If you’re planning a trip to a charming shopping destination in the Village of Intercourse, you might be wondering about other things to do near Kitchen Kettle Village. The 40-plus stores in the walkable outdoor complex will keep you busy, but the area offers a lot more to see and do. Bird-in-Hand is only a few minutes away, and our Travelers Rest Motel is within walking distance, so our friendly and knowledgeable staff is always happy to make recommendations. Here are five of our favorite hidden gems near Kitchen Kettle Village.
Stoltzfus Meats & Amos’ Place
From Kitchen Kettle Village, walk down Blueberry Boulevard or Rhubarb Road to Center Street and you’ll quickly reach Stoltzfus Meats. Founder Amos S. Stoltzfus learned about producing sausage, bacon, ham, and scrapple while growing up on the family farm during the Depression years. In 1954, he and his wife, Mary, started selling meats at a farmers’ market in Delaware. Later, they opened a small store at the family farm.
Amos’ youngest son, Myron, eventually took over the business and, in 2009, opened a new retail store on Center Street near the heart of Intercourse. Just down the street from the company’s production facility, Stoltzfus Meats & Deli sells the Pennsylvania Dutch meats that they have been making for generations. In addition to fresh and smoked meats, they sell prepared foods, locally made specialty foods, and baked goods.
Inside the store, Amos’ Place café serves breakfast, lunch, and supper. Favorites include the Stoltzfus Sausage Sandwich, homemade soups, salads, burgers, and more. The Grab & Go section also has hot and cold offerings if you want to pick up something quick to fuel your day of exploring. To save time, you can order ahead through the website.
King’s Amish Furniture
Across from Stoltzfus Meats, you’ll find King’s Amish Furniture, a furniture store that makes its relationship with its customers and furniture builders its top priority. Founder Raymond King built outdoor tables and chairs and began selling them on his front lawn in 1986. Today, King’s offers indoor and outdoor furniture from more than 40 Amish craftsmen, serving customers at its locations in the center of Intercourse and in The Shops @ Rockvale in Lancaster.
The Amish are known for the high quality of their woodworking. You’ll find solid hardwood collections for the bedroom, living room, dining room, home office, children’s rooms, and outdoor living. King’s offers styles to complement virtually any décor, and you can also order custom-built pieces to suit your own unique style. Delivery is available.
Barry’s Car Barn
Also within easy walking distance of Kitchen Kettle Village, Barry’s Car Barn opened in the spring of 2022. Take a self-guided tour down automotive memory lane while you browse entrepreneur Barry Baldwin’s collection of 50+ vintage American muscle cars and motorcycles. A native of nearby Gap, Baldwin learned to drive at age 14 and bought his first collectible automobile at age 14. Although he eventually sold that one, his current collection includes 1954, ’55, and ’56 Corvettes, and the iconic 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby 500. In addition to the muscle cars from the 1950s to1970s, he also has a 1930s Packard Phantom Limousine and a 1947 “Woody” station wagon.
Amish Country Homestead & One-Room School
From Kitchen Kettle Village, a five-minute drive west on Old Philadelphia Pike brings you to Plain & Fancy Farm, where you can visit the Amish Country Homestead and Fisher One-Room School, a designated Lancaster County Heritage Site. The Homestead gives visitors a glimpse into the daily life of the Old Order Amish in today’s world. Peek into the pantry, see appliances that run without electricity, and tour the one-room schoolhouse furnished with authentic desks, which is attached to the house.
If you want to learn even more, watch “Jacob’s Choice” at the Amish Experience Theater next to the Homestead. You will “meet” Daniel and Lizzie Fisher and other members of the fictional family who make their home at the Homestead.
Immergut
Lancaster County has been known for its pretzels since 1861 when the country’s first commercial pretzel bakery opened in Lititz. Less than a quarter mile from Kitchen Kettle Village along Blueberry Boulevard, Immergut Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels is a small, Amish-run business whose name means “always good” in Pennsylvania Dutch. The family makes these classic Lancaster County treats to order, while you wait. Choose your pretzel with or without butter and salt, or choose a specialty variety, including whole wheat, cinnamon and sugar, sour cream and onion, garlic, and sesame. Dunk your pretzel in a dip, like chocolate, cheese, mustard, or cream cheese. Or pick a pretzel wrap, like a hot dog and cheese, ham and cheese, pizza, and sausage and cheese. Wash your order down with fresh-squeezed lemonade, iced coffee, or a fountain drink. In addition to enjoying the refreshments, visitors can watch the pretzel-making process.
We encourage you to explore Lancaster County’s hidden gems!