A la Mode on the Road: Our Weekend in Lancaster County, PA

My family and I recently visited Pennsylvania Dutch Country in Lancaster County for a little summer weekend getaway. We packed quite a bit of fun into the 36 hours we spent (we had to get home in time for my nephew’s 2-month birthday!), and my family and I agreed that one can easily spend 3-4 days touring the different sites, sounds and tastes of this bucolic area.

Here’s the scoop on how we spent our weekend:

Saturday:

6am: up and out from suburban NJ

Clinton Station Diner, Clinton, NJ

We’ve visited once before – it’s not to be missed for the train enthusiast in the family (my son). The side of the diner is an authentic train car, in which you’re able to sit and order your meal. It just made sense as it was en route out west to our destination and we were able to get some good road time in before we stopped to load up on pancakes, eggs and coffee. Not to mention, it perfectly set the tone for the weekend ahead!

 

Tip: don’t miss the complimentary homemade mini muffins that come with each breakfast entrée.

10am: Rides, Rides and more Rides!

Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster, PA

We got to Dutch Wonderland just as it opened which was perfect timing – the lines for the first few rides weren’t too long and the sun wasn’t too hot. It was actually a bit overcast at first, which made for perfect amusement park conditions for the little ones.

My son and his friend, A, enjoyed almost all of the 30 rides of Dutch Wonderland – and even the adults in our group got to have a little thrill with a spin on the Kingdom Coaster (side note: one of the ONLY roller coasters I’ve ever been on that let’s you go around TWICE without having to get off the ride!)

Roc went on his first Log Flume ride, which he didn’t love nearly as much as his daddy and I did, but he was extra enthralled to see that Dutch Wonderland offered live pony rides.

 

Dutch Wonderland also has a small water park, Duke’s Lagoon, which we didn’t check out, simply because the weather wasn’t too cooperative in the morning. And then by the time the afternoon came and went, we were too busy doing dry rides like Train, Frog Hopper, Monorail, Carousel, Wonder Whip, lunch and waiting on a few lines here and there.

Roc and A LOVED checking out the theme park’s newest attraction: Exploration Island. Located just over a bridge toward the back of the park, we were able to walk with over 20 lifelike dinosaurs, dig for fossil remains in a sandpit. There were also a few rides, but we welcomed the shade as we explored what the dinos had to offer.

Tip: Unlike other amusement parks we’ve been to, coolers and outside food are not allowed at Dutch Wonderland. For a tasty lunch, head to the Nathan’s just to the right upon entering the park and avoid the food court area. And DO NOT leave the park without getting a PA Dutch soft pretzel – a combo of salty, sweet goodness. Get a fresh-squeezed lemonade to wash it down.

Additional Info: Dutch Wonderland was a popular stop this summer amongst my blogger buds! Read up on the reviews of The Mama Maven and The Chirping Moms for more info and helpful tips.

5pm: Check in and Shower Up

Hilton Garden Inn, Lancaster, PA

We stayed about 15 minutes away from Dutch Wonderland at the Hilton Garden Inn on Granite Run Drive. I’d highly recommend this hotel for its cleanliness, friendly staff and spacious rooms. It’s a little bit off the main drag, too, which was nice because it was quieter. There was also an indoor pool and courtyard as well as a restaurant where we ate breakfast on Sunday morning.

6:30pm: Dinner

Hershey Farm Restaurant & Inn, Ronks, PA

When in PA Dutch Country, one MUST eat authentic PA Dutch Country cooking.

I’m certain that this sentiment is embroidered on a pillow somewhere in Lancaster County, and if it’s not – it should be. Because the food is THAT good.

Fried chicken. Chicken pot pie. Buttered noodles. Mac n Cheese. Lancaster corn on the cob. Freshly baked rolls with whipped maple butter.

 

Is your mouth watering? Because I didn’t even get to dessert yet: homemade apple pie, shoo-fly pie and Dutch Chocolate cake.

Tip: PA Dutch Country is known for the Smorgasbord Board-Style Dinner, which is essentially a buffet. Don’t miss out! The food is freshly prepared, authentic and delicious. And soft drinks are usually bottomless. But do call ahead or make a reservation, as the wait times can be up to 45 minutes, especially if you are with a large group.

Sunday

8:30am: Breakfast

Hilton Garden Inn

We used our comped breakfast passes to eat at the Hilton’s restaurant which included cook-to-order omelets, waffles and French Toast with the accompanying hash browns, toast and bacon/sausage in addition to fruit, cereal and yogurt. All served buffet style. (It was a weekend of buffets!)

