Intercourse, Pennsylvania earns a double take from first-time visitors, and then it earns a second visit. The name draws curiosity, but the things to do in Intercourse PA are what bring people back. This small stretch of Old Philadelphia Pike sits at the center of Lancaster County’s Amish Country, and it packs enough shopping, food, and history into a few blocks to fill an entire afternoon.
The town started out as Cross Keys in 1754, then took its current name in 1814. Historians generally point to its location at a major crossroads, where the Old Kings Highway between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh met the road running to Erie. That intersection, or “intercourse” of routes, is the most credible explanation, though a local legend also ties the name to a nearby racetrack once called Entercourse.
Kitchen Kettle Village is the town’s main draw, with more than 40 shops and restaurants inside one walkable village. You can pick up locally made candles, soaps, and jams, browse quilts and handmade jewelry, and stop for ice cream or a sandwich without ever getting back in the car. Live music plays most weekends, and seasonal events like the Whoopie Pie Fest bring even bigger crowds.
A few minutes up the road, Barry’s Car Barn opens a private antique car collection to the public with self-guided tours and no reservation required. For something you can taste, Immergut Hand Rolled Soft Pretzels lets you watch your pretzel get rolled, twisted, and baked before it lands in your hands, and their pretzel sandwiches are a local favorite.
If you’d rather shop than snack, the Lancaster Yarn Shop runs beginner knitting classes alongside a full range of supplies, and the town’s furniture makers, including Plain Pine Furniture and Kings Amish Furniture, sell handcrafted pieces ranging from traditional Amish styles to modern farmhouse designs. Dutchland Galleries showcases local artwork, and The Old Candle Barn is one of the most visited gift shops in the area, with a wide selection of candles and country decor. For a classic souvenir, The Old Country Store and Village Handmade both carry Amish quilts made by local artisans.
If you have more than a day, a few nearby towns round out the trip. Bird-in-Hand is minutes away and known for its farmers market and buggy rides through the surrounding farmland. Ronks sits along Route 30 near the Strasburg Railroad, and Paradise offers a mix of dining and small-town charm just east of Intercourse.
After a day spent working through this list, you’ll want somewhere comfortable to land, and the Historic Smithton Inn makes an easy home base. Built in 1763 and set on a hill in nearby Ephrata, this Lancaster Bed and Breakfast features original stone architecture with modern touches like reliable WiFi, an EV charging station, and working fireplaces in every room.
On weekends, Weathered Vineyards, the Lancaster County Bed and Breakfast’s on-site wine bar, pours wine and hosts live music, and the back garden’s fire pit is a good spot to unwind after a day of shopping. The Bed and Breakfast sits close to other Lancaster County staples like the Green Dragon Farmers Market and the charming town of Lititz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Intercourse PA worth visiting?
Yes. Beyond the name, the town is a genuine hub for Amish culture, local shopping, and homemade food, with Kitchen Kettle Village alone offering enough to fill a half day.
How much time should I plan for Intercourse PA?
Most visitors can see the highlights in an afternoon, though pairing it with nearby towns like Bird-in-Hand makes for a full weekend getaway.
What is Intercourse PA known for?
It’s best known for Kitchen Kettle Village, Amish-made furniture and quilts, and its role as a gateway to Lancaster County’s Amish Country.
Where is the best place to stay near Intercourse PA?
The Historic Smithton Inn in nearby Ephrata offers a short drive to all the attractions on this list, with the charm of an 18th century inn and the comfort of modern amenities.
Ready to plan your weekend getaway? Book your stay at the Historic Smithton Inn and make it your home base for exploring Intercourse PA.
A visit to the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center offers a refreshing addition to any weekend on the Connecticut coast. Located just minutes from downtown, this protected landscape provides an easy way to step away from busy itineraries filled with shops, dining, and waterfront attractions. With well-marked paths and a quiet natural setting, it stands out among the most accessible things to do near Mystic.
