat will be phenomenal, we’ve overall had exceptional experiences with the offerings.
Dave’s Diner – If you need a brunch break while antiquing in Adamstown, stop by Dave’s Diner for generous portions at reasonable prices.
Mr Sticky’s Homemade Sticky Buns – If you can’t resist a cinnamon bun, you must stop at Mr Sticky’s! They have the absolute best sticky buns in the area.
Bird-in-Hand Bakery and Café – Get your fill of made from scratch Pennsylvania Dutch baked goods here. You’ll find whoopie pies, shoo fly pie, apple fritters, and much more. The café also serves soup, sandwiches, salads and ice cream.
What to Do in Lancaster PA:
Turkey Hill Experience – This might be geared more toward kids, but I’m super excited to visit!! I adore Turkey Hill ice cream and the unlimited free samples are calling my name. We’re planning to get the Triple Scoop tickets which include general admission, Turkey Hill Taste Lab, and Tea Discovery
Tickets (Triple Scoop) – $18
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum – A 100 acre living history museum that showcases Pennsylvania German history. Explore the village and listen to costumed interpreters discuss life in the 1700’s and 1800’s.
Tickets – $12
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre – Enjoy a buffet dinner followed by a show at Dutch Apple. Reasonably priced tickets and a wide variety of shows throughout the year make this a fun night out.
Dutch Wonderland – I have fond memories of visiting this toned down amusement park when I was younger. It’s full of kid friendly rides, play areas, and shows.
Tickets – $44 online, but keep an eye out for discounts
For your amusement, I asked my parents to find a few photos from our visits when I was a kid! Enjoy : )
What else would you recommend adding to this Lancaster travel guide?
Head straight up 501 to Lititz. Super adorable little town, tons of great shops, some of them antiques. Eat at the Tomato Pie Cafe. We always call it the mini Whistle Stop Cafe! Or go to 30/896 to Strasburg. Another cute little town where the ice cream shop on the corner always has a line. We used to just drive down random roads in Amish country so we could stop at their personal farm stands for flowers and vegetables. I don’t know if they still do it, but most of them used to just have an “honor jar” and you’d stuff your money in there. The juiciest tomatoes on earth!! We’re heading home to PA next month and our short list of “must dos” includes Turkey Hill iced tea and ice cream, and MTOs from Sheetz! You know, the essentials in life!
Terrific suggestions! I’ll also add a stop at the Wilbur Bud Factory for anyone heading to Lititz. They still give free samples and their chocolate is AMAZING. I didn’t realize there was a Tomato Pie there! My mom and I go to the one in Harrisburg and I just adore it. I agree you nailed the “essentials” : ) Enjoy your trip home!
The Tomato Pie in Lititz is adorable, you definitely should go. The one is Hbg reminds me of any old restaurant, but go to Lititz and tell me you don’t want to go home and watch Fried Greet Tomatoes!
Ahh! I grew up in Lancaster! I haven’t been back for about a decade though, so I don’t even know what is even around these days. Needless to say I’m jealous of your upcoming trip.
We passed through that area on the way to my cousin’s wedding last year, and my husband wanted to stop at Shady Maple! We’ll have to go back someday.
I’ve never been to Lancaster. I’d love to visit one day! Saving this for later! 🙂
The Wolf Sanctuary of PA is located in Lititz, Pa. Incredible place funded entirely on donations. Right up the road is Fox Meadows Creamery with the best ice cream around!