Lancaster County, PA

Who would have guessed that an area housing 52,000 Anabaptists would have township names like Bird-In-Hand, Paradise, and Intercourse.

Anabaptists, by the way, include the Amish, Brethren, Mennonites and United Zions.

This is beautiful country and very peaceful. And we hope the Anabaptist communities can maintain their authenticity and hold true to their beliefs despite all the touristy things visitors can do like take an "Amish buggy ride" or spend a night in an Amish family's home.

It was interesting to witness the mix of Anabaptist families with average families, and to see the buggies and push bikes travel cohesively with automobiles. In contrast, the Anabaptist community we saw in Ohio was separate from the neighboring community.


With questionable weather over the next few days, we decided to stay put at the Country Hearth Bed and Breakfast in New Holland, PA. It is CUTE - and we highly recommend it to everyone visiting Lancaster County!

The house was built in 1793. It has original fireplaces, pine floors, and wide window sills. It was decorated exactly as you'd picture for the holidays - with garland on the railings and candles in every window.



David & Bonnie are wonderful hosts and their breakfast - yummy! The couple have really taken to their neighbors and encourage visitors to learn as much as possible about the nearby Anabaptist communities.

They understood that we were curious about the religious communities in the area, but also our hesitency in imposing on their way of life. David suggested we read a few books he had and spend the next two evenings watching a movie and documentary that give good overviews on the Amish way of life.

We watched The Witness (starring Harrison Ford) and Saving Sarah Cain. David said The Witness was a bit "Hollywood," but gave an accurate depiction of the Amish in everyday life. We also read The Happening - Nickel Mines School Tragedy, which is a book on the Nickel Mines School shooting in 2006. It was written by Harvey Yoder and shows the community's strength and the power of forgiveness.


We hit more bakeries than should be allowed, ate at an authentic Smorgasbord, and picked up a few slabs of cheese and chocolate. The weather was spectacular, and we were able to get out and see a few of the famous covered bridges of Lancaster County.