Lancaster, Pennsylvania, uniquely combines a deep historical narrative with a vibrant modern sensibility. The area draws attention for its distinct cultural heritage, particularly the presence of the Amish, and its role as one of the oldest inland cities in the United States. Visitors are attracted by the blend of peaceful, traditional farmlands and a revitalized urban core that has become a hub for arts and culinary experiences.
The Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch Country
The rural landscape of Lancaster County is internationally recognized as the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, home to the Old Order Amish community. This traditional way of life is defined by a desire for separation from the modern world, maintained through selective technology use, notably excluding electricity and automobiles. The Amish maintain agricultural practices using horse-drawn equipment for field work rather than modern mechanized machinery.
The farmlands are known for being some of the most productive non-irrigated land in the nation, often called the “Garden Spot of the World.” Main crops grown include corn, hay, wheat, soybeans, and tobacco. Beyond farming, the Amish community is recognized for its craftsmanship, producing items like quilts, furniture, and leather goods.
Visitors frequently encounter horse-drawn buggies, the primary mode of transportation for the Old Order Amish. These plain people live by a strong sense of community, evident in cooperative events like barn raisings. When observing this unique lifestyle, visitors are reminded to be respectful of privacy by viewing from a distance and refraining from photographing faces without permission.
Lancaster City History and Arts Scene
In contrast to the surrounding farmlands, Lancaster City is a thriving urban center with a history dating back to its founding in the early 1700s. It holds the distinction of being one of the oldest inland cities in the United States and served briefly as the National Capital on September 27, 1777, when the Continental Congress temporarily relocated during the Revolutionary War.
The cityscape is marked by a blend of styles, including Victorian-era buildings and the earlier Federal style, with many structures dating from the city’s rapid growth between 1860 and 1930. The historic district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcases this diversity, featuring rowhouses, mansions, and former factories constructed of dark red brick.
This historical foundation has been paired with a modern revitalization that has cultivated a dynamic arts and culture district. The arts scene is anchored by institutions like the Fulton Theatre, which opened in 1852 and is recognized as one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in the country. Numerous galleries, boutique shops, and performance venues have transformed historic structures into contemporary spaces.
Culinary Traditions and Central Market
Lancaster’s culinary identity is rooted in the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, a food culture evolved from German immigrant heritage and reliance on simple, fresh ingredients. This cuisine is known for hearty dishes and baked goods distinct from modern Dutch or German food. Signature items include Shoofly Pie, a molasses-based crumb cake, and chicken pot pie, which in this region is a stew with thick, homemade noodles.
The Pennsylvania Dutch also specialize in cured meats like Lebanon bologna and various pickled vegetables, such as chow-chow. These traditional foods are easily found at the historic Central Market, which operates within a distinctive red brick Romanesque Revival building constructed in 1889. The market is a celebrated landmark, dating back to 1730, and holds the status of the oldest continuously operating farmer’s market in the nation.
Located in the heart of downtown at Penn Square, Central Market serves as a cultural bridge between the rural county and the city. The market features dozens of vendors, many operated by the same families for generations, offering everything from fresh produce and meats to prepared Dutch specialties.