Pups Discover Charming Pennsylvania Dutch Country
- Luie Boone
- 20 hours ago
- 10 min read
This travel spot is featured in our fifth blog series, Bowwows Belong.
Traveling with your dog to Pennsylvania Dutch Country is very much a Luie Boone-approved kind of trip. This is slow mornings, windows cracked on back roads, cows judging you quietly from fields, and vibes that say “nobody’s in a rush here, buddy.” Rolling farmland, covered bridges, and those tiny towns that look like they haven’t changed in 80 years make it the perfect place to wander with a dog who enjoys sniffing literally everything. Luie Boone would reckon it’s the kind of place where a good walk counts as a full itinerary.
Lancaster makes a solid home base for exploring with your pup. It’s walkable, calm, and built for meandering, which Luie Boone would interpret as excellent leash time. Just outside downtown, Beau’s Dream Dog Park at Buchanan Park is a standout—separate spaces for big and small dogs, splash pads for hot days, agility gear for showing off, and plenty of shade for humans who need to sit while their dog lives his best life. Luie Boone would say it’s proof that Lancaster understands the assignment: happy dogs, relaxed people, no notes.
When it’s time to settle in, Eden Resort & Suites is a clear winner for traveling dog parents. They’ve got designated dog-friendly villas that allow up to two dogs (up to 80 pounds total), which Luie Boone would interpret as room to sprawl. It’s comfortable, easy, and doesn’t make you feel like your dog is an inconvenience... which, frankly, is the bare minimum but still worth celebrating.
For food with personality, DJ’s Taste of the 50’s Restaurant is a must. Think classic diner energy with checkered floors, jukebox tunes, and comfort food that hits exactly right after a long day of exploring! The covered patio is dog-friendly, so your pup can hang out while you eat, people-watch, and pretend you’re in a movie montage. Luie Boone would say this is peak travel efficiency: burgers for you, fresh air for him, everyone wins.
For a quieter pace, Intercourse captures the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Surrounded by farmland, the town is ideal for peaceful walks along village streets and country roads. Pet-friendly inns and nearby hotels provide comfortable stays, and many local shops and bakeries welcome dogs in outdoor spaces. It is the kind of place where slowing down feels natural, and Luie Boone would reckon that is exactly the point.
Nearby Bird-in-Hand is equally inviting, known for its friendly atmosphere and wide-open views. The town is perfect for relaxed strolls, with open views that make every walk feel a little more peaceful. Several lodging options in the area welcome dogs, making it easy to linger. Casual dining is simple thanks to dog-friendly outdoor seating at places like Smokehouse BBQ & Brews, where you can grab takeout and settle in at shaded picnic tables with your dog close by. Luie Boone would consider this an ideal setup: good smells, plenty of space, and no pressure to rush.
Strasburg blends history with small-town charm. Known for its railroad heritage, the town is easy to explore on foot and bordered by scenic countryside. While some attractions are indoors, the quiet roads and farmland views still make it a rewarding stop with a leashed dog. Tavern by Spring House Brewing Co. welcomes dogs in its outdoor seating areas and serves craft beer, wine, cocktails, and elevated pub fare, with Sunday brunch rounding out the experience. Luie Boone would say it is a solid mix of good walks, good food, and a very respectable place to nap under a table.
For travelers craving nature and solitude, Drumore offers a true off-the-beaten-path experience. Tucked into southern Lancaster County near the Susquehanna River, the area is defined by open landscapes, quiet roads, and very few crowds. Susquehannock State Park is a highlight, with dog-friendly trails that wind through the woods and open up to sweeping river views. It is the kind of place where the only soundtrack is your footsteps and your dog’s tags jingling, which Luie Boone would consider elite hiking conditions.
Adding a touch of mystery, the Secrets of Drumore Mill linger in local folklore. The long-rumored site and its abandoned ruins hint at a layered past, giving the landscape an almost storybook feel. Luie Boone would not care about the legends, but he would be extremely invested in the smells, which is honestly the correct priority.
