An Itinerary for a Day Trip to Amish Country, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Part 2

Amish Country in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, has so many things to do and enjoy that you could really spend a weekend or an entire week there without running out of things to do. In the first part of this series, I suggested a trip to Kitchen Kettle, a horse and buggy ride, a show at Sight and Sound, a trip to the outlets and dinner at Shady Maple.

Here is another itinerary for a great time in Amish Country without repeating the above itinerary. Combine the two for a great weekend in Lancaster County or enjoy each itinerary separately.

9:00 a.m. Breakfast at Cracker Barrel
Rts. 30 and 896 (right near the Rockvale Outlets)
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at one of the nation's most popular chain restaurants and then browse through the gift shop filled with unique goods.

10:00 a.m. Ride on the Strasburg Railroad
Rt. 741 East, Strasburg, Lancaster County, PA
Founded in 1832 this steam powered train still operates today, journeying through the picturesque farms and fields of Amish Country. Learn more about the train, it's history, how it operates, and the Amish living in the area. Visit the shops, enjoy a meal, or enjoy one of the many events like Wine Tasting on board. The Strasburg Railroad is fun for kids, but the traveling Thomas The Tank train is even more fun. Thomas The Tank appears several times a year. Inquire were tickets are sold for the Strasburg Railroad.

12:00 p.m. Visit the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
P. O. Box 15, Strasburg, PA 17579
Learn more about the history of trains, how they are made, and the people that love them. Real trains and models are on display. Make sure you visit the Locomotive Cab simulator for a chance to climb in the conductor's seat to "control" the train, operate the breaks, and play with the horns.

1:30 p.m. Lunch at Isaac's Restaurant
The Shops at Traintown
Route 741 East, Strasburg, PA
Enjoy lunch at Isaac's restaurant. Specialty sandwich's, appetizers, and more are served at this casual chain restaurant. To keep with the train theme of the area, this Isaac's location has created their dining room within the shell of a train! Bon appetit!

2:30 p.m. Head to Litiz, PA
Take a short drive through the beautiful land of Amish Country to the small town of Litiz, PA, home of Wilbur Chocolate buds. There you can visit their Museum filled with old candy making tools and an explanation of the history of chocolate. Make sure to bring some home after visiting their candy store. While in Litiz, stroll the quaint shops and head to Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery to see pretzel being made by hand.

6:00 p.m. Dinner at Willow Valley Resort and Conference Center
2416 Willow Street Pike Lancaster, PA 17602
Choose from several different delicious buffets (which I highly recommend!) filled with home made Amish goodies or simply have a sit down meal. Then stroll the well-kept grounds that include a man-made lake, a covered bridge and feed the ducks. Stop in the gift shop and bakery to take home some of Willow Valley.

8:30 p.m. Begin your journey home