Travel: Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Aug. 2-5, 2011

Pennsylvania Dutch Country

Private Gardens * ‘Joseph’ at the Millennium Theatre * Linden Hill Gardens * Pres. James Buchanan’s Mansion * Quilt Display at an Amish home

Tuesday, Aug. 2-Friday, Aug. 5, 2011

Join us for a scenic summertime journey through bucolic Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

Day 1: We’re bound for Lancaster, Penn., the heart of Amish Country, where we’ll spend three nights at the Comfort Suites Lancaster and visit Kitchen Kettle Village with its delightful shops. Hop aboard a narrated horse-drawn carriage ride along back roads to witness the Amish lifestyle at an Amish farm.

In the village, a family-style dinner in a charming home that has been converted into the Kling House Restaurant awaits us. Dessert treat: Create your own Whoopie Pie.

Day 2: After a Continental breakfast we visit Amish country with a guide who shares Amish customs and traditions. We are fortunate to be invited to visit several private Amish gardens, including that of the Fisher family, and to meet the gardeners. Other stops will include a visit to an Old Order Amish home to see a beautiful quilt display.

Lunch time (on own) finds us at the popular Isaac's restaurant and deli, which features soups, salads and famous grilled cheese sandwiches.

History comes alive this afternoon as we step inside Wheatland, the stately mansion of the nation’s 15th president, James Buchanan. Docents greet us in period clothing and share the secrets and details of Buchanan’s political and personal life as we move through the elegant rooms. They include the library where Buchanan wrote his inaugural address and the formal dining room decorated with period furniture. We end our visit with a walk through the lush gardens.

Back at the hotel, we relax and take advantage of the indoor pool and fitness center before dining at the well-known Miller's Smorgasbord. Choose from an array of mouth-watering American favorites and Lancaster County heritage dishes. The bakery offers many fresh desserts. Spend an evening at leisure.

Day 3: After breakfast, we enjoy a riding tour of historic downtown Lancaster, followed by free time for exploring some of the delightful sights, including museums, boutiques and hanging flower-basket displays, and for eating lunch.

Then we enjoy the story of "Joseph" at the Sight & Sound Millennium Theatre, and take in the extraordinary music, costumes, lights and special effects that take us from the field of Canaan to the stunning palaces of Egypt. "Joseph" is an exhilarating experience that entertains and inspires. We’re invited to dinner at The Greenfield, a charming 1780 Pennsylvania farmhouse. Menu: Choice of lemon pepper chicken, baked salmon or pork tenderloin; and vegetables, rolls, beverage and dessert.

Day 4: A hearty breakfast fuels us as we head homeward with stops along the way. First, we visit Lancaster’s Central Market, which offers farm produce, coffees, teas, pastries and crafts. Our second stop is the exquisite Linden Hill Gardens, designed by landscape craftsman Jerry Fritz, who is a friend of CHS President Steve Silk. Jerry and his staff will guide us through the display gardens, and the retail nursery specializes in rare and cutting-edge plants. There will be a special discount for CHS.

We’ll have a short lunch stop at Peddler's Village before heading for home with memories of our Penn Dutch vacation.

Cost: $595 per twin member based on 30-45 passengers; $749 per single member; plus $40 per nonmember. Includes: deluxe motorcoach, three nights hotel; three continental breakfasts, three dinners, theater tickets to “Joseph,” sightseeing; driver gratuity; $35 per person donation to CHS. Escorted by Lois Isaacson. Deposit: $100 per person with reservation by May 12, 2011. Final payment by June 16, 2011.
For a trip flier and to register, click here on Friendship Tours.