The “White Rose City” of York, Pennsylvania is a truly historic place, the town where in 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the country’s first constitution, the Articles of Confederation. There is much more to York, however, than just history. A theater, brewery, mall, more than a dozen parks, and much more provide visitors with plenty of things to do throughout the year for a day trip, a few days, or even an entire week. Of particular note, the Samuel S. Lewis State Park and the York County Heritage Rail Trail offer abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Peoples Bank Park
The PeoplesBank Park in York is a baseball park with 5,200 seats, hosting its first baseball regular season game in June of 2007, with the York Revolution home team beating the Newark Bears. Named in 2008 by the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball as “Ballpark of the Year,” the PeoplesBank Park is home to “The Arch Nemesis,” the tallest fence in professional baseball, taller than Fenway Park’s “Green Monster.” In addition to catching a game, baseball fans can also check out the Brooks Robinson Plaza, the Mezzogiorno Picnic Pavilion serving ballpark and regional fare, and the Stauffer's DownTown Playground.
5 Brooks Robinson Way, York, PA 17401
York County History Center
Housed inside a former 1921 automobile dealership, the York County History Center consists of many different exhibits that highlight the history of Pennsylvania’s York County, ranging from displays on the early American period and the Civil War era to fine arts and the decorative arts. These exhibits include area information dating back to the Native American settlers of York up to the early part of the twentieth century. The center also contains an expansive library for genealogy research. Also in the lobby of the York County History Center is an 1804 Tannenberg organ, which is still used during seasonal concerts.
250 E Market St, York, PA 17403, Phone: 717-848-1587
York County Heritage Rail Trail
The York County Heritage Rail Trail is one of York County’s eight parks managed by the Department of Parks and Recreation, offering a great place for both local residents and travelers alike to find outdoor recreation opportunities. Stretching over 21 miles long, the trail winds its way through several scenic areas throughout the county. At ten-feet wide and made of a compacted, flat stone surface, the York County Heritage Rail Trail is well designed for horseback riding, running, bicycling, and hiking. The county park is also often used for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the winter season as well.
York, PA
Samuel S. Lewis State Park
The Samuel S. Lewis State Park encompasses approximately 85 acres of the York, Pennsylvania area and is dominated by Mount Pisgah, a tall ridge separating the East Prospect and Kreutz Creek Valleys. One of the highlights of this state park is its overlook offering an amazing view out over the Susquehanna River Valley. Along with the views to be had, the park also provides an opportunity for several outdoor activities, including winter activities, playgrounds, ball fields, hiking, and picnicking. The crest of Mount Pisgah is a popular place for kite flying, and picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
6000 Mt Pisgah Rd, York, PA 17406, Phone: 717-252-1134
Belmont Theatre
The Belmont Theatre provides volunteers with opportunities to share their creativity, self-expression, and talents with the community of York, Pennsylvania both on and off the stage. A treasured aspect of the local community, the theatre is also home to the Belmont Academy, an educational component to the Belmont Theatre that offers classes in a wide variety of performing arts. In addition to its performing arts academy and other theatre workshops and classes, the theatre also hosts its regular schedule of plays and productions, as well as an array of other events, such as concerts and special events.
27 S Belmont St, York, PA 17403, Phone: 717-854-3894
Liquid Hero Brewery
A small, local brewpub, the Liquid Hero Brewery is situated in the downtown district of York and offers an array of different brews available on tap, with the beers made in the brewery just behind the bar. In addition to pints of beer on tap, the brewery also offers beer flights, as well as growlers and six-packs to go. As for food, Liquid Hero also serves a variety of options for guests who want a bite to eat while they sip on craft brews. Along with a selection of beer, the brewpub offers soft drinks, wine, and a handful of liquors.
50 E North St, York, PA 17401, Phone: 717-814-9250
York Galleria Mall
The York Galleria Mall is an enclosed, regional shopping destination in York, Pennsylvania offers a wide assortment of shops and retailers, including numerous specialty retail shops, Marshall’s, H&M, Hibbett’s Sporting Goods, Francesca’s, White Barn Candle, Boscov’s, The Bon Ton, and many others. There is also a food court with an array of counter service options on the upper level for when shoppers get hungry, such as Tokyo II, Bamboo Express, Sbarro, Subway, Taco Bell, Auntie Anne’s, and McDonald’s. There is also a Red Robin in the parking lot of the York Galleria Mall. A Texas Roadhouse is also located nearby.