Set across approximately 350 acres, the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center connects visitors to the region’s defining ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and open meadows. More than ten miles of Mystic trails wind through the property and extend toward nearby Coogan Farm, creating a network suitable for both short walks and longer outings. Along the way, visitors may encounter a wide range of wildlife, including many of the 175 recorded bird species that inhabit the area.
Inside, the nature center expands the experience with exhibits focused on local ecosystems and native wildlife. Live displays feature reptiles, amphibians, and fish, while outdoor enclosures house rehabilitated birds of prey. Educational programs, guided walks, and seasonal events further position this Connecticut nature center as one of the more engaging Mystic attractions for visitors of all ages.
After time spent exploring Mystic parks and wooded trails, returning to a comfortable and centrally located stay enhances the overall experience. The Whalers Inn places guests in the heart of downtown, within walking distance of dining, shops, and the waterfront. The convenient location of our Mystic Hotel makes it easy to balance outdoor activities with the rest of what to do in Mystic.
Guests can enjoy on-site dining throughout the day, along with thoughtful amenities designed for both relaxation and convenience. Accommodations range from family-friendly rooms with built-in bunk spaces to curated add-ons, including in-room cocktails and charcuterie. With its central location and well-appointed spaces, this Mystic hotel supports a seamless weekend that moves easily between nature, town, and evening plans.
If your getaway calls for something beyond the usual things to do in Deep Creek Lake, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is one of the best day trips in the region. This heritage line, known to regulars simply as WMSR, has carried passengers through the Allegheny Mountains for decades aboard restored steam and diesel locomotives. It runs between Cumberland and Frostburg, Maryland, and offers a slower, more detailed view of Western Maryland than any scenic drive can match. For couples planning a fall foliage getaway, the timing could not be better. The hills around Cumberland turn deep red and gold by mid-October, and the train ride puts that color right outside your window.
Cumberland, MD is about a 45 minute drive from McHenry, which makes this an easy day trip from Deep Creek Lake. Book your Western Maryland Scenic Railroad tickets online ahead of time, especially during peak fall foliage weekends, when seats sell out fast. Arrive early. The historic Western Maryland Railway Station at Canal Place has plenty to explore before boarding, including trails through the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, a visitor center, and a few local shops for coffee.
The train departs Cumberland at 11:30 and heads toward Frostburg, where you’ll have an hour and a half layover before the return trip. Use that window to grab lunch, browse downtown Frostburg, or visit the Thrasher Carriage Museum at the depot, which offers free admission to railroad passengers. It’s a small museum, but a worthwhile stop between train legs.
What You’ll See Along the Route
Anyone who checks the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad map before booking will notice the route cuts through downtown Cumberland, through the Narrows, across a bridge, around Helmstetter’s Curve, and through both Brush Tunnel and Woodcock Hollow before reaching the Frostburg Depot. Among scenic train rides in Maryland, this one is hard to beat for sheer variety in a single afternoon.
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad reviews consistently point to the same two things: a friendly crew and well-kept vintage cars. If a dome car is available on your date, request it. The upper visibility makes a real difference once the train winds through the mountains.
Specialty Trains Worth Planning Around
Beyond the standard daytime run, WMSR operates a few specialty excursions that suit a romantic getaway particularly well. The Dinner Train is an evening ride with a full meal served as you roll through the mountains, a perfect fit for an anniversary date night. The Murder Mystery Dinner Train adds a layer of theater, with actors working the crowd as a mystery unfolds over the course of the meal. Both tend to sell out well ahead of standard tickets, so plan and book early if either one fits your dates.
After a day on the rails, Lake Pointe Inn is the ideal place stay the night. As one of the top rated Hotels near Deep Creek Lake, our arts and crafts style bed and breakfast sits directly on the water in McHenry, just across from Wisp Resort. Rooms feature gas fireplaces, private baths, and thoughtful touches throughout, the kind of details that turn a day trip into a full getaway. Adults looking for a quiet retreat will find the wrap-around porch and outdoor fire pit ideal for unwinding once the sun goes down.
