Looking for something to do with your family, doesn't mean you have to spend ridiculous money to have a good time. In "trip planning" section there are a few tips regarding researching things to do close to your home. My home state is NJ, there is a lot to do within a few hours drive. Day trips are an excellent way to have fun on a day off and save money not having to stay at a hotel. Amusement parks are fun, but doing something different can be a memorable experience for you family. As a parent it is important to expose your children to all kinds of different experiences to help them grow. This is part of the reason we chose this town. Ronks, PA is a little over 2 hours away. It is home to 51,000 Amish. Why not let the kids experience how another culture lives their lives. They will learn to appreciate how others live.
The Amish migrated to the United States in 1700s. They wanted the religious freedom the US promised. The original settlers landed in Philadelphia and walked 70 miles, all the way to Ronks. They have lived all this time holding on to their traditions and beliefs. Their way of life, I must admit, is kind of beautiful. They believe that God, prefers they do things in the simplest way. That is evidenced by their clothing, food and the way they chose to raise their children. They believe that family, is everything. They raise their family to be obedient and loyal to their family and God. The Amish live among regular people, despite what you hear. They don't live in the woods surrounded by trees. The have farm land and there are plenty of regular communities living around them. They believe in not being connected to the world or living like everyone else. They believe they are called to live and worship apart from this world. We live in this world and are connected with it. They do work with Englishmen (that's us). Their kids play with our kids, with limits.
What is there to do in Ronks? There is lots to do in this town. There is farm land, shopping, fresh honey and jams your fancy? They got that. You can buy that from Amish or Englishmen. LOL.
I recommend taking the tour. That is not a surprise to anyone following my blogs. I like to start any trip with a tour. I want someone that knows the area to show me what there is to do. I like to maximize my time and history lessons. You can do both of these on a tour. The Amish Village tours, is a good tour. Its about 90 minutes long. They take you to an Amish farm , where you get to meet some of the townspeople and talk to them. The tour takes goes through the town and point out key facts about the Amish.
One of the stops is a Amish farm. They have a live stock you can pet. You can explore their farm lands. They have pony rides for small children. You can buy animal feed and give it to the goats, pigs, llamas and horses. The also have a farm store there that sell eggs, milk, etc. They also have a gift shop that sells an assortment of things like homemade snacks, clothing and home items. There are several spots you can take some really nice pictures. Pro tip , look down when walking around the farm, there is animal patties on the trails.
Many of the farmers and shops use the honor system in many of these market places. What is the honor system? There is a can located near the goods to buy. Such as in the picture near the ponies there is a can with feed , its $1. You put the money in the can. This is great teaching moment for kids on how to be honest. The importance of not stealing.
Many of these Amish stores are like that. If the attendant is not around just drop your cash in the bucket and take your items. Many of the shops do not accept credit cards. Bring some cash with you. IT is always a good idea to carry some cash with you, don't use your cards in sketchy places. This is not directed toward the Amish....its a general rule of thumb. I always carry money and use it in gas stations, and little mom and pop stores.
Once you bus tour is complete you can visit their Amish village. Which was an actual Amish village but was purchased by an Englishmen, and left exactly as it was and made a tourist destination. There is a typical Amish house you can tour. They tour guides explain their way of life. What their clothes look like and how simple they are made. The Amish despite stereo types do use some technology. Their beliefs do not allow them to be connected to the outside world. They will not use public utilities, because it ties them to the world. They believe they need to live separate from the world. Some of them will use propane tanks to cook and make their own electricity. Some of them use solar panels, for light and to run farm equipment. They use the least amount of power as possible. There is no TV, no video games. Some have emergency phone line in an outhouse looking structure that they will use to speak to Englishmen to conduct business. If you haven't figured it out we are Englishmen.
There are several places to eat, including a Katie's Kitchen. It is owned and operated by the Amish. The food is fresh and so good. Reminds me of country food. They eat hardy food, like fresh sausage, ham, chicken, potatoes and more. The Amish women run this place. Its pretty cool to watch them work. They each have a job and do it flawlessly. The place was packed but they kept the customers moving, the food is prepared quickly and the tables get turned over rather quick. We waited about 15 minutes for a party of 7 and the place was packed. They make awesome chicken fingers for the kids. My little chicken nugget king gave them two thumbs up.
There are plenty of shops in the area. The Amish make items hand made to sell to tourist. Items you can find in these shops range from food, snacks, blankets, straw hats, and clothing. The tour guide explained to me that the items that they make are priced in a way that the people making them earn about two dollars per hour. The Amish make things to make a living and live simple. They don't do it to get rich. You can get things at a good price especially being hand made. I know I usually promote saving money, but this community lives off of what is sold to tourist. So, good ahead and splurge a bit.
What else is there to do in the area?
Tanger Outlets: Its a few minutes drive from Amish village, many of the store we know and like.
Antiques Village of Strasburg: Antique shopping your thing? Lots to look through here.
Choo Choo Barn Trains: Model trains and a museum for kids who loves trains.
Rough and Tumble Museum: farm equipment , trains, equipment that kids can explore.
Sights and Sounds Theater: Better than Broadway, especially for the kids. Watch your favorite bible stories comes to life at this theater.
What else? Check out Google maps, that what we do when we are going somewhere...then click on links and make a list.
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