2899 Whiteford Rd, York, PA 17402
Roosevelt Tavern
Located at the corner of Penn and Philadelphia Streets, the Roosevelt Tavern in York has a rich history and an emphasis on farm-to-table ingredients, striving to serve guests the highest quality of food possible. Menu items for lunch include Prime Angus burgers sourced from SkyBlu Farms and baked chicken pie from Green Hills Farm, while dinner options include dishes like filet mignon and the shrimp and scallop lasagna. There are also different daily specials.
50 N Penn St, York, PA 17401, Phone: 717-854-7725
Victor's Italian Restaurant
Victor's Italian Restaurant has been a popular staple in the neighborhood since 1984 and has become a reflection of the trattorias of Italy. While the caliber of wines and cocktails, thoughtful service, and the high quality food may suggest Victor’s is more of an upscale “ristorante,” the restaurant is a cozy neighborhood eatery with a quaint atmosphere that’s great for any occasion. The menu here changes seasonally, highlighting local ingredients whenever possible. The bar offers a variety of snacks, over 100 wines, and cocktails. Outdoor patio dining is offered during nice weather, and live music happens on Friday and Saturday nights.
554 S Ogontz St, York, PA 17403, Phone: 717-854-7958
Tutoni's Restaurant
An Italian eatery embodying the “farm-to-table movement,” Tutoni’s Restaurant features a seasonally changing menu with many traditional recipes made with a few creative twists. Every dish served at Tutoni’s is fresh each day, with options including house-made pasta dishes, such as cavatelli, gnocchi, spaghetti, lasagna, and ravioli. All of the sauces, pasta, and more are made from scratch. Starters include a charcuterie board, soup of the day, and an assortment of salads, while entrees change with the season. Tutoni's Restaurant works closely with several local farmers in order to ensure the freshest food available to diners.
108 N George St, York, PA 17401, Phone: 717-885-5169
Rocky Ridge Park
Rocky Ridge Park covers 750 acres northwest of Hellam, most of which is covered by mature oak forests. The park provides a much-loved outdoor recreational area where locals and visitors can get back to nature without traveling a long distance. There are more than 12 miles of multi-use trails were you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking and horse-back riding. Along the way explorers will find two observation decks which offer sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Younger visitors are sure to love the Nature Fun Zone and there is an open space field for ball games. The park hosts various fun events throughout the year.
Rocky Ridge Park, 3699 Deininger Rd, York, PA 17406, 717 840 7440
Perrydell Farm Dairy
Established in 1923, the family-owned Perrydell Farm and Dairy is 100 years old. Today the farm is home to a core herd of 250 beautiful Holstein cattle, of which 120 are milk cows, each of which produce around 9 gallons of milk each day, without any need for hormone injections. The milk is bottled on the premises and much of it is used to produce their wonderful home-made ice cream range. Visitors are always welcome to stop by the Farm Store to buy fresh dairy products and self-guided tours of the farm are very popular. Besides their own dairy products the Farm Store sells a range of fresh produce and bakery items from neighboring farms.
Perrydell Farm Dairy, 90 Indian Rock Dam Rd, York, PA 17403, 717 741 3485
Nixon Park Nature Center
The 187-acre Nixon Park is conveniently located just 5 miles from York, where it provides a wonderful opportunity for adults and children to get back to nature. The park is dedicated to educate the public about wildlife and only foot-traffic is allowed on the trails to ensure that animals are not disturbed. The park is home to the Nature Center/Museum where you can learn about some of the endemic and foreign animals and birds before you set off to explore - here are several exhibits of live animals and insects including a living bee hive and several live insects and reptiles.
