A Road Trip to Remember from Chambersburg to Lancaster
For those who love to go on long drives, Pennsylvania has a lot to offer. One such exciting drive is from Chambersburg to Lancaster. Covering a distance of approximately 70 miles, this drive takes around 1.5 hours, excluding any stops. However, if you want to add some fun to your journey, here are some unexpected places that you can add to your itinerary.
The Halfway Point: Camp Hill, PA
If you're embarking on a road trip from Chambersburg to Lancaster, make sure to halt at Camp Hill, which stands as the midpoint between these destinations. This little borough, located in Cumberland County, has grown to become a thriving community, contrary to its history as a battlefield ground during the Civil War. You'll be greeted with traditional Pennsylvania architecture and a range of shopping and dining options. Stop here for a quick bite or just to stretch your legs and take in the quaint ambiance.
1. The Turkey Hill Experience
The Turkey Hill Experience, located in Columbia, PA, is a must-visit destination for all ice cream enthusiasts. This interactive museum, spread across 26,000 square feet, offers a behind-the-scenes tour of Turkey Hill's ice cream and iced tea production, bottling, and packaging process. The museum also features hands-on experiences, such as creating and packaging your own virtual ice cream flavor, and a chance to milk mechanical cows. Once you've had your fill of dairy education, head over to their café to try unique ice cream flavors like green tea matcha or blueberry muffin.
2. Conestoga Area Historical Society Museum
History buffs will surely appreciate a stop at the Conestoga Area Historical Society Museum in Conestoga, PA. This lesser-known gem offers an insight into the Conestoga area's heritage, featuring exhibits and artifacts from as early as the 1700s. Discover the intricate details of farming, colonial medicine, and education, among other topics, through interactive displays. Additionally, the staff and volunteers at the museum are always eager to share their knowledge with visitors. Be sure to try some of the homemade snacks and drinks, such as raspberry iced tea, at the museum's snack bar.
3. Field of Screams
If you're someone who enjoys a good thrill, Field of Screams in Mountville, PA, is the perfect place for you. This haunted attraction is one of the top-rated scream parks in the country, providing visitors with an immersive horror experience. Test your courage by navigating through four uniquely-themed attractions - Den of Darkness, Frightmare Asylum, Nocturnal Wasteland, and the famous Field of Screams. Be prepared for a full-body workout as you run through the haunted fields and escape the hands of demonic clowns and zombie farmers. After experiencing this adrenaline rush, calm your nerves with some traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine at the park's food stands.
4. The Amish Village
No trip to Lancaster County would be complete without a visit to an Amish Village. Located in Ronks, PA, the Amish Village provides an authentic glimpse into the lives of one of America's most traditional communities. Choose from a guided tour or a self-guided visit to explore the village's replica homestead and farm, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and gardens. The Amish Village also offers a chance to shop for home-made goods and souvenirs made by local craftsmen. After the tour, enjoy some piping hot pretzels and sarsaparilla at the on-site restaurant.
5. Hershey's Chocolate World
No visit to Pennsylvania is complete without indulging in some chocolatey goodness, and what better place than Hershey's Chocolate World. Located in Hershey, PA, the birthplace of America's favorite chocolate bar, this attraction combines entertainment with education. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the chocolate factory through their Hershey's Great Chocolate Factory Mystery, or create your own chocolate bar at the Create Your Own Candy Bar attraction. The attraction has a variety of chocolate-themed experiences for visitors of all ages, including a trolley ride through Hershey town and a 4D Chocolate Mystery Show. Before you leave, make sure to visit the Hershey's Chocolate Store to stock up on sweet treats and souvenirs.
Embark on a Road Trip to Remember
If the idea of a road trip from Chambersburg to Lancaster wasn't on your bucket list already, these five unexpected stops will make you want to pack your bags and hit the road. From a dairy museum to a scream park to an Amish village, there's something for everyone along this route. And if that's not enough, you can fuel yourself with traditional Pennsylvania cuisine and some delicious chocolate. So forget the GPS, take a map, and embark on a journey that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.