Wilmington to Philadelphia & Amish Country: Historic Loop
Independence Hall in Philadelphia’s historic district.
Route: Wilmington ➔ Philadelphia, PA ➔ Lancaster County, PA ➔ return via US-30/I-95, ~150 miles round-trip.
Drive 30 miles north from Wilmington and you’re in the heart of Philadelphia. Park near the Old City (there are parking garages around Independence Hall) and spend the morning walking through American history. See the Liberty Bell, tour Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and wander down Elfreth’s Alley the oldest residential street in America. Philadelphia’s historic sights are all within a compact area, so you can easily see a lot on foot. For lunch, grab a classic Philly cheesesteak. Pat’s and Geno’s in South Philly are the famous rivals, but locals often prefer spots like Jim’s on South Street or Dalessandro’s in Roxborough for an authentic cheesesteak overflowing with juicy beef and cheese. By early afternoon, hop back in the car and head west toward the rolling farmlands of Lancaster County (about 1.5 hours from Philly via the PA Turnpike/I-76, or take the more scenic US-30 through rural towns). You’ll know you’ve arrived in Amish Country when you start seeing horse-drawn buggies on the roads! In Lancaster County, visit the quaint villages of Intercourse or Bird-in-Hand for Amish handicrafts, farmers’ markets, and maybe a guided tour of an Amish farm. It’s like stepping back in time many Amish families live without electricity, and you can buy homemade jams, quilts, and pretzels from roadside stands. Don’t miss trying a slice of shoofly pie, a Pennsylvania Dutch molasses crumb pie that’s a local favorite. As evening approaches, begin the drive back toward Wilmington (about 1.5–2 hours). If there’s time (and especially if you’re coming back in the warmer months), you could make a stop at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA, on your way home it’s only about 30 minutes from Wilmington and on summer evenings the botanical gardens put on dazzling illuminated fountain shows set to music, which is a perfect capstone to a day of city and country sights.
Places to Eat:
- Philly Favorites: In Philadelphia, aside from cheesesteaks, you might stop by Reading Terminal Market (near downtown) for an overwhelming array of food choices from Amish baked goods to Philly roast pork sandwiches. If you prefer a sit-down lunch, historic City Tavern (a reconstructed 18th-century tavern) offers colonial-inspired dishes. And save room for a sweet snack like a Philly soft pretzel or some Bassett’s ice cream (America’s oldest ice cream company, found in Reading Terminal).
- Amish Country Eats: In Lancaster County, try an Amish home-style meal at a place like the Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord or Miller’s Smorgasbord they serve traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dishes (think fried chicken, buttered noodles, whoopie pies for dessert) in all-you-can-eat fashion. For lighter bites, the area’s farmers’ markets are ideal: you can munch on warm soft pretzels hand-rolled by Amish bakers, sample local cheeses, or sip a cold homemade root beer. And definitely pick up a jar of chow-chow (a tangy pickled veggie relish) or apple butter to take home.
Lodging:
- Country Overnight: This loop can be done in a long day, but if you have time, staying overnight in Lancaster County is a wonderful experience. There are charming farm bed-and-breakfasts where you can sleep in a peaceful rural setting surrounded by farmland. For example, some working farms in the area welcome guests you might relax in a cozy room lit by oil lamps and wake up to the sound of roosters. (One popular option is to stay on an Amish/Mennonite farm Amish farm stays let you experience a bit of the lifestyle, often with no TVs or WiFi, but plenty of hospitality.) There are also more conventional hotels around Lancaster if you prefer modern amenities. Note: Many Amish-owned businesses (and even some B&Bs) do not operate on Sundays, and some close by late afternoon on Saturdays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Pro Tip: Philadelphia’s traffic can be heavy, so time your city portion to beat the rush. It’s best to arrive in Philly either before 9 AM or after 10 AM to avoid the worst of morning I-95 congestion (rush hour typically peaks 7–9 AM) and to head out before or after the late-afternoon crush (avoid the 4:30–6 PM period if possible). Once in the city, it’s easiest to park once and either walk or use public transit/ride-share many of the historic attractions are within a few blocks of each other. In Lancaster County, drive carefully on the country roads: you will likely encounter slow-moving horse-drawn buggies. Only pass a buggy when it’s safe and legal, give them plenty of space, and do not honk (it could startle the horse). A friendly wave is always appreciated. Also, evenings are quiet in Amish Country this is part of the charm. Enjoy the peaceful farmland atmosphere, and if you stay overnight, look up at the stars; with so little ambient light, the night sky in rural Pennsylvania can be stunning. This loop is doable in one long day, but stretching it to 2 days (with that farm stay and maybe an extra stop at Longwood Gardens or the Lancaster Central Market in downtown Lancaster) will make it far more enjoyable and relaxing.