Lancaster County: Amish Farmlands Tour & Family-Style Dinner — An Honest Look
If you’re planning a visit to Lancaster County and want to get a real taste of Amish life without feeling like you’re just ticking off a tourist checklist, this tour might be worth considering. While it’s not perfect, it offers some genuinely interesting moments along with hearty food and friendly guides. We’ve looked into it thoroughly, so whether you’re curious about the Amish or just after a fun, cultural experience, here’s what you need to know.
What we like about this tour? First, the guided farm tour in a small minibus gives you a manageable, intimate look at the countryside, far better than crowded bus tours. Second, the authentic Amish family-style meal served in a genuine home setting promises an experience that’s both hearty and authentic. But, a potential drawback? The short window at the quilt shops can feel rushed, and the overall pace might not suit everyone—particularly if you’re hoping for more free time or scenic stops.
This experience seems best suited for travelers looking for an authentic taste of Amish culture combined with a relaxed, informative tour. It’s not a full-on culture or a leisurely day in the countryside, but it’s a decent intro, especially for those who appreciate hearty, home-cooked meals and want to learn from local guides.
Key Points
- Small Group Feel: The 14-passenger minibus makes the tour intimate and manageable.
- Authentic Amish Meal: The family-style dinner is prepared in a licensed, inspected kitchen and served at an Amish home.
- Educational: Guides share insights about Amish culture, making the experience more meaningful.
- Limited Shopping Time: The quilt shop stop is brief, so don’t expect much browsing.
- Timing and Pace: The tour runs mostly in the late afternoon, with a quick farmland drive, so plan accordingly.
- Accessibility: The meal site involves climbing stairs, so consider mobility needs.
A Closer Look at the Tour Itself
This Lancaster County tour is designed to give you a snapshot of Amish country life in a few hours. It begins promptly at 4:30 PM from the Amish Experience Theater, so arriving on time is key if you want to maximize your experience. The small bus, with just 14 seats, allows the guide to interact more personally with everyone, which is a definite plus if you’re looking for a conversational, friendly vibe.
The first part of the tour is a roughly one-hour drive through farmland, which we found quite pleasant. It’s a good chance to look out the window and take in the scenic views, all while listening to your guide share tidbits about the Amish way of life. The guide, often praised for being knowledgeable and friendly, helps bring the area’s history and culture to life.
Next, there’s a quick stop at an Amish roadside quilt or craft shop. This is an interesting chance to browse some handmade crafts and souvenirs, but reviews note that the time here is quite limited—about 15 minutes. One traveler mentioned, “The tour was okay, but the quilt shop only had 15 minutes, so I didn’t get a chance to see two other shops we passed by.” If shopping is a highlight for you, be prepared for a rapid visit.
The meal is the highlight for many guests. It takes place at an Amish family’s home, with food prepared in a fully licensed, inspected, and ServSafe-certified kitchen. The hosts, who cook and serve the meal, are described as warm and welcoming. The menu features hearty Amish favorites—think meat, potatoes, vegetables, and homemade bread. While some reviews praise the generous portions and authentic flavors, others mention the setting as less than ideal, with one describing the dining area as a hot, musty basement with a less-than-clean bathroom. This points to the fact that the meal is hosted at a family’s home, not a commercial restaurant, which adds to the authenticity but might not be everyone’s ideal dining environment.
Guests should note that the meal involves stairs, so if mobility is an issue, this could be a concern. After dinner, the group heads back to the starting point around 7:00 PM, completing the tour.
The Value and Practicalities
At $65 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option but offers a blend of sightseeing, cultural insight, and a sit-down meal, which adds value. The price includes the guided tour, the quilt shop stop, and the Amish meal, so you’re getting quite a bit for your money. However, the brief shopping stop and the limited time at each location might leave some feeling like they didn’t get enough time to really soak in the surroundings.
Transportation-wise, the small bus makes the trip cozy but manageable, and the entire experience runs about 2.5 hours—ideal for an afternoon or early evening activity. Keep in mind, transportation to the meeting point isn’t included, so plan your arrival accordingly.
From What Travelers Say
Feedback is mixed, but there are some themes. Several reviewers compliment the friendly guides, with one describing Jeff as “funny and knowledgeable,” adding to the overall enjoyment. The meal also gets good marks for its authenticity and generous servings.
However, some felt the timing was rushed—especially at the quilt shops—and were disappointed at the lack of scenic photo opportunities outside the bus. One reviewer shared, “It would be nice if we could get out and take pictures at some scenic spots, instead of sitting most of the time on the bus.” Plus, the dining environment received some criticism, described as hot and musty, with a bathroom that didn’t meet everyone’s standards.
These insights suggest that if you’re expecting a laid-back, scenic countryside day with plenty of photo ops and relaxed shopping time, this might not fully meet those expectations. But if you’re after an authentic, guided introduction to Amish culture along with a hearty meal, it’s a solid choice.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is best for curious travelers who want a quick, authentic peek into Amish life without dedicating a full day. It’s suitable for those who appreciate local food, friendly guides, and cultural insights. If you prefer a more leisurely pace with ample free time, or are looking for scenic stops and photo opportunities, you might find this tour a little rushed.
People with mobility concerns should be cautious due to stairs at the dining site. Also, if you’re sensitive to environments that might be less than pristine, the dining setting may not be ideal.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Sum Up
The Lancaster County Amish Farmlands Tour & Family-Style Dinner offers a decent introduction to Amish life, combining a short farm drive, a quick stop at a craft shop, and a hearty meal served in a genuine home setting. The guides tend to be knowledgeable and personable, which adds a lot of value.
The experience works well for those who want a blend of culture, scenery, and local flavor without spending an entire day. The meal alone is often a highlight, providing a taste of home-cooked Amish cuisine in a welcoming environment.
That said, if you’re hoping for a more relaxed, scenic, and in-depth experience, or want more time for shopping and photography, you’ll want to explore other options or adjust your expectations accordingly.
In the end, it’s a tour that manages to be authentic and friendly, but it does have its limitations. It’s worth considering if you’re comfortable with the pace and setting, and if you’re eager to learn about Amish life while enjoying a filling, traditional meal.
Lancaster County: Amish Farmlands Tour & Family-Style Dinner
FAQ
Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, transportation to the Amish Experience Theater building in Bird-in-Hand is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own arrival.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 2.5 hours, starting at 4:30 PM and returning around 7:00 PM, typically in the late afternoon.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes are recommended since you’ll be sitting and moving around during the farm tour and at the meal site.
Are there any accessibility concerns?
Yes, the meal is hosted at an Amish family’s home where you’ll need to climb a full flight of stairs, so this might not be suitable for guests with mobility issues.
Are the guides knowledgeable?
Based on reviews, guides like Jeff are considered friendly, funny, and well-informed—they help make the experience engaging.
Can I expect free time at the shops?
Not really. The quilt shop stop lasts about 15 minutes, which is quite brief, so if you want extensive shopping, this may feel rushed.
If you’re after a short, authentic, and hearty Amish experience with friendly guides, this tour could be a good fit. Just keep in mind its pace and environment, and plan your expectations accordingly.
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