- Local Attractions -

Chester County is one of the three original counties of Pennsylvania created by William Penn in 1682. It is named for Cheshire, England. entrance to the farm Lancaster County, was formed from Chester County in 1729. It was named after the city of Lancaster in Lancashire, England. The Olde Stone Guesthouse is located right near the intersection of these two historic and beautiful Pennsylvania counties. This is a popular tourist destination, due in part to the many plain sect residents, known as the Amish or Pennsylvania Dutch. There are many interesting places for you to explore within a short drive of the Olde Stone Guesthouse. Whether you prefer a quiet walk down the back roads amongst the Amish & Mennonite neighbors or a shop-til-you-drop marathon adventure, this area has it all and much more! Click on the History & Culture, Recreation and Shopping panels to the right for a few ideas to get you started. Visit the PADutchCountry.com website for more information.

History & Culture

Mennonite MuseumLancaster Mennonite Historical Society and Museum
(14.5 miles)

2215 Millstream Road, Lancaster, PA 17602
717 393-9745
www.lmhs.org

Open Tue.-Sat., 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.
Experience this acclaimed museum exhibit of Amish and Mennonite fraktur, antique furniture, needlework, and other handcrafted artifacts.  The library, archives, and bookstore offer the finest collection of Amish and Mennonite materials in the County for use in religious or family history research.


Landis Valley MuseumLandis Valley Museum
(22 miles)

2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster, PA 17601
717 569-0401
www.landisvalleymuseum.org

Open Mon.-Sat. 9am-5pm; Sun. 12-5pm
Authentic, preserved living history village of Pennsylvania Dutch life; largest in Pennsylvania. Renowned collection of buildings and objects. More than 24 “exhibits.” Live craft demonstrations. Farm, animals, and gardens.


Ephrata CloisterThe Ephrata Cloister
(22 miles)

632 West Main Street, Ephrata, PA 17522
717-733-6600
www.ephratacloister.org

Open Wed. – Sat. 9am – 5pm and Sunday noon – 5pm (also open Tues. 9am - 5pm March - December; also open Mon. 9am - 5pm May - October)
One of America's earliest religious communities, the Ephrata Cloister was founded in 1732 by German settlers seeking spiritual goals rather than earthly rewards. Gathered in unique European style buildings, the community consisted of celibate Brothers and Sisters, and a married congregation of families.
At the zenith of the community in the 1740s and 1750s, about 300 members worked and worshiped at the Cloister. Today, the National Historic Landmark is open for tours, special programs, and on-going research opportunities.


The Demuth Museum
Charles Demuth(19 miles)

120 East King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602
717.299.9940
www.demuth.org

Tuesday-Saturday: 10AM-4PM; Sunday: 1PM-4PM; Monday: Closed
The Demuth Museum is dedicated to developing awareness, understanding and appreciation of the artwork and legacy of Charles Demuth, renowned American modernist painter and his family's contributions to the Lancaster community. The Demuth Museum strives to engage and inspire a diverse range of audiences by pursuing an innovative program of exhibitions, education, scholarship and collections activities. National in scope, while reflecting the distinctive character of the Lancaster region, the Demuth Museum explores the compelling work and legacy of Charles Demuth.

 

 

Recreation

Strasburg trainStrasburg Railroad
(15 miles)

Rt. 741 East, Strasburg, Lancaster County, PA 17579
717-687-7522
www.strasburgrailroad.com

Visit website or call for train schedules.
Your 45-minute train ride will take you through some of the most beautiful, peaceful and productive Pennsylvania Dutch Countryside, with a stop in Paradise, PA. From this unique vantage point, you'll see Amish farmers working in their fields, Amish children playing nearby; livestock grazing and farm produce waiting to be harvested. You'll come to appreciate why so many people choose to live in Lancaster County, PA and raise their children here. You'll also take pride in the fact that a portion of your ticket will help preserve this landscape for centuries.