Mornings start with a multi-course gourmet breakfast from their chef. Between the lakefront setting, the seasonal color across the mountains, and easy access to Cumberland, this Deep Creek Lake Hotel makes an excellent home base for a Western Maryland Scenic Railroad day trip. Reserve your room now and build your fall getaway around it.
If you’re mapping out a trip to the Mammoth Caves, the hardest part isn’t finding things to do, it’s picking which ones to prioritize. Mammoth Cave National Park protects the longest known cave system on earth, with over 426 miles mapped and counting, and it sits just under two hours from Springfield, Kentucky. Whether you spend your day underground on a ranger-led tour or above ground paddling the Green River, this park delivers a full day of outdoor adventure without a lot of driving between stops.
The Historic Tour is the standard starting point for first time visitors. It runs about two hours through the Rotunda and some of the cave’s oldest explored passages, and it’s the tour rangers recommend most often if you only have time for one. If your group includes anyone who has trouble with stairs, the Frozen Niagara Tour covers the park’s most photographed formations in under ninety minutes with far less walking. For visitors who want the full experience, the Wild Cave Tour is a six hour crawling and climbing route through the undeveloped sections of the system. It books out weeks in advance and isn’t a good fit for anyone uneasy in tight spaces.
Buy tickets before you leave home. Tours sell out fast, especially on weekends, and there’s nothing worse than a two hour drive followed by a sold out schedule.
Mammoth Cave isn’t only what’s underground. The Green River runs directly through the park, and renting a kayak or canoe for a couple of hours puts you on Kentucky’s First National Water Trail. The Mammoth Cave visitor center is worth a stop even on a tight schedule, both for trip planning and for exhibits on the explorers who mapped the system. Several short above ground hiking trails wind through the park too, giving you a feel for the sinkhole topography that makes this whole region riddled with caves.
One important planning tip: the cave holds a constant 54 degrees year round, so pack a light jacket no matter the season outside. It surprises people every time. If anyone in your group gets uneasy in enclosed spaces, ask about tour difficulty before booking. Not every tour involves narrow crawling passages, but a few do.
Since you’re already on the road, consider adding a stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Bardstown puts you within easy reach of Heaven Hill, Willett, and Barton 1792.
A full day of hiking, paddling, and cave tours calls for a comfortable place to land, and a forgettable chain hotel isn’t it. Maple Hill Manor is an 1851 Greek Revival home turned award-winning Bed and Breakfast, set on 15 quiet acres of working farmland just outside Springfield and minutes from Bardstown. Guests wake up to a made-from-scratch breakfast, find a homemade dessert waiting each evening, and can unwind by the fire pit or in a porch hammock after a long day outdoors. Horses graze in the front pasture and alpacas and llamas roam the farm, so the property itself becomes part of the adventure.
Being close enough to Bardstown for a bourbon tasting and far enough into the countryside for real quiet makes Maple Hill Manor the perfect base for this kind of trip. Book your stay at our Bed and Breakfast near Mammoth Cave.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Mammoth Cave tour for first time visitors?
The Historic Tour is the top choice for most visitors. It covers the Rotunda and several of the cave’s oldest passages in about two hours and requires a moderate amount of walking.
Which Mammoth Cave tour is best for kids?
The Frozen Niagara Tour works well for families. It’s shorter, involves less walking, and still shows off some of the park’s best rock formations.
What are some fun facts about Mammoth Cave?
The cave system runs over 426 miles, making it the longest known cave system on earth, and the temperature underground stays a constant 54 degrees year round regardless of the season above ground.
Where is the Mammoth Cave visitor center?
The visitor center sits at the heart of Mammoth Cave National Park and is the starting point for most guided tours, along with exhibits on the cave’s history and early exploration.
