The downtown streets look as though they'd feel right at home in the pages of a Norman Rockwell book of paintings. Charming historic buildings dot tree-lined streets, and friendly shopkeepers give a wave from the windows. These are the towns and villages of Pennsylvania Dutch Country - charming communities chock full of history and character, and each one with an unique personality all its own.

The village of Lititz, celebrating its 250th anniversary in 2006, began long ago as a community for Moravians who settled in the area. Today, downtown Lititz is charming and energetic, full of quaint family-run boutiques and cafes. Lititz is also known for its culinary creations. Home to both the Wilbur Chocolate Factory and Store, which supplies rich, creamy chocolate to some of the leading candy companies of the world, and the Sturgis Pretzel House, America's first commercial pretzel bakery, Lititz is an official foodie town of sorts. Lititz Springs Park, with its peaceful duck pond and quiet community atmosphere, is now the location for the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the country.

Picking up speed is America's train town, the village of Strasburg. It's all about the trains here - from scenic rides on an old steam train to historic locomotives large and small. Downtown Strasburg, with its cute country square, features antiques stores and an old-fashioned creamery, where guests can sit with a cone and watch as Amish buggies pass by.

Also adopting the Amish character is the quaint village of Bird-in-Hand, where farmers' markets and quilt shops reign. Here, visitors will find everything from fresh produce at the local farmers' market to handmade wooden toys as they mingle with Amish and Mennonite local residents. 

Located along the banks of the Susquehanna River, the beautiful river town of Columbia is steeped in history. Once an active passageway for the Underground Railroad, today's Columbia combines the Susquehanna Glass Factory and the unique Watch and Clock Museum with antique shops, historic homes and the Columbia Market. At the restored riverside market, patrons can find fresh produce gathered from local farms, handmade crafts and assortment of locally-made wines.

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