If you live in New Jersey, your life moves fast. You deal with traffic every single day, your schedule is packed, and even weekends can feel busy. Sometimes you just want to get away to somewhere quieter. A few hours on the road can take you to Amish Country in Pennsylvania, where things slow down. You’ll see buggies instead of buses, open farmland instead of crowded streets, and food made from scratch instead of picked up on the go.
For you, the trip is more than a change of scenery. It’s a chance to step into a place where life feels simpler and more grounded. You can sit down to a homemade meal, shop for something crafted by hand, and enjoy the peace of a community that doesn’t run on the same clock as yours.
So what is it about Amish Country that makes the drive from New Jersey worth it?
Why You Should Visit Amish Country
A trip from New Jersey to Amish Country gives you more than a break from the noise of city life. It lets you experience traditions and values that have remained steady for centuries.
The cultural and historical appeal is one of the biggest draws. The Amish community continues to live without many modern conveniences, so you’ll see horse-drawn buggies on the road, barns built by hand, and farms that operate much as they did a hundred years ago. This living history is hard to find anywhere else so close to New Jersey.
At the same time, Amish Country has become a perfect spot for people who appreciate quality craftsmanship. In fact, many are drawn to Amish Country due to the growing popularity of online Amish furniture stores, where buyers understand the value of sturdy, handmade pieces. Visiting in person lets you connect that digital experience with real workshops, local markets, and family-run shops. You’ll not only taste fresh home cooking and see handmade quilts, but also feel the slower rhythm of life in the scenic countryside.
How to Travel from New Jersey to Amish Country
Getting from New Jersey to Amish Country is easier than you might think, and you have several options depending on how much time and flexibility you want.
Travel Option Details By Car Driving is the most direct way to make the trip. From northern New Jersey, it takes about three hours to reach Lancaster County, while southern New Jersey can be closer to two and a half. The main routes include I-95, I-78, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Having your own car gives you freedom to explore small towns and backroads, which are harder to reach by public transport. Be prepared for rural driving conditions, including narrow roads and horse-drawn buggies. By Train or Bus If you prefer not to drive, you can take a train or bus. Amtrak runs service from Newark and Trenton into Lancaster, usually with a transfer in Philadelphia. The trip takes around three to four hours and still requires a short ride once you arrive, since Amish attractions are spread out. Bus routes are more limited, often stopping in larger towns only, so plan for additional local transportation. By Guided Tour Guided tours leave from parts of New Jersey and New York City. These usually include transportation, a local guide, and stops at well-known Amish attractions. Prices vary, but expect to pay more than you would driving yourself. The upside is that tours handle the planning and provide cultural insight you might miss on your own, though you’ll have less freedom to set your pace.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Amish Country
The timing of your trip shapes the kind of experience you’ll have, from the scenery you enjoy to the events you can join.
Factor Details Seasonal highlights and weather Spring and summer bring green fields, blooming gardens, and long days for exploring. Fall is the most popular time thanks to colorful foliage and crisp air. Winter is quieter but offers snowy farm views and holiday markets. Weather can affect rural roads, so plan if you’re driving. Special events and markets Amish Country hosts unique events like spring “mud sales,” which are community auctions that raise funds for local fire companies. Seasonal farmers markets and harvest festivals are also worth timing your visit around for a more authentic experience. Weekdays vs weekends Weekdays mean smaller crowds at shops and attractions, giving you more time to talk with local vendors. Weekends attract more tourists from nearby cities. Many Amish-owned businesses close on Sundays, so schedule visits carefully.
What to Know About Amish Culture and Customs
When you spend time in Amish Country, it helps to know what matters most to the community. The Amish live with intention, focusing on faith, family, and work done by hand. You’ll notice fewer modern conveniences, but that’s part of their choice to keep life centered on simple traditions.
You’ll also want to be mindful of your camera. Amish people value humility, and being photographed goes against that belief. It’s fine to take pictures of barns, markets, or buggies, but avoid pointing your lens directly at anyone. A respectful distance and a little awareness go a long way in making your visit feel welcome.
Sundays are different here, too. Most Amish businesses close so families can gather and worship. If you happen to be there on a Sunday, don’t be surprised when many Amish shops and restaurants are closed. That day is set aside for worship and family. It’s a good time to take a slow drive through the countryside, walk across a covered bridge, or stop by places run by non-Amish locals.
Where to Eat and Shop in Amish Country
One of the best parts of visiting Amish Country is the food and shopping. You’ll find meals and goods here that reflect the community’s traditions and care for quality.
For dining, you can sit down at Amish-run restaurants or try the well-known smorgasbords. These are all-you-can-eat buffets like the Shady Maple Smorgasbord that serve dishes like fried chicken, shoofly pies, corn breads, and homemade desserts. It’s hearty food made with fresh ingredients, giving you a taste of what families in the area enjoy every day. Smaller family-style restaurants are another option if you prefer something more intimate.
Shopping in Amish Country is nostalgic and straightforward. Many markets and bakeries sell freshly baked goods like bread and pies. In the summer, you’ll see more roadside stands that sell vegetables and fruits picked that morning. For something lasting, you can also find hand-stitched quilts, woven baskets, and solid wood furniture.
What to Do in Amish Country
Once you’ve made the trip, the question becomes how to spend your time. Whether you’re going for a day or staying longer, there’s plenty to see and do.
If you only have a day, consider starting with a visit to a local farm or museum, where you can learn about Amish life. From there, take a buggy ride through the countryside and stop by a market for fresh food or handmade goods before heading back to New Jersey. For an overnight stay, you can slow the pace. Add a visit to small towns like Bird-in-Hand or Strasburg, enjoy dinner at a family-style restaurant, and use the next morning for shopping or exploring backroads and covered bridges.
Some experiences are worth making time for. Private tours via buggy rides give you a close look at Amish farms and towns. There are over 25 covered bridges scattered across Lancaster, PA, for beautiful photo stops. Markets, quilt shops, and family-run farms round out the trip, giving you a mix of culture, history, and local flavor.
Why Amish Country Is Worth the Trip
When you make the drive from New Jersey to Amish Country, it doesn’t just feel like miles on the road. You get a break from the rush, a chance to sit down to a meal that tastes homemade, and time to see work done by hand the way it has been for generations. Instead of crowded streets, you’ll find quiet roads and a slower rhythm that gives you space to breathe.
That same spirit is what guides us at Amish Furniture Factory. When you bring a piece of our furniture into your home, you’re bringing in the same quality and care you see in Lancaster. Your visit gives you lasting memories, and your home can carry that same tradition through furniture built to serve you for years.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.