Towns: Bird-in-Hand
Last year marked the 52nd anniversary of three of Lancaster’s premiere attractions, all at one location on the AAA designated Scenic Cultural Byway, Route 340, mid-way between Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse.
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his year marked the 53rd anniversary of Plain & Fancy Farm as the very first family-style restaurant. It remains a legendary dining experience. At the same time, Amish Country Tours (Dutchland Tours) began the first regularly scheduled tours for visitors through the scenic Amish farmlands. And 1959 also marked the opening of the Amish Country Homestead, the only Amish house tour designated a Heritage Site by Lancaster County.
Amish House Tour Unravels Riddles
Amish people wouldn’t appreciate visitors walking through their homes all day…nor would you! So the best way to see the inside of a house is on a tour. At the Amish Country Homestead, the staff is committed to interpreting the changing Amish lifestyle. Rather than a museum, it has the feel of a real, “lived in” home. Guides take visitors on a fascinating 45-minute tour through the nine rooms. Discover how church is held in the home and hear the singing. See how Mom does her laundry---with a gasoline engine! Upstairs learn about Plain dress, while the kids enjoy the marble rollers.
room. An Amish schoolteacher helped decorate the room to give it the feel of a real school. It’s all included in the house tour.
Interpreting the ever-changing Amish culture respectfully and accurately is no easy task. The authenticity of the Amish Country Homestead resulted in its designation as the only Heritage Site Amish house tour in Lancaster County.
Amish Hi-Tech
In 1995, a new concept in interpreting Amish life debuted when the Amish Experience F/X Theater became only the third “experiential” theater in North America. The goal of this oneof-a-kind project was to give a more personal, intimate view of the Amish, connecting past to present. Rather than a somber documentary, the story goes inside an Amish family as their son
Visitors who simply drive around looking at Amish farms rarely come away with much insight into the unique culture that attracts people from around the world. Amish Country Tours provide certified guides to take visitors down the backroads, deep into the farmlands and scenery that is as beautiful now as it was 50 years ago. Guides offer fascinating information on one-room schools, farming practices, “cottage
Amish Experience Theater
at Plain & Fancy Farm
3121 Old Philadelphia Pike • Rte 340 • Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505
www.AmishExperience.com
Experience FX Theater
Open 7 Days: 10am-5pm
Amish Country Tours • FX Theater Amish Country Homestead
717.768.8400 Ext. 210 • AmishExperience.com
Where the Amish Live & Work
(717) 768-8400 Ext. 210
The Fisher Amish Schoolroom is where you (or the kids) can sit at actual Amish school desks and learn how all eight grades are taught in one
3121 Old Phildadelphia Pike • Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505-0414
Jacob struggles to decide whether to remain in the Amish faith. An important missing link in most tellings of the Amish story is the persecution of the Anabaptists in Europe and the perilous journey to America. Rather than observe, visitors will now feel a part of history as special effects, including an amazing technology called “Pepper’s Ghost,” combine with smoke, wind, rain, and fire effects in a wrap-around barnyard setting. A superb blending of entertainment and education, this touching and exciting production has moved some people to tears and children to exclaim “Wow!” This show, which has been called “400 years of history in 40 minutes of magic,” can only be seen here in Lancaster, so be sure to make it a part of your visit. (Shows on the hour.)
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For greater savings, choose the Super Saver Package Valid up to four adults. Coupon valid for Amish Experience Theatre Only. Not valid with other coupons or offers. Must be presented at time of purchase. Expires 12/31/12.