Few places in the northeastern United States offer the kind of living history that Amish Country Pennsylvania does. Horse-drawn buggies share the road with modern cars, hand-built farmsteads stretch across rolling hills, and a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries plays out in plain sight. For anyone curious about the Pennsylvania Dutch heritage that helped define early American culture, this region is worth far more than a weekend.
Of course, Amish Country isn’t the only reason to plan a trip to the Reading area. The region is full of other things to do near Reading, from hiking trails along the South Mountain ridge to local wineries and historic downtown shopping. Pairing a day in Pennsylvania Amish Country with a few days exploring everything else nearby makes for a much fuller trip, and gives you a reason to stay a little longer than you originally planned.
That’s where The South Mountain Inn comes in. Staying at our Bed and Breakfast in Pennsylvania puts you within easy reach of one of the most culturally rich regions in the country, while giving you a place to come back to that feels nothing like a standard hotel. Morning coffee delivered right to your room, thoughtful amenities, and personalized hospitality set the tone for the whole trip before you’ve even left for the day. Book your stay today!
Explore Amish Country Pennsylvania
Most people associate Amish Country Pennsylvania with Lancaster County, and for good reason. But the story of the Amish settlement in Pennsylvania actually begins much closer to Reading. The Northkill Amish Settlement in Berks County, established in the mid-1700s, holds the distinction of being the first Amish community in the New World.
By 1780, it had become the largest Amish settlement in North America. Facing increasing pressure from land scarcity and security threats during a turbulent era in colonial history, the community eventually relocated south, giving rise to the Lancaster County settlements that became the longest continuously existing Amish community in the world. That history adds a layer of meaning to everything you experience when you head south from Reading into Amish Country Pennsylvania. You’re not just visiting a quaint corner of rural Pennsylvania; you’re walking on ground that connects directly to the origins of Amish life in America.
Lancaster County’s Amish heartland sits roughly 45 to 60 minutes south of Reading, making it an easy day trip or the anchor for a longer itinerary. The towns of Ephrata, Lititz, Leola, Ronks, and Intercourse each have their own character, and together they give you a well-rounded picture of what life looks like inside one of the most vibrant Amish communities in the country.
Ephrata is a great place to start, with a manageable small-town feel and a strong connection to Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Lititz offers charming streets lined with independent shops and a surprisingly good food scene. Further east, Leola, Ronks, and Intercourse put you squarely in working Amish Country Pennsylvania farmland, where roadside stands sell fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts with no fanfare and no performance.
A few practical things to keep in mind before you go. Many Amish-run shops, stands, and markets are cash-only, so it’s worth stopping at an ATM in Reading before you head south. Almost everything in the area, including the Amish Village and most family farms, closes on Sundays out of respect for the Amish day of worship, so plan your itinerary around a Friday or Saturday if you want the full experience. And while it’s tempting to snap a photo of a passing buggy or a farmer in the field, most Amish families prefer not to be photographed for religious reasons. A respectful nod or wave goes a lot further than a camera ever will.
If you visit only one place during your time in Amish Country Pennsylvania, make it the Green Dragon Farmers Market in Ephrata. Open every Friday, this sprawling indoor-and-outdoor market has been a gathering place for the local Amish community and the surrounding region for decades. More than 400 vendors fill the space with everything from fresh-cut meats and handmade quilts to antiques, livestock, and homemade pies that will reset your expectations for what pie can be.
The Green Dragon is one of those rare places where the things to do near Lancaster blur together with real daily life. Families from local Amish farms come to sell, trade, and connect, and you’re welcome to be part of it. Arrive early to get the full experience before the crowds thin the selection, and bring cash, plus a cooler if you’re planning to bring meat or produce home.
For a more structured introduction to Amish life, The Amish Village near Strasburg offers guided tours of a working farm and the chance to ask questions in a respectful, educational setting. It’s a good option if you’re visiting with children or if you want context before wandering the back roads on your own.
Several operating Amish Country Pennsylvania farms welcome visitors for tours, giving you an up-close look at how farming traditions, animal husbandry, and community life intersect in ways that feel both ancient and remarkably practical. Driving the rural roads between towns is an experience in itself. Keep your speed down, give buggies plenty of room, and resist the urge to photograph people without permission.
Stay at a Top Bed and Breakfast in Pennsylvania
After a full day exploring Amish Country Pennsylvania, returning to a thoughtfully run Reading bed and breakfast changes the whole rhythm of a trip. What sets our PA Bed and Breakfast apart from the hotels clustered near the highway is the attention to detail. Morning coffee at your door before you’ve even thought about getting up, comfortable and well-appointed rooms, a beautiful setting away from traffic and noise, and a staff that actually knows the area well enough to point you toward the right farm stand or the quietest back road. Those things don’t just add comfort; they make the whole trip feel personal in a way a chain hotel never could.
If you’re planning a trip to Amish Country Pennsylvania, book your stay at our Bed and Breakfast in PA and turn a day trip into a getaway worth remembering. Reserve your room now!