Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania and West Manchester Township, Pennsylvania
Driving from Cheltenham Township in southeastern Pennsylvania to West Manchester Township near the state's southern boundary takes about two hours. This journey passes through a variety of landscapes and small towns. Along the way, there are several unexpected places that are worth a detour.
East Earl, PA
About halfway between the starting and ending points is East Earl, a small agricultural community. Here, visitors can step back in time to a simpler way of life at the Amish Village. Take a guided tour of this 12-acre property and admire the beautiful grounds and the historic buildings. Learn about the local Amish culture, and even watch as expert craftspeople demonstrate traditional skills like blacksmithing and quilting. The village's gift shop offers handmade Amish crafts, fresh-baked goods, and other local products.
Don't miss the chance to try shoofly pie, a Lancaster County specialty made with molasses and a crumbly, cake-like crust. It's delicious for breakfast or as a snack with coffee.
Honey Brook, PA: September Farm Cheese
Ten miles west of East Earl, near the town of Honey Brook, visitors can tour the September Farm Cheese dairy and creamery. This family-owned business has been churning out artisanal cheeses for over 25 years. Take a guided tour and see how the cheese is made from milk that comes from the cows grazing just outside. Then, sample a variety of the cheeses in the on-site store, along with other local treats like raw honey, homemade jams, and fresh-baked bread.
For lunch, try a grilled cheese sandwich made with September Farm's award-winning cheese, served on crusty bread from the local bakery.
Lancaster, PA: Lancaster Central Market
Just a short drive south of Honey Brook is the city of Lancaster. This vibrant community is home to the oldest continuously operating farmers' market in the United States, Lancaster Central Market. The market is open Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, and is sure to have something to please everyone. Take your time and wander the aisles, tasting fresh produce, local meats and cheeses, and homemade baked goods. Don't miss the chance to chat with the vendors and learn more about their products and the Lancaster County way of life.
For a quick snack, try a soft pretzel from one of the market vendors, or a fresh fruit smoothie.
Manheim, PA: Spooky Nook Sports
About twenty minutes north of Lancaster is Manheim, home to Spooky Nook Sports, the largest indoor sports complex in the country. The massive 700,000 square foot facility offers everything from basketball courts and indoor turf fields to rock climbing walls and a giant arcade. Visitors can take part in fitness classes, climb the rock wall, or just watch a basketball game. Even non-sports fans will find something to enjoy at this impressive facility.
For an energy boost, grab a smoothie or acai bowl at the Pro Shop, or check out the snack bar for classic game-time fare like nachos and chicken wings.
York, PA: Roundtop Mountain Resort
Just a short drive from West Manchester Township is Roundtop Mountain Resort, a year-round destination that offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in the winter, and ziplining, ropes courses, and paintball in the summer. The resort's 24 trails cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. In the summer, thrill-seekers can tackle the ropes courses, zipline across the treetops, or engage in a friendly game of paintball.
For après-ski or après-adventure refreshment, stop by the Fireside Pub and Grill and try a locally brewed beer or cider, paired with hearty pub fare like burgers, nachos, and wings.
Why Take This Trip?
This road trip between Cheltenham Township and West Manchester Township offers a glimpse into the history, culture, and beauty of southeastern Pennsylvania. Visitors can experience the simplicity and hospitality of the Amish and Mennonite communities, indulge in artisanal cheese and baked goods, explore the country's oldest farmers' market, break a sweat at the nation's largest indoor sports complex, and hit the slopes or zipline through the trees at a mountain resort. And don't forget to grab a bite to eat at each stop, from shoofly pie to fresh smoothies to pub grub. Whether you're a local or a visitor to Pennsylvania, this road trip is sure to satisfy all your cravings for adventure, fun, and good food.