You’ve made your travel plans, your tickets are booked, and you are on your way to Amish Country! What’s next?
We put together a quick list of important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Lancaster and interacting with the Amish.
Do’s
- If you are going to be driving in the area, do be mindful of buggies! Slow down and be alert. Keep a safe distance. When you have good visibility and the road is clear to pass, use your turn signal (and not your horn) to notify the buggy’s driver. With this in mind, please allow extra time to reach your destination.
- Do support local Amish businesses, and be ready to try some delicious food! Check out the BBQ Barn right here on our farm, run by an Amish family, serving chicken BBQ, soft pretzels, and more! There are also plenty of quilt shops, furniture stores, and eateries in the area.
- Many Amish businesses tend to close early on Saturdays in preparation for church on Sunday, so do plan to visit shops earlier in the day, rather than late afternoon, to allow time to browse. This is also a good rule of thumb for weekdays, and please note that Amish businesses will not be open on Sundays.
Also, keep in mind that a lot of the roadside stands in the area are unattended and operate under the honor system. Be sure to remember to pay if you are shopping at these stands. It’s ideal to bring cash and pay exact change.
Don’ts
- We kindly ask that you do not take close-up portrait-style photos. The Amish do not wish to have their photo taken, so please do your level best to avoid taking pictures of faces.
- Please do not linger/take lengthy observations in and around Amish homes, as this is private property.
If you’d like to learn more about the Amish in Lancaster, come tour Amish country with us! Our guides are experts, and can help answer any questions you might have. So, whenever in doubt, just ask! We look forward to welcoming you soon.
