Amish Jager

Been living amongst the Amish for a few years now.  Wonderful people the Amish, with an incredible work ethic.  We all should be up before dawn and work in the field until sundown. Just think how more productive we would be. All without the "modern" conveniences " we enjoy; although I would miss air conditioning on the hot and humid days...and nights!  

Please note:  unless permission is granted the Amish do not want to be photographed.  Please show respect.

Riding around Lancaster, PA is a joy. Often I will go out for a putt around the farms early in the morning having stopped at Starbucks to grab a cup of coffee to go.  Find a wide spot in the road pull over sipping the brew. Listening to the birds chirping. Perhaps watch an Amish man working his team in the field.   Rather then the roar of an engine the stench of diesel, you hear the horse or mule harness and the turning of the wheels.

COSTCO, bet yours doesn't have this sign

Short Film:  A Buggy encounter

Amish start working at an early age

Fall corn harvest

Rumspringa - For a craft beer

One of the many homemade farm treats

Sometimes you should drive then ride

There are farms thoughout Lancaster County numbering in the hundreds I suppose,  I know that  Lancaster is the oldest Amish settlement in the country with thousands living here since the eighteenth century.  Riding, or driving, around allows you to be transported back to a simpler and slower lifestyle in the Pennsylvania   Dutch country you have to be aware that  almost anywhere you will encounter the horse and buggy,

Anywhere is good riding. The closest you will find is east and north of town off Old Philadelphia Highway. If you leave town and drive east, about ten minutes,  you will see the farms turn and wander around.  And yes, they do exist - the townships of Blue Ball and Intercourse.

​ As you ride about be sure to stop in to visit some of the home businesses to enjoy homemade Root Beer, bakery goods, buy a quilt or birdhouse, perhaps a painting on a saw blade. 

Winter at Rock Ford Plantation

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​Riding in Wither is like riding in a Norman Rockwell painting,  I am amazed how fast the roads are passible after a snowfall. Nice thing about having three wheels on the ground is you aren't going to fall over! Admittedly, I am riding with a heated vest and have a lot more speed to get somewhere; that young man in the photo above was going to work and had about three miles to travel - tough kid!  Yes I do ride in the Winter because I can.  In Winter I have seen horse drawn sleighs.  Anytime is a good time to visit.    A sidecar affords you year round riding - just dress for it.  Like most of us, I do prefer to ride in dry weather with temperatures in the 60/70's.  Have had far to many days in rain, or heat in the century mark!

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Strasburg Railroad 

                                  Covered bridge near Rock Ford Plantation

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know I am a "foodie". The problem is around here there is a cornucopia of fine dining.  Sure you have all the national chains - Outback Steak House, Olive Garden, Longhorns, etc; but why not try the local fare. If you are a big buffet person I'd recommend Shady Maple located in New Holland on Highway 23, offering a great assortment of local favorites.  Try Plain and Fancy, again very good.  For the fine dining I recommend the Belvedere Inn located downtown Lancaster.  Route 30, east of town in the historic Revere Tavern; if its a chilly day not to worry for the Revere has seven original fireplaces.  Lots of places to grab a meal on the run or to sit back and enjoy a fine meal.  
After the dinner, time for ice cream and I recommend the Strasburg Country Store and Creamery  for some wonderful homemade ice cream.  Located on Main St at the corner of Highway 896,
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Don't miss a ride on the Strasburg Railroad. Only about a 50 minute ride but will take you back a century.
For the child in all of us Thomas offers rides on specific dates.  

​Across the road from the station is the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.  Large collection of locomotives and rolling stock.   

Shady Maple

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Shady Maple  Buffet 

Historic Revere Tavern

Strasburg Country Store and Creamery

If you are here in June don't miss the Mid Atlantic Air Museum.  This year is the 26th Annual World War II Gathering of Warbirds.  June 3 -  6th.  Returning this year is FiFi the only flying B-29,   Look for more information as we get closer.

Along with the aircraft are the re-enactors and these people are amazing in their presentations of the war years.

As you can see, whether it is a day ride from Philly or Virginia or a cross country adventure, don't miss Lancaster County.  Lots of great rides around the Amish farms to Gettysburg Battleground.  The history, architecture, food  will not disappoint!

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See You Down The Road