Touring the Cloisters
by Pawtuxet
The Ephrata Cloister Associates have maintained this fascinating 1700's religious settlement which is now a National Historic Landmark in Lancaster County. It's a beautiful site, with simple but elegant architecture, and an amazing story about the people who built and settled here. I would highly recommend the tour. Their museum store is excellent....there is a reception building with mini theater to acquaint you with the settlement, and you will find rest facilities here as well.
Intercourse, PA
by acemj
Great sign, eh? Intercourse is located east of Lancaster on Highway 340. The downtown felt pretty touristy to me, but it was definitely lively despite the lousy weather. There are plenty of Amish-themed tourist traps, including gift shops, restaurants and craft shops. The surrounding area is full of beautiful hills and farms and I found the countryside more interesting than the town itself.
If you love Christmas...
by emeraldc2
If you love Christmas, the National Christmas Center was a very nice place to visit. It had walk-thru exhibits that have a Christmas theme. A Christmas Around the World featured several customs and celebrations. Christmas trains, the story of Santa Claus (Santa is also there after Thanksgiving), and the story of the nativity is also featured. It also had a nice little gift shop. It was a bit pricey, but we love Christmas so much, it was worth the visit.
Lancaster's oldest congregation
by acemj
Trinity Lutheran Church was founded in 1730 and the present building dates to 1761. The construction was completed in 1766. In 1794, the 195 foot steeple was added making it the tallest structure west of Philadelphia at the time.
The Amish Kitchen
by keeweechic
The Amish kitchen is usually large and is where the family gathers at the end of the day. There is no such thing as linen on the kitchen table and the tables are scrubbed daily. A lot of work is done in the kitchen with cleaning, cooking and usually sewing.
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Tomb of James Buchanan
The Hall & Benches.
Commencing The Journey
The Amish use bank drive-thru windows!
