What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Lancaster PA trip (1 Viewer)

Don Quixote

Don Quixote

Footballguy
Probably the lamest vacation thread here ever, but it is what it is.  :bag:

Anyone do a trip in the Lancaster PA area?  I have one kid that is about 1-1/2 years old. My wife and I recently realized that his day care was closed on the Friday before a holiday, and were thinking of making a long weekend out of it.  We were researching an idea of heading up there because it seems to have a decent concentration of activities for young kids, it is within a reasonable driving distance for us from the DC area, and we've never really been there. Also, it seemed too late to plan a weekend at the beach (and we were looking for something more low key and don't want to deal with weekend beach traffic).

For the adults, we were thinking of hitting up James Buchanan's Wheatland (for my historical nerdy self) and the Turkey Hill Ice Cream Experience (for my wife, and, okay, me too).  For the youngin', we were thinking of a ride on the Strasburg Railroad and a visit to the Cherry Crest Farm, which has a petting area.

Anything else we should be looking at?  Kid is probably too young to make Hershey Park or Dutch Wonderland worthwhile, I think, based on what I've read. Looks like some kid-friendly museums (train and science related): any of those recommended for a kid his age?  (Maybe the Railroad Museum?) I think he's a standard toddler that mostly gets a kick out of looking at animals and moving vehicles, and touching or playing with toys or other objects. He's obviously not going to remember any of this; just looking for stuff that will be a different experience for us, and will keep him somewhat entertained and from crying out of boredom.

I've already been to Gettysburg about six times, and it would not be friendly for my kid's age, so that is off the table.  Wife has also vetoed Longwood Gardens.

I'll also accept comments that I'm crazy for even considering this area as a vacation idea.

 
Don Quixote said:
Probably the lamest vacation thread here ever, but it is what it is.  :bag:

Anyone do a trip in the Lancaster PA area?  I have one kid that is about 1-1/2 years old. My wife and I recently realized that his day care was closed on the Friday before a holiday, and were thinking of making a long weekend out of it.  We were researching an idea of heading up there because it seems to have a decent concentration of activities for young kids, it is within a reasonable driving distance for us from the DC area, and we've never really been there. Also, it seemed too late to plan a weekend at the beach (and we were looking for something more low key and don't want to deal with weekend beach traffic).

For the adults, we were thinking of hitting up James Buchanan's Wheatland (for my historical nerdy self) and the Turkey Hill Ice Cream Experience (for my wife, and, okay, me too).  For the youngin', we were thinking of a ride on the Strasburg Railroad and a visit to the Cherry Crest Farm, which has a petting area.

Anything else we should be looking at?  Kid is probably too young to make Hershey Park or Dutch Wonderland worthwhile, I think, based on what I've read. Looks like some kid-friendly museums (train and science related): any of those recommended for a kid his age?  (Maybe the Railroad Museum?) I think he's a standard toddler that mostly gets a kick out of looking at animals and moving vehicles, and touching or playing with toys or other objects. He's obviously not going to remember any of this; just looking for stuff that will be a different experience for us, and will keep him somewhat entertained and from crying out of boredom.

I've already been to Gettysburg about six times, and it would not be friendly for my kid's age, so that is off the table.  Wife has also vetoed Longwood Gardens.

I'll also accept comments that I'm crazy for even considering this area as a vacation idea.
Click to expand...
We have friends that live in Lancaster and constantly bug us to come visit.  I think it would be cool.  But dude....your kid is 18 months old.  Won't remember ANYTHING before MAYBE 3.5 ro 4 or 5.  Do whatever you and your wife want, but don't think you are doing your child favors for quite a while.

 
The Strasburg Railroad is definitely fun for kids.

If your kid was a couple of years older, I would say look at the motel in that area that turned Railroad cars into motel rooms.

 
facook said:
We have friends that live in Lancaster and constantly bug us to come visit.  I think it would be cool.  But dude....your kid is 18 months old.  Won't remember ANYTHING before MAYBE 3.5 ro 4 or 5.  Do whatever you and your wife want, but don't think you are doing your child favors for quite a while.
Click to expand...
Yeah, like I said, not trying to do anything that he'll remember. Just trying to avoid stuff that he'll be completely bored of, and cry the whole time.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Grew up in Lancaster, take the family back there once a year to visit relatives. Strasburg is probably your best bet. While there, check out the "Choo Choo Barn"-  a massive model train set up, kids used to love it. (Admittedly, I thought it was cool too when I was a kid. It's been there forever)

 
MindCrime said:
Beat me to it by a minute.
Click to expand...
Choo choo barn is an interesting place.  On one hand I kind of felt sorry for whoever spent all that time and effort on model trains.  And on the other hand I wanted to drop a grand in the gift shop and do that in my basement.  

 
Drop in on Lebanon Levi and tell I said hello. Good friend of mine. Knows how to have a good time. 

