Short Ride to Intercourse (PA That is) Ride Description

LENGTH: 20 miles. Difficulty: C.

STARTING POINT: Conestoga Valley High School. Horseshoe Road, Lancaster, PA.

DESCRIPTION: A scenic ride through the heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch country. The terrain is rolling with only moderate hills. Little known points of interest are Mascot Roller Mill and Miller's Natural Food Store. Both are well worth visiting. This is a ride to take at a leisurely pace and enjoy the countryside and the many points of interest.

POINTS OF INTEREST:
A. Mascot Roller Mill. No Admission Charge. Built in 1760, this roller mill was originally powered by the conventional water wheel. Eight sets of 14" steel rollers grind the grain. The mill was modernized in 1905 and the water wheel replaced by efficient water turbines. The mill is operated today only for tourists where fresh corn is milled as a demonstration. Open: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., May 1 to October 31. Location: At the intersection of Stumptown and Newport Roads in Mascot, PA.

B. Ebersole Chair Factory. (717) 768-8820. No Admission Charge. This chair factory was started in 1938 by J. S. Ebersole, who owned and operated the business until his death in 1971. Open: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: 101 Centerville Road, Gordonville, PA 17529.

C. Lapp's Carriage Shop. No Admission Charge. This Amish shop is devoted to the restoration of antique carriages and buggies. The shop has been recently rebuilt as a result of a fire and it displays excellent examples of old world craftsmanship. Open: Daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Sunday. Location: Newport Road (Rt. 772) at Old Philadelphia Pike in Intercourse, PA.

D. Kitchen Kettle Village. No Admission Charge. Started in 1954 in a backyard garage, This collection of Pennsylvania Dutch Shops now includes a craft shop, tobacco shop, cafe, fudge shop, bake shop, herb and flower shop and many other food and craft shops. Open: Daily from 9 a.m. Closed Sunday. Location: Newport Road (Rt. 772), Intercourse, PA 17534.

E. Miller's Natural Food Store. No Admission Charge. An Amish run natural food store that offers almost every imaginable item of food and drink at very reasonable prices. The remote location of this store keeps much of the tourist traffic way. Open: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sunday. Location: Between Weavertown and Monterey Roads on an un-named but paved farm lane.