Time Travel to Pennsylvania Dutch country

The summer 2015 we were at Villanova University for Charlie's graduate studies and we had an opportunity to spend it in Pennsylvania Dutch country. I say "opportunity" out of desperation, because I needed to give my 1.5 hr. commute to Delaware a rest. We would have never chosen this spot as a destination. DJ Shady Rest Grove Campground, 2085 Kirkwood Pike, Kirkwood, PA 17536 - now under "Oma's Family Campground". The sites where dirty, buggy and unlevel. The restrooms very state-parkish. It was a campground in desperate need of a manicure and a good scrubbing (very unPA) despite a few shortcomings, we were so pleasantly surprised at the uniqueness of the area and the wonderful people, the affordability and, checkout the view from the back....

Maybe we were vacationing all wrong - maybe we can find adventure in the quiet rolling hills, interesting people and inexpensive fruit and vegetable stands. Bunches of asparagus for $1.00. Did I mention all the homemade pies and bread that were delivered to the campground once a week for a few dollars. No need to use the frustrating RV oven in this location.

In Pennsylvania Dutch country we looked odder on foot in our running gear then the horses, buggies and foot scooters the Amish used to travel. I don't know if they have ever seen such fools running the backroads because we felt alien. The children and cows were confused about us running down long empty country roads. The Amish Families in the Pennsylvania Dutch country are fascinating. We had the opportunity to spend a few months observing and appreciating this culture. We watched 8 children from one family aged from 2 to 12 playing on a small swing set like there was no tomorrow. For this crew, that plain swing set was the most magical and happy place on earth. The two year old was dressed in starched pants and clean button down white shirt - perfect. A little man already running after the pack. The images I have experienced have been priceless. Children feeding baby calves, pulling each other on wagons and peeking out of the back of their horse drawn carriages. The pictures would have been eye-catching but out of respect for this culture they were untaken. I feel it would be intrusive, tacky, and rude to even ask. This is why people should come and experience this world themselves. I loved waking up to the sounds of the “clippity-clop” of the horse-drawn buggies, the roosters, and the birds everywhere that you just don’t get in urban or suburban settings in this country.

Come and submerse your family in this culture. Lancaster has a lot of tourists, so to avoid the crowds and large car processions behind a slow moving horse and buggy, go to Quarryville PA instead. Patience - it's why you are there. We really found this town enchanting. Same charm,

less crowds.

omasfamilycampground.com