Lancaster, PA HyperLocal City Guide featuring Neighborhoods, Zip Codes and Yellow Pages.

An Amish couple in a horse-drawn buggy is a normal rural site of one of the largest concentrations of Amish in the United States. Lancaster, Pennsylvania is home to the Amish, a tight-knit religious and ethnic group of primarily Swiss-German ancestry. Historic towns and villages are the essence of the recognized Pennsylvania Dutch Country as well. Exquisite, picturesque rolling farmlands, stone mills, wooden covered bridges, restored churches, and harvest festivals, capture a different kind of scenic beauty and lifestyle.

Lancaster, on the Conestoga River, began as a city in 1818. It is the commercial center for a productive agricultural county, and in 1709 it was a starting point for westward-bound pioneers. The famous Conestoga wagon was developed there. The city served as capital of the state for more than 10 years before 1812.

Accommodations
Wonderful, personalized accommodations abound in Lancaster and the surrounding area. The hospitality and welcome signs are out in its manner and style. A variety of inviting resorts, hotels, motels and B&Bs are in the Heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

The Meadowview Guest House Dutch colonial home is located in heart of Lancaster Dutch Amish area, and close to historic sites. Historic sites include: farmer and antique markets, restaurants and other attractions. The Amish View Inn & Suites at Plain and Fancy Farm offers a gracious 1881 Second Empire Victorian home with a welcoming wrap-around porch at the Inn.

The Lancaster Host Resort and Conference Center, is set on 225 beautiful scenic acres in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. The Resort features an 18-hole championship golf course on the property. A special feature includes the night-lit putting greens and driving range.

Restaurants
From bread to pretzels, The Sturgis Pretzel House bakery is a popular tourist destination. In 1784, Er Bauet Von Peterkreiter built a gracious stone home on Main Street. The stones were dug from the streets in the town.

A unique look at Pennsylvania Dutch traditions include the Chow chow, shoofly pie, and other treats. The atypical delicacies are an everyday treat in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Made from scratch the treats like apple dumplings and shoofly pie are standard in local bakeries. A favorite is the chicken pot pie.
Shopping

At Park City Center there is 1.4 million square feet of expansive enclosed, shopping in Lancaster. The Center has five department store anchors and 150 merchants.

Excellent craftsmanship is seen in the region’s furniture showrooms, antique malls, and the Amish communities village stores. Amish-made roll tops, desks, hutches, bookcases, file cabinets, and custom pieces, are available in the area. Natural woods of in oak, cherry, walnut and maple are often used in the creation of the unique pieces.

Major Attractions
When visiting the Lancaster County History Museum, life-size figures are re-creations of actual historical events. The exhibits give insights into the influences that helped shape the charming area. Guests can relive events in American history including: the French and Indian, Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

Dutch Wonderland is nestled on 48 acres in the heart of Lancaster's Pennsylvania Dutch Country. It has been voted as one of the top 5 Best Kids' Parks in the World. The Kingdom features over 30 kid-friendly rides, water-play for the whole family at Duke's Lagoon.

A ride on the Strasburg Railroad offers America's oldest short-line railroad to travelers where authentically restored passenger cars are pulled by a coal-burning steam locomotive. Views of Amish neighbors can be seen close up throughout the excursion. The East Strasburg Station has shops, a restaurant, rail car displays and historic buildings.

Written by: Karen J. Lee