After Hershey, we made our way to Lancaster and the surrounding areas. I have been really into books by Beverly Lewis and Wanda Brunsetter so this was a real treat for me. The weather was slightly rainy but after a 10 min severe thunderstorm the sun came out and it was beautiful. Our first stop was Bird in Hand for a smorgasbord lunch. A smorgasbord is just another name for a big buffet. This one was huge. They had lots of variety and it was delicious. After lunch we decided to take a self guided tour through the area. The land is beautiful and dotted with tall blue silos. Simplicity at its best. We drove past several farms with horses, milk cows, chickens, and children. Amish buggies drove along the side of the highway and were parked at several business with beautiful strong horses attached to them. I am slightly envious. I am not sure Dean was so intrigued but I could have drove around all day. I always wanted to be a farm girl with horses, cows, and chores. We also went to the town of Intercourse where there was a large English/Amish shopping area. There was a jam shop where they made all their jams, jellies, and pickles right there in the store. Unfortunately, they were finished for the day when we arrived. It was a really interesting experience. I also loved that fact that my books were now real. The towns were real and they scenes from in my books were coming to life. It was excellent. Maybe next time we will go for a buggy ride.....
