Weeks ago, my family visited Lancaster area in Pennsylvania. Well, to be specific we looked around Amish businesses and markets. Thanks to a pastor who lived in the area, our family was able to look around the local Amish markets. If you are from Lancaster, PA area I guess you know better than I do, but it was a very interesting and tasty weekend for me.
The first Amish store I would like to share is Hayloft Candles.
The place sold homemade ice cream and candles. I didn't pay too much attention to all the stuff till I bought some ice cream, but they had pretty interesting candles. Maybe I should look through more carefully next time.
They had work area right in the store so it was interesting to see the work area.
But I was so focused on getting this ice cream cone that I just skimmed through the store and walked right to the ice cream section. I tried Raspberry and it was only $1/scoop and it was a wonderful ice cream! Not too sweet like store-bought but just right. Mmmmmmm...I want some more....Mmmmmmmmmmmm
It also had a petting zoo right beside the store. It just asks you to make a donation at the entrance.
Here are some pictures I took of some 'starving' animals. Animals seem to be ALWAYS hungry...even our Nine (our dog) is ALWAYS hungry. Sometimes it seems like our Nine seems to eat 24/7.
These animals were all so hungry too..maybe since it was lunch time? Anyhow...this one was just so eager to eat some food that it stuck its head out...I hope it went back in okay.
This peacock...suddenly walked into llama cage where EVERYONE (including the llama who suddenly woke up and paid attention to the peacock) could see it spreading its tails and simply just walked away again folding it back again (show off ...lol). I guess I got lucky with this shot.
And although it was petting zoo..I didn't pet any...looking was enough for me. Eh hehehhehe...although I had some temptation to 'poke' their nose...
And this one was doing whatever it was doing...
There were more animals so if you get to go, say hi to all~
And if I am remembering right, right across this store was small Amish market stand with bunch of homemade stuff and veggies. When we were driving around, I realized that Amish community open up small farmer's markets through out the community as well as right from their home. (You might know better than I do about all of this since it was a new stuff for me.) Anyway this particular market had one big bag of fresh spinach only for $1 something (of course we bought it) and some freshly baked cookies..etc. I regretted not taking enough cash with me. Everything looked so good that I wanted to buy some more to take home.
With all the organic and healthy stuff craze these days..Amish markets are definitely somewhere you can get budget friendly and yummy organic stuff! I'll show you other stores as well...I just wish they were closer.
Yes, there's a dutch market in Burtonsville (which has been 'planning' to move fore months to Laurel). I should go visit it again very soon. I loved their fried chicken wings. But the atmosphere is totally different and seems to be more "Amish" in PA...Let me know what you think of this place if you ever went or planning to..!
Hayloft Candle is located at:
99 South Groffdale Road
Leola, PA 17540
www.hayloftcandles.com
Popularity: 7%
Thanks so much for this post! We are originally from Bucks County and Lancaster was a frequent day trip, nice to see Hayloft hasn’t changed in the decade I’ve been gone! Ahh homesickness!
Glad you liked it ^^ awww.. where are you now? I’ll be posting couple other stuff so hope you like those too.
Let me know if there are any other good spots! I’ll definitely go visit! We are planning to go visit Lancaster again very soon.
My husband favors Gast Motor Cars – a car museum we visited during our honeymoon LOL.
The Stroudsberg Railroad is a don’t miss, and their family style restaurant is amazing.
Actually the food at almost any of the old-fashioned family-style places is wonderful.
We’re in Texas now – Lubbock, TX LOL. When housing prices were going crazy, we bought a 3 br,2 ba house in a nice area here for under 70K :). So homesick we remain….
My husband favors Gast Motor Cars – a car museum we visited during our honeymoon LOL.
The Stroudsberg Railroad is a don’t miss, and their family style restaurant is amazing.
Actually the food at almost any of the old-fashioned family-style places is wonderful.
That must have been a big change!
Any plans to visit PA? Your family must had lots of good memories there. If you don’t, I’ll try my best to capture at least some parts for you ^^
I’ll definitely keep in mind of places you mentioned when we get there. Thanks for sharing and I’ll let you know how it was when I get a chance to visit. Can’t wait!