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Chemical X said:
sorry, our definitions of vacation are so far off i can offer nothing, not even sarcasm.
Click to expand...
It seems like just a few years ago, I was asking questions on here about trips to Italy and Alaska. Now it's Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

Life hit pretty fast.

 
The outlet area will be packed stupid with back-to-school Shoppers. Dutch Wonderland will be fine for a one-and-a-half-year-old. A lot of the other recommendations above aren't really that close to Lancaster. I can help you with breweries: Iron Hill might be fun.

 
Live here. You nailed a lot of the spots. Strasburg has different attractions and is within 5 miles of Dutch Wonderland and the outlets for shopping. Wheatland is a fun stop for history buffs. Also North Museum and you might check out the Hands on House, they might have some tactile things for your young one.

 
take a lot of pictures of Amish people..  they love it

Hershey Park;  Troegs brewery;  uhhh..    Dutch Wonderland?  Strasburg RR is ok I guess..   uhh..  lots of outlets..   

 
We were there for a college visit for my 17 year old a few months ago. We loved Wheatland but we're major history buffs, especially my wife. 

A lot of great restaurants and cafes as well. 

I was skeptical like you but wound up loving my visit there. 

ETA:  if you haven't made hotel plans yet I'd highly recommend the Lancaster Arts Hotel. 

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Agree with the Dutch Wonderland comments, it has been geared very much to young younguns over the years. 

If you wanna get nuts, pick up some roadside apple butter. 

 
The Dreaded Marco said:
We were there for a college visit for my 17 year old a few months ago. We loved Wheatland but we're major history buffs, especially my wife. 

A lot of great restaurants and cafes as well. 

I was skeptical like you but wound up loving my visit there. 

ETA:  if you haven't made hotel plans yet I'd highly recommend the Lancaster Arts Hotel. 
Click to expand...
Nice.  Glad to hear you had a good time and there are good restaurants to choose from.  I've been wanting to hit Wheatland for awhile, and looking forward to crossing another Presidential home off my bucket.

It looks like there are some nicer hotel options, but I've got SPG/Marriott points that I'll probably just use at the Courtyard or Fairfield.

 
bushdocda said:
Agree with the Dutch Wonderland comments, it has been geared very much to young younguns over the years. 

If you wanna get nuts, pick up some roadside apple butter. 
Click to expand...
Cool, thanks.  That seems to be the consensus here.  I'll check out the stuff at Dutch Wonderland a bit more.  Since my last name starts "Van ___", the Dutch part of me feels almost semi-obligated to go to a place called Dutch Wonderland.

And where I can find the apple butter?  Will I just see signs for it while driving around?

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Dutch Wonderland is still open?  Dayum.  I used to like Zinn's for food too.  I think it's long gone.  Awesome apple fritters iirc.

 
You won't be that far from NYC... Since you're treating your toddler to memories of a lifetime, you should splurge on Hamilton Tickets. And a night at Scores, since he won't ever remember that either... but you might.

 
shadyridr said:
Probably something to do with the Amish
Click to expand...
Not just that.  It's kind of a tourist destination.......but it seems like it's from the 1960s or something like that.  It doesn't seem to be very walkable.

Strasberg Railroad is nice...as is the town proper.  Lancaster on Route 30 just seems...weird and rundown. 

ETA: The Amish are interesting.  They'll let you dab an ice cream cone on their nose and cheeks and not even lift a hand to stop you.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thunderlips said:
Not just that.  It's kind of a tourist destination.......but it seems like it's from the 1960s or something like that.  It doesn't seem to be very walkable.

Strasberg Railroad is nice...as is the town proper.  Lancaster on Route 30 just seems...weird and rundown. 

ETA: The Amish are interesting.  They'll let you dab an ice cream cone on their nose and cheeks and not even lift a hand to stop them.
Click to expand...
It seems old fashioned and rundown because of the Amish

 
El Floppo said:
You won't be that far from NYC... Since you're treating your toddler to memories of a lifetime, you should splurge on Hamilton Tickets. And a night at Scores, since he won't ever remember that either... but you might.
Click to expand...
I acknowledged in the OP that he won't remember any of this. I just want to get out of the house and DC area and have a new experience, and do stuff that will carry a low meltdown risk.

My wife and I have done more adult oriented tourist sites/museums, but, at his age, they typically lead to one of us standing outside the museum with him while the other person goes through the exhibits, and then switching off. I don't mind it in moderation (and I'm guessing is what we may have to do at Wheatland), but it would be nice to be able to do activities together.

I've seen Hamilton and it's great, but obviously can't take a one year old there.

 
Don Quixote said:
I acknowledged in the OP that he won't remember any of this. I just want to get out of the house and DC area and have a new experience, and do stuff that will carry a low meltdown risk.

My wife and I have done more adult oriented tourist sites/museums, but, at his age, they typically lead to one of us standing outside the museum with him while the other person goes through the exhibits, and then switching off. I don't mind it in moderation (and I'm guessing is what we may have to do at Wheatland), but it would be nice to be able to do activities together.

