Lancaster, PA Quilt Week....have you been?
 

I am thinking of spending a day or two in Lancaster visiting the shows. Have you been? Can you recommend a hotel? Any suggestions for a first timer? I have been attending the show in Hampton VA (previously held in Williamsburg) but feel it is time for a change. Thanks for any info.
Claire

The show is in the city. You may want to stay in the outskirts if you have your own transportation. Lancaster and the surrounding towns have oodles of hotels. There is a free show at the same time and it is held on Route 30 at the Host and across the street. If it were me, I would stay in that area. Or you could stay closer to Intercourse where there are 2 nice fabric shops.

I have never been but sound like a really wonderful time!!!!!!!!

It's been a few years since I've been. Honestly don't remember where we stayed but it was definitely on the outskirts of town. As joysewer says, the main show is in downtown Lancaster but there are the other 2 locations for shows - both quilts and vendors at the Host convention center and across the street from there. Many great quilt/fabric shops in Intercourse, Bird-in-Hand and other surrounding towns. Just remember, in most cases the shops in the area are not open on Sunday. I would recommend going for a couple of days in advance of the shows to do any shopping. Most of the shops have 'show special pricing' during that timeframe as well. Enjoy. It's great fun if you've not been and the fabric shopping is awesome! You'll never want to buy fabric anywhere else.

I have gone for the past three years. I go with my daughter, and we always stay at Willow Valley Hotel. It is about a ten minute drive to the show in Lancaster. The drive is easy, but parking your car is another issue. Go, you will have a great time.

I went to the show last year. It was great, but it was my first show. I also went to the show at the Host.
I stayed at the Hampton Inn n Ephrata. I don't know how many miles away. It includes breakfast, and it was a decent place for not big dollars..

Thanks for all the information, it's very helpful. I feel a road trip coming on!

I have been and it is well worth going to the show and also seeing the old city. If you are going to spend a few days you won't be disappointed. Not only will the show be wonderful the points of interest right in town are wonderful. Lots of gallerys and museums. A pretty little city.
peace

What is the time frame for this show?

I went about 10 years ago...don't remember where we stayed...but had a great time!

this is the 3rd annual AQS show I believe. I went two years ago and its a great show. i live in hampton roads and go to hampton show every year. AQS show is better and more variety. willow valley is a great hotel. by this time most of the rooms in intercourse and neighboring towns are full but dont miss visiting them! i love this show! you wont be disappointed!

I forgot the name of the hotel but if you go towards the city of Lancaster on Rt. 30, pass Dutch Wonderland on the right, start up the hill past a few businesses and there are a couple of hotels. Their signs show $39 - $49 and are fairly new places. I live in DE and go up often. Get the little yellow brochure that folds out to the local map and most of the places
to see are on there. The road in Intercourse (easy to reach on Ronks Rd. from Rt. 30) has several quilt fabric shops. Try to
go to East Earl, Pa. to Shady Maple Restaurant, best around, and the store in front is Goods. They have wonderful prices on
fabric, plus a wall of seconds for around $3 a yard, but is good fabric. Google quilt shops for Lancaster, Pa. and you will get
a list. I am planning to attend the quilt show in Lancaster,as well as in Va. (near Washington, DC) BWI airport. I cannot remember the name of the town. It is very close to the Jinny Beyer shop. That is a wonderful show.

I'm going for the first time. I've been the the Hershey show a few times and I visit the Lancaster area several times a year, but this year I wanted to see the show and get into the crazy crowds of quilters! I stay in Intercourse and enjoy driving out in the country to get to a few of the back road places.

To get to the downtown show I was thinking I'd just drive into Lancaster and park far away and take a nice long walk to the show. I'm still not sure exactly where the shows are. I suppose I should figure out the specifics soon. I don't always plan and organize in advance....

Ragamuffin, are you talking about the Quilters Unlimited Quilt show in Chantilly, VA?

Lancaster and surrounding areas is great...there are so many quilt shops around and their prices are fabulous! Love Shady Maple Restaurant off Rt 23 and the Goods there. Also great shops are Burkholder's in Denver, PA; Zooks, Old Country Store and Log Cabin Quilts on Rt 340 (Intercourse) and I did not even mention all of them :) Add to that all the cute gift shops and antique shops around and you can spent a week there with something new to explore every day!

Just pre-ordered tickets today. EXCITED!! :D

What is the date for this show? Sounds interesting and possibly expensive, of course if I did not shop it would be ok.

I always stay at the Lancaster Arts Hotel. It's beautiful and clean, a bit more expensive than some others, but included in the price you also get unlimited free taxi service to anyplace within 5 or 7 miles (I forget which), so that gets you to and from the quilt show anytime you want, without having to drive in narrow crowded streets and having to find and pay for parking or walking a mile to your car. You'll walk enough at the show, believe me! Anytime you're ready to go back to the hotel, you just call them and they send a taxi. Then you get ready for dinner, and take another free taxi...Sew convenient! Once I check in, my car doesn't move again until I'm going home. :thumbup: