Have Dinner With the Amish
Learning about the Amish is an important part of learning about Lancaster County’s unique culture. And what better way to learn about the Amish than to sit down with an Amish family for dinner? Although known for being reclusive and separating themselves from modern society, it is possible to dine with a local Amish family – eat Amish food and speak to the Amish of Lancaster.
Dining with an Amish Family
Many bed and breakfast owners will be happy to arrange a meal with the Amish for you and this may be the easiest way to have an authentic meal with the Amish. Here are a few B&Bs that regularly arrange Amish dinners for their guests:
The EJ Bowman House offers rooms touched with colonial elegance. Quilted antique beds amidst hand painted furnishings are hidden behind colonial shutters. Guests can arrange to have dinner with an Amish family, however reservations should be made a few days in advance. Located near the Lancaster airport, you can find this bed and breakfast at 2674 Lititz Pike or call at 717-519-0808.
Staying at the King’s Cottage B&B means enjoying the luxury of a 1913 Spanish mansion with sweeping staircases, stained glass windows, and crystal chandeliers. However, if you are in the mood for a homemade meal in a simple Amish home, the King’s Cottage will be happy to arrange it for you. Located at 1049 East King Street in Lancaster, call 800-747-8717 to make a reservation.
Flowers and Thyme B&B is located in the heart of rural Lancaster surrounded by fields and dairy farms. The rooms focus on relaxation and comfort. Be sure to ask about dinner in an Amish home when making your reservation as arrangements will be based on the availability of the Amish families. Call 717-393-1460 to stay at this lovely B&B at 283 Strasburg Pike in Lancaster County.
Tour Companies That Arrange Amish Dinners
There are plenty of tour companies offering buggy rides and tours of schoolrooms. However, it is harder to arrange an authentic dinner with the Amish given their private ways. Here are two tour companies that can arrange a meal between you and the Amish:
Brunswick Tours can arrange for an Amish family to invite you into their home and cook you a real Amish meal. This Amish dinner is prepared by the lady of the house and served family style. A truly authentic experience, call 717-361-7541 to make arrangements.
Amish Experience can arrange a one hour session between you and an Amish schoolteacher. You’ll learn what its like to teach eight different grades in one room and what an Amish school day looks like. Afterwards you can dine with the teacher at the Plain & Fancy Farm for an informal discussion.
Pic (brad2021hk)
