Editor’s Note: This is a continuing series on local places of interest to visit for little or no cost.

Lancaster is a beautiful part of southern Pennsylvania where one can step back in time and experience a simple life.

Home to many of the Amish community, the area abounds with farms, while still offering modern amenities for those who wish to visit.

While it is a great day trip for shopping, visiting a farmer’s market or even seeing a play, you may wish to plan your visit to include an overnight stay in one of the reasonable hotels or B&Bs in the area.

The oldest Amish settlement in America is in Lancaster. That community flourishes even though they still rely on horse and buggy transportation and refuse public electricity.

While on our most recent visit to the area, we took an Amish buggy ride that included a tour of the driver’s farm. We saw how they used generators to operate their milking machines and to keep their milk cold so that they can sell it.

We learned about their children and their lifestyle. Our guide was very talkative and open to asking questions. He even allowed us to take a photo with him although that is not common practice of the Amish.

We purchased some delightful baked goods from the market where his daughter worked part time to help support the family.

We didn’t visit Lancaster simply to see the Amish way of life, although that is a great way to spend a day.

We attended a production at Sight & Sound Theater. This unique theater uses live animals in its Biblical productions that bring people back again and again.

According to their website, the name “Sight & Sound” was inspired by the teaching of Jesus found in Matthew 13:10-23. The disciples asked Jesus why he spoke to the people in parables or stories. Jesus replied that even though people were seeing, they did not really see. Even though they were hearing, they did not truly hear or understand what they heard.

The goal of the theater is “to visualize and dramatize Biblical truth through live stage productions – to illustrate truth in the same way that Jesus did, by storytelling. Our desire is that our audience will gain clear understanding and inspiration through these presentations, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and deepen their relationship with our Father through Him.”

‘Samson’ is the current show on stage at Sight & Sound and will run through November when the holiday season brings in ‘The Miracle of Christmas.’

In addition to Sight & Sound, there are other theaters in the area. We also attended a production of ‘Oklahoma’ at the Dutch Apple Theater where we enjoyed a delicious dinner buffet as we watched the live show.

Whether you choose to travel for just the day or for the weeekend, there are plenty of activities in and around Lancaster. Other villages including Intercourse and Bird in Hand are nearby as you consider a drive through the countryside. They offer shops with Amish crafts and quilts that will have you packing the car with unique finds.

If shopping is really a favorite, there are outlet malls in the area where one can find some great bargains.

There is everything from Farmer’s Markets to balloon rides. Bring the kids to Dutch Wonderland, an amusement park geared toward the youngsters.

Whatever your pleasure, you will be able to find it in and around Lancaster.

For more information on planning a visit, see the website www.lancasterpa. com. That site lists all types of activities that can be done for free during your visit to the area as well as suggestions for overnight stays at reasonable prices.

Make sure you take in at least one show during your stay. I highly recommend Sight & Sound if you haven’t been there…and even if you have, make sure to see the newest offering.