Pennsylvania Dutch Country

The Pennsylvania Dutch are actually "Deutsche," people who speak a form of German. Though many German-Swiss Protestants settled here, those most associated with Dutch Country are Old Order Amish, a sect of protestant Mennonites. Amish aim to be "in the world but not of it." Their conservative dress - straw hats and black suits for men and covered hair and dark dresses for women - combined with the shunning of automobiles, wristwatches, telephones and televisions make the sect a fascinating anachronism. Their horse-drawn buggies ply the roadways, especially on Sunday when families make their way to services at a designated home. Lancaster is ...

The Pennsylvania Dutch are actually "Deutsche," people who speak a form of German. Though many German-Swiss Protestants settled here, those most associated with Dutch Country are Old Order Amish, a sect of protestant Mennonites. Amish aim to be "in the world but not of it." Their conservative dress - straw hats and black suits for men and covered hair and dark dresses for women - combined with the shunning of automobiles, wristwatches, telephones and televisions make the sect a fascinating anachronism. Their horse-drawn buggies ply the roadways, especially on Sunday when families make their way to services at a designated home. Lancaster is the epicenter of Dutch country, but the entire area from Columbia to Blue Ball is a study in small villages, bounteous farm markets, peaceful farms powered by wind and water, and bulk stores where everything a good wife needs may be purchased by the pound. Dutch Country hosts several interesting museums and several fine B&Bs. Make sure to stop by Dienner's Country Bar-B-Q or one of the other family restaurants for a traditional Dutch meal consisting of dozens of sweet and savory courses.

About the Expert

Joanne Miller is the author of several Moon guidebooks, including Pennsylvania Handbook, Chesapeake Bay Handbook, and Maryland/Delaware Handbook.