Unusual Amish Country: Dinner Theater, Baseball

I recently made my first visit to the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster, PA. To be exact, 510 Centerville Road off Route 30. The current production is the musical comedy Legally Blonde. You might have seen the movie with Reese Witherspoon.

I have to tell you these folks did a very good job. I can certainly recommend it. I also enjoyed the theater itself. There's an actual stage as opposed to performing on the same level as the audience. There's seating for about 300 people with shows Tuesday through Sunday. Adult tickets are $51 on weekday matinees, $54 Saturday night, $48 for matinees and $28 if you only see the show and do not eat.

Speaking of eating, the buffet consists of a salad bar, vegetable lasagna, sweet-and-sour pork, tilapia, chicken breast, dessert, drinks and an ice cream bar. As in all dinner theaters, the food is all-you-can-eat.

Inside you'll find a comfortable lobby area, plenty of parking, a gift shop, children's shows and a competent staff. For tickets call 717-898-1900. Legally Blonde remains through August 4.

During that same trip I also stopped by the North Museum of Natural History and Science, located next to Franklin and Marshall College at 400 College Ave. The museum, which opened in 1953, has over 300,000 objects, some dating back to the 19th Century. It's open Tuesday through Sunday. Adult admission is $7.50; $10 if you include the planetarium.

Before heading out of town I made a stop to see the Lancaster Barnstormers play baseball in a stadium that is definitely a miniature version of Camden Yards. The ballpark offers great seating at very affordable prices. It has rides for the youngsters and loads of games played between innings. It makes for a very pleasant way to see a ballgame.