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Getaway Guide To Lancaster, Pa.

Baltimoreans live in a perfect location to visit the beautiful countryside of Dutch Country, home to a large Amish community and plenty of not-to-be-missed activities. Lancaster County, Pa., is a quick 90-minute drive up I-83. Many take advantage of their close proximity by taking day trips to visit museums, the area's myriad festivals and learning about Amish life. Being able to visit for the day is great, but making a weekend getaway of it will let you truly see everything Lancaster County towns have to offer.

Getting There

Baltimore to Lancaster, PA
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From Baltimore, Lancaster is an easy 90-minute drive up I-83. Another option is a bus ride from the Baltimore Travel Center, 1120 N. Charles St., in Baltimore. Many tour companies also organize fun trips to the markets, museums and theaters.

Theaters

Sights and Sounds Theatres
Photo Credit: sight-sound.com

Sight and Sound Theaters
300 Hartman Bridge Road
Strasburg, Pa. 17579
(717) 687-7800
www.sight-sound.com

Price: $49 adults/$29 teens $29/$19 children/$64 adults on Saturdays

Specializing in biblical plays, Sight and Sound Theaters puts on great epics from the Old and New Testament and is a popular stop for tour groups in Lancaster. "Jonah" is playing through the summer. This is the story like you've never heard it. If you're looking for more theater for your dollar, Sight and Sound also offers packages, including multi-show, show/meal and getaway options perfect for any visitor.

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Photo Credit: dutchapple.com/Facebook

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
510 Centerville Road
Lancaster, Pa. 17601
(717) 898-1700
www.dutchapple.com

Price: $28 adults/$16 children ages 3 to 18

The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre will host the show "Legally Blonde the Musical" through Aug. 4 this year. With talented singers and fabulous actors, the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre treats its customers to scrumptious food and excellent performances. Not only can you take in a great musical, but also enjoy the Dutch Apple's full buffet. This theater provides a full night out with a meal and entertainment. Make sure to check out its website for more shows, and if you're vacationing late in summer, you could catch "Fiddler On The Roof" which starts Aug. 9.

Museums

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Photo Credit: rrmuseumpa.org

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
300 Gap Road
Ronks, Pa. 17572
(717) 687-8628
www.rrmuseumpa.org

Price: $27 adult museum and train ride package/$25 children

Railroads played a major role in the fighting of the Civil War, credited for the success of the Union in the conflict against the Confederacy. Photographs, documents and artifacts are on display throughout this exciting, historical museum. Trace the beginnings through the subsequent history of rail transportation in America, a fun adventure for any traveler. Across the street from the museum, train rides are available on a historical train track.

Amish Farm
Photo Credit: amishfarmandhouse.com/

Amish Farm and House Tour
2395 Lincoln Highway East
Lancaster, Pa. 17602
(717) 394-6185
www.amishfarmandhouse.com/

Price: $4.95 children younger than 4/$12.95 ages 5 to 11/$19.95 kids 12 and older

The public is invited to smell the countryside, hear the clip-clop of horse carriages and savor the freshly made Amish tasty treats. A Countryside Tour takes roughly two hours to complete. Visit a traditional Amish house, wander around the countryside, explore a one-room school, or chat with some resident artisans. This tour provides a fun glimpse into the Amish lifestyle and a break from the hustle and bustle from the city.

RelatedMust-See Places In Lancaser PA

Dining

Restaurant Conestoga and Bar
Photo Credit: theconestoga.com


Conestoga Restaurant and Bar

1501 E. King Street
Lancaster, Pa. 17602
(717) 393-0290
www.theconestoga.com

The Conestoga Restaurant and Bar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a full bar menu. Enjoy elegant, yet casual dining available in the dining room or on the spacious deck. Enjoy a lovely view of the Conestoga River while you scarf down delicious fare. Prices are affordable, and the ambiance is perfect for families or couples. If you're looking for something more exciting, stop by after 10 p.m. on a Saturday for some dancing with a live DJ.

Cafe 24 Hundred
Doubletree Resort at Willow Valley
2400 Willow Street Pike
Lancaster, Pa. 17602
(717) 464-2712
www.cafe24hundred.com

Right inside the Doubletree Resort, Cafe 24 Hundred serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch a la carte. With a talented kitchen team, the chef provides unique dishes using ingredients from local farms. Very affordable prices and scrumptious fare make this an area favorite. It also features karaoke every Friday from 9 p.m to midnight, so you can grab a great dinner and then head over to the bar for some drinks and songs all in the same place.

Related: Best Eateries In Lancaster County

 

Lodging

Budget Host Inn.jpg
lancasterbudgethost.com/

Budget Host Inn & Suites – Caribbean Waterpark
2100 Lincoln Highway, East
Lancaster, Pa. 17602
(717) 392-7781
www.lancasterbudgethost.com/

Price: from $85

Budget Host Inn and Suites's rooms are equipped with a refrigerator, hair dryer and free high-speed Internet. Suites also have microwaves. Its Caribbean Indoor Waterpark is open every weekend, all year. Special waterpark packages are available as well as options for Lancaster County attractions from Memorial Day to Labor Day, including Hershey Park, Dutch Wonderland and the Strasburg Railroad.

Country Inn of Lancaster
2133 Lincoln Highway East
Lancaster, Pa. 17602
(717) 393-3413
(877) 393-3413
www.countryinnoflancaster.com/

Prices: from $139

The Country Inn of Lancaster features 125 rooms, of which the deluxe options include a refrigerator and a private balcony. Guests are offered 24-hour coffee and tee, complimentary continental breakfast, indoor/outdoor heated pool and hot tub. There is also a gift shop and a restaurant and pub onsite, meaning this inn provides fun for visitors of all ages right on site. 

Related: Best places To Stay

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Anna Renault is a life-long resident of Baltimore County. After a 31 year career, Renault has re-careered into the world of journalism. She writes a weekly column for The Avenue News, her local paper. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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