Pennsylvania--Amish Country Drive

The Amish Drive is a trip from Gap to Marietta on Route 772. The 35-mile drive runs through the heart of Amish country in Lancaster County. The Amish religion began in Switzerland in the 16th Century. They use horses instead of tractors to plow their fields, which gives the land a distinguishing look. Head west out of Gap toward Intercourse. Here you can see the shops and galleries at People's Place.

After shopping in Intercourse, you come to the town of Litiz. On your way you'll pass many farm stands with fresh fruit, vegetables, cider, cheeses, and butter. Litiz is home to the Moravian Church, built in 1746. This little town has several interesting local sites, including Linden Hall, the oldest girls' boarding school in the country; the Litiz Historical Society; the Sturgis Pretzel House, the oldest pretzel bakery in the country; and the Candy Americana Museum and Wilbur's Chocolate Factory. Route 772 crosses farm country until it dead ends on the Susquehanna River, one hour later, in the town of Marietta.

Editor's Note: Don't expect to see a thick concentration of Amish buggies or other indications on the entire route, as their lives are quite different from the media portrayal. One vacationer recommended the area around the town of Intercourse, where route 340 crosses route 772 as a good spot.

Starting Point:
Gap, PA

Distance of Drive:
35 miles

Must Eat:
Garfield's Restaurant
222 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone:  717-569-5454
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For:  Home style cooking

Best Time of Year for Drive:
Year round

Points of Interest on Drive:
Moravian Church
Linden hall
Litiz Historical Society
Sturgis Pretzel House
Wilbur's Chocolate Factory

UsedCars.biz Road Trip in the Same State:
Pennsylvania--Wellsboro to Warren

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