Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the oldest inland town in the nation, boasts one of the strongest Amish/Dutch heritages of all Pennsylvania Dutch towns. True to its roots, the transportation method in this town is still horse and buggy in some areas, and you can't find more authentic Amish style farm food anywhere in the U.S. To get a true feel for Amish culture, there are several areas with re-enacted Amish village tours in and around Lancaster as well as hand-crafted quilt, candle and pottery shops scattered among the villages. Antique lovers pass through in search of a rare find at one of the thousands of dealer posts ranging from hand-selected French pottery and wrought iron beds.
Head to the Longwood Gardens in nearby Kennett Square, PA, and sample a variety of flowers and trees on over 1,050 acres of gardens, meadows and woodlands. Lancaster and the surrounds exhibit over 25 covered bridges as well as several natural preserves, prime locations for hiking and biking through the serene countryside.
Lancaster hosts three to four million tourists each year and runs along US. Route 30 east/west.
