The Village of Intercourse, Pennsylvania

(See also the nearby towns of Bird-in-Hand and Paradise.)

Intercourse is the hub where the Amish and local folks do their business and host thousands of visitors each year. The beautiful Amish farms surround the Village, which is located on the Old Philadelphia Pike (Route 340), earlier known as King's Highway, in Eastern Lancaster County. Intercourse is in close proximity to all Lancaster Country attractions and, in particular, our sister Villages of Bird-In-Hand and Strasburg. The Village stands as a clear reminder of our traditional American heritage as people live by 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!"

And, in case you didn't know, a portion of the Paramount motion picture "Witness", starring Harrison Ford, was filmed right here in Intercourse!

HOW DID INTERCOURSE GET ITS "INTERESTING" NAME?

Formerly known as "Cross Keys" from a noted old tavern, this village was founded in 1754.

Much speculation exists concerning the origin of the name of this little country village. There are several explanations, but none really can be substantiated. The first centers around an old race track which existed just east of town. As one leaves town, traveling eastward on the "Old Philadelphia Pike", there is a long stretch of road where the track was located. This was the entrance to the race course, and was known as "Entercourse". It is believed that "Entercourse" gradually evolved into "Intercourse" which became the name of the town in 1814.

Another theory concerns two famous roads that crossed here. The Old King's Highway from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh (now the old Philadelphia Pike) ran east and west through the center of the town. The road from Wilmington to Erie intersected in the middle. The joining of these two roads is claimed by some to be the basis for the town "Cross Keys" or eventually "Intercourse".

A final idea comes from the "old english" language used more commonly when the name "Intercourse" was adopted in 1814. It speaks to the "fellowship" or social interaction and friendship which was so much a part of an agricultural village and culture at this time. These roots mark the community of faith to this day, and the many evidences of it are experienced by those who care to dig a bit more deeply in their Amish farmland venture.

No matter how Intercourse got its interesting name, it is a town full of delightful treasures and friendly shopkeepers, nestled amongst scenic Amish farmland.

Of course, for many visitors, the biggest attraction is the Amish people themselves, and Intercourse is a center for their shopping, banking and more. And, for those who wish to probe into the culture a little more deeply, there are many opportunities in and around the village. For visitors of any age, there's plenty to do in Intercourse! Enjoy your visit!

AAA BUGGY RIDES Red Caboose Motel, Paradise Lane, Paradise, PA 17562, near Strasburg; Kitchen Kettle Village, Route 340, Intercourse, PA 17534. 717-989-2829 Our friendly drivers with enlighten and entertain you with facinating stories and information about the Amish lifestyle. Choose from any of our famous horse and buggy tours: The Ultimate Four Mile Country Buggy Ride, The Five Mile Covered Bridge Ride, The Over Three Mile All Country Ride and more!

AARON & JESSICA'S BUGGY RIDES Plain & Fancy Farm, 3121A Old Philadelphia Pike (Rt. 340), Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505, 717-768-8828 Lancaster's only ride through two real working non-commercial Amish farms on a private Amish lane with no cars. Start your ride through our covered bridge, rain or shine. 3.5 mile tour with local guide. Family owned. Open all year. See you!

KITCHEN KETTLE VILLAGE Route 340, Intercourse, PA 17534, 800-732-3538 Stroll through a Village of 32 shops that's built around one of Lancaster County's most famous kitchens. Sample fresh pepper jam, see fudge being poured, Shaker furniture being made, and listen as Banjo Jimmy plays a folk tune. Open Monday-Saturday 9-5.

AMISH COUNTRY HOMESTEAD Guided house tours, Lancaster's only Amish "Heritage Site". 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505 717-768-8400	AMISH COUNTRY TOURS Backroad guided bus tours of beautiful Amish farmland. 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-3600
AMISH EXPERIENCE THEATER Special effects bring Amish life and history alive. 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike (Plain & Fancy Farm), Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505, 717-768-8400	INTERCOURSE CANNING COMPANY 3612 E. Newport Road, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-0156
INTERCOURSE PRETZEL FACTORY Learn how to twist pretzels on our tour. 3614 Old Philadelphia Pike (Rt. 340), Intercourse, PA 17534, 717-768-3432	P. BUCKLEY MOSS GALLERY Limited edition prints by artist P. Buckley Moss. 3518 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 800-390-8436
THE PEOPLE'S PLACE QUILT MUSEUM Dazzling contemporary quilt creations. Free admission. 3510 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 800-828-8218	THE SPA AT INTERCOURSE VILLAGE 3544 Old Philadelphia Pike (Route 340), Intercourse, PA 17534, 717-768-0555, 800-801-2219
AMERICAN MILITARY EDGED WEAPONRY MUSEUM 3562 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-7185	OLD CANDLE BARN 3551A Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-3231

There's nothing quite like sleeping in the middle of farm country. From the rooster that greets the morning (yes, they still do that) to the sight of an Amish family out plowing the field with their horse of mule teams, it's an experience not to be missed. And the food...Pennsylvania Dutch Cooking is known worldwide, and you can experience it first hand in Intercourse!

