Pennsylvania Dutch Country: satisfy your craving for comfort food, yearning for yesteryear, and curiosity about the Plain People on a rural ramble through Lancaster County

Travel America, May-June, 2005 by Randy Mink

Across the road, the glory days of American railroading are enshrined at the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum, one of the largest train museums in the world. Visitors can board vintage locomotives, cabooses, and other equipment displayed on four tracks inside a giant glass-walled shed. Also in Strasburg, the Choo Choo Barn--Traintown USA showcases 21 operating model trains that weave through a miniature world of detailed, animated dioramas painstakingly built by the Groff family.

The village of Strasburg itself (pronounced "Strazz-burg") is chockfull of 18th and 19th century homes and bed-and-breakfasts. Plaques indicate that some buildings date as far back as the 1730s.

Amish buggies are a common sight in Strasburg. At one hitching post, a sign advises, "Amish friends, please clean up after your horse." A shovel and garbage can are provided.

Those fascinated with the Amish can learn more about their other-worldly lifestyle from the many books available in souvenir shops throughout Lancaster County. Among the choices: The Puzzles of Amish Life, The Riddle of Amish Culture, 20 Most Asked Questions About the Amish and Mennonites, and Living Without Electricity. There's even an Understanding the Amish title in the Complete Idiot's Guide series.

Contact: Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau, (800) PADUTCH; www.PaDutchCountry.com.

RELATED ARTICLE: B&B hideaway.

A HIGHLIGHT OF MY TRIP TO PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH COUNTRY WAS staying at Rocky Springs & Bed & Breakfast a new lodging option on the eastern edge of Lancaster City. Though it's only been open a year, the inn dates back to 1855 and has an intriguing story to tell.

The wooded Rocky Springs property on the Conestoga River, is centered around a red-brick mansion that served as an inn from 1861 to 1875 The site was a popular picnic ground and bathing resort and had several dance pavilions. But many Lancaster residents remember Rocky Springs as an amusement park that flourished from the turn of the 20th century to 1967.

In contrast to exquisite appointments awaiting B&B guests in the restored mass on (once the home of park owners). ghostly relics of the family fun kingdom haunt--and fascinate--visitors who prow the leafy grounds. You'll see old roller coaster cars, ticket booths, and a trolley station One signs reads. 'Please Stay in Line."

Deteriorating buildings housed the restaurant, soda fountain and "Pennyland" arcade. A timeline the "Pop Corn" building chronicles the park's history.

Most impressive s the 12-sided pavilion that enclosed a Dentzel carousel resplendent with 48 hand-carved unman and two chariots. The pavilion is visible from the inn's patio, built of wooden punks salvaged from the Wild Cat roller coaster.

Current owners Sam and Elaine Stoltzfus bought the Rocky Springs property in 2001 to preserve its heritage. (Half of the 35 acres were sold to a condo developer around 1990.) Besides operating the B&B, they plan to recycle the outbuildings for retreats, conferences and wedding receptions.

Managing the B&B are Nevin and Glori Brubaker, a young coupe with strong roots in the Pennsylvania Dutch farming community. Glori, a designer and event planner comes from a Mennonite family that arrived in America nine generation ago. Nevin, with a Brethren backgrourd is an accountant. Radiating an easy charm they are consummate hosts.