9:30am: Trains & Horses

Red Caboose Motel, Strasburg, PA

We dedicated Sunday to TRAIN activities and began our morning at the Red Caboose Motel in Strasburg, which was just about 15 minutes from our hotel. The last time I was at the Red Caboose Motel was about 1988, when my brother and I slept in an authentic caboose, fly swatter in hand (you’re in the middle of Lancaster farm country!) — the ULTIMATE for a train enthusiast. Fast-forward 25 years later and the iconic caboose cars are still bringing joy to families near and far. And we hear that they’ve been updated inside – complete with Air Conditioning and Flat Screen TVs! Roc and A loved checking out the cabooses lined up, and also enjoyed the mini arcade and rides that flanked the front office.

 

These amusements came in handy while we waited our turn to take a horse and carriage ride with A is for Amish Buggy Rides, which operates from the Red Caboose Motel property. This activity left such an impression on my son that he’s still talking about it.

And quite frankly, so am I!

Here’s why: your driver is Jesse, a twenty-something plain-clothed Amish man who gives riders the low-down on Amish life and the surrounding area. While Roc and A were giddy to ride sitting next to him up front near the horses, my family and I were thrilled to get the inside scoop on what it’s like being – or, in Jesse’s case, not really being – fully prescribed to the Amish lifestyle.

 

I won’t let the horse out of the barn completely (sorry, couldn’t resist) but I will share that along our ride, Jesse stopped to speak to an Amish gentleman in traditional dress who was peddling along on a scooter. He introduced us to his “Uncle Jake” and spoke highly of his amazing rotisserie chicken. I didn’t think much of this until 2 hours later when we passed “Jakey’s Amish Barbecue” and connected the dots that THAT was Uncle Jake with the yummy chicken. Small world, that Amish country!

Tip: Get to the Red Caboose Motel right when the A is for Amish Buggy Rides begin operations for the day – typically around 9am or so – and add your name and number in your party to the notepad. We paid in cash and also gave Jesse a small tip. Enjoy the gorgeous farm scenery while you wait for your ride and allow your kids to explore the Red Caboose Motel attractions. If you go during the week, you’ll benefit from roadside stands and Amish markets. Since we visited on a Sunday, these were not available to us.

11:30am: Chugga Chugga, Choo Choo!

Choo Choo Barn, Strasburg, PA

As the sun started to warm things up by late morning, it was welcomed to take our train activities indoors. We were so delighted to have the chance to experience the Choo Choo Barn, and highly recommend it to adults and kids alike. Everyone in our party raved about the gigantic model train layout, celebrating Lancaster County in miniature. Hundreds of little tracks, replicas of area destinations (“Look Mom – it’s Dutch Wonderland!”), a 3-ring circus with side show and amusement rides, live goldfish in a pond: what’s not to love?

 

Over 70 years in the making, the Choo Choo Barn is still owned and operated by the Groff family, with master modeler and 2^nd generation owner, Tom Groff designing and adding new animations each year.

12:30pm

Uncle Leroy’s Ice Cream & Candy Kitchen, Strasburg, PA

Just steps from the Choo Choo Barn is a confectionery that had the most delicious fudge, pickles, popcorn and ice cream. It’s the first time I saw dark chocolate salted caramel fudge – it was heavenly. We delighted in these treats as we sat and regrouped at the bistro tables inside.

1:30pm

Miller’s Traditional Smorgasbord, Ronks, PA

My family and I had fond memories of Miller’s back in the 1980s and it did not disappoint in 2014. You’re eating a piece of history when you eat at Miller’s – the story goes that in 1929, Anna Miller served chicken and waffles to truckers as her husband repaired their rigs. She served good food in a kindly manner – and so the tradition continues.

And with our bellies full and our hearts happy, it was back on the road back to NJ to see our baby nephew/cousin. We thoroughly enjoyed our Lancaster County experience and wish to thank the PA Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau for their help with planning our itinerary. We look forward to returning, and extending our stay during our next excursion.

 

Highlights and Takeaways:

• PA Dutch Country was fantastic to visit in the summer and I’m told it’s also wonderful in Fall/Winter, with holiday-themed activities in abundance.
• By tacking on 2-3 additional days to our stay, we would have visited Hershey Park (note: Dutch Wonderland offers a Hershey/Dutch Wonderland combo pass) as well as Antique Shops, Intercourse, PA and the Herr Factory.
• Looking to visit Hershey Park? Don’t miss Triple Threat Mommy’s 6 Tips for Visiting Hershey with Family.
• Be sure to visit the PA Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau or their website prior to planning your trip.
• For more information on the attractions listed here, please visit their websites: Dutch Wonderland, A is for Amish Buggy Rides, Choo Choo Barn, Red Caboose Motel, Hershey Farm Restaurant & Inn, Miller’s

 

oxox

-mom a la mode

 

{I was not monetarily compensated in any way for this post. My family and I received complimentary or reduced-cost admission to many of the places listed in this post. All opinions expressed here are solely mine.}