Pennsylvania Dutch Trail
Attend a fair in Greater Reading, PA and you’re likely to indulge in local favorites like funnel cake and birch beer, or pass barns along the way adorned with hex signs.
With deep roots in the culture of the original German settlers, the Deutsch eventually evolved into the Pennsylvania Dutch as they adapted to their new home. Today, the Pennsylvania Dutch of Berks County celebrate their culture in the sticky sweetness of shoo fly pie, the ornate designs on hex signs, the warmth of hand-sewn quilts and the folksy incorporation of PA Dutch language in everyday conversation.
Greater Reading, PA is proud of our Pennsylvania Dutch Heritage in Berks County and invites you to share in our piece of unique American culture. We gladly wilkum you to our home.
Take a ride on the PA Dutch Trail, a self-guided tour of Greater Reading’s Pennsylvania Dutch treasures. Plug the addresses of our partners into your GPS or use our map for reference.
1. Roadside America
109 Roadside Dr.Shartlesville, PA 19554
610-488-6241
View scenes of Berks County PA Dutch life through the eyes of a native. This indoor miniature village is the largest of its kind.
http://www.roadsideamericainc.com
2. Pennsylvania Dutch Gift Haus
93 Roadside Dr.Shartlesville, PA 19554
610-488-6529
Browse through a variety of Pennsylvania Dutch gifts and merchandise at the Penna Dutch Gift Haus. Decode the messages of hex signs, pick up a jar of homemade chow-chow or shoo-fly pie mix, or learn to play Dutch Blitz. Whatever you find at the Gift Haus, it’s sure to be a Pennsylvania Dutch treasure.
www.pennsylvaniadutchgifthaus.com
3. Dreibelbis Station Bridge
Dreibelbis RoadLenhartsville, PA 19534
The covered bridges of Berks County are made unique with Pennsylvania Dutch flair. The Dreibelbis Station Bridge is adorned with a Pennsylvania Dutch hex sign that symbolizes good luck.
*For more covered bridges and hex sign art take a ride on the Covered Bridge Tour and the Hex Barn Art Tour.
4. Renninger’s Farmer Market and Antique Center
740 Noble St.Kutztown, PA 19530
610-683-6848
Pick up delicious cinnamon sticky buns or succulent German style sausage and bologna among many Pennsylvania Dutch delicacies. The farmer’s market is open on Fridays and Saturdays. The flea market is open Saturdays.
http://www.renningers.com/jimkutz1.htm
5. Wooden Bridge Dry Goods
195 Deysher RoadKutztown PA 19530
610-683-7159
This large, quaint fabric and quilting store has fabrics from around the world and has a variety of patterns, accessories, and trims. Stop by for tips on how to stitch your own Pennsylvania Dutch quilt.
6. Kutztown Area Historical Society
Whiteoak St & Normal AveKutztown, PA 19530
610-683-7697
Browse through local artifacts of Pennsylvania folk life and learn how PA Dutch culture shaped early American history. The historical society is home to a small museum and library devoted to local and regional history.
http://www.kutztownhistory.org
7. PA German Cultural Heritage Center
22 Luckenbill Rd.Kutztown, PA 19530
610-683-1589
Step back in time and take a tour of a 19th century Pennsylvania Dutch farmhouse located near Kutztown University. Your tour guide will show you around this historic, beautiful home as you learn how Pennsylvania Dutch farmers lived and provided for their families in the 1800’s.
http://www.kutztown.edu/community/pgchc/index1.htm
8. Leesport Farmers Market
312 Gernant’s Church Rd.Leesport PA 19533
610-926-1307
If your Pennsylvania Dutch journey falls on a Wednesday, be sure to stop at Leesport Farmers Market. Indulge as you sample shoofly-pie, Schnitz un knepp (apple slices and dumplings), and whoopie pies.
http://www.leesportmarket.com
9. Berks County Heritage Center
1102 Red Bridge RoadReading, PA 19605
610-374-8839
Learn about Berks County heritage from the experts at any of the eleven sites and landmarks included at the Heritage Center. Stretch your legs as you walk through the surrounding parks and make sure you stop to take a picture with the Distlefink, a Pennsylvania Dutch symbol for happiness and good fortune.
http://www.co.berks.pa.us/Dept/Parks/Pages/HeritageCenter.aspx
10. Tom Sturgis Pretzels, Inc.
2267 Lancaster PikeReading, PA 19607
610-775-0335
The pretzel is one of the many traditions brought to Pennsylvania by the Germans. The Tom Sturgis Pretzel Company now produces about 30 variations of the pretzel, including the original hard pretzel developed by Julius Sturgis around 1861. Visit the Tom Sturgis Bakery and Pretzel Store in Shillington to pick out a tasty souvenir.
*Fun Fact- The pretzel has origins dating back to around 600 AD when it served as a reward for children who learned their prayers. The pretzel’s shape was created to resemble arms being
crossed over the chest.
http://www.tomsturgispretzels.com/
11. Historical Society of Berks County
940 Centre Avenue
Reading, PA 19601
610-375-4375
The Historical Society of Berks County Museum (HSBC) has amassed an impressive collection of Fine Arts and Cultural Material, that exhibits the rich historic and artistic legacy that is unique to the Pennsylvania Germans(also known as Pennsylvania Dutch) and the community of Berks County. Artifacts such as pottery, glassware, farm equipment, textiles, and paintings, all help document Berks County’s history and growth during its early agricultural years to its Industrial Revolution and today.
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2525 N. 12th Street, Suite 101, Reading, PA 19605 • 610.375.4085 or 800.443.6610
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