Joel Cliff
Spokesperson; Pennsylvania Dutch CVB
What are three great ways for groups to get a hands-on encounter with Lancaster County’s rich cultural heritage?
- Go "back to basics" and explore the land by taking part in the new Farmer’s Apprentice program at Verdant View Farm Bed & Breakfast in Paradise. Day-trippers and overnight guests can help milk cows, gather eggs, make preserves, feed calves or assist with planting or harvest activities, depending on the season. This is one Lancaster County farm stay that really brings the "farm-to-table" concept home to folks, with regard to their food and all the work that lies behind it.
- At the Landis Valley Museum & Village in Lancaster, guests can roll up their sleeves to learn one of the most unique crafts of the Pennsylvania Dutch: Fraktur, a style of lettering and writing that also doubles as highly artistic and elaborate folk art. Visitors can find out about the history of this art form and then try their hand at creating a sampler of Fraktur of their very own.
- The Cannin’ and Jammin’ program at Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse allows visitors to head into its famous Jam & Relish Kitchen, roll up their sleeves and work alongside local women employed at the village. The hour-long experience lets participants use their own hands to make some jam to take home (and learn about the art of canning in Lancaster County in the process).