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.
- Joanne Miller for Triporati
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