Colorado mountain towns offer some of the most dramatic landscapes and unforgettable experiences in the West, and Durango is the ideal starting point for discovering them. With a lively historic downtown, the Animas River flowing through the heart of town, and easy access to rugged peaks, there are so many things to do in Durango, CO. It’s one of the best mountain towns in Colorado for those seeking both culture and outdoor adventure.
From here, exploring other Colorado mountain towns is effortless. The Durango and Silverton Railroad winds through striking canyon landscapes, offering one of the most popular places in Colorado to experience historic travel and incredible Colorado scenery. Nearby Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings and is considered one of the must-see places in Colorado.
Pagosa Springs invites visitors to soak in mineral-rich waters from the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring, often called The Mother Spring. After hiking Chimney Rock National Monument, relaxing in open-air pools framed by mountain views feels well earned. Silverton delivers high-alpine adventure, with hikes like the Ice Lakes Basin showcasing vibrant wildflowers and panoramic views. Its preserved Victorian buildings add to its appeal as one of the best cities to visit in Colorado for history and character.
Ouray, surrounded by dramatic peaks and waterfalls, is known for scenic drives and restorative hot springs. Cortez, Mancos, Ignacio, and Hesperus round out the region, offering small-town charm and access to some of the state’s richest archaeological and cultural sites. These small mountain towns in Colorado each contribute to a region filled with hidden gems in Colorado waiting to be explored.
After full days spent exploring Colorado mountain towns, retreat to Antlers on the Creek. This historic Durango Bed and Breakfast in Lightner Creek Canyon combines heritage with refined comfort. Guests enjoy personalized hospitality and gourmet breakfasts crafted by Chef Desirae, creating an experience that rivals the region’s top dining. For those planning an adventure-focused mountain getaway, pairing exceptional lodging with Southwest Colorado exploration makes all the difference. Reserve your stay and discover why Durango is the perfect home base for your next adventure.
Exeter, New Hampshire, offers an ideal starting point for exploring the New Hampshire coast, with easy access to charming towns, scenic drives, and some of the most memorable places to visit in New Hampshire. Day trips from Exeter allow couples to experience a variety of Seacoast NH destinations, from historic waterfront cities to relaxed New Hampshire beach towns, all within a short drive. The variety of things to do in Exeter and nearby makes it a great choice for romantic getaways or longer New Hampshire vacations.
A visit to Portsmouth is one of the most rewarding day trips from Exeter. Just twenty minutes away, this lively coastal city features Market Square, where independent shops, cafés, and galleries create a vibrant atmosphere. The Strawberry Banke Museum offers a look into local history, while Prescott Park provides a peaceful waterfront setting for a walk together.
Hampton Beach is another favorite among New Hampshire vacation spots. Known for its wide sandy shoreline and classic boardwalk, it is a great place to enjoy ocean views, casual dining, and seasonal entertainment. For a quieter coastal experience, Newburyport, Massachusetts offers historic streets, boutique shopping, and scenic views along the Merrimack River, with nearby Plum Island adding a natural coastal escape.
York, Maine presents one of the most scenic options along the coast, where Nubble Lighthouse and Sohier Park offer sweeping ocean views. Kittery combines shopping and coastal history, while Manchester provides a change of pace with museums, dining, and cultural attractions. Explore the historic sites of Salem, Massachusetts, and Kennebunkport, which offer breathtaking coastal drives and quiet beaches.
After a full day exploring New Hampshire towns and the surrounding coast, returning to a centrally located Exeter Hotel enhances the experience. Guests can enjoy refined accommodations, thoughtful amenities, and a peaceful atmosphere that complements a day of travel. With its walkable downtown location and access to the best things to do on the Seacoast, Exeter remains a standout destination for romantic escapes and memorable day trips from Exeter.
