"Amish Country" a Intercourse Travel Page by smschley

Formerly known as "Cross Keys" from a popular old tavern, this village was founded in 1754. The name "Intercourse" was adopted in 1814. Much speculation exists concerning the origin of the name of this little country village, but none really can be substantiated. No matter how Intercourse got its interesting name, it is a town full of delightful treasures and friendly shopkeepers, nestled amongst scenic Amish farmland.

In case you didn't know, a portion of the motion picture "Witness", starring Harrison Ford, was filmed in Intercourse. The story dealt with a community that looked like they stepped out of the rural nineteenth century. This community is the “AMISH”.

The ones most depicted are the “Old Order” that follow a literal interpretation of the Bible and an unwritten set of rules called the Ordnung. Old Order groups all drive horses and buggies rather than cars, do not have electricity in their homes, and send their children to private, one-room schoolhouses. Children attend only through the eighth grade. After that, they work on their family's farm or business until they marry. The Amish feel that their children do not need more formal education than this. Most Amish are trilingual. They speak a dialect of German called Pennsylvania Dutch at home; they use High German at their worship services; and they learn English at school. They speak English when they deal with anyone who is not Amish.

Intercourse is the center where the Amish and local folks do their business and host thousands of visitors each year. Beautiful Amish farms surround the Village, which is located on the Old Philadelphia Pike (Route 340 in Eastern Lancaster County. Intercourse is in close proximity to all Lancaster Country attractions and stands as a clear reminder of our traditional American heritage when people lived a simpler way of life.

Within walking distance of the Village there are art galleries, museums, lodgings, camping, educational opportunities and Pennsylvania Dutch taste sensations in local restaurants and specialty shops. Of the myriad of shops in our Village, a local B&B innkeeper has said, "I've noticed the numbers of our guests who arrive back at the B&B simply excited with a purchase: a corner cupboard, quilt, redwood bird feeder, dried flower arrangement, handcrafted item or a picture from a local artist!"