I want to begin by saying that we travel quite a bit and have taken tours (literally) all over the world. I want you to know that this is one of the GREATEST TOURS we have ever taken. No joke!!!
For our VIP (Visit in Person) experience, we went to and visited 3 separate Amish Homes.
First we went to a young Amish couple's home where they run a Dairy Farm. The couple were newly married and in their 20's. It was milking time, and if you know the Amish, they don't stop for anything! While the husband was busy milking 40 cows, the young lady gave us a first hand tour inside the barn where the milking was going on. They have 60 head of cattle and she told us all about how they rotate the cows in and out for milking. Please note: we were not standing at a distance. Rather, we were right there in the cow's personal space! In addition to all this, we then got to learn how their day started at 03:30am, everything they both do in a typical day, etc. She then opened it up for any questions we had!!
Second, we visited an Amish carpenter's home. He took us into his workshop and showed us (again first hand) how he hand crafted the furniture he sold. His pieces were stunningly beautiful and the workmanship was incredible! Like before, he opened it up for any questions we had for him.
Lastly, we visited an older Amish couple. They have been married **60** years, have 10 children, and **81** grandchildren. First the husband took us inside his barn and excitedly showed us the new colt that had just recently been born. That was very cool. But next, it got unbelievably cool: We were invited and went INSIDE their home. Once inside, we sat in their living room and just talked -- about any and everything you could imagine! **Nothing was off limits.** This sweet Amish couple (estimated to be in their 80's) were as interested in us as we were them. There were about 10 people in our group, and we sat for nearly an hour in a circle just having fellowship. Old fashioned fellowship too. Such a lost art.
As we sat inside their house, it was incredible to see how simple it was. No electricity, no TV, no internet, no phone, nothing fancy. Many would think that they lacked a lot, but after spending nearly an hour with them, I quickly realized they lacked NOTHING!! They were happy; they were content; they were Amish.
The icing on the cake was that as we sat inside their home (with the windows open), a horse and carriage would occasionally pass by. May I never forget the peaceful sound of that clippity-clop- clippity-clop of the horse and buggy passing by.
It's been 2 weeks now since I've gotten back home, and I am STILL missing the more simplistic ways of the Amish people.
So again, let me say, this was one of the GREATEST TOURS we have ever taken!! Lastly, I would be amiss if I didn't mention our tour guide: Art.
Art is not Amish. He is a retired school teacher who has a **passion** for telling people about the Amish people and their lifestyle. Between the 3 homes we visited, as we traveled through the Pennsylvania countryside, Art had our whole tour group on the edge of our seats listening as he told us about what we were seeing, the Amish lifestyle, etc. Art's knowledge and natural tour guide skills were the perfect compliment to the 3 Amish homes we visited.
Do this tour. Spend the money. It is SO worth it. Your memories will be PRICELESS. When booking, ask for Clinton. Get Clinton to set you up with Art for the tour!!!
P.S. -- our 17 yr old son loved this. There was also a 12 yr old girl in our group. All ages should enjoy this truly unique experience.