The area known colloquially as Amish country lies in the heart of Lancaster County, where residents live and work with deep-rooted traditions and a simple way of life that feels welcoming and timeless.
Conveniently, it is possible to visit without using a car.
These photos document a 48-hour trip from Philadelphia to the Amish country, capturing the adventure of enjoying a local inn, buggy rides through farms, a hot air balloon corn maze, local markets, and lots of handmade goodies.
A quick note: Although Amish culture advises against taking photographs, most don’t mind if visitors openly or anonymously take them, especially in tourist areas as shown here.
The Amtrak train to Lancaster takes just 55 minutes from the 30th Street Station in Philly and arrives in Lancaster. There are plenty of opportunities to shop and eat before a quick 20-minute corporate trip to Amish country.
Bird-in-Hand, which is centrally located, is home to about 400 residents, and has no stop lights (also, no crosswalks). The quaint village is located on Old Philadelphia Pike (Route 340). It is located just west of Intercourse, with Paradise, Pennsylvania, accessible from the south.
The accommodations at Bird-in-Hand Village Inn and Suites speak to the rich history of this area. Legend has it that the village and inn got their name in 1734 after two men surveying the local highway found a crude log inn near the Conestoga wagon station and decided that “a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush” because they needed a place to stay for the night.
The inn built by William Macnab became known as the Bird in the Hand, and the village had a name. Destroyed in a fire in 1852, the inn was promptly rebuilt and still exudes its original charm with unique details in each of its rooms. Owned by the Smucker family since 1911, the Bird-in-Hand Village Inn & Suites is located on the site of the original tavern.
When you visit this small destination, you’ll find plenty of dining, outdoor activities, country shopping, and plenty more to explore.
Enter the unique world of Triple Houses, where generations live together, strengthening close-knit family bonds. Meet Jake, a former Amish guide, and his trusty steed, Duke, as they effortlessly navigate the Old Philadelphia Pike District. Don’t miss indulging in Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Café’s delicious offerings, from “kids”-sized scoops of peach ice cream to huge shareable “Long John” cakes, and gluten-free options too. And discover the dedication of Amish farmers as they grow soybeans and corn on their land, maintaining their self-sufficient way of life.
Scroll to view photos showcasing this unique section of Pennsylvania.
Bird-in-Hand Village Inn and Suites is located on the site of the original 1734 inn. Although the original structure was destroyed by fire in 1852, it was rebuilt that same year – and still has the original charm. (Hanbit Kwon)
Guests at Bird-in-Hand Village Inn and Suites are welcomed with friendly hospitality. (Hanbit Kwon)
Horses stand ready in a shaded canopy at Aaron and Jessica’s Buggy Rides. (Hanbit Kwon)
A buggy passes during the two-mile “Cookie Tour” from Aaron and Jessica’s Buggy Rides. The tour stops at an Amish farm where visitors can purchase homemade pretzels, whoopie pies, lemonade, and root beer bottled in glass bottles. (Hanbit Kwon)
Jake, who has been handling horses since he was 6 years old, is a former member of the Amish and has a personal outlook on the communities. He navigates the surprisingly busy Old Philadelphia Pike quickly, and his driving of the horse (Duke) is superb. (Hanbit Kwon)
Amish farmers often grow soybeans and corn. While a two-acre plot of land can easily accommodate a house and several horses, about 100 acres are needed for a viable commercial farm. (Hanbit Kwon)
The goats are ready to get 25 cents worth of feed from a nearby vending machine. (Hanbit Kwon)
One of the llamas at the Bird-in-Hand Petting Zoo (located behind the Bird-in-Hand Family Inn) prefers full sun, while the other llamas stay in the shade. (Hanbit Kwon)
