15 Ways to Fall in Love with Lancaster County

As the crisp fall air rolls into Lancaster County, there’s no better time to explore its back roads and take in the stunning countryside in all its vibrant, changing colors. Imagine the scent of freshly baked apple pies drifting from farm markets, the sound of rustling leaves underfoot as you stroll through covered bridges, and the sight of plump pumpkins nestled in green vines at local patches. Experience it for yourself as Lancaster comes alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of the season when you stay with us at The Lancaster Bed & Breakfast this fall. Ready to fall in love? Here are 15 ways to experience Lancaster County at its finest this fall.

1. Best Kept Secrets Tour
Let’s start with a local favorite—the Best Kept Secrets Tour. This is a self-guided shopping adventure that takes you off the beaten path to small businesses, shops, and artisans scattered throughout Lancaster County, with each stop handpicked for its uniqueness and charm. You’ll discover hidden gems from boutiques to farm markets, making it a shopper’s paradise.

2. Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
Transport yourself to the time of knights, jesters, and royals at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. This lively event offers entertainment, period food (giant turkey legs!), and artisan vendors all while celebrating a different theme each weekend, including Halloween Daze and Spooky Knights weekends in October. It’s the perfect escape into the world of fantasy and history.

3. Farm Markets and Roadside Stands
Nothing says Lancaster County like its farm markets and roadside stands. Whether you're grabbing fresh produce, homemade pies, or local crafts, these spots provide a taste of the area's agricultural richness. Downtown Lancaster’s Central Market is the oldest farmers market in America, tracing its origins back to 1730. Root's Country Market and the Green Dragon are also well-known. Remember, your purchases support local farmers as you enjoy delicious farm-to-table treats.

4. Go for a Hike
For nature lovers, Lancaster County offers plenty of hiking trails. Explore the scenic paths at Chickies Rock County Park and its Breezyview Overlook that provides incredible vistas of the Susquehanna River. Or hike the Conestoga Trail, which connects several nature preserves and local parks. Then, there's Lancaster County Central Park, with nine trails and the Garden of Five Senses overlooking the Conestoga River. No matter where you roam, the region’s natural beauty will leave you refreshed and ready for more exploration.

5. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
From wagon rides and farm animals to a pumpkin patch and corn maze, Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is an interactive farm experience with over 60 activities. And it isn’t just for kids—it’s a perfect spot for adults to enjoy the best of fall. There's live music, local beer and wine, delicious food (don't skip the apple cider donuts), two gifts shops, a sweet shop, and Saturday night fireworks all fall long. Check out their end-of-season Pumpkin Madness Festival in early November, with pumpkin smashing, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin chucking, and more.

6. Haunted Attractions
For those who crave a good scare, Lancaster County delivers with two premier haunted attractions: Field of Screams and Jason’s Woods. Both are known for their terrifying experiences, with haunted hayrides, spooky trails, crazed cornfields, and chilling live actors ready to make you scream. These haunted attractions are among the best of the best, scaring visitors for over three decades.

7. Ghost Tours of Lancaster and Strasburg
Prefer your scares with a side of history? Explore 300 years of mysteries hidden deep in Pennsylvania Dutch folklore with Ghost Tours of Lancaster and Strasburg. These 90-minute candlelight tours mix local legends and historical facts to give you a spooky insight into Lancaster County's dark side. Guides will take you through the eerie streets of a historic city or quaint country town, sharing stories that will get your spine tingling.

8. Paranormal Investigations at Bube's Brewery
The history of Bube's Brewery in Mount Joy dates back to the 1800s, so it should be no surprise that ghosts are said to roam its catacombs. Paranormal investigators will lead you in search of the lingering spirits that call this 19th-century brewery home. Believers and skeptics are invited to explore the eerie corridors and learn about the ghostly tales that have been passed down through generations. You can even dine down in the catacombs or enjoy food and spirits in Bube's other two restaurants: The Bottling Works and The Brewery.

9. Strasburg Rail Road
Step back in time with a ride on the Strasburg Rail Road, where you can enjoy scenic views of the Amish countryside aboard a historic steam train. As the train winds through the countryside, you’ll be treated to breathtaking fall foliage, with vibrant hues of orange, red, and gold painting the landscape. And for a fun twist, check out their Haunted Rails & Tales event in October for a spooky storytelling experience aboard the train.

10. Wineries
Lancaster County is home more than a dozen delightful wineries that boast award-winning locally produced reds, whites, rosés, and fruit wines. Among them, Waltz Vineyards, Nissley Vineyards, and Grandview Vineyard are popular for their wine tastings, live music, and special events. Lancaster's wineries are the perfect spot to relax and toast to the good life, while overlooking beautiful vineyards at harvest time.

11. Covered Bridges
With more than 200 covered bridges, Pennsylvania has more of these historic structures than any other state — and 29 of them are here in Lancaster County. Covered bridges take us back in time to a charming, simpler life. Spend a peaceful afternoon driving through the countryside to see them — especially pretty in the fall when surrounded by the changing leaves and meandering creeks. A few favorites not far from our bed-and-breakfast are the covered bridges at Hunsecker's Mill, Willow Hill, and Kurtz's Mill.

12. Pumpkin Patches
What’s fall without a pumpkin patch? In such a rich agricultural region, it's should be no surprise there are pumpkin patches in all corners of Lancaster County. Masonic Village Farm Market in Elizabethtown is a great place for pick-your-own pumpkins, and then stop in the Orchard View Cafe for lunch and hand-dipped ice cream. At the Country Barn in Lancaster, climb aboard a hay wagon for a scenic ride to the sprawling pumpkin patch. There's also a corn maze, train ride, animals, and a farm market to explore.

13. Apple Orchards
Apple picking is a must in Lancaster, and we've got plenty of orchards to choose from. Kauffman’s Orchards is one of the best spots to do it. Visit during their Apple Fest in mid-October for a celebration of everything apple, from fresh cider to baked goods. There will be hayrides, a corn maze, cider press demonstrations, and arts and crafts vendors. For more apple-picking fun, also consider the Masonic Village Orchard and Cherry Hill Orchards.

14. Corn Mazes
If you haven’t experienced a corn maze yet, head to Oregon Dairy in Lititz. Known for its intricate and challenging designs, this maze will test your navigation skills while providing tons of fun for everyone involved. Get lost and have fun doing it! Also check out the corn maze at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, rated one of the top corn mazes in America by USA Today. This year's maze theme is Cattle on the Farm.

15. Travel the Back Roads
Lastly, take in the scenic beauty of Lancaster County in all its fall splendor with a ride through the back roads. Get a glimpse of Amish life with an authentic horse-and-buggy ride through the Lancaster countryside. Or hop on a scooter for a more modern adventure. Strasburg Scooter Tours offers guided, themed scooter tours, including The Spooky Scoot, the only motorized ghost tour in Lancaster County. Whichever mode of transportation you choose, you'll get a scenic trip where you'll witness Amish farms, covered bridges, and picturesque hills and valleys.

From haunted thrills to peaceful hikes to a day picking apples and pumpkins, Lancaster County has something for everyone this fall. When you plan your stay at The Lancaster Bed and Breakfast, pack your bags and your sense of adventure, and come fall in love with Lancaster. With every turn down a country road, you’ll discover a new reason to return again and again.