Olde Oregon Farmhouse

Things To Do

Whether you love history, culture, shopping, farm fresh produce, antiquing, biking the amish countryside or anything in between, you’ll find it here in Lancaster County. With so many options and personal favorites, it would be difficult to list them all. The Olde Oregon Farmhouse is conveniently located close to so many of these great experiences, including three covered bridges within a couple of miles. Here are a few helpful websites to help you choose some memorable things to do and see in Lancaster County.

All Things Amish

What comes to mind when thinking of Lancaster County? Well, the Amish, of course! Lancaster County is home to the oldest Amish settlement in North America. Their clothing, culture, horse driven buggies have remained a huge curiosity for visitors to Lancaster and is the basis for the great tourism industry here.

It is hard to imagine traveling on our busy roads with a horse drawn buggy as an 18 wheeler dangerously passes at extremely high speeds, yet our Amish neighbors experience it daily. It is hard to imagine not having the convenience of flipping on light switches or plugging in our machines that make life easier, but our Amish neighbors seem to be able to live without these basic amenities. We simply cannot fathom the life that the Amish have chosen to live out daily. Lancaster County invites you to learn about our Amish neighbors so that an appreciation and respect for their way of life can be thoughtfully observed. Here are some common questions:

What is the Amish religion?

The Amish are Anabaptist Christians and take the word of the Holy Bible as literal. They live out their daily lives with the Word of God as their foundation for all they do. Baptism for the Amish occurs as an adult, usually between 16-25.

How do the Amish travel?

The Amish primarily travel by horse drawn buggies, but often walk or ride foot powered scooters. Longer distances or errands for large purchases require the hire of ‘amish drivers’ who are licensed as such in Pennsylvania. The Amish do not have a driver’s license, but have a Horse and Buggy Driver’s Manual. There are rules in Pennsylvania for Safe Driving in Amish Country.

What do the Amish wear?

The Amish dress “plain”, as their clothing is simple, not patterned, and without buttons. Girls(women) wear simple solid dark color dresses with a black apron and fastened with straight pins. Their hair is uncut, parted in the center and twisted back off the face into a bun at the back of the head. Most often, girls are barefoot or if foot ware needed, will be black in color. Boys(men) wear black trousers with suspenders, a plain shirt and a straw brimmed hat.

Do Amish go to school?

The Amish children go to school through 8th grade in their own 1 room school houses. Upon completion, the young adults continue working on their farms and/or seek employment through trade apprenticeships.

Do Amish enlist in the military?

No, they are peaceful objectors and don’t believe in any violence.

Do the Amish use electricity?

Well No and Yes. They do not believe in the modern connectivity of power lines (from the Bible not to be “connected” to worldly things). However, they use propane, coal, wood and even solar to power their equipment, heat their homes and cook their food.

What do Lancaster County Amish grow on their farms?

Most of the crops, like field corn, pasture grasses and hay, grown on their farms provides food for their dairy cows and other farm animals. However, they also grow crops for sale. Tobacco is still the largest revenue crop in Lancaster. Sweet corn, tomatoes, watermelon, pumpkins, are other money producing crops. All Amish farms and homesteads grow their own gardens for their food, too!

Other than farming, what else do Amish use their land for?

The Amish in Lancaster also provide pastured chicken eggs and various pasture raised animals for food. Some have fruit orchards, pick your own flowers and large tomato greenhouses.

Can Amish work "regular" jobs?

Outside of their farms, Amish typically work in skilled type jobs. Construction, roofing, Amish owned businesses, quilt shops, landscape and flower nurseries are common fields of work.

Do Amish go to regular doctors for healthcare?

Yes, they can see regular physicians and specialists if needed. Travel out of the country for some services also occurs. They do not participate in group health insurance coverage and always pay cash.

Can Amish shop at Costco?

Sure! Most hire a driver with a huge van as they typically buy A LOT because of large families. Carts are filled with flour, sugar, toilet paper, snacks, and well just about anything else, except tires and car batteries.

Do Amish business take credit cards?

Most Amish businesses are now taking credit cards. Some smaller businesses and road side stands are cash only.

Do non-Amish (or English) ever participate in Amish festivities?

Yes, weddings and school programs mostly, but you must be invited!

Do the Amish have cell phones?

Until recently, the Amish could only have a regular telephone in an outbuilding on their property. Nowadays, Amish have phones with answering machines and cell phones, too.

What types of lights do Amish use at night?

Most use battery operated, lamp oil lights, and propane powered lights.

Where can I find more information and places to see or experience the Lancaster County Amish?

Amish history and beliefs

Discover Lancaster Amish

The Amish Village

Amish people and culture

Welcome to Lancaster County

6 things to know about Amish

Amish things to do