Amish County Drive and Dinner

So this is where New Holland hangs out.  Larry you'd love all these tractors and the best part is it's on it's way to the King of all SMORGASBORDS.

We met up again with Bill's cousin Doug Winters and his wife Diane.  They were taking us to Shady Maple Smorgasbord for a meal that would hold us over for 2 days.

Walking into the smorgasbord area we passed these beautiful 3D wall hangings.  A combination of wood carving and painting. There must have been over 20 of these around the dining area.  I'm showing you a sampling.

The before us, as if before a parting sea, was the dining room.  Said to hold about 1000 diners I can't imagine what the kitchen and staff must number.  This place is more and bigger than any I've ever laid eyes on. This is only what my camera captured.  There are at least a dozen large rooms along side this dining area and at least one more of this size.

I'm in about the middle of the food buffet line.  This goes in both directions plus there are mini serving areas of specialty foods between this long row and the dining room.  Desserts are at both ends.

The other direction. On the far left you'll find the drinks.  Coffee, tea, sodas, lattes, cappuccinos, milk, chocolate milk, you name it, it's there but no alcohol.

A panorama of the buffet line.

The food was delicious which I can't say for most smorgasbords I've eaten at.  This is the best.  And if that's not enough, beneath all the food and dining is a basement chock full of gifts, jams, knickknacks, clothing, quilts, collector items, jewelry, dishes, almost anything you might have forgotten to get before leaving Pennsylvania.

Doug, Bill and Diane, maybe deciding what to buy or that it's time to leave.

Such pretty flower baskets for sale outside.  $10

Here's Diane making her way back to the car.  We are stuffed but not uncomfortable, which is surprising considering all we consumed.

With Doug at the wheel we were given a tour of the surrounding area.  This covered bridge was in water almost up to it's rafters during Agnes back in 1972.  All storms are consequently compared to Hurricane Agnes since then.

It's amazing how close cars get to these horse and buggies.  The horses are so well trained.

Back in their neighborhood we take a picture of the neighbors place.  Quite palatial if you ask me.  Doug and Diane would claim modestly that their home is not quite so grand but to us it was warm and inviting and equally beautiful, even if a tad smaller.

We headed home before the storm broke and along the way I took a few pictures of the farmlands.

Yes, this is one of the dirtiest SUV I have ever seen.

Coming down the road towards us was this monster thing.

Hurry up horsey, better get on home before you get wet.

You too old man.   In some Amish communities bicycles are not allowed because they are considered too worldly.  They either remove the chain and use it as a scooter, making progress by pushing with their feet.  Or in the case of this elderly man he has a scooter.

We arrived back home to extremely happy puppies.  Bill and I didn't eat for a couple of days afterwards.  Everyday we see more beautiful sights in Pennsylvania.  I sure like this area.  Too bad they have such cold winters and high property taxes.

So if you come to Lancaster be sure to go to Shady Maple Smorgasbord.  Thanks for visiting and come back soon.