Just north of Drumore, Holtwood is a hidden gem for dog owners who love scenic hikes and river views. Set along the Susquehanna River, the area offers access to dramatic overlooks and wooded trails at Pinnacle Overlook and Kellys Run Nature Preserve, both of which welcome leashed dogs. Pollinator Park sits within Kellys Run and features sunny meadow paths planted with native wildflowers that support bees and butterflies. The wide, gentle trails make it an easy and relaxed walk with a leashed dog, especially on a warm afternoon.
Ultimately, the joy of visiting Pennsylvania Dutch Country with your dog comes from leaning into a slower rhythm. Quiet roads, open farmland, and welcoming communities naturally invite unhurried walks and relaxed outdoor meals. Keep dogs leashed, carry water and a few essentials, and confirm pet policies ahead of time, and the experience stays easy and enjoyable. It is a place where days stretch out in the best way, and Luie Boone would say that any trip built around good walks, fresh air, and plenty of time together is a trip done right.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Check it out below!
Rental Name: The 1860s Waterfall Retreat
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 4 beds and 2 baths.
Photo by airbnb.com
It features the following amenities:
Epic backyard with views of the falls
View from the back porch towards the waterfall
Swing by the waterfall
Private bridge to the park
Park gives you hiking and walking access along the creek
Fenced-in, wrap-around porch
Fire pit to gather around
BBQ grill
Kayak
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
My hoomans are taking us to Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and we are staying at the 1860s Waterfall Retreat. I am bringing my stuffed otter, Roger, and I just know he is going to love it. Inside, the house is full of charm. One side feels very classic Pennsylvania Dutch tourist energy, while the other shows true Lancaster character with historic details and cozy spaces. Each floor is its own apartment with two bedrooms, a bath, living areas, and doggie baskets, which are clearly meant for professional naps with Roger. From inside, we will be able to watch the waterfall and listen to it trickle all day, which sounds like excellent background noise for sleeping and thinking. Outside, a footbridge crosses the creek to a nearby park, perfect for long walks and extremely important sniffing adventures. My hoomans keep talking about spotting real otters playing in the creek, sliding and splashing around, which will make Roger very curious since he has always wanted to meet other otters. The yard sounds peaceful and full of life, with chickens wandering around and a beautiful ginkgo tree that is perfect for shade and photo opportunities. I cannot wait to nap, explore, and watch all the wildlife. Honestly, it already sounds paw-some!
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing in Pennsylvania Dutch Country!
Landis Woods
Your leashed furry friend is welcome to tag along while you explore this peaceful 69.9 acre park, and Luie Boone says it’s a very respectable size for a good wander. The park is all about passive recreation, with multiple hiking trails and a native planting area that shows off how restoration can actually look beautiful. Luie Boone likes that there are options, because some days you want a short stroll and other days you want to commit. The longest trail loops through the woods and crosses over two bridges, which Luie Boone considers a major highlight. As you walk, you’ll hear birds chirping and water flowing, the kind of background noise that makes both humans and dogs slow down and enjoy the moment.
Abe's Buggy Rides
Traveling through Amish and Mennonite country in an authentic Amish buggy with Abe’s Buggy Rides in Bird in Hand, PA is one of those experiences that feels slow in the best possible way, and Luie Boone is very into that. These are private, dog friendly buggy tours, so your pup can come along and take in all the new sights and smells without being rushed. Tour options range in time and distance, starting at about 20 minutes, which Luie Boone says is a solid intro for first time buggy riders. Some routes include a stop at an Amish home or a Mennonite craft store and bake shop, which means your human learns something and you get to politely supervise from the buggy. Clip on the leash, settle in, and enjoy rolling past farms, fields, and quiet back roads like a well behaved dog with excellent taste in travel.
Rhododendron Trail
The Rhododendron Trail is a 1.2 mile hike inside Susquehannock State Park and Luie Boone says it’s the perfect mix of woods, history, and wow moments. It’s moderately difficult and great for humans and dogs who want to feel fully tucked into the forest while still getting river views. Along the way you’ll pass the James B. Longhouse from the 1850s, a massive old growth beech tree that Luie Boone finds very respectable, and the quiet remains of the Neel Homestead. Thick rhododendron tunnels line the trail and in spring and fall you might spot kettles of hawks circling overhead or hanging out in the trees, which Luie Boone watches very seriously. There are also beautiful views of the Conowingo Reservoir that make for good snack breaks and photo stops. Luie Boone says this hike is a winner for noses, legs, and hearts.
