Keystone Country: Dutch Country Roads

Start your journey off right with a stop at downtown Lancaster’s famous Central Market. Situated on the same spot since 1730, the Market has the distinction of being the oldest publicly owned farmers’ market in the nation, and it’s easy to see why.  Inside, you’ll find dozens of stands offering everything from meats and produce to freshly-canned jams and jellies to ethnic spices and delectable desserts.  Save room though, because there’s plenty more tasting to be done.

From there, head to the bucolic Lancaster countryside, where Amish buggies will soon outnumber cars on the road, and you’ll learn how the Lancaster County Amish still farm the land without the use of modern technology.  Stop by Riehl’s Quilts and Crafts for a peek inside a working Amish dairy farm and samples of homemade Amish crafts, or sit down for lunch (or just some sampling) at Kitchen Kettle Village, where teams of Amish women still can thousands of jars of jams and jellies each day by hand.  From there, get up close and personal with one of the area’s best crops as you discover the Amazing Maize Maze at Cherry Crest Farm, a five acre corn maze that’s sure to perplex even the most skilled maze explorer!

One of the oldest farm B&Bs in the lower Susquehana Valley, Verdant View Farm is the perfect way to experience rural life on the farm. Learn how to hand milk a cow or bottle feed a calf before sitting down to a huge farm-fresh breakfast.

Head west from Lancaster for a stop at the brand new Turkey Hill Experience (opening June 2011), which takes visitors behind the scenes at the Lancaster County farm that’s been producing some of the nation’s favorite ice cream, iced teas, and lemonade for years. Cross the Susquehanna River and head up the hill for a stop at Moon Dancer Winery, where a French country chateau overlooks the beautiful Susquehanna River, offering premium European Style dry wines as well as select Pennsylvania sweet wines.

Head west from Lancaster for a stop at the brand new Turkey Hill Experience (opening June 2011), which takes visitors behind the scenes at the Lancaster County farm that’s been producing some of the nation’s favorite ice cream, iced teas, and lemonade for years. Cross the Susquehanna River and head up the hill for a stop at Moon Dancer Winery, where a French country chateau overlooks the beautiful Susquehanna River, offering premium European Style dry wines as well as select Pennsylvania sweet wines.

After lunch, explore the modern day dairy farm process with a visit to Perrydell Dairy Farm, a family-owned dairy farm that bottles all its own milk. Take a self-guided tour to see cows being milked, calves being fed, or the bottling process at work. It all ends with a tasty cone of hand-dipped ice cream!

Gettysburg may be known for the historic battlefields and haunted inns, but what many may not know is that the area's also one of the best for fresh fruit! Experience it for yourself with the new Gettysburg Wine and Fruit Trail, including wineries, nurseries, and exquisite farm markets. Stop by 3rd generation family farm and market Hollabaugh Bros. for fresh apples and pears, and stock up on all kinds of local produce and baked goods at the historic Round Barn and Farm Market in Biglerville.

In the afternoon, take a trip to Willow Pond Farm, where visitors can explore the world of herbs by visiting demonstration gardens featuring everything from culinary herbs to edible flowers and antique roses, or perhaps try their hand with herbs at any one of the farm's numerous growing and cooking classes.

Finish the day by toasting your visit with a trip to Adams County's excellent wineries. Hauser Estate Winery offers daily tastings in a gorgeous 360 degree glass-enclosed tasting room with spectacular views of the forests and countryside below. Nearby, the Adams Country winery welcomes visitors with free tastings of award-winning wines in a 130-year-old bank barn.