11/15/2025
Join us on the "Best of Lancaster County Tour" !
Here is a full, beautifully flowing, all-day (or multi-day) scenic driving tour of Lancaster County, weaving in all the Amish shops, bakeries, covered bridges, farms, and Lancaster landmarks.
The route is designed as a loop so it’s easy to start from anywhere in Lancaster County.
🚗 The Ultimate Scenic Lancaster County Driving Tour
Amish Country • Covered Bridges • Farm Stops • Food • Scenic Roads
This tour highlights the best roads: PA-772, Conestoga Ridge Byway (PA-23), Stumptown Road, Horseshoe Road, River Road, and the Lititz Countryside/Covered Bridge area.
⭐ 1. START IN LANCASTER CITY → HORSESHOE ROAD → FIRST AMISH SHOPS
Stop A — PA Lapp’s Toys
📍 2220 Horseshoe Road, Lancaster, PA
A perfect first stop for authentic, hand-crafted Amish wooden toys.
Drive Scenic Route: Horseshoe Road → Stumptown Road
Beautiful farms, open fields, and buggies.
Stop B — Countryside Road Stand
📍 2966 Stumptown Road, Ronks
Fresh lemonade, homemade soft pretzels, canned goods, farm produce. A charming Amish-run stand.
⭐ 2. LEOLA & NEW HOLLAND AREA (PA-23 → Conestoga Ridge Byway)
Stop C — Riehl’s Quilts & Crafts
📍 247 E. Eby Road, Leola
Authentic Amish quilts, wall hangings, leather goods—picturesque farm setting.
Drive Scenic Route: PA-23, the Conestoga Ridge Byway
Rolling farmland, classic Eastern Lancaster County.
Stop D — Lapp Valley Farm
📍 New Holland, PA
Famously creamy homemade ice cream, made from Jersey cows. Often cited as the best ice cream in Lancaster County.
⭐ 3. COVERED BRIDGE LOOP (EAST SIDE)
Stop E — Mercer's Mill Covered Bridge
📍 3771 Bailey Crossroads Road, Atglen
Historic and photogenic, surrounded by farmland.
From here, continue south toward Quarryville.
Stop F — Jackson Sawmill Covered Bridge
📍 1198 Mt Pleasant Road, Quarryville
Quaint, red bridge tucked over a quiet creek—great photo stop.
⭐ 4. KIRKWOOD AREA → FARMLAND DRIVE
Stop G — White Rock Forge Covered Bridge
📍 248 White Rock Road, Kirkwood
One of Lancaster County’s most serene bridges; beautiful rural setting.
⭐ 5. RONKS & STRASBURG AMISH FOOD + SHOPPING
Stop H — Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Café
📍 Bird-in-Hand, PA
Try the whoopie pies, sticky buns, and shoofly pie.
Stop I — Dutch Haven
📍 Rt 30 in Ronks
The “home of America’s best shoofly pie.” Great roadside Americana.
Stop J — Hershey Farm Restaurant
📍 240 Hartman Bridge Rd, Ronks
Classic PA Dutch smorgasbord, bakery, shops, and beautiful farmland views.
Optional Kid-Friendly Stop
Cici’s Pizza
📍 2405 Covered Bridge Drive, Lancaster
An easy, casual lunch option if you want something fast.
⭐ 6. MANHEIM AREA: FARMS, LLAMAS, WINERY, MARKET DAY
Drive Scenic Route: PA-772 West toward Manheim
A fantastic road through Amish farms and rolling hills.
Stop K — Roots Country Market & Auction (Tuesdays only)
📍 Manheim, PA
A beloved local market with produce, antiques, Amish food, and Lancaster charm.
Stop L — Kreider Farms Tour
📍 Manheim
A 90-minute farm tour with observation tower and dairy experience.
Stop M — Spooky Nook Farm (Llamas & Alpacas)
📍 Manheim PA
Family-friendly adorable alpacas/llamas and farm experiences.
Stop N — Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery
📍 Manheim, PA
One of Lancaster’s best vineyards—award-winning wines, beautiful countryside views.
⭐ 7. LITITZ → PRETZELS → COVERED BRIDGES
Drive Scenic Route: Lititz & Countryside Covered Bridge Tour
Rolling farmland, white farmhouses, and quiet country roads.
Stop O — Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery
📍 219 E Main Street, Lititz
America’s first pretzel bakery. Tour + hand-twisting soft pretzels.
Optional
Explore downtown Lititz—often voted one of America’s “Coolest Small Towns.”
⭐ 8. SUSQUEHANNA RIVER SCENIC DRIVE (OPTIONAL BUT BEAUTIFUL)
If you want a longer day, finish with River Road (PA-441/PA-462)
Between Columbia → Marietta
Gorgeous river vistas, historic towns, and sunsets.
⭐ 9. END THE DAY AT SHADY MAPLE SMORGASBORD (EPIC)
Stop P — Shady Maple Smorgasbord
📍 East Earl, PA
The largest buffet in the U.S.—Amish comfort food, bakery, PA Dutch dishes, massive gift shop. A perfect grand finale.
🌄 Recommended Timetable (Flexible)
8:00 AM — Start in Lancaster City → Horseshoe Road
9:00 AM — Amish farm stands (Lapp’s Toys, Countryside Road Stand)
10:00 AM — Leola/PA-23 → Riehl’s Quilts
11:00 AM — Lapp Valley Farm (ice cream)
12:00 PM — Covered bridge loop
2:00 PM — Ronks food stops (Bird-in-Hand, Dutch Haven, Hershey Farm)
3:30 PM — Manheim: Roots Market (if Tuesday), Kreider Farm, Spooky Nook
5:00 PM — Waltz Vineyards
6:30 PM — Lititz + Sturgis Pretzel Bakery
7:30 PM — Drive to Shady Maple for dinner