Amish buggyAaron and Jessica's Buggy Ride
(11 miles)

3121a Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505
717-768-8828
www.amishbuggyrides.com

We are family owned and started Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides with a simple idea…..a little girl…and her horse. “This buggy ride will be the highlight of your visit to Lancaster County,” says Jessica’s dad. “It’s for real” Nobody can even come close to offering what you’ll see here and kids love it too. We offer several different routes through real Amish farms. We take you right through the middle of Amish Farms, on private roads with no cars and you’ll see real Amish Life. We offer the longest “standard” ride and can create custom Amish rides for you, just ask.


BicyclingBicycle Rental
Green Mountain Cyclery: 285 S. Reading Rd., Ephrata, PA 17522
717 859-2422
www.greenmtncyclery.com  

Scenic Bicycle Routes in Lancaster County
Lancaster Bicycle Club
The Lancaster Bicycle Club is pleased to offer to the public this 25 ride series, showcasing the beautiful Lancaster County’s rolling farmlands. The tours range from 11 to 58 miles in length. All rides take you through picturesque, rolling farmland, generally on lightly traveled roads.  The terrain is varied from flat easy loops to rolling farm country to challenging hilly rides.  There are many covered bridges in Lancaster County and where possible the rides pass through these structures of years past.  Lancaster County is known for its Amish and plain Mennonite sects. It is not uncommon to see horse drawn carriages and teams of mules working the fields.


Longwood GardensLongwood Gardens
(22 miles)
1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348
610-388-1000
www.longwoodgardens.org

In 1906, Pierre S. du Pont purchased the Peirce Arboretum to save its trees from being cut for lumber. Over the next nearly half century, Mr. du Pont developed Longwood Gardens into what it is today, a magnificent horticultural showplace. We invite you to visit Longwood Gardens, which now encompasses 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, Longwood Gardens 2and meadows. Enjoy over 11,000 types of plants, more fountains than any other garden in the US, educational and visitor programming, and over 400 performances a year. When visiting Longwood Gardens, you are immersed not only in the breathtaking surroundings, but in the rich history as well. The traditions and elegance of the gardens have evolved over time, and resulted in the magnificence we have today. Step back in time and learn about the important cultural events and their contribution to today’s Longwood Gardens.

 

 

Shopping

Pheasant Run AntiquesPheasant Run Antiques
(2 miles)
4824 West Lincoln Hwy Parkesburg, PA 19365
717-442-4090
Open: Wednesday - Saturday:  10am - 5pm; Sunday: 12pm - 4pm

www.pheasantrun-antiques.com

Located in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Pheasant Run Antiques specializes in antique primitive country furniture, old paint, architectural salvage (large to small), industrial, garden accessories and small antique items. Our large bank barn shop is full of ready-to-go, as-is pieces!


Stoudtsburg VillageStoudtburg Village
(23 miles)
Stoudtsburg Rd. & North Reading Road (RT. 272)
Adamstown, PA 19501
717-484-1342
www.stoudtburgvillage.com

Stoudtburg Village is a quaint hamlet of European shops and homes with a unique atmosphere located in Adamstown, PA. Our German-style village has a variety of shops to browse, including antique shops, art galleries, a candy shop, doll shops, an ice cream shop, gift shops, a robot musuem, and more! The majority of the shops are open on weekends. Stroll our walkways, admire the many gardens and architecture, and enjoy the ambiance of the Village any day!


Shady Maple bakeryShady Maple Farm Market
(13 miles)
1324 Main St., East Earl, PA 17519
717-354-4981
www.shady-maple.com

Shady Maple is known for its large selection of fine quality produce including organic produce & local produce in season. We have fresh produce arriving daily. Visit our huge Bake Shop with 300 items made from scratch, including specialty cakes & pies.     


Old Country StoreThe Old Country Store
(9 miles)
3510 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534
800-828-8218
www.theoldcountrystore.com

Plan to stop by The Old Country Store, the oldest store in the heart of the village of Intercourse, when you visit Amish country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Our local Amish and Mennonite craftspersons create thousands of handcrafted items that marry beauty and function. They, too, shop in the same store as you who come to discover their creations. From their homes to your home! You will also find a wide selection of locally made high-quality quilts, in traditional Amish patterns as well as contemporary designs.