Today Seniors Visit Rural Pennsylvania

This senior loves rural Pennsylvania. Having spent a summer with my young family out in Lancaster County, I learned a lot about life in the area. I was doing a workshop for language teachers at Millersville University, in Millersville PA, near Lancaster.

This is  Pennsylvania Dutch Country with many Amish families that live without electricity, and many of our modern conveniences. Senior visitors will find horses and black buggies on many of the roads throughout Lancaster County, home to the second largest Amish settlement in the world.

Senior visitors will get a glimpse of farm life as it was in the early 1800s. Visit markets and farm stores for homemade shoofly pie and fresh produce, or shop for a handmade Amish quilt. The many colorful restaurants throughout the area serve Amish food “family-style” that is always tasty and plentiful.

 Seniors Find One Of Oldest Inland Towns

Lancaster is one of the oldest inland towns in the United States. With a population of 60,000, Lancaster ranks eighth in population among Pennsylvania’s cities. On looking up the history of Lancaster, I learned that it was originally called Hickory Town. It was later renamed after the English city of Lancaster by native John Wright.

Originally settled in the early 18th century, the city was founded by James Hamilton with development from Centre Square that makes it easily navigable for senior visitors. The town symbol is a red rose from the House of Lancaster.

Many of Lancaster attractions provide insights into the area’s rich history and offer senior visitors interesting things to see and do. President James Buchanan’s elegant home, Wheatland, is historic but contrasts sharply to the simpler Pennsylvania Dutch heritage sites in Lancaster.

Seniors Visit City With Rich History

Lancaster is situated right in the center of Lancaster County, and senior visitors discover that its seven square miles are packed with art, museums, historical attractions, restaurants and cafes, theaters, shops and boutiques.

‘A great deal of the city’s charm stems from the stories, architecture, and traditions rooted in its rich history. Lancaster City is a place where historic preservation and a cutting-edge arts scene live and thrive side by side. A city of neighborhoods that are safe and welcoming, a city that encourages entrepreneurship and investment; a city that values the cultural, ethnic, and diverse lifestyles of its residents and guests.’

Spend a few days in Lancaster and you will find that you will never be short on exciting attractions and events. Your visit will prove to be memorable. -jeb