Things to do / Travel Guide
Farmer's Markets
The region, in particular Lancaster County, is full of many fine year-round local produce markets where you can find and abundance of agricultural products. Some such markets are: The Central Market or Cherry Hill Orchards in Lancaster, the Columbia Market in Columbia, and the Bird in Hand Farmer's Market in Bird in Hand.
Handmade Quilts
In Bird in Hand or Strasburg, you can shop around for unique, hand-made quilts, which are a specialty of the local Amish and Mennonite artisans. The women of this Pennsylvania Dutch Country have been creating exquisite quilted masterpieces since the mid-1800s. Amish quilts were once an expression of frugality, and, in early times, making them served the additional function of being a form of entertainment and social life. Quilts now can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, but one can usually be found to suit any budget.
Antiques
In Adamstown, in Lancaster County, you'll find a true antique mecca. With around 3,000 dealers within a three-mile radius, there are antiques galore for your eyes to feast on, including American, European, and Asian furniture, china, and other collectibles. In nearby Denver, there are another 400 indoor and outdoor antiques and collectible stands, open during regular business hours all year round (weather permitting).
Mud Sales
Regular events in Lancaster County since the 1960s, outdoor mud sales are a combination of flea market, farm auction, collectibles sale, household jumble sale, and community fundraiser. Held in the rainy spring in open fields (hence the affectionate name), these are popular events for bargain hunters. You can mingle with the interesting locals, and maybe pick up a vintage Amish plow. Check local newspapers for locations.
Art Galleries
Old City, Philadelphia's art district, offers many art galleries concentrated within a comfortable walking radius. The first Friday of every month, locally called “First Friday,” is a monthly open house for some 40 galleries, open in the evenings. Most galleries can be found from Front Street to Third Street as well as from Market Street to Vine Street.
Outlet Malls
A short ride from Center City sits one of the largest retail complexes in the United States, The King of Prussia Mall, with 400 big-name stores taking up almost 3 million square feet of retail space. Additionally, bargain-lovers flock from all over the East Coast to the Franklin Mills Mall, the official landmark of the discount shopper, and its 220 brand-name discount stores. Importantly, there's no sales tax on clothing in Pennsylvania.
Shopping Malls in Philadelphia, Lancaster, the Poconos, Eastern Pennsylvania
Shopping
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