Planning a girls’ weekend getaway near Seattle is about finding a place that feels like a true escape without requiring a long journey. Just a few hours from the city, the Columbia River Gorge offers dramatic mountain scenery, fresh air, and space to slow down together. It is the kind of setting where conversations last longer, laughter comes easier, and the weekend feels intentionally different from everyday life.
A girls’ getaway weekend in the Gorge naturally balances time outdoors with moments of indulgence. There’s no shortage of sensational things to do in the Columbia River Gorge, whether alone or with a group of friends. Days can begin with scenic hikes to waterfalls or relaxed walks through nearby vineyards overlooking the river. Hood River and White Salmon are close by, making it easy to plan wine tastings, casual lunches, and afternoons spent browsing local shops. These shared experiences turn a simple trip into one of the best girls’ weekend trips you’ll talk about long after you return home.
Where you stay matters, especially for a girls’ weekend getaway. Our luxury cabin getaways in Washington are designed to support connection, with spacious layouts, cozy fireplaces, soaking tubs, and outdoor areas perfect for meaningful conversations. After a full day exploring, everyone can unwind with a soak enhanced by Dead Sea Bath Salts, or book an in-cabin massage for a little extra indulgence.
Evenings are made for gathering, whether that means dining at nearby local restaurants, enjoying a relaxed night in with wine and snacks, or ending the day around an outdoor fire pit. These moments often become the real gift of your girls’ trips, creating memories that feel richer than a quick dinner back home.
This is one of the best getaways near Seattle that offers such flexibility. Whether you plan full days of activity or let the weekend unfold slowly, leaving space for rest and connection, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and energized. That freedom is what makes this destination ideal for girlfriends looking to reconnect.
With so much to offer, the Columbia River Gorge really is a must-see destination in Washington State. Book your girls’ weekend getaway and give yourselves a reason to pause, reconnect, and enjoy the moment.
For golfers planning a memorable weekend escape, the Blackwolf Run Golf Course in Kohler, Wisconsin, belongs at the top of the list. Known as one of the best golf courses in Wisconsin, this championship destination attracts players from across the Midwest with its scenic riverfront setting, challenging layouts, and rich tournament history. Whether you are an avid golfer or simply looking for unique things to do in Wisconsin, a visit to Blackwolf Run offers an exceptional experience.
Designed by legendary architect Pete Dye, Blackwolf Run Golf Course winds through meadows, wooded landscapes, and the Sheboygan River Valley. Golfers can choose from the River and Meadow Valleys courses, each offering distinct challenges shaped by dramatic elevation changes, natural terrain, and strategically placed hazards. The property also features The Baths, a unique 10-hole short course inspired by classic par-three designs and complemented by an expansive putting course.
The course has hosted several significant moments in championship golf, including two U.S. Women’s Open tournaments. Visitors can walk the same fairways where Se Ri Pak claimed her historic victory in 1998 and where Na Yeon Choi earned her first major championship in 2012. Beyond the championship pedigree, Blackwolf Run offers excellent practice facilities, dining options, and scenic views that enhance the overall experience.
After a day on one of the most famous Wisconsin golf courses, retreat to Hidden Serenity B&B Getaway & Spa in nearby West Bend. Located about 45 minutes from Kohler, this secluded bed and breakfast in Wisconsin offers a peaceful alternative to larger hotels. Guests can unwind in spacious accommodations featuring luxury jetted tubs, fireplaces, and premium linens.
The property provides plenty of opportunities to relax beyond the golf course. Couples can enjoy the private spa experience, complete with a sauna, steam room, jetted hot tub, cold deluge shower, and massage services. Outdoor activities include pickleball, biking, and a private hiking trail that winds through the countryside.
Each morning begins with a homemade three-course breakfast featuring favorites such as stuffed French toast, made-to-order omelets, German pancakes, and homemade maple syrup. Whether you are planning a golf-focused vacation or a romantic getaway in Wisconsin, combining Blackwolf Run Golf Course with a stay at Hidden Serenity creates the perfect weekend retreat.