It is not uncommon for families on both sides of an Amish couple to live together under one roof in a large building called a “triple house.” Grandchildren are able to experience both sets of grandparents. (Hanbit Kwon)
Amish motorcycles parked outside a barn. (Hanbit Kwon)
A much loved stable still in operation on Old Philadelphia Pike. (Hanbit Kwon)
A corn maze invites newcomers to get lost. (Hanbit Kwon)
Walking inside the thick corn walls. (Hanbit Kwon)
Young Amish couple enjoying the sun in an open camper. (Hanbit Kwon)
An Amish family walks and moves east on the Old Philadelphia Bridge. (Hanbit Kwon)
An Amish store owner transports seasonal merchandise up a hill in time to open the store. (Hanbit Kwon)
In the former Old Village Hardware Store, Creative Rustic Furniture on Old Philadelphia Pike preserves the site’s original fixtures, suggesting that previous visitors filled their closets while shopping for home goods. (Hanbit Kwon)
Creative Rustic Furniture offers one-of-a-kind chairs and dining sets as well as other handcrafted wood goods. (Hanbit Kwon)
Giant, “kids-sized” peach ice cream, which can be enjoyed above the second-floor balcony seating area at Bird-in-Hand Bakery and Café. (Hanbit Kwon)
A huge $2 vanilla “Long John” donut is easily shareable at Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Café. (Hanbit Kwon)
Amish motorcycles parked outside the farmers market. This is a commonly used means of transport, and is considered the simplest and most practical for traveling on unpaved rural roads. (Hanbit Kwon)
With no grocery store in town, the Bird-in-Hand Farmer’s Market plays an important role for locals. (Hanbit Kwon)
The Bird-in-Hand Farmer’s Market features an eclectic collection of 27 booths of local vendors. (Hanbit Kwon)
Some Amish toys are made in the traditional “faceless” manner. (Hanbit Kwon)
Candyland at Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market has traditional hard candy along with contemporary sweets. (Hanbit Kwon)
Modish Street on Old Philadelphia Pike features multi-level booths of vintage and recycled goods inside a deceptively small storefront that extends out the back. (Hanbit Kwon)
Bird-in-Hand’s Artisan Village hosts 31 local artisans offering woodwork, jewelry, leather goods, bath products, and more. (Hanbit Kwon)
The Amish make woodwork and furniture at the Bird-in-Hand Artisan Village. (Hanbit Kwon)
A horse speeds by on the shoulder of Old Philadelphia Pike. (Hanbit Kwon)
Amish horse carts have batteries to power the headlights. The sound of horses’ hooves hitting the pavement can be heard in the dark night. (Hanbit Kwon)
The Log Cabin Quilt Shop features a maze of fabrics, quilts, and sewing supplies to accommodate new quilters and experienced makers. (Hanbit Kwon)
A king-size quilt, hand-stitched, adorns the exterior wall at Bird-in-Hand’s Log Cabin Quilt Shop. (Hanbit Kwon)
The Log Cabin Quilt Shop features a maze of fabrics, quilts, and sewing supplies to accommodate new quilters and experienced makers. (Hanbit Kwon)
Fat Quarter Quilting Packages are ready to use at the Log Cabin Quilt Shop. (Hanbit Kwon)
An Amish model home was built in 1959 to depict traditional Amish life and preserve it for today’s visitors. (Hanbit Kwon)
Waters Edge Mini Golf features two courses lined with koi ponds and waterfalls for $10 per adult. (Hanbit Kwon)
Located next to a man-made lake with a jogging track used by locals, Water’s Edge Mini Golf has several of its own water features. (Hanbit Kwon)
Lancaster Central Market is walking distance to the Amtrak train station. Built in 1889, the 20,000-square-foot building houses more than 60 local vendors. (Hanbit Kwon)
Lunch in downtown Lancaster at the bright and airy Farmer’s Southern Market food hall is a good option before taking the train home. (Hanbit Kwon)
The Lancaster, PA Amtrak Station is housed in a magnificent 1859 marble structure with cast iron columns that was renovated and modernized in 2009. (Hanbit Kwon)
