The Amish in Western Pennsylvania

When most people think of Amish country in Pennsylvania they think of the large Amish community located in Lancaster County. However, there are Amish communities located throughout the Keystone state with each having their own set of rules and guidelines. The old order Amish live the most conservative lifestyle out of all of the groups.

North of Pittsburgh you'll find a large Amish community in Lawrence County around the towns of New Wilmington and Volant. This community is said to be the third largest in the United States. You'll find Amish communities in 28 states and in Canada.  

Last year we visited the New Wilmington and Volant areas for the weekend and had a nice time checking out the area. One of the first things that we noticed was the color of their horse and buggies which is different from those found in Lancaster County. In western Pennsylvania they're painted a burnt orange and black color. 

The Amish are important members of the community. They're heavily involved in agriculture and farming. They own local businesses and work side-by-side with other members in the community. They shop the same retail businesses that we do and many of those businesses offer horse and buggy parking. 

When visiting these type's of communities you need to be respectful. The Amish don't like having their faces photographed. Please don't go onto private property to photograph them. You can observe and photograph from afar. It's important to respect their privacy. 

How To Take a Family Vacation Without Breaking the Bank

Whether you have a family of two or twelve, traveling is a good way to strengthen relationships and learn about new people and places. Vacations, however, are often quite expensive. If you are planning an upcoming trip for your family, consider a few cost-effective options.

Explore the Outdoors

Vacations that involve a lot of outdoor activities have several perks. For one, there is a wide variety of affordable things you can do. Additionally, these sorts of trips often encourage you and your family to work together as a team. You could consider visiting a national park or a campground for instance. If staying in a tent does not appeal to you, there are many places where you can enjoy nature but still have a bed to sleep in. For instance, you could look into a Cape Fear River vacation where you have the perfect mix of the outdoors and the comforts of home.

Focus on History

Another inexpensive way to take a trip is to travel to an area that is rich in history. Such places often have many museums as well as monuments and historical buildings you can visit. Museums are usually affordable and family-friendly, so even your youngest family members will find activities that interest them.

Visit Friends and Family

If you have relatives or friends who live in other parts of the country, you could also consider planning a road trip. You and your family can appreciate scenic views and plan memorable stops as you drive, yet have a cost-effective place to stay at night.

Travel is an important form of learning for people of all ages. Meeting people who do things differently than you and seeing places that you have only seen in history books gives you a unique perspective on life. With some creativity, you can reap all the benefits of travel without straining your budget.