If you're more interested in seeing this 
than this
when you go to Lancaster County, keep an eye on this blog over the next week or two. I'll be sharing some tips on how to get the most authentic experience when visiting tourist attractions on both sides of York County. I'll have photos, live audio and plenty of links and resources.
If you'll have out-of-town relatives in the area for the upcoming holiday, I'll give you a game plan for a couple of day trips to keep you away from the dinner table and TV set -- and far, far away from any shopping malls.
Unless, of course, you want to join in Black Friday madness -- in which case, I can point you to some places where you can search out bargains while strengthening your ability to withstand crowds of people you'll be glad aren't staying at your house for the weekend.
Stay tuned.... and feel free to chime in with your thoughts, opinions and suggestions!
Jen mentioned that I didn't chime in on this one. Being born and bred in Lancaster County, she thought I would have some thoughts. She was right, I do.
I immediately recognized this Amish Stuff Etc. store. It's on Route 30. If you want the real Amish experience, stay away from Route 30. Drive south on 222 or 272. Take a few back roads near the main roads in Lancaster County. The best way to see Amish is to just drive past their farms. Buy the goods. A lot of them have hand-written signs at the end of their lanes advertising apple butter, pies, pastries and flowers. Don't go on a Sunday. Real Amish aren't open on Sundays. The Bird-in-Hand Farmer's Market on Route 30 is also a good place to get the goods. If it has a billboard, a brochure or a Web site, how authentic do you think it is?