Amish Country, PA

Amish Up Close

Covered Bridge, copyright PA
Dutch CVB

The best way to see the Amish? Look out the car window. Just driving around will give you a quick glimpse into their lives.

Better yet, let a local be your guide. The Mennonite Information Center can set you up with a real Mennonite (Amish are one order of Mennonites), who'll ride in your car and take you on a two-hour tour.

Or take a horse-and-buggy tour. Ed's and Aaron & Jessica's Buggy Rides are some of the most popular. And trotting along these country roads will revive a squirming brood.

If you're lucky, you may be able to visit a real working farm. The Gardens of Eden, a B&B, sometimes arranges Saturday dinner with an Amish family for its guests. Or, you can stay over: the Visitor's Bureau lists some 18 farms that rent rooms for $50 to $75 a night. Whether viewing Amish life by buggy or hands-on tour, keep your camera in the bag -- the Amish consider it a religious infringement to have their pictures taken.