PLAIN & FANCY FARM RESTAURANT 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike (Rt. 340), one mile east of Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505 717-768-4400 Dig into our made-from-scratch golden fried chicken, baked ham, real mashed potatoes, chicken pot pie, bakery fresh shoofly pie and much more. Or, select from our new ala carte lunch and dinner menus, featuring everything from salads and charbroiled burgers to turkey dinners with all the fixins.

THE FAMILY CUPBOARD RESTAURANT & BUFFET 3029 Old Philadelphia Pike (Rt. 340), Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505 717-768-4510	HARVEST VIEW FAMILY RESTAURANT & BUFFET Visit our buffet restaurant surrounded by Amish farms. 3370 Harvest Drive, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-7253
INTERCOURSE PRETZEL FACTORY Learn how to twist pretzels on our tour. 3614 Old Philadelphia Pike (Rt. 340), Intercourse, PA 17534, 717-768-3432	INTERCOURSE VILLAGE RESTAURANT Routes 340 & 772, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-3637
THE KLING HOUSE RESTAURANT Kitchen Kettle Village, Rt. 340, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-2746	STOLTZFUS FARM RESTAURANT 3716A E. Newport Rd. (Route 772), Gordonville, PA 17529 (¼ mile east of Intercourse, 717-768-8156
AUNTIE ANNE'S CAFÉ 3474 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-0098	IMMERGUT HAND-ROLLED SOFT PRETZELS 3537 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-0657
THE LUNCH BASKET 3551 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-3462

When it comes to shopping, this is the place to be! A wide variety of shops line both sides of the streets, along with our own village within the Village. From quilts through art, handcrafts, dolls, and much more, you'll find it in Intercourse!

DUTCHLAND QUILT PATCH 3461 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534, 800-411-3221 2851 Lincoln Highway East, Ronks, PA 17572, 800-411-3221 This unique shop offers a large selection of locally made quilts, wallhangings, pillows, dolls, baskets and crafts. Customize your own quilt. Enjoy our Christmas room full of Christmas decor and candles. We have over 6000 bolts of quilting fabrics, notions and patterns at discount prices. Come watch us quilt!

SNYDER'S FURNITURE 3709 E. Newport Rd., Gordonville (Intercourse), PA 17529, 717-768-7642 At Snyder's Furniture, we manufacture and finish our own line of quality furniture. And we offer one of the widest selections of furniture in the area, from Keystone Collections to upholstered furniture. All furniture is hand-crafted to our exacting requirements using quality oak, cherry, or maple wood.