If you’re planning a Maryland road trip, Garrett County deserves the top spot on your list. Deep Creek Lake sits right in the Appalachian foothills, and the roads that wind through it rank among the most scenic drives in Maryland. Whether you have a single afternoon or a full weekend, this stretch of Western Maryland delivers waterfalls, historic bridges, Amish farmland, and one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous buildings, all within an hour or two of the lake.
Fall is the season most guests plan around. Maryland fall foliage peaks here in late September and early October, when the maples, oaks, and ash trees along these routes turn deep red, orange, and gold.
One of the best road trips from Maryland starts with Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright’s house built directly over a waterfall in the Laurel Highlands. It’s about an hour from Deep Creek Lake, and the drive north through Friendsville and across the Pennsylvania line is one of the most breathtaking drives in the area, particularly in the autumn. Tours fill up fast during peak foliage weekends, so book ahead. Kentuck Knob, another Wright design, sits just 15 minutes further, making it easy to see both in a single day.
History lovers should head toward Swallow Falls State Park, home to Maryland’s tallest free-falling waterfall. The drive there cuts through dense forest that turns brilliant orange during peak fall foliage in Maryland. From there, the Casselman River Bridge in Grantsville is worth the detour. Built in the early 1800s, the stone bridge served as a link on the National Road, the country’s first federally funded highway, and played a role in the Underground Railroad.
Another favorite Maryland road trip: take Route 219 North to Route 40 East, then turn onto Route 669 toward Springs, Pennsylvania. This route cuts through Amish farmland, and spotting a horse and buggy along the way is nearly guaranteed. Continue on to Spruce Forest Artisan Village in Grantsville, where working craftspeople sell pottery, woodwork, and textiles on site. For a longer version of this drive, push on toward Mount Davis, the highest point in Pennsylvania at 3,213 feet, where a short walk up the observation tower rewards you with views over Forbes State Park.
If you’re visiting in October, check the dates for the Autumn Glory Festival, a long-running local celebration centered on the fall foliage season. Several of its suggested routes overlap directly with the drives above.
You don’t to rush your western Maryland road trip. Pick one or two of these drives per day rather than trying to fit them all into a single day, and build in time to stop at overlooks, artisan shops, and small towns along the way. If you’re ready to base your Maryland road trip out of the best lodging on Deep Creek Lake, reserve your room at Lake Pointe Inn today.
A good Maryland road trip needs a good place to return to, and that’s where Lake Pointe Inn comes in. Among Hotels near Deep Creek Lake, our Arts and Crafts style property sits directly on the lakefront, with a wraparound porch and outdoor fire pit that make for the ideal evening after a day of scenic drives in Maryland. Every stay includes a multi-course breakfast from Chef Scott, and as a Select Registry member, we hold ourselves to a standard of hospitality and quality inspection that most Hotels near Deep Creek Lake simply don’t offer.
Guests can also take advantage of a daily pontoon boat cruise, along with kayaks and canoes, before or after a day on the road. It’s an adults-only retreat, built for couples who want romance and a little outdoor adventure on their getaways.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year for a Maryland road trip near Deep Creek Lake?
Late September through early October offers the most vivid Maryland fall foliage, though the scenic drives around Garrett County are worth taking in any season.
How far is Fallingwater from Deep Creek Lake?
Fallingwater is about an hour from Deep Creek Lake, with Kentuck Knob just 15 minutes beyond it, making both Frank Lloyd Wright houses easy to visit in one day.
What towns should I plan to stop in along the way?
Friendsville, Grantsville, and Springs, Pennsylvania, all sit along these scenic drives in Maryland and offer good spots to stretch your legs, browse local shops, or grab a bite.
Are these routes suitable for a shorter day trip?
Yes. The drive to Swallow Falls and the Casselman River Bridge can be done in half a day, while the Amish Country and Spruce Forest Artisan Village loop works well as a relaxed half-day outing.