A Lazy Day in Amish Country

Our trip is already 1/2 over, but it's been a busy, fun-filled week. Today, we slowed things down with the only planned event being a short drive into downtown Lancaster, PA. First stop was the country's oldest farm market where we bought muffins and smoothies for breakfast. We found a bench alongside the historic market building to eat our food and watch a young boy stacking and unstacking plastic cups with blazing speed.

We spent about two hours on a walking tour of the downtown checking out a number of eclectic and vintage shops as well as a skate shop for Aaron. This was our first day of comfortable weather so it was very enjoyable. We drove back to our Red Caboose via Strasbourg, a small town nearby with a renowned rail museum and a functioning steam train tour. The train takes you on a 45 min tour of the Amish countryside. We decided, however, it would be more enjoyable to do a tour in an Amish, horse drawn buggy instead. They depart regularly from our Caboose parking lot so it's real easy.

We arrived back at our Caboose to relax and unwind for a bit just in time for the quarter final match between Russia and Croatia. The plan was to watch the game and then go on a buggy ride. However, as most of you know, the game went into overtime and penalty kicks. By then, we decided it would be better to leave it until tomorrow and go for dinner instead. So, we prepared to walk the mile to Isaac's Restaurant. That didn't work out because there is no sidewalk or shoulder along the road to safely walk there. However, all things happen for a reason. We were positioned perfectly to watch the Pennsylvania steam train go past.

Dinner was enjoyed by all. It's a bit of a challenge to find eateries when you have one family member who is very fussy and limited in her likes when it comes to food and another who is 90% vegan. I had a good, old fashioned bacon and cheese burger.Read more