Philadelphia To Lancaster: What To See In A Weekend

While Lancaster may not be as well known as Philadelphia, there is plenty to see in both cities and it is a worthwhile adventure. To start, Philadelphia, the original capital of the U.S., is famous for its cheese stakes and for the Rocky steps. For readers who do not know, the fictional boxer Rocky from the movie Rocky is famous for running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia.

If you are traveling from Philadelphia to Lancaster or vice versa, you can take the Amtrak train for under $50 round-trip per person. When you reach Lancaster, you will be surprised to find yourself in a whole new world– one with an entirely different culture.

Amish Country– Experience A Centuries-Old Way Of Life

Being the county’s oldest Amish settlement, Lancaster Country is arguably the best place to have an Amish experience.

Amish activities include buggy rides, crafts, and food. On some tours, you can even milk a cow and collect fresh eggs! If you want a more in-depth experience where you can really learn about how the Amish people live, you can go on a LoKal Experience to have a true Amish experience. You travel through the countryside, where you arrive at an Amish home and have a tour of the farm and a meal with a real Amish family. It’s a great way to totally immerse yourself in the culture. This unique adventure is one that you will remember for the rest of your life.

From the Countryside To The City: Next Stop, Philadelphia

Whether you start your adventure in Lancaster or Philadelphia, they certainly are part of two different worlds. While Lancaster is all about life at the farm, Philadelphia is a bustling city with museums, restaurants and cafés, and so much more to explore.

So, what’s so special about Philadelphia, anyways? There are plenty of other cities to visit around America. Well, Philadelphia is one of the most historical cities in the U.S., not only because it was once the U.S. capital, but because of its great museums, many antique stores, and the Liberty Bell (Duh)! Not to mention Independence Hall, where the Founding Fathers came together to sign the Declaration of Independence. You don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate what Philly has to offer.

Have you ever had a traditional Philly Cheese Steak? This delicious sub filled with meat and cheese is what you should have for lunch on your first day in the city. You could always stop by the famous competitors Pat’s or Geno’s, but sometimes finding a hole-in-the-wall sub shop is the best place to find a traditional Philly Cheese Steak– one that is mouth-watering and worth the trip.

For Rocky fanatics, the Rocky steps and the Rocky statue are a big attraction. These of course are really the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, but they became so famous that they are now more commonly known as the Rocky Steps. A fun thing to do there is to run up these steps really fast and jump up and down when you get to the top (basically recreating the movie). This is especially fun to do with kids!

Philadelphia is a city with attitude and pizazz, never ceasing to delight its visitors. There is so much to do and so many places to go that the choices are endless. Sometimes, it's a good idea to take a walk around the cobblestone steps and the nearby shops and just take it all in.

The Best Season To See The Leaves Change And Make Your Trip Worthwhile

You may be wondering when is the best time to make this trek, and there are many answers depending on a few factors. Do you want to freeze, do you want to be rained on, do you want to burn, or do you want the cool crisp weather of fall?

Now, this may sound extreme, but for those who have lived in a four-season climate, fall is seen as an amazing time. Specifically, in early fall when the weather is in the 60s and 70s, there is a cool breeze on your neck, and most important of all, the leaves change color. For those who have not seen leaves change color in New England, it is a sight to behold. Bright orange, deep reds and purples, and bright yellows all combine in the countryside. You want to arrive for your trip early enough in the fall so that it is still warm, and late enough so that you receive the full impact of nature’s beauty. That way, the train ride between the two cities will be an important part of your spectacular adventure.

Whether you start in Philly or Lancaster, this trip will be one full of history, the beauty of nature, and the fun of the city. It is rare to have the chance to meet someone who is Amish and to see the Liberty Bell is on many peoples’ bucket lists. There’s so much to see– you are in for a journey you will not forget.