Kellys Run Nature Preserve
Take your pup on the Kellys Run Trail and prepare for Luie Boone levels of joy. The 3.8 mile loop is steep and challenging, following a calm stream that you cross a few times while climbing over boulders and winding through thick rhododendrons. Luie Boone says the water sounds are elite and the sniff opportunities are serious. Part of the trail opens up into a sunny field, which feels like a reward halfway through. You’ll also come across a very bare bones abandoned bridge and Luie Boone would like everyone to know you should not cross it. The trail continues to the left and crosses the stream safely. On a clear day, Luie Boone says this hike makes you feel like you and your dog are on top of the world.
Pinnacle Overlook
Pinnacle Overlook in Susquehannock State Park is one of those places that makes Luie Boone stop and stare. It sits about 380 feet above the Susquehanna River and looks out over Lake Aldred, which Luie Boone says is very big and very impressive. The hoomans are said to love it for its gorgeous sweeping views, and Luie Boone has noticed it’s also a favorite spot for photos of very good four legged friends posing dramatically against the scenery. He supposes that he can look at the camera for once and let his hoomans snap a good picture. Like they always say, he's the best view always.
The Amish Farm and House
The Amish Farm and House in Lancaster is a surprisingly Luie Boone friendly stop, which Luie Boone says is impressive given how historic everything feels. Dogs are welcome to tag along on the bus, house, and farm tours as long as they stay leashed and behave like distinguished little guests. The farm is nearly 300 years old and was once owned by an Amish family, so there are endless new smells that clearly carry a lot of history. Luie Boone says this is one of those places where your human gets very educational while you quietly conduct important sniff inspections. The attraction has been open for almost 60 years and has hosted travelers from all over the world, which Luie Boone believes explains why everyone seems happy to say hello. It’s a great place to learn about Amish life past and present, stretch your legs, and feel like a well traveled dog with excellent cultural taste.
The Garden of Five Senses
The Garden of Five Senses sits up on a hill overlooking the Conestoga River and Luie Boone says it feels important the second you get there. It’s open year round and has a smooth paved walkway that makes strolling easy for humans, strollers, wheelchairs, and very good dogs who like a nice predictable path. Luie Boone says this place fully commits to its name. There are colors everywhere depending on the season, and in spring and summer the flowers smell so strong you have to stop and investigate every few steps. Luie Boone is especially impressed by the mystery scent stations because finally a place that respects a dog’s expertise. You can sniff, think about it deeply, and pretend you know the answer. Birds sing nonstop like background music, and the fountain, waterfall, and little stream running through the garden make soothing splash sounds that Luie Boone says are excellent for contemplating life or sitting politely while your human takes photos. It’s calm, beautiful, and full of smells, which is basically the dream.
Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in Lancaster, PA is very much a Luie Boone approved stop. Luie Boone says the best part is the walk-up window because that means no awkward waiting while the humans go inside without you. There’s dog-friendly outdoor seating, plenty of smells on the sidewalk, and a steady stream of people to admire you. Luie Boone says there’s no official dog menu, which is rude, but forgivable, because the humans can order a pup cup of vanilla custard or a little fruit-flavored ice if they’re feeling generous. Cold treats, warm sunshine, and compliments from strangers is Luie Boone’s version of fine dining.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Pennsylvania Dutch Country
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
Something is happening because my hoomans keep saying “vacation” and showing me pictures of a place where the cars do not look right. Some of them are boxes pulled by horses. They call it Pennsylvania Dutch Country and say it will be relaxing. I am not convinced. I got more worried on a walk when I met another dog who has been there and told me about the clopping sounds, the very quiet roads, and the smells that never stop. Dogs who travel know things, so I listened carefully. I have not been there yet, but I can already imagine how confusing it will be, which is why I am bringing my stuffed horse, Checkers. He does not clop, does not smell strange, and helps me stay calm when real horses feel like too much. I am also bringing my stuffed otter, Roger, but he will stay at the rental to watch the creek and look for real otters playing in the water. I trust my hoomans and I will be brave, especially with Checkers and Roger coming along.
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