???When deciding where to go on a getaway, students may overlook the charming atmosphere of Lancaster County, Penn. A visit offers tourists with a slow-paced, simple way of life and endless miles of agrarian land and old-fashioned society.
???"About 8.3 million people visit Lancaster County each year and tourism directly employs approximately 29,000 people," said Joel Cliff, media relations manager of the Pennsylvania Dutch Convention and Visitors Bureau.
???Tourism is the second-largest industry in the area, outpaced only by agriculture. According to Cliff, visitors are equally divided between families and adults traveling without children, forming an atmosphere that accommodates all types of tourists who visit.
???One of the most well known components of Lancaster County is the Amish community that resides there. It is home to over 25,000 Old Order Amish, the oldest and second largest Amish community in the United States, according to Cliff.
???"The Amish live a life of humility and simplicity, much as they did when they first settled in Pennsylvania," Cliff said. "Their homes do not have electricity, telephones, or other modern conveniences that the 'English' (how the Amish refer to their non-Amish neighbors) take for granted."
???Visiting this type of community allows people to recognize the benefits and disadvantages of electricity and technology that are taken for granted everyday.
???"One main trademark of the Amish culture is their willingness to help others in a time of need," Cliff said. "As a community, they live like an extended family and rally together whenever a family or member of the community is in need of help."
???While experiencing this unique way of living, visitors can explore the countryside, arts, crafts, antiques, great food and many other family-oriented activities in the area, according to Cliff.
???There are a large amount of activities and sights to encounter, but tourists can also experience the heritage and history of the area first hand through organized tours and individual exploration, Cliff said.
???Beyond the cultural aspect of a visit, many tourists make shopping a highlight of their trip to Lancaster County.
???"There are over 150 outlet stores featuring top designers along with over 3,000 antique dealers all close by," Cliff said. "Also, a factory direct store giving visitors the lowest prices including names like Carter's, Gap, Jones New York, SONY and more."???Aside from clothing and antiques, Lancaster also houses many art galleries and unique crafts made by local artists, according to Cliff. Visitors can take an individual stroll through local towns and villages where they can explore local cafes and tranquil boutiques.
???These towns and markets are also where local farmers sell their fresh produce and tourists can even take rides on an old steam train.
???This type of trip is perfect for students because it can be guided or self-explored, and average costs of a vacation is not quite as high as other typical alternatives. Students won't even need a car when traveling throughout the local areas because everything is very convenient and close by.
???The peak tourism months are August and October, with most visitors staying for two nights, according to Cliff. Over 85 percent of visitors say they would visit again, further proving that Lancaster County is a pleasurable experience for travelers.
???Available in the county and the surrounding areas are a wealth of Bed and Breakfast homes and historic inns. The majority of lodgings offer rooms for up to four occupants within the price range of $80 to $200 per night.
???Students can also stay at national chain hotels and motels like Best Western or Comfort Suites, but in order to get the most out of a trip to Lancaster County visitors will want to experience the heritage of the area by staying at an inn.
???A trip to Pennsylvania Dutch Country will take a lengthy six hours by car, but it's a weekend escape that offers a view of a different style of living that few have the opportunity to experience.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
