Pennsylvania Dutch Country

March 30, 2006 (Press Release) -- Pennsylvania Dutch Country is home to a community of Amish, Mennonites and Brethren collectively known as 'Plain People.' They started arriving in the area in the 1720s and are unified on the issues of separation of church and state, a Bible-centered life, voluntary adult membership, the importance of family and community and a 'forgiving love' that translates into conscientious objection to war. The core of the Pennsylvania Dutch region is a string of towns, farms and sights spread out over an area of 20 by 15 miles (32 by 24km). These lie to the east of Lancaster, the area's main city and more or less its western boundary. East of Lancaster, the most visited road is Route 340 (Old Philadelphia Pike), with the towns of Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse. South of this and also running east-west is Route 30 (Lincoln Hwy), which is lined by dairy farms, farm guesthouses and crafts workshops. To get off the beaten track, take any one of the side roads between Routes 30 and 340.
Most Pennsylvania Dutch live on carefully manicured farms, but because of a rising population, urbanization and other outside pressures, many also now work in small-scale industries, producing quilts, furniture and crafts. The Amish refer to anyone outside their community as 'English,' wherever they might be from. Keep in mind that the Amish object to having their photo taken.
The Pennsylvania Dutch Country is a 90-minute drive west of Philadelphia on Route 30. There are daily buses and trains between Lancaster and Philadelphia.

Source: http://www.yahoo.com