COUNTRY ROAD FLOWERS Flower arrangements made to order. Yankee Candles, crafts. 3546 Newport Road (Rt. 772), Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-8478	DEERSKIN LEATHER SHOP Kitchen Kettle Village, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-8261
FAMILY FARM QUILTS 3511 W. Newport Rd., Ronks, PA 17572 717-768-8375	FLOWER PATCH OF INTERCOURSE, PA Amish-owned shop features gifts, crafts, and more. 3408 Old Philadelphia Pike (Rt 340), Ronks, PA 17572 717-768-8399
GOOD BOOKS Lancaster publisher of books about Amish and Mennonites. 3510 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 800-762-7171	INTERCOURSE CANNING COMPANY 3612 E. Newport Road, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-0156
INTERCOURSE PRETZEL FACTORY Learn how to twist pretzels on our tour. 3614 Old Philadelphia Pike (Rt. 340), Intercourse, PA 17534, 717-768-3432	JAM AND RELISH KITCHEN Kitchen Kettle Village, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-8261
KAUFFMAN'S FRUIT FARM & MARKET Quality Bird-in-Hand Brand orchard products since 1915. 3097 Old Philadelphia Pike (Rt. 340), Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505, 717-768-7112	KITCHEN KETTLE VILLAGE Off Route 340 and Queen Road, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-8261
LAPP'S COACH SHOP Somethin' for everyone. Furniture, crafts, childrens' rockers & toys. 3572 W. Newport Rd. (Rt 772), Intercourse, PA 17543 717-768-8712	THE OLD COUNTRY STORE Locally made quilts and crafts. Extensive fabric center. 3510 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-7101
P. BUCKLEY MOSS GALLERY Limited edition prints by artist P. Buckley Moss. 3518 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 800-390-8436	PEACEFUL VALLEY AMISH FURNITURE 3347 Old Philadelphia Pike (Route 340), Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-0216
PEOPLES PLACE BOOK SHOPPE Books about Amish and Mennonites and related groups. 3518 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 800-390-8436	THE PEOPLE'S PLACE QUILT MUSEUM SHOPPE Specializing in one-of-a-kind folk objects and art pieces. 3510 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 800-828-8218
PLAIN & FANCY FARM COUNTRY STORE Rt. 340, P.O. Box 406, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505 717-768-4400	VILLAGE POTTERY Finest work by Mennonite potters nationwide. Local redware. 3518 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 800-390-8436
VILLAGE QUILTS Kitchen Kettle Village, Route 340, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-8261	WILD GOOSE GALLERY & FRAMEWORKS 3449 Old Philadelphia Pike (Rt. 340), Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-8611, 800-628-2329
ARTISAN VILLAGE 3582 W. Newport Road (Rt.772 W), Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-3405	AMISHLAND PRINTS 3504 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-7223
BASKET ACCESSORIES 3614 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 877-808-5437	CHRISTY'S QUILT SHOPPE 14C Center Street, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-0044
COUNTRY CROSSING CRAFTS & ANTIQUES 3614 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 717-768-8883	COUNTRY KNIVES INC. 4134 Old Philadelphia Pike, P.O. Box 576, Intercourse, PA 17534, 717-768-3818
COUNTRY REFLECTIONS 3565 West Newport Road, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-8687	CREATIVE CARVED CANDLES 3579A West Newport Road, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-0182
DOLLY BODACIOUS PRESENTS HER TREASURES 3614 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 717-768-0072	DOUBLE HEART GALLERY 3449A Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-3522
DUTCH BASKETS 3460 Old Philadelphia Pike (Rt. 340), Intercourse, PA 717-768-7928	ESH'S HANDMADE QUILTS 3829 Old Philadelphia Pike, Gordonville, PA 17529 717-768-8435
FAMLY CREATIONS 3453 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-8651	FAMILY FARM QUILTS 3511 W. Newport Rd., Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-8375
HACKENBERGER HOUSE & YARN COTTAGE 3614 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-7444	HOOBER, INC. 3452 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-8231, 800-732-0017
THE IRISHTOWN SHOP 3184 A Mill Lane, Gordonville, PA 17529 717-687-8194	KEN'S GARDENS 3552 W. Newport Rd. (Rt. 722, ¼ mi. w. of Intercourse) 717-768-3922
KING'S KOUNTRY KORNER 101 Centerville Road, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-3425	LEACOCK FURNITURE 3172 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505 888-742-4141
MIESSE CANDIES 3614 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-8031	MOUNT HOPE WINE GALLERY 3140 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-7194
THE OLD CANDLE BARN 3551A Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-3231	OLD ROAD FURNITURE COMPANY 3457 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-0478
PATRICK MCEVOY & COMPANY 3606 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-0369	THE PICKET FENCE 3598 E. Newport Road, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-7155
PLAIN PINE 3471 Old Phila. Pike (corner of 340 & 772), Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-3233	PRIMITIVE TREASURES Stage Coach Shops, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-8339
THE SMOKEHOUSE SHOP Kitchen Kettle Village, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-3805	STOLTZFUS MEATS & DELI 3614 E. Newport Road, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-7166 or 717-768-7287
TRUDY'S DOLL VILLAGE & HOSPITAL 10 Queen Road, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-3315	W. L. ZIMMERMAN & SONS GROCERY & HARDWARE 3601 Old Philadelphia Pike (Rt.340), Intercourse, PA 17534 800-761-8291
ZOOK'S FABRICS 3535 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-8153

For More Information, contact:
The Intercourse Merchants Association
P. O. Box 361, Intercourse, PA 17534

LANCASTER COUNTY MAP · Adamstown · Bird-in-Hand · Columbia · Eastern Lancaster County · Elizabethtown · Ephrata
Hershey · Intercourse · Lancaster City · Leola · Lincoln Highway E · Lititz · Manheim · Marietta · Mount Joy · New Holland
Paradise · Route 30 E · S Lancaster County · Strasburg · Suburban Lancaster · W Lancaster County · Willow Street