If you’re planning an Amish Country Lancaster PA getaway, this guide is for you. There’s something about Lancaster County that slows your breathing down the moment you arrive. Maybe it’s the sight of a horse-drawn buggy rolling along a country road. Maybe it’s the smell of freshly baked pie drifting from a roadside stand. Whatever it is, Amish Country has a way of making you feel like the world isn’t quite as rushed as you thought it was.
If you’re staying with us at NuVista Haven, you’re already in the perfect spot to experience all of it. Here’s how we’d spend a weekend here — honestly, the way locals do it.
Friday Evening: Arrive, Breathe, Unwind
Don’t try to do too much on your first evening. Pick up some groceries from one of the local markets on your way in — the farmers’ markets dotted around Leola and Bird-in-Hand stock everything from fresh-baked sourdough to homemade jams and local cheeses. Cook something simple, pour a glass of wine, and sit on the porch. Watch the stars come out. There’s no better start to a weekend in Lancaster County.
Saturday: The Heart of It All
Start your Saturday morning slow. Brew a pot of coffee and take a walk before the day gets going. Once you’re ready, head out and explore.
A few of our favorite things to do on a Saturday in Amish Country:
- Visit a local farm stand. The ones along Routes 30 and 340 are worth stopping at, especially in the warmer months. Fresh produce, homemade baked goods, and crafts made by hand — it doesn’t get more authentic than this.
- Drive the back roads. Seriously, put the GPS away and just drive. The roads between Intercourse, Bird-in-Hand, and Strasburg take you through some of the most beautiful farmland you’ll ever see. You might get stuck behind a buggy for a few minutes. That’s not an inconvenience — that’s the point.
- Stop in at a quilt shop. Even if quilts aren’t your thing, the craftsmanship is extraordinary. Many of the shops are run directly out of family homes.
For lunch, try one of the local diners or family-style restaurants. The portions are generous, the food is honest, and the pie is non-negotiable.
Saturday Evening: Fire Pit & Fireflies
By evening, you’ve earned a slower pace. Head back to the house, fire up the grill or order in, and spend the evening around the fire pit. If it’s summer, the fireflies put on a show that no theme park could ever replicate. Bring a blanket, bring good people, and just be present.
Sunday: The Farmers’ Market & the Long Way Home
Sunday mornings in Lancaster County were made for farmers’ markets. The Central Market in downtown Lancaster is one of the oldest in the country and it’s worth the trip — local vendors, handmade goods, incredible food. Get there early for the best picks.
Before you head home, take the long way. Wind through Strasburg, stop at a bakery, grab one more slice of shoofly pie. Let Lancaster County work its magic on you just a little bit longer.
You’ll leave feeling like you’ve actually rested — which, honestly, is rarer than it should be.
Ready to plan your stay? Browse our homes in Lancaster County and book direct for the best rate. We’ll make sure you have everything you need for a weekend you won’t forget.
Quick Tips for Your Amish Country Weekend in Lancaster, PA
Before you head out, here are a few practical things worth knowing that’ll make your trip smoother and more memorable.
- Most Amish-owned shops are closed on Sundays. If you want to visit farm stands, quilt shops, or roadside markets, plan your shopping for Friday or Saturday. Sunday is a day of rest in Amish communities, and it’s worth respecting that — the county is quieter and more peaceful for it anyway.
- Cash is king. Many smaller stands and family-run shops don’t accept cards. Bring enough cash for spontaneous stops and you’ll thank yourself later.
- Don’t rush. This is the single most important piece of advice for an Amish Country weekend in Lancaster, PA. The whole point is to slow down. If you’re speeding between attractions and ticking off a checklist, you’re missing it. Leave gaps in your day. Pull over when something catches your eye. Let yourself get a little lost on a back road.
- The weather makes a difference. Lancaster County is beautiful year-round — golden in fall, lush in summer, surprisingly magical in winter snow — but spring and summer bring the farmers’ markets to full life. Whatever season you visit, it’s worth it.
We hope this guide helps you make the most of your time here. Lancaster County has a quiet kind of magic, and we love sharing it with every guest who stays with us at NuVista Haven.
