Things to do in Your Long Subaru - Lancaster County
Lancaster County is located in South Central Pennsylvania along the Susquehanna River, approximately 70 miles west of Philadelphia. It is famous for its beautiful farms, Pennsylvania Dutch hospitality, and Amish community. For a Subaru driver, driving the back-roads is certainly reminiscent of a roller coaster ride. One moment your deep in a valley traveling along a run, the next you are cresting a hill that shows a clear view of farmland with the city and the horizon beyond.
Off the beaten path, the Lancaster area holds some true gems. Strasberg, PA is home to the Strasberg Rail Road, the oldest American railroad operating under its original charter. Enjoy a 45-minute ride through the tranquil Amish countryside to Paradise, PA and back in your choice of Victorian first class splendor in either the parlor or dining car.
Located conveniently across the street, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania houses one of the most significant collections of historic railroad artifacts in the world. With over 100 locomotives and cars from the mid-19th and 20th centuries, including the priceless Pennsylvania Railroad Historical Collection on display, there is plenty to keep your attention. Don't forget to try the train simulator that puts you in the driver's seat as you navigate your cargo over the rails and hopefully safely into the station on time.
Driving through the small villages and boros you will notice signs for 'horse and carriage only' parking. This is to accommodate the local Amish community. The Amish use horse-drawn carriages or wagons for local transportation. These horse and buggies tend to travel at an average speed of 5 to 8 miles per hours and are a common sight along the country roads of Lancaster County.
Heading north of Lancaster City (at which point our Outback Sport hit 99,000 miles!) you will most certainly want to visit one of the most famous of American places. Known as 'the sweetest place on earth', Hershey, PA does indeed smell like chocolate. There is something here for everyone. Amid a Hershey theme park, estate garden, luxury hotel, spa, and chocolate attractions galore you'll also find ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park. And while the locally made mild tasting hot dogs served everywhere may not win you over, the Hershey chocolate bbq sauce just might.
Of course, a Subaru driver must make the drive over to the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum also located in Hershey, PA. With over 100 cars, 30 motorbikes, and a full floor displaying buses as a permanent exhibit; the AACA also has an impressive line up of temporary exhibits that will keep you coming back. Next month will see their long awaited opening of the Cammock Tucker Gallery - the world's largest and best-known collection of Tucker 48 automobiles, engines, mechanicals and automobilia from Tucker historian and collector David Cammack. But we have to admit it was the Subaru display that was our focus on this trip. Not only does the AACA have a 1969 Subaru Pickup (Sambar) and 1970 Subaru 360 Microvan - they also have a Fuji Rabbit on display. They are just too much to fit into this blog article and definitely deserve their own.
Traveling southeast you will find Longwood Gardens, one of the premier botanical gardens in the United States. This estate has a long history stretching back to the early 1700's. The modern day gardens are a direct result of the years that industrialist Pierre S. du Pont was owner/resident.
Often inspired to add features to the garden after attending world's fairs, du Pont continued the tradition of keeping the gardens open to the public. He was even known to occasionally (and anonymously) conduct tours in person. The most notable additions being the massive conservatory home to 5,500 types of plants, complete with a 10,010 pipe organ, and the extensive system of fountains.
A favorite spot for many is located in the heart of the conservatory. The Outdoor Water Garden displays dozens of varieties of exquisite waterlily. Sit and enjoy the blossoms floating in ponds that reflect the sky above for as long as you like on one of the many benches provided.
Wherever you choose to wander throughout the 1,0000+ acres, you are sure to discover a favorite spot all your own.
Pennsylvania's many attraction are a relatively easy day's drive away.
No matter what time you leave home, you should be sure to stop at Clinton Station Diner open 24/7 just off US 78 in New Jersey. A combination of diner, bar, bakery, and coffee shop makes this everyone's favorite place to eat. The salad bar that is included with many of the lunch/dinner options has the most delicious pasta and Greek salad mixtures, real feta, and extras not found elsewhere. Then comes your meal! This table ordered beef stroganoff and pork loin dinner that made us wish we lived closer. The dessert counter is overwhelming, but could not be passed up. Our server was extremely helpful in steering our selection and then packaged it all up for the ride home as there was no way we would be hungry for the rest of the day after this meal. Lemon Meringue Pie, Key Lime Pie, and two Almond Macaroon Horns (trust me and get these if you go) were shared back at home with the family.
Clinton Station is renowned for its burger menu, so if that's your thing you will be impressed. From 'Nano Bites', the world's smallest burger, to the '8th Wonder of the World' which totals 105lbs, and every burger size in between - you'll be sure to find something to suit your tastes.
When You Go
Be aware that autumn in Lancaster means country fairs every weekend in different towns. These cause traffic to be rerouted to side roads that may take you 'off-map'. Fortunately, each town provides complete detour signs that will get you back on track.
Most places of business, including many restaurants, are closed on Sunday. Check in advance to make sure.
Things To Know
Longwood Garden's events and performances are typically sold out in advance. Purchase your tickets online to ensure your entrance.
PA Dutch Smorgasbord dinners are advertised everywhere. The most popular are Miller's, Bird-in-Hand, and Plain & Fancy.
Fun Facts
Milton S. Hershey, founder of Hershey Chocolate, began his candy making career in Lancaster, PA with the Lancaster Caramel Company.
The founder of Woolworth Department Stores, Frank W. Woolworth, built his first five and dime in Lancaster in 1879.
