Sassy guide to Lancaster,PA

A Quilter’s Guide to Lancaster, P.A.

So, I have been to Lancaster, PA more than a few times now and thought it would be great to have a guide to help quilters looking for the best quilt shops, food, fun and places to stay.  In each category I have listed my favorite spots and the pros/cons for each.  These are my experiences and I am sure there is much more to be seen, but you can’t go wrong with these:

 (If here during AQS-Quilt Week, make sure to check your show guide for coupons at local shops.)

The Quilt and Fabric Shack–  Best deals on pre-cuts, Huge selection of wide backing fabric at great prices, bargain room with fabric 4-5.00/yd.

Weaver’s Dry Goods–   A little out of the way from where most of the action is, but definitely worth the trip!  TONS of fabric to choose from at good prices, Clearance room in the basement with most fabric 1.98-3.98/yd-during AQS Quilt Week they offered 1.00/yd off if you finish the bolt(yes, I got some great fabric for .98 /yd!).

The Old Country Store–  Best all around quilt shop. They have a good selection of all the current lines of fabric at good prices, a good selection of quilt books, fat quarter bundles and precuts( not the cheapest though), a sale room with fabric 2.99-5.99/yd, lots of and lots of other local handmade Amish stuff and quilty things to check out.  During AQS Quilt Week they had an awesome Midnight Madness event where they were open until 12pm and did a drawing every half hour for 100.00 gift card; they also gave away a free fat quarter with your show guide. If that weren’t enough, they also have a free quilt museum upstairs! A local must-see.

Log Cabin Quilt Shop and Fabrics–  good prices on fabric, lots of precuts(mid-range prices), great deal on wide backing fabric(29.95 for queen-sized) with a fair selection to choose from, a closeout room with fabric as low as 2.00/yd. They also gave away a free fat quarter during AQS Quilt Week.

Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord–  Lunch smorgasbord was 12.00 and a wide selection of local food with more dessert choices than I could count.  Great quality of food and service was fantastic.

Miller’s Smorgasbord–  A true Smorgasbord for sure! A HUGE selection, but not a very local feel.  Definitely the priciest buffet, even with a coupon(which is easily found).  Every time I have been it is packed with buses, so if you can do an early or  late dinner you are probably better off.

Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market–  Great stop for shopping and lunch!  Lots of local vendors selling Amish souvenirs, crafts, t shirts, baked goods, spices, jams, pickles, candy, fudge, and of course…whoopie pies!  Several counters to eat lunch and sample some local goodies.

Good ‘N Plenty Restaurant–   Not in love with all the items off the menu, but loved the fresh bread, butter and apple butter you get when seated.  Can’t go wrong with the family style dinner with the fried chicken as your entree.

Hershey Farm Restaurant–  Lots of choices here, good food, but not a local feel either and a pricier stop.

Katie’s Kitchen–  Love, love this smaller stop.  Has a diner feel, and is the best authentic Amish dining experience.  Great homemade desserts.

 Sight and Sound Theater–  A must see!!!  Tickets are a bit pricey, but worth it! Each season is a new play based on a bible character. Any seat is a good seat here. Great theater with beautiful sets and live animals.  Have seen Noah and Joseph, both fantastic.

Mennonite Information Center–  Have a biblical temple replica that really makes the Old Testament come to life, also have a couple movies about the Amish that can add insight to your trip.

Plain and Fancy Farm–  Several things to do here: Amish Experience Theater- lively show that discusses Amish lifestyle,  Amish Homestead- house you can tour with a guide to learn more about Amish living, Aaron and Jessica’s buggy rides- right out front with several length tour options, Country store- local shopping inside, good for souvenirs.

Comfort Inn Amish Country–  close to all the sights, great continental breakfast, no pool, super friendly, very clean. This hotel is your typical nice hotel.

Country Inn of Lancaster–  This hotel is great if you are looking for a country feel.  The staff was great, very clean, They even gave us quilt gift bags when we arrived.  Each room has a quilt on the bed and it own patio with rocking chairs.  The lobby has a nice fireplace with a popcorn machine popping every afternoon. Very cute, and also has a great indoor pool.  Good continental breakfast and was easy to get to all the sights.