Lancaster County often appears on the best places in the U.S. to shop for antiques list –and for good reason. With its prosperous farms, German heritage, and tradition of craftsmanship, not only are there many unique objects to be found, there’s plenty of scenery and culture to absorb while you shop as well. Within a 25-mile radius of Lancaster, you’ll find more than 150 antique dealers, simply by driving along country roads and through many of the surrounding towns, which include Adamstown, Ephrata, Stratsburg, Lititz, and Columbia. The stores in these towns run the gamut, from antique malls to flea markets, to auctions to individual shops. Although you will find early 20th century furnishings here, what’s in more abundance is 19th century farmhouse and country art, including Amish folk art.

The best time to hit Lancaster is on the weekends. Renningers puts on two large antiques and flea markets events. One takes place in Kutztown, the other in Adamstown. Both events feature anywhere from 250 to 400 dealers. And if that’s not enough antique action for you, another favorite is the weekend Shopps Grove Antique Market, held in late April through October. This event features everything from vintage kitchenware to art glass, to pottery to precious folk art. Other shows include the Mid-Winter Classic, featuring over 500 dealers, and the Lancaster Heritage Antiques Show. In Harrisburg, these two events are also worth exploring, The Mennonite Relief Sale and the Eastern National Antique Show; both take place in April. Lancaster is also home to 29 covered bridges and 3,000 acres of nature preserves. And if trekking through the wild isn’t your cup of tea, museums in Lancaster include the American Museum of Bird-in-Hand, the Rock Ford Plantation, the Lancaster Cultural History Museum, the Amish Farm and House, and President James Buchanan’s Wheatland. There are buggy and sleigh rides, art festivals and of course – the Amish culture, which is fascinating all in itself.