Lancaster City was the nation's capital for one day when the Continental Congress met there in September of 1777, after their withdrawal from Philadelphia in an attempt to escape the British troops.
...
Would you like your favorite things to do in your Long Subaru featured here?
Contact Sara at sbrunell@longauto.com
Off the beaten path, the Lancaster area holds some true gems. Strasberg, PA is home to the Strasberg Rail Road, the oldest American railroad operating under its original charter. Enjoy a 45-minute ride through the tranquil Amish countryside to Paradise, PA and back in your choice of Victorian first class splendor in either the parlor or dining car. Located conveniently across the street, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania houses one of the most significant collections of historic railroad artifacts in the world. With over 100 locomotives and cars from the mid-19th and 20th centuries, including the priceless Pennsylvania Railroad Historical Collection on display, there is plenty to keep your attention. Don't forget to try the train simulator that puts you in the driver's seat as you navigate your cargo over the rails and hopefully safely into the station on time.
Driving through the small villages and boros you will notice signs for 'horse and carriage only' parking. This is to accommodate the local Amish community. The Amish use horse-drawn carriages or wagons for local transportation. These horse and buggies tend to travel at an average speed of 5 to 8 miles per hours and are a common sight along the country roads of Lancaster County.
Heading north of Lancaster City (at which point our Outback Sport hit 99,000 miles!) you will most certainly want to visit one of the most famous of American places. Known as 'the sweetest place on earth', Hershey, PA does indeed smell like chocolate. There is something here for everyone. Amid a Hershey theme park, estate garden, luxury hotel, spa, and chocolate attractions galore you'll also find ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park. And while the locally made mild tasting hot dogs served everywhere may not win you over, the Hershey chocolate bbq sauce just might.
Of course, a Subaru driver must make the drive over to the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum also located in Hershey, PA. With over 100 cars, 30 motorbikes, and a full floor displaying buses as a permanent exhibit; the AACA also has an impressive line up of temporary exhibits that will keep you coming back. Next month will see their long awaited opening of the Cammock Tucker Gallery - the world's largest and best-known collection of Tucker 48 automobiles, engines, mechanicals and automobilia from Tucker historian and collector David Cammack. But we have to admit it was the Subaru display that was our focus on this trip. Not only does the AACA have a 1969 Subaru Pickup (Sambar) and 1970 Subaru 360 Microvan - they also have a Fuji Rabbit on display. They are just too much to fit into this blog article and definitely deserve their own.
Traveling southeast you will find Longwood Gardens, one of the premier botanical gardens in the United States. This estate has a long history stretching back to the early 1700's. The modern day gardens are a direct result of the years that industrialist Pierre S. du Pont was owner/resident. Often inspired to add features to the garden after attending world's fairs, du Pont continued the tradition of keeping the gardens open to the public. He was even known to occasionally (and anonymously) conduct tours in person. The most notable additions being the massive conservatory home to 5,500 types of plants, complete with a 10,010 pipe organ, and the extensive system of fountains.
A favorite spot for many is located in the heart of the conservatory. The Outdoor Water Garden displays dozens of varieties of exquisite waterlily. Sit and enjoy the blossoms floating in ponds that reflect the sky above for as long as you like on one of the many benches provided.
Wherever you choose to wander throughout the 1,0000+ acres, you are sure to discover a favorite spot all your own.
Pennsylvania's many attraction are a relatively easy day's drive away.
No matter what time you leave home, you should be sure to stop at Clinton Station Diner open 24/7 just off US 78 in New Jersey. A combination of diner, bar, bakery, and coffee shop makes this everyone's favorite place to eat. The salad bar that is included with many of the lunch/dinner options has the most delicious pasta and Greek salad mixtures, real feta, and extras not found elsewhere. Then comes your meal! This table ordered beef stroganoff and pork loin dinner that made us wish we lived closer. The dessert counter is overwhelming, but could not be passed up. Our server was extremely helpful in steering our selection and then packaged it all up for the ride home as there was no way we would be hungry for the rest of the day after this meal. Lemon Meringue Pie, Key Lime Pie, and two Almond Macaroon Horns (trust me and get these if you go) were shared back at home with the family.Clinton Station is renowned for its burger menu, so if that's your thing you will be impressed. From 'Nano Bites', the world's smallest burger, to the '8th Wonder of the World' which totals 105lbs, and every burger size in between - you'll be sure to find something to suit your tastes.
When You Go
Be aware that autumn in Lancaster means country fairs every weekend in different towns. These cause traffic to be rerouted to side roads that may take you 'off-map'. Fortunately, each town provides complete detour signs that will get you back on track.
Most places of business, including many restaurants, are closed on Sunday. Check in advance to make sure.
Things To Know
Longwood Garden's events and performances are typically sold out in advance. Purchase your tickets online to ensure your entrance.
PA Dutch Smorgasbord dinners are advertised everywhere. The most popular are Miller's, Bird-in-Hand, and Plain & Fancy.
Fun Facts
Milton S. Hershey, founder of Hershey Chocolate, began his candy making career in Lancaster, PA with the Lancaster Caramel Company.
The founder of Woolworth Department Stores, Frank W. Woolworth, built his first five and dime in Lancaster in 1879.
Lancaster City was the nation's capital for one day when the Continental Congress met there in September of 1777, after their withdrawal from Philadelphia in an attempt to escape the British troops.
...
Would you like your favorite things to do in your Long Subaru featured here?
Contact Sara at sbrunell@longauto.com
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