Intercourse – What’s in a Name?

Few towns in Pennsylvania catch the fancy of visitors as much as the village of Intercourse. The little community was known as Cross Keys until 1814, when an attempt was made to lay out a town site. George Brungard planned to sell town lots through a lottery drawing, and it was at this time that the town got the name Intercourse as stated in the lottery ad.

Stories on the town name include one concerning a racecourse in the area, (enter course), and the intersection, (intercoursing) of different roads. It is believed that it simply refers to the social and business exchange between people that took place in this bustling country village at the time.

The year 2005 marked the 250th anniversary of the founding of the town.

Right before you enter the village, stop at The Flower Patch for a delightful selection of dried and silk flower arrangements, Afghans, crafts, and more. While parked at this shop, you can walk 1/10 mile up the road and take a photo of the Intercourse town sign.

As you come into town, on the left you’ll see the Stagecoach Shops. Here the Dutchland Quilt Patch is a favorite among quilt enthusiasts and visitors seeking a truly special gift. The friendly staff will show you their wide variety of quilts in all sizes and colors.

Just a short drive north on Rt. 772 west is Country Road Flowers. This shop is a delight, filled with silk and dried flower arrangements, Yankee Candles, ironwork, and painted furniture. (Don’t forget to stock up on the Yankee Candle Fragrance of the Month!)

Back in town on Main St. is The Old Country Store , named one of the top ten quilt shops in the United States, and a must see for anyone interested in quilts and quilting. The store holds an impressive collection of beautiful hand-made quilts, crafts, and fabrics. The excellent, free People’s Place Quilt Museum is located on the second floor. Don’t miss it!

Next door is the Village Pottery , with a fine variety of both functional and decorative ceramics, including local redware, by various artists. Also worth a visit are the People’s Place Book Shoppe and the P. Buckley Moss Gallery.

Also, across from the Stagecoach Shops on Main St., you’ll find Hometowne Fabrics, with low prices on fabrics, quilts, and patterns.

New to town is E. Braun Farmtables & Furniture. While their main shop is in Bird-in-Hand, here you’ll find more of the same rustic furniture, much of it made from barns and other old buildings, with beautiful finishes.

Back in town on Main St., everyone who visits Intercourse seems to spend some time at Kitchen Kettle Village, surely the town’s most popular attraction. The year 2004 marked the 50th anniversary of Kitchen Kettle and coincided with the 250th anniversary of the town.

It is a delightful cluster of over 40 specialty shops where you can observe Amish girls making jams and jellies. One of the popular shops at Kitchen Kettle Village is Deerskin Leather Shop. Known as the finest leather store in Lancaster County, you’ll find quality leatherwear and accessories. In addition, they are a Brighton dealer.

Continuing east on Rt. 340, you’ll reach the Old Candle Barn , a favorite of visitors for years. If you haven’t been here for a while, be sure to stop in and check out what’s new. You can watch the Amish make all kinds, sizes, shapes, and scents of candles. You’re sure to love the changes at the new Old Candle Barn. They have a new gift shop too.

With so much activity, you’ll work up an appetite. For the perfect snack or as a take home treat, visit the Intercourse Pretzel Factory in the Cross Keys Village Center for a hand twisted pretzel and a FREE pretzel-making tour.

Right next-door is the newest addition to Intercourse, the Valley View Country Store. Over 9 rooms of decorative furniture and home accessories for literally every room in the house awaits you.

Around the corner and across Rt. 772 is another great place to sample and buy unique area food and craft items. You’ll probably see people busy making jams, jellies, salsa and so much more at the Intercourse Canning Company . Take a part of Lancaster County home in a jar.

There are always a great variety of fruit butters, sauces, and many Pennsylvania Dutch favorites – in addition to many innovative new-jarred items that you are welcome to sample. They also carry fine coffees.

Beside the cannery is the Best Western Intercourse Village Inn and Restaurant. Locals enjoy eating here, especially their daily specials. The Inn and its Bed & Breakfast are a great place to stay overnight and enjoy the village after most people have gone for the day.

Scenes from the 1985 movie Witness were filmed on Queen Street and at Zimmerman’s Store, just a few steps from the inn.

As you travel east from Intercourse on Rt. 340, go about half a mile to Esh Handmade Quilts. Tucked between the house and the barn, this delightful Amish quilt shop offers beautiful quilts of all sizes sold right on the farm.

With so much to see and do, Intercourse really is the heart of Amish country.

Here are a few more neat places I wanted to share with you since I first wrote this page:

• American Military Edged Weaponry Museum
  

  Over 4,000 specimens in the Weaponry Museum span the broad spectrum of U.S. military history. Under 2,600 sq. feet of glass, the collection is displayed in an interesting and educational manner.

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