Things To Do In Lancaster

At Young Chefs Academy’s long, stainless-steel counter, diminutive cooks press their heads together, working sunshine-hued dough through a pasta roller or peering at recipes. The bank of ovens spills the scents of cooking sweets, and gaggles of young adults meander into teen classes, ready to gain culinary skills or bother a librarian by listening to blenders at maximum volume. Some weeks, the school concentrates on the recipes of a particular chef, with past sessions focusing on the works of Julia Child and Jamie Oliver. As holidays approach, the recipes turn towards the pumpkin-infused confections that define Halloween or the slow-roasted baskets traditionally eaten on Easter.

Since 1987, the aerial specialists at U.S. Hot Air Balloon Team have used hot air balloons to whisk passengers away on a safe and enjoyable journey that serenely floats over historic farms, villages, and forests. With this deal, you get a ride on one of the U.S. Hot Air Balloon Team's flights, including a journey over Amish Country, Brandywine Wyeth Country, Dutch Country, or Valley Forge (Bucks County flight is not included). Lofty travels begin at the launch site where voracious voyagers can assist with the inflation of their balloons, each of which has been maintained and inspected for optimal performance in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

Dubbed “The Last Renaissance Man” by his best friend’s mom, Michael Usowksi has launched a medical website, sold fanny packs to dog owners, and run his own barbecue joint—with his white German shepherd, Luna, by his side wherever he goes. The Big Bash Obstacle Dash combines his three major interests: live music, feeding people, and challenging races. Michael is not a big fan of digging obstacle pits in 120-degree heat, but his favorite part of the Dash so far has been directing his website's video featurette, during which he commanded a man in a chicken suit to jump out of a natural pond only a couple feet deep.

Owned and operated by the Groff family for more than 70 years and standing as an Amish Country landmark, Choo Choo Barn houses a sprawling 1,700-square-foot mega-trainscape through which 22 operating trains wend their way around more than 150 hand-built miniature figures, vehicles, and scenes. Designed as a bird's-eye view of Lancaster County, the detailed miniature cityscape is complete with replicas of familiar local landmarks Dutch Wonderland and the Strasburg Railroad.

But it doesn't take a train enthusiast to enjoy a room filled with animations, motorized displays, model buildings, or intricate scenes. Those who visit the Choo Choo Barn may also enjoy hand-dipped chocolate, homemade fudge, or other treats at Uncle Leroy?s Ice Cream and Candy Kitchen, while Isaac?s Famous Grilled Sandwiches serves soups, salads, and sandwiches.

If Magellan ever designed a miniature golf complex, it might have resembled Water's Edge Mini Golf. The 36-hole course draws a tidal wive of inspiration from the romance of nautical exploration, with streams, waterfalls, and ponds gushing and glistening at every turn. A lighthouse stands sentry over the grounds, looking over seafaring motifs?including a beached skiff?and flowerbeds bursting with pastel blossoms. Games buzz inside an arcade area with concessions, where guests can cool off or compose Melville impersonations in ketchup.

Built in 1719, the Hans Herr House is the oldest home in Lancaster County, and the oldest original Mennonite meeting house in America. The grounds are also home to the Lancaster Longhouse, which honors the culture and customs of the Conoy, Lenape, Susquehannock and other tribes who met those early European settlers. In this outdoor exhibit, visitors learn about the shared experiences of these two unique communities.