What began as a home-based canning business has grown to be one of Lancaster County’s most popular attractions. If you’re wondering where to stay when you visit this charming shopping destination in the Village of Intercourse, you’ll be happy to find that you have several attractive options, including Travelers Rest Motel within walking distance of Kitchen Kettle Village.
Unique Shopping in Lancaster County, PA
In 1954, Bob and Pat Burnley started with a range, 30 kettles and a half-dozen jelly recipes. Eventually, they moved the operation from their garage into a store and then added another store and another. Today, three generations later, their Kitchen Kettle Village has more than 40 stores and two restaurants and draws shoppers from near and far. Visitors come for the unique mix of locally made products and nationally known brands, along with a full calendar of seasonal special events—all in a lovely, walkable outdoor setting in the Village of Intercourse.
It’s a lot to take in, and it would be a shame to rush, so why not plan to spend the night? Savvy shoppers appreciate the exceptional value of Travelers Rest Motel, where guests get more for their money: clean, quiet rooms, Bird-in-Hand hospitality and a delicious deluxe continental breakfast. All rooms also feature in-room Wi-Fi and cable TV, individual climate control, and amenities including a refrigerator, hairdryer, microwave and coffee maker. After a day of shopping and sightseeing, many guests sit on the lawn or gazebo and enjoy the view.
STILL Cooking up a Success
The retail destination still has a working canning kitchen, and if you drop by The Jam & Relish Kitchen, you can sample their home jams, including Fig Balsamic or Habanero Mango. The shop sells a variety of homemade Pennsylvania Dutch canned and baked goods, relish, salsa, pickles and more. You’ll find locally smoked meats, including Lebanon bologna, as well as more than 50 kinds of cheeses, beef jerky, sauces and dips and other snacks at Aged and Cured. If you time your visit right, you can even see a cheese-pulling demonstration. Speaking of snacks, don’t miss Pappy’s Kettle Korn or Pepper Lane Fudge and Sweets. Mom’s Pretzels donates all its profits to local charities—so you can feel good about your purchase. If you work up a thirst, The Roasted Rooster offers a variety of locally roasted coffees, as well as smoothies, chillers and other unique beverages.
LOCAL LANCASTER COUNTY GIFTS And More
Kitchen Kettle Village retailers carry merchandise from well-known brands like Deerskin, Fjalraven, Coco + Carmen, Life Is Good, Alex and Ani, and many others. In addition, their Locally Made logo makes it easy to find authentic Lancaster County pottery, artwork, quilts and much, much more. If you want to Explore Local, you’ll find a selection that ranges from Amish bonnets and handmade wooden Amish figurines at The Gift House and hand-carved Meadowbrook gourds at Country Life, to decorative eggs and Moravian stars at Grande Place to original oil, watercolor and acrylic paintings and signed limited-edition prints by local artists at Dutchland Galleries.
Stay Near Kitchen Kettle Village at Nearby Bird-in-Hand Village Inn
Paw Prints offers pet-themed merchandise as well as treats and more for your furry and feathered friends, as well as garden stakes, welcome signs, walking sticks and more that are all made on the premises. Pets welcome! At Washpin Pals, clothespin dolls and hanging clothespin ornaments are crafted on-site from the same old-fashioned rounded wooden clothespins that generations of Amish have used to hang their clothes to dry. Seasonal and personalized dolls make unique gifts.
If you’re planning a pre-holiday shopping trip with adult friends, consider a stay at the Bird-in-Hand Village Inn & Suites, which offers upscale country lodging in historic buildings about 5 minutes down Old Philadelphia Pike. Another option is the Amish Country Motel, which offers standard and king rooms and two-room suites halfway between the Village of Intercourse and Bird-in-Hand.
Special Events for All Ages
If you’re looking for a reason to visit Kitchen Kettle Village, check out the calendar of events for adults and families. On November 13, wear red, white and blue to celebrate Veteran’s Day and enter for a chance to win a $750 Kitchen Kettle gift basket. Proceeds from the Be Thankful event support Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors, a non-profit that serves Pennsylvania veterans from all service branches and eras.
On October 30, Yummie’s Boo Bash provides family-friendly fun. This safe Halloween celebration features a costume contest with cash prizes, photo opportunities with Yummie and friends, a scavenger hunt for the kids and a treasure hunt with special offers at participating shops. Ticketed reservations are required. Tickets include a lunch voucher for use at the Harvest Café and a homemade cookie from the Bake Shop. For tickets, book online or call 800-732-3538.
If you’re traveling with the kids, why not make a mini-vacation weekend out of it? The Bird-in-Hand Family Inn, just minutes from Kitchen Kettle Village, is a family-friendly resort-style hotel with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis and basketball courts, a playground and walking paths. The Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord is conveniently located on-site. Guests at the Family Inn and all other Bird-in-Hand lodging properties can take advantage of a complimentary two-hour tour of Amish farmlands, which runs Monday through Saturday, to learn more about this unique region.
Come to think of it- our lodging properties provide easy access to all the reasons you visit Lancaster County. Whether it is to take in our scenery, ride the Strasburg Railroad, visit the outlets, take in a show on our stage, or at Sight & Sound Theatres, or to enjoy a day or two of shopping and visiting with the storekeepers at the distinctive and charming shops of Kitchen Kettle Village. No matter what brings you to Pennsylvania Dutch Country, you owe it to yourself to experience the hospitality at Bird-in-Hand.
