The art of quilting has come a long way from early quilts which were made from scraps of material and simply provided a humble bedcovering. Weaved into the many traditions of American history, quilting has held fast as a popular hobby and way to add unique decoration to a home. Expect to be amazed on our trip by fine needlework equivalent to an artistic masterpiece and intricate and decorative patterns, too many to count. Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, the Virginia Quilt Museum showcases three floors of gallery space, with displays of historical, modern, art, and traditional quilts. Riding just a bit further, we overnight in Lancaster PA for the next three nights.

There is no better location for a quilt show than the heart of the Amish country! Featuring over 40 vendors, quilt exhibits showcasing antique to modern quilts, classes, and a free raffle for a basket of over $1300 in vendor merchandise, the 31st Annual Lancaster Quilt Show will keep us busy all day. Browse and be wowed at the design and handiwork, pick out a beautiful piece to take home or grab some materials and notions from one of the many vendors. Check out the handmade Shaker boxes and try out the Sticky Rollers as you walk around the show floor. So much to see and do before our delicious, included dinner tonight with an Amish family. (D)

This morning is all about browsing and shopping! On our half-day tour of some of the local quilt shops, we begin at Lapp’s. This family has extensive connections in the Amish and Mennonite communities supplying beautiful, handmade quilts. Our next stop, Log Cabin Quilt Shop, is another family-owned business, specializing in quilts but also selling patterns, books, fabric, notions, and even souvenirs. The oldest store in the Lancaster County village of Intercourse, The Old Country Store, is our next stop. Their wide assortment includes a selection of more than 6,000 bolts of fabric, gorgeous locally made quilts and crafts, an array of books and kitchen gadgets, plus irresistible locally preserved foods. Our shop tour would not be complete without a stop at Zook’s Fabric Store who has been supplying fabric to quilters, interior decorators, and crafters for decades locally and all over the world. This afternoon we take our seats at Sight and Sound Theatre for a matinee showing of Daniel. Witness one of the Bible’s most hope-filled stories come to life on the stage when we see this faithful servant navigate life inside a palace then come face to face with some angry lions in a fiery furnace. Will his faith stand strong? We find out together! To wrap up this exciting adventurous day, we enjoy another delicious dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

As we pack up to travel home, we can breathe a sigh of relief that our comfy Christian Tours coach has lots of extra space for the many treasures we are bringing back with us.