Lancaster County, a short jaunt from the Phila. collar counties, may recall images of techno-free Amish populations in traditional dress driving buggies. But as a fall destination, “Dutch Country” offers much more than those picturesque throwbacks to a simpler age. Gretchen McKay, in her travel wrap up for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reported that finding a wide range of autumnal things to do there is as simple as (shoo-fly) pie.

For fall foliage fans, a recommended spot is Pinnacle Overlook, a hamlet on the Susquehanna River. There, a hike to a rocky overlook provides a sweeping view of the winding waterway from 380 feet. And surrounding it is a patchwork quilt of landscape whose trees are dressed in gold, russet, and brilliant scarlet.

Traveling with tots who may be less enthralled with vista views? A 30-acre alpaca farm in Mount Joy has nearly 100 of the fuzzy creatures, all of which can be petted and fed.

History buffs can explore President James Buchanan’s home Wheatland, climb aboard a caboose at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, board the Strasburg Rail Road, or take a walking tour of the historic Ephrata Cloister, a monastic settlement dating to 1732.

Those looking to bag some fashions, hand-made crafts, or antiques can find friendly retailers throughout Lancaster, Lititz, and Ephrata, respectively.

And Lancaster food options run the gamut from LUCA, a wood-burning Italian kitchen, to Hammond Pretzel Bakery, which has been hand-twisting pretzels since 1931.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette piece provides a nice overview of these experiences; however, a much more comprehensive way to plan a Dutch Country trip is through Discover Lancaster.

Here’s some Lancaster fall color recorded in this October 2012 video.