Nixon Park Nature Center, 5922 Nixon Drive, York, PA 17403, 717 428 1961
Appell Center for the Performing Arts
The Appell Center for the Performing Arts is dedicated to educate, inspire and entertain York locals and visitors through various forms of live entertainment. The center was established in the 1970’s with the express purpose of bringing the joys of live theater to each and every interested person, regardless of their background. Everyone is welcome to attend a show, workshop or class and the center hosts school programs for all local schools. There is always something on the go at the Appell Center- shows include anything from stand-up comedy to blockbuster and family movies and live music performances. You can check the website for details and tickets.
Appell Center for the Performing Arts, 50 N. George St, York PA 17401, 717 846 111
John C. Rudy County Park
The John C. Rudy County Park covers 150 acres in East Manchester, near Emigsville, where it provides a popular community recreation area. The park is home to several sports fields including soccer and softball fields as well as 3 volley-ball courts. A 2-mile paved trail is available for walking, jogging, biking and roller-blading and there is also a dedicated dog park where your dog can enjoy some off-leash time with other pooches. If you enjoy running you can try the grassed 5-mile cross-country course, which will take you to all corners of the park. Picnic pavilions are available to rent and are ideal for children’s birthday parties.
John C. Rudy County Park, 400 Mundis Race Rd, York, PA 17406, 717 840 7440
Agricultural and Industrial Museum
Forming part of the York County History Center, the Agricultural and Industrial Museum (AIM) offers visitors a glimpse into the history of industry and agriculture in York County. The museum is filled with interesting exhibits including vintage cars and trolleys, all kinds of old farm implements, retro telephones and switchboards (your kids will probably not know what they are), a printing press and much more. There are also several interactive exhibits to keep children of all ages happily exploring for a few hours. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm and visitors are welcome to explore at their own pace.
Agriculture and Industrial Museum, 217 W. Princess St, York, PA 17401, 717 848 1587
York Barbell Weight-lifting Hall of Fame and Museum
Did you know that strength-training and weight-lifting dates back to mythological times? If you are curious to know more, you can learn all you ever wanted to know about the sport of weight lifting at the York Barbell Hall of Fame. The Museum will astonish visitors with displays of vintage barbells and weights including the original 185kg Elite set which was made in the US and certified by the IWF for use at international competitions. You can watch a short presentation in the auditorium, which features an Olympic weight-lifting platform. Other displays include the Strongmanism exhibit, featuring photos, trophies and other related artifacts.
York Barbell Weight-lifting Hall of Fame, 3300 Board Rd, York, PA 17406, 800 358 9675
Royal Square District Murals
Due to a ground-breaking collaboration between various art organizations and several artists, the Royal Square has become a public art destination. Several of the old city buildings on and around the square have been given a modern facelift using colorful and eye-catching murals. Visitors can go on a self-guided walking tour of the district which will lead to a surprising variety of attractive murals which all tell a story. To find out more about each of the 13 individual murals and their artists you can visit the website. It is also possible to download a map of the walking tour and a list of nearby restaurants and bars.
Royal Square District, Duke Street, York, PA 17401
Central Market House
Central Market House has been a York landmark for more than 125 years. A true symbol of the revitalization which has taken place in historic Downtown York, the Central Market House has become a popular meeting place for locals and a destination attraction for visitors. The Market operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays as well as on first-Friday evenings. Visitors can grab a coffee and sweet treat, stock up with fresh, locally sourced veggies, meats, baked goods, seafood and deli items. There are also many food vendors and plenty of room to sit down and enjoy your snacks and drinks as you watch the passing parade.
Central Market House, 34 W. Philadelphia Street, York, PA 17401, 717 848 2243
AvalancheXpress
AvalancheXpress is a snow tubing facility attached to the Heritage Hills Golf Resort. When the winter snows arrive, the AvalancheXpress snow tubing hill offers one of the longest and fastest tube runs in the state. There are fire-pits where you can warm up between rides and food trucks are in attendance. In addition to snow tubing, the resort also has an outdoor ice skating rink where you can hone your skills, and a junior ice-hockey facility. When you are not out enjoying the snow tubing, hotel guests can relax in the spa, work out in the fitness center or enjoy a great meal at the Avenue Ale House and Pizza Loft.
AvalancheXpress at Heritage Hills, 2700 Mount Rose Ave, York, PA 17402, 717 755 0123
