Lancaster, PA - Amish Country
 

I am so excited, my SIL (quilting buddy) and I just booked plane reservations for a trip from AZ to Lancaster, PA for end of April. The highlight of the trip for me is to visit the Amish farm country with visits to quilt shops, history and a dinner at an amish home, hope I can see some quilts there too. The trip also includes Gettysburg, the Dobbin House Tavern and a safe house during Civil War. Anybody from that area with hints? We will be on a bus tour so I don't have any choice in where to shop for fabric. How about the weather at that time of year?

Hopefully, you will go to Intercourse, PA because there are good fabric stores there and lots of other nice shops. The weather may be on the cool side with possible rain.

Yes, a trip to Intercourse is included. Thks for the hint.

The bus trip will limit you a bit. There are a few websites that I would suggest (both for quilt shopping and for sight seeing):
http://www.quiltart.com/lancaster.html
http://www.padutchcountry.com/shoppi...ter-quilts.asp
If you get a chance to see ZOOK's it is a good store to shop in (I've not been there in 6 years so remember this might be dated information). It is in a town called (okay smile now) Intercourse PA. It is in Lancaster County and in a very rich shopping area that many tour buses go to (lets say a destination).

In the town of Gettysburg there used to be a quilting store - which specialized in Civil War Fabrics (I know that may be a bit obvious). I'm not sure if it is still there but you may want to look for it online!

You should have a GREAT visit! Take pictures and update us!!!

Weather - it is April so you will want to layer!

I'm a little bit north of Lancaster, so don't go to any quilt shops there, but weather wise, it will probably be a little on the chilly side, but maybe sunny and rain is a good possibility throughout April to mid-May. have fun on your trip and don't forget to take pictures!!

I live just south of the PA line in Maryland. I am about halfway between Gettysburg and Lancaster. Either destination is a little over an hour drive for me. In my younger days I often ran up to one or the other to hit the quilt shops. There is a place called Sauders that is a must in the Lancaster area for quilters. Several times a year they have fantastic sales. There is an annual Lancaster Quilt Show that I think falls about the time of the year you will be going. It would be wonderful if it is part of your trip. Do go on line and look up the shops that were mentioned. Or just go to the Lancaster or Adams County county sites and search for quilt related businesses. You will see some wonderful quilts and very interesting people.

What a fun time you will have. When I went they only took cash or checks, no cards. This was a few years ago so things might be different. Have fun.

Have a great vacation.

My DH and I went to Lancaster and Intercourse last October. We are planning on going back in March. It was fantastic! The fabric was out of this world and so reasonable in price. Lots and lots of primitive work also. if you like that. We started off at a shop called Martins, oh my goodness, this is located before Intercourse but what a neat place. Three different stores on one lot in the country. Fabric that was amazing and reasonable. In town, more shops than you could imagine. Also, the old candle barn, if that is on your tour, you won't be disappointed. (On Fridays they have a downstairs sale, candles that are less than perfect for a third of the cost.) Have fun!

I love visiting Lancaster, not just for the fabric but the FOOD !!!!

If you like theater, Lancaster Sight & Sound does some wonderful productions:
http://www.sight-sound.com

There are three shops in Intercourse within a block or two of each other. Zooks, The Old Country Store and Bitty Kinna's. Zooks is my favorite - lots of fabric and cheap. It's run by an Amish family and the lighting was gas lanterns until a few years ago.

Well, welcome ahead of time....you'll be in awe. The quilts used to hang from the porches!

Sounds wonderful have a great time.

These shops are all great and since your bus tour includes Intercourse you'll be right there. Probably at Kettle Kitchen (I think that's the name) right behind there. Easy walking distance. All 3 now take credit cards as well - just for info - not trying to encourage you to go in debt there! You'll have a wonderful time. I usually go several times a year as it's only about 1.5 hours for me and I have to do other business out that way anyhow. At least that's what I tell myself and DH!

It was all of 23 degrees today with a wind that could knock down a small child Bundle Up and have fun!!!!!

You're going to love your trip, the weather will probably still be a little chilly. I lived in Gettysburg when I first came here from MD in 1987, I really loved the small town atmosphere, and my gg grandfather's even fought there ! I've visited Intercourse, love that area too. There are so many quilt shops around in Lancaster and Lebanon too. I settled in Lebanon 7 years ago, the Amish are amazing quilter's and prices for fabrics in the shops are always reasonable. The quilt shows around these areas are real joy to see. Check websites so you will be ready for the wonderful sites you'll see !

Oh, you guys, I don't think I can wait until end April to go, it all sounds so exciting. I'm making a list of all these shops mentioned, and will let the guide know. She is a quilter too, so I hope we will hit a few of them, cc's in hand!

great place to shop but, be aware the some of the shops and quilt shops are closed on the weekends

Have Fun!!