Visiting Lancaster County is like visiting another country. It's where life moves in harmony with the seasons, where one room schoolhouses dot the landscape, where farm equipment is still pulled by six-mule teams.

Escape to a forgotten lifestyle of steam locomotives, covered bridges, tree-lined streets, restored Colonial homes, and handmade quilts. Experience a world where hard work, dedication, and sincerity aren't just words, but a passion for life.

Here in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, you'll see the Amish, who were among a variety of religious sects from Germany and Switzerland drawn to the area in the early 1700's by the rich farmland and William Penn's promise of religious freedom. They are a society of families who cling tenaciously to deeply held religious beliefs and simple cultural traditions and who still shun the modern world's reliance upon technology.

Indulge yourself in the beauty of the landscape that captivated the Amish so many years ago. From the cliffs overlooking the expanse of the Susquehanna River, to the miles of farmland, fields, and quaint villages, Lancaster County is a fairy tale story in living color.

Visit the village of Bird-in-Hand, sail a balloon across the patchwork quilt acres of Lancaster county farms, ride a steam locomotive through the fertile valley, and tour Wheatland, the majestic home of President Buchanan. Lancaster is a place where you can sample the delectable Pennsylvania Dutch cooking and spend your nights in a quaint bed and breakfast, surrounded by all the comforts of a fine resort.

Stop in at a store along a country road to shop for crafts and furniture hand-crafted by the Amish, including the handmade quilts for which Lancaster County is famous. There are galleries and boutiques as well as roadside produce stands and farmers' markets everywhere.

From Lancaster, it's east to visit all of south-central Pennsylvania, including Hershey (also known as Chocolatetown, USA), Valley Forge, Philadelphia, historic Gettysburg, and the Brandywine Valley (Chadds Ford, Longwood Gardens, and Winterthur).

There is so much to see and do, but there's no reason to rush to see it all. Relax and enjoy the dinner theaters, wineries, antique markets, amusement parks, and outlet stores. Or simply take time to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Pennsylvania landscape with some fishing, hiking, or biking.

The Pennsylvania Dutch Country in Lancaster County is more than just another destination. It is a world of peace, serenity, hope, and dedication, and an experience that will remain in your heart forever. Modern life rushes by so fast. Come change the pace of yours in ways that you'll never forget.

Welcome to Lancaster!