The Amish Village Holiday Tradition Tour

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Christmastime reminds many of warm hugs and holiday cheer, but did you know the Amish don’t offer Christmas hugs; instead choosing handshakes since they prefer not to show affection? During The Amish Village’s newly unveiled Amish Holiday Tradition Tour, learn intriguing facts about Amish holiday traditions and the reasons behind these customs.

A guided tour of an original 1840 Amish Farmhouse offers an insider’s look at authentic Amish life in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, while showing how centuries-old heritage and religious beliefs influence how the Amish celebrate the holidays today. Additional seasonal decorations are displayed inside the Amish one-room schoolhouse. During the tour, guests are welcomed with regional favorite treats of pretzels and hot cider. Traditional Christmas gifts and holiday items are available for purchase while visitors sample delicious seasonal Amish delights.
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Why You Should Want To #VisitLancaster

When it’s time to get away, scenic Lancaster, PA is one of our favorite places to go. There is plenty to do, see, and eat in this family friendly environment. Here are some great places to visit in Lancaster, one of our favorite places to spend time as a family (and sure to be one of yours, as well).

lancaster PAThe Strasburg Railroad is the home to many restored trains from around the USA. Many train fanatics call this site the best historic railroad in America for visitors, and for good reason. Recognized as one of the most significant historic railroads in the USA, the Strasburg Railroad has acquired historic trains from all over the country, and recently celebrated operating for 50 years as a tourist railroad It is one of the remaining stations where you and your family can ride the refurbished trains and steam engines. This station is large, restored, and maintained beautifully- a source of pride for the local people.

strasburg railroadEvery time we visit, we truly sense the enjoyment that the conductors and employees have for their jobs- it shines though as they take their time with every child, posing for photos and answering train trivia with a smile. As you ride the beautifully restored trains through Amish country, learning about steam railroading, agriculture, Amish culture and Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, enjoy your family and your little ones, and let worries slip away. They are little for only so long, and riding in a “real” train is going to be a real delight. There was a “vintage baseball” game being played while we visited last weekend, where olde-time dressed players used old rules, terms, and equipments to play the game. It was very enjoyable to watch, and their wives came in full period clothing as well. There are other special events going on regularly at the Strasburg railroad. Check out the calendar and plan for your favorites.

pic 3Strasburg Rail Road is pleased to offer an all-new Summer Fun Pass, a value-packed ticket option for individuals and families who want more bang for their buck! The Summer Fun Pass is valid from May 25 – September 2 and includes unlimited steam train and fun extra rides.

At just $35 per person for ages 3 and older, this pass will pay for itself in just three visits, one of the best offerings from Lancaster County attractions. [Read more…]

Meet Me at @SesamePlace #ThemePark

One of my son’s highlights has been his recent trip to Sesame Place in Buck’s County, PA. I grew up with Sesame Street, and as a teacher I love the educational, social, and cultural values it helps to instill. As a parent- I love it, too! There are versions of Sesame Street all over the world- from Russia to Mexico. Something about knowing that this sweet, educational show unites kids globally (literally) really touches me- and even more so now that I myself am a mom, teacher, and travel enthusiast. You can’t see the world until you go out and experience it- start young, and make a little global citizen. But I digress!

We had so much fun at the theme park, there are all sorts of fun rides- and for once, they are ALL aimed at little ones.

One of Little Man’s favorite [Read more…]

Strasburg Rail Road – Santa and Night Before Christmas Train

Does your little one (or big one, or husband?) love trains as much as mine does? If they do, then you will want to make sure that at some point, you take the time to visit the Strasburg Railroad.
Recognized as one of the most significant historic railroads in the USA, the Strasburg Railroad has acquired historic trains from all over the country, and recently celebrated operating for 50 years as a tourist railroad.

It is in a beautiful location, with lovely views and rolling landscapes. You will feel as though you stepped back in time from the minute you arrive- from the sharply dressed conductors and train operators, to the ticket sales window where you will purchase your passes, all decorated for the holidays.

Jolly Old St. Nick is at Strasburg Rail Road Saturdays and Sundays through December 16 for the holiday tradition: Santa’s Paradise Express. Families will relax on the 45-minute ride as Santa, his helper and musicians stroll from car-to-car, greeting and entertaining children of all ages. After the train ride, children are treated to storybook readings of holiday classics. Children ages 3 to 11 also receive a gift from Santa and his helper. Carolers will tour each train car singing much loved holiday classics.

Also on site is the Cagney Steam Train [Read more…]

Vacations with an Amish Flair in Lancaster, PA

Most of us spend our day to day lives feeling pulled in a thousand directions, and almost everyone I meet classifies themselves as a “busy” person. When it’s time to get away, scenic Lancaster, PA is one of the best places for a slower paced, laid back atmosphere to unwind in a family friendly environment. There is plenty to do (and eat), but you will never feel overwhelmed, rushed, or hurried. These are some of our favorite Amish-inspired destinations in Lancaster, one of our favorite places to spend time as a family.

All aboard the Strasburg Railroad! with the friendly conductor

The Strasburg Railroad is the home to many restored trains from around the USA. Many train fanatics call this site the best historic railroad in America for visitors, and for good reason. Recognized as one of the most significant historic railroads in the USA, the Strasburg Railroad has acquired historic trains from all over the country, and recently celebrated operating for 50 years as a tourist railroad It is one of the remaining stations where you and your family can ride the refurbished trains and steam engines. This station is large, restored, and maintained beautifully- a source of pride for [Read more…]

Sesame Place #Spooktacular @SesamePlace

Halloween themed destinations often fall into two categories- scary/non-kid friendly, or family friendly to the point of boredom for adults. As always, Sesame Place has made a wonderful middle ground with “The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular”. The Spooktacular event transforms Sesame Place from the summer amusement park destination for kids of all ages to a Halloween themed wonderland of Sesame Street proportions.


The Spooktacular starts with an already cool park (but now without water rides), then adds Trick or Treating and special Spooktacular rides, decorations, and attractions. These include an Un-Haunted Castle maze, which is adorable to roam through, and without a single scare is great for kids of all ages with tons of interactive discoveries (and buttons to push) and fun learning experiences.

There is also Abby Cadabby’s Magical Halloween Maze, which is a fun hay-bale maze full of sparkle-riffic fun for kids. The story behind the attraction is that you and your kids must help find Abby’s missing wand and of course, experience the hijinks that occur in the process.

There is also a wonderful family themed hay ride with a Sesame Street character in their own costume as well. When we went we had Bert dressed as a farmer. During the ride there was singing and stories and laughing [Read more…]

Clifford the Big Red Dog Coming to Keswick Theatre

Clifford is coming soon to the Keswick Theater, and we cannot wait to go see the show. What child doesn’t love this Big, Red Dog?

Clifford the Big Red Dog is coming to the Keswick Theatre on Sunday, October 14TH for 2 BIG shows at 1 and 4PM to celebrate his 50TH Birthday in a special live theatrical show featuring new songs, dancing and laughter the whole family will love.
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Wordless Wednesday – Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head…(PLUS LINKY)


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