How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States
1. Central Market
A historic indoor market offering a variety of local goods. Avoid tourist traps by visiting early in the day or on weekdays for fresher produce and fewer crowds.
- Time of Visit: Early mornings or weekdays are less crowded
- Local Goods: Offers a variety of fresh, locally sourced goods
- Weekend Avoidance: Weekends tend to be more crowded with tourists
2. Lancaster Central Railroad
A tourist train ride offering scenic views of Lancaster County. Avoid tourist traps by booking in advance and choosing off-peak hours.
- Advance Booking: Booking in advance can secure better prices and times
- Off-Peak Hours: Less crowded during off-peak hours or days
- Scenic Routes: Provides scenic views of Lancaster County away from tourist areas
3. Rock Ford Plantation
A historic home museum showcasing the life of General Edward Hand. Avoid tourist traps by visiting during quieter times or purchasing combination tickets.
- Quieter Times: Visit during less crowded hours or days
- Combination Tickets: Purchasing combination tickets can save time and money
- Historical Significance: Offers a unique look into the life of General Edward Hand
4. Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
A living history museum showcasing Pennsylvania German farm culture. Avoid tourist traps by visiting during the week or purchasing combination tickets.
- Weekday Visit: Visiting during the week is less crowded
- Combination Tickets: Purchasing combination tickets can save time and money
- Living History: Offers a unique opportunity to experience Pennsylvania German farm culture
5. Hershey's Chocolate World
A Hershey's-themed attraction with chocolate tours and shops. Avoid tourist traps by visiting during off-peak hours or purchasing tour tickets online.
- Off-Peak Hours: Less crowded during off-peak hours or days
- Online Tickets: Purchasing tickets online can secure better times and avoid waiting in lines
- Chocolate Tours: Offers behind-the-scenes tours of chocolate production
6. Dutch Wonderland
A family-friendly amusement park with rides and water attractions. Avoid tourist traps by visiting during the week or purchasing online tickets.
- Weekday Visit: Visiting during the week is less crowded
- Online Tickets: Purchasing tickets online can secure better times and avoid waiting in lines
- Family-Friendly Attractions: Offers a variety of family-friendly rides and attractions
7. Lancaster County Covered Bridges
A collection of historic covered bridges scattered throughout the county. Avoid tourist traps by using a map and visiting less-crowded bridges.
- Covered Bridge Map: Use a map to find the lesser-known covered bridges
- Less-Crowded Bridges: Visit bridges that are less popular with tourists
- Historic Significance: These bridges are a piece of Lancaster County's rich history
8. Lancaster County Amish Farmlands Tours
Tours providing insight into the Amish culture and lifestyle. Avoid tourist traps by booking private tours or researching reputable companies.
- Private Tours: Private tours offer a more personal experience
- Reputable Companies: Research companies with good reviews and reputations
- Amish Culture: Provides unique insights into the Amish way of life
9. Strasburg Rail Road
A historic steam-powered railroad offering scenic rides. Avoid tourist traps by booking in advance and choosing off-peak hours.
- Advance Booking: Booking in advance can secure better prices and times
- Off-Peak Hours: Less crowded during off-peak hours or days
- Steam-Powered Experience: Provides a unique steam-powered railroad experience
10. Kitchen Kettle Village
A collection of shops and restaurants housed in olde-tyme buildings. Avoid tourist traps by visiting during quieter times or exploring off the beaten path.
- Quieter Times: Visit during less crowded hours or days
- Off the Beaten Path: Explore areas off the main thoroughfare for unique finds
- Olde-Tyme Shops: Unique shops selling a variety of Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch goods
11. American Music Theatre
A theatre showcasing a variety of live performances. Avoid tourist traps by booking in advance for the best shows and times.
- Advance Booking: Booking in advance can secure better seats and prices
- Variety of Shows: Offers a variety of live performances ranging from music to comedy
- Quality Entertainment: Known for its high-quality entertainment
12. Rohrbach's Bakery & Restaurant
A traditional Pennsylvania Dutch restaurant serving homemade food. Avoid tourist traps by visiting during quieter times or researching authentic spots.
- Quieter Times: Visit during less crowded hours or days
- Authentic Spot: Serves traditional Pennsylvania Dutch food in a welcoming atmosphere
- Homemade Food: Known for its homemade bread and pastries
13. Wheatland Slipper House
A historic home museum dedicated to President James Buchanan. Avoid tourist traps by visiting during quieter times or purchasing combination tickets.
- Quieter Times: Visit during less crowded hours or days
- Combination Tickets: Purchasing combination tickets can save time and money
- Historical Significance: Offers a unique look into the life of President James Buchanan
14. Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society Museum
A museum showcasing the history and culture of the Mennonite people. Avoid tourist traps by visiting during quieter times or researching lesser-known exhibits.
- Quieter Times: Visit during less crowded hours or days
- Lesser-Known Exhibits: Explore lesser-known exhibits for a more authentic experience
- Mennonite Culture: Provides unique insights into the Mennonite way of life