The central Pennsylvania village of Bird-in-Hand sprouted-up along Old Philadelphia Pike during the early 18th century. The route, known as the Gateway to the West, was heavily used by stagecoaches and freight wagons. Realizing an opportunity to make a little extra money, local residents setup inns along the highway, sometimes in their own homes. More often than not, Pennsylvania's immigrant travelers were unable to read English and aid came in the form of unique pictograph signs. As towns grew, the name of the local inn was slowly transferred to the name of the community. The name, Bird-in-Hand, most likely evolved from the Bird-in-Hand Inn. Their hand painted sign, fashioned by Benjamin Elmer Leaman, included a bird nestled in the human hand, hoping to show comfort and hospitality.
   Here in Lancaster County there's no shortage of things to do. Visitors may enjoy a ride in an Amish buggy through the beautiful farmland, conduct their own covered bridge tours, purchase souvenir items at arts and crafts outlets, or dig in to a good old-fashioned Pennsylvania Dutch dinner. And there's no better place to get started than Bird-in-Hand. Here the locals still offer old-fashioned hospitality to their guests and visitors. The local shop pictured here is decorated for the autumn season and displays a genuine glimpse of the town's historic past.

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