I've seen Hamilton and it's great, but obviously can't take a one year old there.
Click to expand...
sorry gb, DQ- I was obviously taking the piss here. the trip sounds great if you're into history. and yeah- at this point you go wherever you want with the kid as a long he's up to it. just spent the day with a friend with a 14mo... great kid, ton of work for the mom. I forgot how much work it is. but at least the work is just taking care of the kid and not having to listen to your tween complain about... well... everything.

 
Went to school in Lancaster (Franklin and Marshall). I think the Lancaster Dispensing Company is still in the center of downtown. Good bar with good food. The Dagwood sandwich used to be my favorite.

 
We did the Strasburg train trip with our daughter when she was 3. They had a Thomas the Train day up there and she was excited to see Thomas. We also went to eat at this random place I found on Yelp with good reviews, Katie's Kitchen. It's an Amish run restaurant with some of the best food I've had. Really good open face turkey sandwich and wings. Apple pie was awesome too. Relatively cheap and good service.

 
Don Quixote said:
I'll also accept comments that I'm crazy for even considering this area as a vacation idea.
Click to expand...
This. 

If you're looking for boring history stuff, how about Harpers Ferry? At least its a cool town with outdoorsy stuff to do.

If you're interested in gawking at weird counter-cultures, how about Tangier or Smith Island in the Chesapeake? Ive always wanted to go there (but not enough to actually use vacation days go there).

 
E-Z Glider said:
This. 

If you're looking for boring history stuff, how about Harpers Ferry? At least its a cool town with outdoorsy stuff to do.

If you're interested in gawking at weird counter-cultures, how about Tangier or Smith Island in the Chesapeake? Ive always wanted to go there (but not enough to actually use vacation days go there).
Click to expand...
I like Harpers Ferry, but my wife and I have both already been there.

I can take a look at Tangier or Smith Island.  We were at one point thinking about going east to the shore, but we realized we were getting our act together kind of late to make reservations, and also didn't want to deal with the likely traffic headache.

 
Spring House brewing company has a brew pub on Hazel street that is really nice.  They have food there too.  It's very cool and I really like the beer.  Troegs is also awesome, but it's probably about 45 minutes away from Lancaster.  Spring House is pretty close to downtown Lancaster.

http://www.springhousebeer.com/pages/hazel

The Lancaster Central market is also very cool.  It is pretty much in the center of town.  It's only open until 4pm on Friday and 2pm on Saturday.  Not sure if that will fit in your schedule.  Last time I was there I had a bacon maple long john that was awesome.  A lot of excellent local foods and baked goods.  From a historical standpoint, their web page says it is the country's oldest farmers' market.  Spring House also has a taproom very close to Central Market.  The brew pub on Hazel St. is worth the visit to see the building, but if you don't have time the taproom will work to try the beer.

http://www.centralmarketlancaster.com/

 
Reserved a hotel room, so I'm really doing this.  Thanks for the suggestions so far.  I feel like I have a good number of activities to pick from.  I'll have to research some of the restaurants suggested.

 
Thanks for all of the tips/suggestions in here.  Had a great trip, and wife and I both came away with thoughts that we would do again. Lots of great food and things to do.  Went to a number of places that people suggested in here.

On Friday, went to the Central Market and got some whoopie pies before heading over to the Hands On Children's Museum, so my kid could release some steam after the car drive.  Got dinner at Iron Hill that someone here suggested (it wasn't far from my hotel).  Sat outside.  My kid got to point at cars, and I got to look at co-eds.  Win-win.

Did Wheatland on Saturday morning -- which was almost as much of a train wreck as Buchanan's presidency (sans causing the Civil War), as my wife bailed with my kid halfway through the house tour because he was getting kind of wild -- but it still satisfied my historical self.  Drove over to Achenbach's Bakery while the kid was napping in the car and got some long johns and more whoopie pies. We were planning to go to a petting farm that afternoon, but rain caused a change of plans and we did the Choo Choo Barn instead, as a number of people suggested.  That was pretty cool, and even impressed my adult self.  Had dinner at Lancaster Dispensing Company, based on recommendations here.  Great spot.

Sunday, we did the Strasburg Railroad ("choo choo" is now one of about 10 words that he knows) and the Turkey Hill Experience (with Taste Lab). Pretty solid way to end the trip.

Going to have to go back when he is a little bit older and check out Dutch Wonderland and some of the other spots.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Golden Gopher
Branson, MO golf trip - Anybody have local knowledge?
Replies
22
Views
626
sushinsky4tsar
S
O
Arizona/Utah to Yellowstone
Replies
3
Views
154
Andy Dufresne
Andy Dufresne
Chadstroma
A Good Long Weekend Trip Around Chicago
2
Replies
76
Views
4K
krista4
krista4

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 1 (members: 0, guests: 1)
Back
Top