The green hills and fertile soil in and around Quarryville, Pennsylvania, sustains farms and the agricultural way of life in the area, but Quarryville, a historic borough in Lancaster County, got its name from the early development of limestone quarries. The oldest building dates back to 1791, when one of the first settlers constructed a big stone home near his quarries. The tranquil, residential community is in the heart of Amish country, often referred to as the Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
Playing in the Parks
- Bring your sports gear to two city parks -- one in Quarryville and the other in south Lancaster -- where you can get out and play. The 3.5-acre Huffnagle Park in Quarryville has picnic tables, playground equipment, a trail and ball field for pickup games. It's a popular gathering spot in summer for the town's concert series. People flock to the 544-acre Central Park, about 10 miles north of Quarryville, because of its amenities. Those include the county pool, a skateboard park with ramps and bowls, volleyball areas, ball and soccer fields, stream fishing, canoe launching; in winter, there is cross-country skiing and sledding hills. As a bonus, campers can spend the night in the adjacent Mill Creek Camping Area. This 10-acre site is for tent camping only, but has water, portable toilets, fire rings and grills.
Admiring the Amish
- Take time to appreciate Pennsylvania Dutch Country and learn about Amish lifestyle and culture. Most Amish families farm and produce crafts while maintaining a religious way of life that centers on simple living, plain dress and a renouncement of modern conveniences and technology. While you most likely won't be able to visit actual farms or homes unless specifically invited, you can learn about the Amish through area museums, reconstructed villages, buggy rides, restaurants, roadside stands selling produce and goods, quilt shops and boutiques that sell their goods.
Go Hiking, Horseback Riding and Kite Flying
- Those who love to get outside and roam have ample room to hike, horseback ride and fly kites at two state parks within 20 miles of Quarryville. The 224-acre Susquehannock State Park has panoramic views of Susquehanna River and attracts equestrians and hikers with its 5 miles of hiking trails through paths surrounded by plants, and numerous horseback riding trails in the river hills. There are five hitching rails throughout the park, and trailer parking is available in the large upper lot. Head to the Overlook Trail -- it's less than 1 mile -- to take in the two scenic vistas overlooking the Susquehanna River. For a more strenuous hike, head to the 1.2-mile, Rhododendron Trail; there is some steep and rocky terrain. At the 85-acre Samuel S. Lewis State Park, the first thing you'll notice is Mt. Pisgah, an 885-foot-high hill. Kite flyers come individually and in groups to the crest of the hill to fly kites.
Come Celebrate
- The Annual Bridge Bust takes place in October and centers around the Veterans Memorial covered bridge on Rte. 462 between Columbia and Wrightsville, about 30 miles northwest of Quarryville. Instead of cars, you'll find more than 300 vendors on the 1.25-mile bridge; you can shop for antiques, art, crafts and food. If it's food you crave, check out the Annual Taste of the River Towns in April in Columbia, where you'll sample restaurants' and food vendors' fares, or the annual Whoopie Pie Festival in September in Lancaster County, where you can taste more than 100 different whoopie pie flavors. The Elizabethtown Fair in August festivities include livestock shows, games, music, rides and food. It's about 35 miles north of Quarryville.
