Plan Your Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Vacation

As a local who has lived in Lancaster County for 10 years, here are my top suggestions as you plan your vacations to this beautiful area.

1. Visit the Amish

The Amish heritage in Lancaster County is mysterious, beautiful and enchanting. Cities to include in your trip are Bird-in-Hand, Strasburg and Intercourse.

Depending on the season, you can visit a roadside stand and purchase pumpkins, apples, green beans, corn, or strawberries. Some roadside stands even have fresh flowers and root beer! It's such a treat to put $3 in a little can, grab some produce and drive away. Yes, only in Lancaster County!

2. See a Live Stage Show at Sight and Sound Theaters or the Fulton Opera House

Lancaster county is boasts one of the largest family-friendly theaterical venues on the east coast. Sight and Sound Theaters produces amazing shows, replete with live animals and wonderful messages. Be sure to catch the Christmas production--always a favorite!

The Fulton Opera House is the oldest continually running theater in America. "The Fulton," as the locals call it, boasts performances by Broadway veteran performers of today as well as performance greats such as W. C. Fields, Mark Twain, and Sarah Bernhardt. Today, the theater operates under an agreement with Actor's Equity, the nation's union for professional stage actors and stage managers.

3. Visit Farmer's Markets, Amish Markets, and Flea Markets in Lancaster County

Nearly every day of the week merchants, farmers, and craftspersons display a variety of locally grown produce and locally made gifts.

Central Market

Just off Prince Street in charming downtown Lancaster, Central Market is housed in a recently renovated train station and is America's oldest farmer's market. Open Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, items available include Amish made crafts, food, and produce.

Be sure not to miss many of the shops surrounding Central Market such as Britain's Best, offering unique items from England. Art galleries and excellent eateries are plentiful in the Central Market area as well. A shopping tip: park in the Prince Street Garage and bring your parking ticket with you to Central Market. When you make a purchase, ask the shop owners to validate your parking ticket. Many will stamp your ticket and you will park for free!

Roots Market (Tuesday Only) and Green Dragon (Friday Only)

Roots Market and Green Dragon, while similar, are a blend of traditional farmer's markets and flea markets. Treat yourself to a pretzel dog: a hot dog baked inside a fresh, hot pretzel, or some homemade ice cream. Arrive early for the best selection or come later in the evening for the best deals when shop owners are trying to sell all their items.

Kitchen Kettle Village

Perhaps the most 'touristy' of the markets listed above, Kitchen Kettle Village is in the heart of Amish country and affords a lovely drive and great gifts to take home. While not a farmer's market in the traditional sense, it is still well worth the visit. Take the kids along to pet some goats and sheep just outside of the shopping area! Open every day of the week.

For an added treat while in the Kitchen Kettle Village area, step back into time by taking a horse and buggy ride with Abe's Buggy Rides!

Nissley Vineyards

For a romantic getaway, a day trip to the Nissley Vineyards is definitely in order. During it's "Music in the Vineyards" summer series, visitors pay an entry fee to enjoy live entertainment and wine tasting. Bring your lawn chairs and a picnic basket with some cheese and fruit to make the experience even sweeter. Visit Nissley Vineyards for dates, times, and details.

Lancaster county is a treasure trove full of affordable activities for honeymooners, families, and those wanting to take a break from city life. For more information on the attractions listed above, as well as other activities and attractions, visit www.padutchcountry.com.