What’s new in 2011 for travelers to Lancaster County, PA

 

The Amish Experience’s new Witness Movie Tour will take you to the farm where Witness was filmed, and more; tours run from early May to the end of October, with two departures (4:30pm and 5pm) of 14 guests apiece every Wednesday and Saturday.

 

Just opened on June 4 in the historic river town of Columbia, the new Turkey Hill Experience features more than 26,000 square feet of interactive exhibits highlighting Turkey Hill’s role in the agri-dairy heritage of Lancaster County, including a chance to simulate the process of creating your own ice cream flavor and designing its packaging.  Situated in the former Ashley & Bailey silk mill, the venue also includes a café, creamery, and other retail space.

 

The Best Western Premier Eden Resort & Suites has undergone extensive refurbishments in recent years (earning it one of the first BW “Premier” designations in the U.S.), and just opened a brand new outdoor rec complex with Kids Water Zone (at an investment of $2 million).

 

Plan an overnight at Hershey Farm’s fun and eye-opening Amish Camp – a chance to leave modern life behind for 24 hours and live as the Amish do, complete with school lessons, cooking sessions, chores with an Amish family, and no electricity; offered on select dates (June 20, July 6, July 18, and Aug. 15) for a minimum of 10 pre-registrants.

 

The funky and unique shopping venues of Downtown Lancaster just collectively ranked 25^th in the nation (out of 363) in the Indie City Index 2011, which ranks metro areas in terms of business captured by independent retailers.

 

Dutch Wonderland, one of the world’s top 5 children’s amusement parks according to Amusement Today, has two new rides, a new live show, and a free round at its mini-golf course with every ticket to the park.

 

Hop on a tractor-drawn farm wagon for a feast in the fields of the Smucker family as part of their new Banquet in a Cornfield, followed by time for visiting and music ‘round the fire pit.  Reservations through the Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant, offered on select dates (July 14 & 28, Aug. 11 & 18).

 

Lancaster County is a wonderful blend of urban style and rural splendor, and the PA Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau is dedicated to promoting its many rich cultures, from the Amish to the arts. Travelers can take in our vibrant downtown city life – with galleries, great dining, specialty shops, and live music – or explore surrounding towns and villages to get a sampling of the heritage, food, craftsmanship, and hands-on activities for which Lancaster is famous. Visit us at www.discoverlancasterpa.com. Lancaster is also part of Pennsylvania’s Dutch Country Roads region, a true vacation destination where country meets city and the past lives side-by-side with the present.

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