Taking Things Slow in Lancaster, PA

Lancaster County, PA
Lancaster County, PA

In Lancaster, PA, everything’s just a little bit slower. Here, you share the road with horse-drawn buggies, eat classic Dutch Country fare, and experience the life at a slower pace. It’s the kind of place that will take you down memory lane instantly, even if it’s somewhere you’ve never been before. Lancaster is probably best known for its strong Amish population. On a visit to “Dutch Country” you will surely end up eating at restaurants and shopping in stores run by the Amish. The Amish are known for their plain dress and living without modern technology or electricity. Though it may seem like a novelty for visitors, this is how the Amish choose to live their lives, setting an example to visitors of different, more traditional ways to live in our fast paced-modern world.

Central Market, Lancaster, PA

The Central Market in the heart of Lancaster County is, “reputedly the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in the U.S.” Don’t miss out on their “First Fridays” event, when the market is open late into the evening and features live music, family friendly entertainment, and other special events. The market is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 6AM-4PM, Saturdays from 6AM-2PM, and the first Friday of the month from 6pm-9pm in the alleyway.

Good eatin’ in Lancaster and where to walk it off.

Restaurants in Lancaster often serve farm to table meals and the menus are often comprised of homestyle recipes like fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, gravy, and more. Dienner’s Country Restaurant is one of the most beloved of these restaurants to serve up the classic Dutch country fare. It is family owned and run since 1993. Most establishments are closed on Sundays – so if you find yourself itching for something to do take advantage of the hiking trails around Lancaster. Lake Grubb Nature Park is popular because it is a fairly easy stroll around Lake Grubb with designated fishing areas and Conewago Recreation Trail, a network of recreational trails built over abandoned railroads and popular among both hikers and cyclists. There are a variety of habitats along the trail and goes through wetlands, farms, forests, and a rock field. The trail is popular among bird-watchers and nature enthusiasts as well.

Go above and beyond in a hot air balloon tour.

Visit Lancaster from a different perspective… rather, a bird’s eye view! Reserve your spot to take a hot air balloon tour with the US Hot Air Balloon Team. On your tour, you’ll fly over the Lancaster County farmland plus other towns in the area like Intercourse, Bird in Hand, and Strasburg. From way up there, see if you can spot the horse-drawn buggies and on a clear day, the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay!

Circle M RV & Camping Resort
Circle M RV & Camping Resort

Round Out Your Experience By Staying in a Yurt at Circle M!

Why not make your experience totally unique by staying in one of the brand new yurts at Circle M RV & Camping Resort? A yurt is dome-shaped, circular style tent usually made with canvas and wood. The canvas keeps guests warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The yurt is based on an old tried and true design that has been used by nomads for thousands of years; now, glampers and people who are looking to add more space and functionality to their camping experience. Circle M RV Campground is located in Lancaster County in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. This western-style campground has plenty of amenities – from swimming pools to shuffleboard, weekend activities to barbecues and picnics – it’s easy to make Circle M your next destination for relaxation! Plus, Circle M RV Campground is close to activities in Lancaster County including Amish attractions, or nearby shopping and dining. Make a reservation today!

Your Next Perfect Getaway is in Wisconsin!

Tranquil Timbers Camping Resort, Sturgeon Bay WI
Tranquil Timbers Camping Resort, Sturgeon Bay WI

Sure you’ve heard of Door County, that oasis in the midwest known for its year-round water parks and five state parks! Nestled along Lake Michigan on the Wisconsin side, there is always something to explore along Door County peninsula’s 300 miles of shoreline and Tranquil Timbers in Sturgeon Bay is the perfect home base for your Door County summertime adventures! We’ve got a few of the area’s many unique excursions and activities rounded up here. Check ‘em out and let us know where you plan to retreat this summer in Wisconsin!

Frank Lloyd Wright Heritage Trail

One of the state’s most famous Wisconsinites was Frank Lloyd Wright, often called “America’s greatest architect,” who designed a number of recognizable buildings around the country like the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. He was famous for his “prairie style” of architecture, which is characterized by open floor plans and low pitched roofs. Wright designed all kinds of buildings from churches to single family homes, museums, and a small number of government buildings. If you’re up for a unique experience to complement your vacation, take a self-guided tour along the Frank Lloyd Wright Heritage Trail. This trail stretches 200 miles beginning on the Illinois border on I-94 and takes visitors westward to a number of Wright’s famous structures and ends at his home and studio, “Taliesin,” in Spring Green, WI. For more information about visiting the Frank Lloyd Wright Heritage Trail, visit franklloydwright.org.

Whitefish Dunes State Park

Whitefish Dunes State Park is just one of five incredible state parks in Door County. Open year round, this park is right along the beaches of Lake Michigan. Exploring the dunes is never dull. There is plenty of space to enjoy picnicking on the beach, exploring the dunes, and hiking along its many trails. Be sure to stop by the park’s nature center where there are exhibits on ecology, geology, and human history, plus year-round education programs. Whitefish Dunes State Park is just a short, 30 minute drive on WI-42N from Tranquil Timbers Camping Resort.

Waterfront Mary’s

Hang with the locals and enjoy some down-home Wisconsin cooking and fun at Waterfront Mary’s, a restaurant and bar that is walkable from Tranquil Timbers and sits along the waterfront of Sturgeon Bay. This place also boasts the best fish fry and burgers in Door County, but you’ll have to taste for yourself! Sitting on the deck of this classic local hangout provides panoramic views of the Bay and often, you’ll find yourself here listening to live music and dancing the night away.

Stay at Tranquil Timbers for Your Wisconsin Getaway

Tranquil Timbers is aptly named for the pockets of peaceful atmosphere around the park. Whether you’re enjoying a swim in the lake or exploring the many attractions of Door County, Sturgeon Bay is just one of those places you’ll want to visit over and over again.

Tranquil Timbers, Sturgeon Bay WI

Bring your whole crew to Tranquil Timbers and settle up in one of their comfy cabins that can sleep up to six people! Or, try out one of the cozy cottages that can sleep up to five. Staying in the cottages or cabins will make you feel right at home on your vacation – these accommodations have all the same amenities of home including heat and a/c, full sized showers, plus fire rings and picnic tables to enjoy making s’mores and sipping on cold drinks while hanging out with your crew in beautiful Sturgeon Bay.

Looking for something out-of-the-box for your next vacation? Tranquil Timbers in has a way to solve yurt problem… Rent a yurt and enjoy the feeling of being immersed in the beauty of the Wisconsin forest without having to pitch a tent. Yurts blend traditional camping with lodging amenities making for a truly unique vacation experience.

What are your favorite places to visit in Wisconsin? Tell us in the comments! We love to hear about your unique and fun vacations ideas and favorite places.