Spotlight: Pennsylvania - Amish Country

Spotlight: The Amish are one of the most conservative religions in the world. The Amish are a group of traditionalist Christian church fellowships who broke away from the Swiss Anabaptists in 1693 under the leadership of Jakob Ammann. In the early 1700's, many Amish and Mennonite groups emigrated to upper Pennsylvania, where they eventually settled Lancaster County. From there, they spread to other settlements, most notably in Ohio and Indiana. The Old Order Amish continue to live as their ancestors did, valuing the traditional rural lifestyle that is passed on from generation to generation. Some of the most obvious aspects that distinguish the Amish from modern society include: speaking Pennsylvania German (sometimes called "Pennsylvania Dutch"), wearing homemade plain dress, eschewing modern technology including automobiles, TV, radio, telephones, computers, and power-line electricity, as well as adopting a policy of nonresistance (which prohibits them from serving in the armed forces). Despite all the restrictions, the number of Amish in North America grows annually. Members must choose to be baptized after they reach adulthood. Those who do not conform to the stringent community expectations must repent or face the consequences - excommunication or shunning.
     In 1954, the play "Plain and Fancy" became a smash hit on Broadway. In many ways, it introduced modern day society to the "oddities" of the simple life practiced by the Amish. Tourism ballooned from 25,000 annual visitors to more than 2,000,000 by the end of the decade as millions of tourists flocked to Lancaster County in order to see this "peculiar" way of life for themselves. Unfortunately, the area wasn't ready for such an influx of tourists, and many of the visitors ignored the rules of common decency by invading the privacy of the Amish by trampling through their fields and staring in kitchen windows in their search for anything Amish. Recognizing a great need, restaurateur Adolph Neuber purchased the 25-acre "Amish farm and house" next to his restaurant and opened it to the public in 1955 so that visitors could gain a proper and authentic understanding of the Amish people while still respecting their privacy. Today, as you travel through Lancaster County, it isn't difficult to spot these modern-day Amish traveling around town by horse and buggy, just like their ancestors have done for centuries.

Amish Farm and House

     The Strasburg Rail Road opened on June 9, 1832. The railroad began losing steam in the early 20th century with the advent of the electric trolley. The two world wars kept it running until mid-century. In 1958, it was purchased by a group of 24 stockholders who wished to preserve its rich history. On Jan. 4, 1959, the first passenger train in forty years departed from Strasburg Station, beginning a new era in the history of America's oldest shortline railroad.

Location: The Amish Farm and House is located on the eastern edge of Lancaster at 2395 Covered Bridge Drive, Lancaster. The Strasburg Rail Road is located just east of Strasburg at 301 Gap Rd, Ronks. Miller's Smorgasbord Restaurant is located at 2811 Lincoln Hwy E, Ronks.

Cost: The Amish Farm and House Tour - $9.25/adult (12-59), $6.25/child (5-11), $8.25/senior (60+)
- The Amish Farm Countryside Bus Tour - $20.95/adult (12+), $13.95/child, $4.95/toddler (0-4)
- The Strasburg Rail Road Day Pass - $18.00/adult (12+), $12.50/child (3-11); special event trains cost extra

Time: - The Amish Farm and House is open 9am - 5 pm daily. Allow 1-3 hours.
- The regular Strasburg Rail Road tours are about 45 minutes long and leave on the hour - usually 12:00, 1:00, and 2:00 except when they have extended summer and holiday hours.

Description: The Amish Farm and House tour is a minimum of 45 minutes. The tour teaches guests about the basics of Amish religious beliefs as well as shows them the details of daily life. Guests explore the house which includes the Front Room (which is used for worship services whenever the family's turn comes up in the rotation), the kitchen, and the bedrooms. The House was built in 1805, and was opened for tours 60 years ago. Although the tour guides are not Amish, they have all lived in Lancaster County most of their lives and are very knowledgeable about Amish culture. In addition to the house, visitors can go on a self tour of the grounds, which include a variety of animals and equipment that would be common on your typical Amish farm, as well as a few unauthentic playground attractions for tourists. Guests can also interact with resident artisans who introduce guests to many of the essential skills needed to keep a farm running smoothly. Included in the tour is the one-room Amish schoolhouse, where visitors can gain a greater appreciation of how and what Amish children are taught by interacting with a former Amish school mistress.

Amish bedroom (boy)

Amish Kitchen

Amish scooters

 

     The Strasburg Rail Road is the oldest shortline railroad in America. It was refurbished in 1959 as a passenger train (rather than freight) with an eye toward historical tourism rather than travel. The regular tour takes a short ride through Amish country, stops for passengers to get out and stretch their legs, then returns at the same relaxed pace. We did see the largest turkey farm in the U.S. as we passed by. We weren't around for any of the special events, but I assume they are more interesting. We were on a tight schedule, so we didn't tour the museum.

     Miller's Smorgasbord Restaurant opened in 1929 so that Anna Miller could serve passing truckers chicken and waffles while her husband repaired their rigs. The restaurant has grown in popularity as it retains its hometown quality, baking all their menu items from scratch. The most popular (and expensive) dining option is the smorgasbord (all-you-can-eat buffet). The food was absolutely delicious, which might explain why we saw Chuck Norris coming in as we were going out. They also have an interesting gift shop.

Rating: The Amish Farm and House - 4 stars
     The Strasburg Rail Road - 2 1/2+ stars (with a potential for higher for special events and/or some of the "fun extras" - see below)
     Miller's Smorgasbord Restaurant - 4 1/2 stars

Things You Should Know: - You can also purchase the premium package which includes the house, farm, and countryside bus tour at a discounted price.
- A variety of buggy rides, attractions and tours of Amish Country can be found at this website.
- Thomas the Train and Percy make periodic visits to Strasburg Station. Click here for more info.
- Other special events at Strasburg Rail Road include: The Great Train Robbery, Vintage Base Ball Day, Easter Bunny Train, The Rolling Antique Auto Event, Steampunk unLimited, Christmas Tree Train, Santa's Paradise Express, and The Night Before Christmas Train.
- Strasburg Rail Road is closed in January and runs on a limited schedule most of the year, so check the schedule before going to make sure that you arrive at the right time.
- Some "fun extras" for younger children at Strasburg Station include: Cranky Cars, Pint-Sized Pufferbelly trains, and a Pump Car.
- You can buy a combo ticket which includes a ride on the train as well as admission to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (across the street) for an additional $3 for adults and 50 cents more for children.

Nearby: Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster County Central Park, Choo Choo Barn, National Christmas Center