Things to Do in South Central Pennsylvania

There are plenty of things to do and places to see while you stay with us.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

We are located right in the heart of beautiful South Central Pennsylvania - in the center of everything, yet isolated in such a way that you will feel like you are away from it all!

ADAMS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Known as the largest producer of apples in the Commonwealth, Adams County carries the nickname of Apple Capital USA. 20,000 of its acres are dedicated to production of all kinds of fruit. From late spring to late fall fruit lovers line the numerous farmers markets for the freshest in-season fruit.


And, had history been different, that is all this quiet, quaint Pennsylvania county would have been known for. However, on June 30, 1863 a few men from Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia met a few men from Meade's Army of the Potomac and the history of the world changed with the battle at Gettysburg.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

History is everywhere in the colonial town of Carlisle. The quaint tree-lined streets and grey stone colonial buildings give a glimpse into the past. A past which includes Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School, Molly Pitcher, Revolutionary and Civil War sites, and much more. Enjoy interesting museums including the General Omar Bradley Museum and the Hessian Guard House at the U.S. Army War College.


For antique lovers, the Carlisle area has 50 antique shops and hosts two major antique shows each year. Among car enthusiasts, Carlisle is a mecca for collector events, such as the collector-car flea markets in the spring, summer and fall, the All-Ford Nationals in June and a Corvette show in August.

DAUPHIN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Dauphin County was created on March 4, 1785, from part of Lancaster County and named for the Dauphin, the title of the eldest son of the French King. Harrisburg, the county seat, is named for its founder, John Harris.


Harrisburg is the best of old and new where colonial buildings of the 1700's are nestled between architectural wonders of today. As the center of state government Harrisburg is alive with history and educational buildings like the Capital Building, the State Museum and the Museum of Scientific Discoveries. Harrisburg boasts some of the best shopping in the region, including the innovative and truly unique Strawberry Square shopping gallery. City Island is home to the Harrisburg Senators professional baseball team and the Harrisburg Patriots semi-pro football team.


Hershey is a unique community where fun is the order of the day. Few places offer so much to do. Children of all ages flock to Hershey Park. Other points of interest include Chocolate World, ZOOAMERICA, the fabulous Hershey Gardens, Founders Hall and the Milton S. Hershey School, Indian Echo Caverns, the Hershey Museum of American History and so much more


Harrisburg, PA - 10 Miles - State Capitol

Hershey, PA: - 18 Miles - Chocolatetown, USA

FRANKLIN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Welcome to Franklin County, a part of the beautiful Cumberland Valley, located in Southcentral Pennsylvania, with easy access from major highways. The Cumberland Valley region stretches from Carlisle, Pennsylvania to Winchester, Virginia. There's something for everyone: fairs, festivals and lots of fun, unique antique shops and specialty shops, historic areas, golfing, hunting, fishing, skiing, professional theaters and more.


Because of its strategic location in the heart of the Cumberland Valley, the area was the target of three major Confederate cavalry raids: Stuart 1862, Jenkin 1863, and McCausland 1864, as well as one full-scale invasion, the Gettysburg Campaign of 1863. These events incurred severe destruction and economic hardship on the population. The final visitation by McCausland's cavalry left the county seat, Chambersburg, a smoldering ruin, the only northern town burned by regular Confederate forces during the war. At least 19 separate military engagements, most of them skirmishes, occurred in the county. This is more than any other county in the north. Explore our heritage, enjoy our countryside.

LANCASTER COUNTY

Lancaster County was created on May 10, 1729, from part of Chester County and named for Lancashire, England. Lancaster, the county seat, named for its England counterpart, was laid out in 1730. It was chartered as a borough on May 1, 1742, and as a city on March 10, 1818.


The best non-irrigated farmland in the world brought the Amish here to settle. And you can experience their plain lifestyle as you wander through Eastern Lancaster County and marvel at a people who survive in today's world without telephones or electricity.


Visit our historical sites. A one-time capital of the United States, home of the Conestoga covered wagon and Kentucky rifle which opened the West for settlement, Lancaster has a lot of history to explore. Or come shop our hundreds of outlet stores where you can stock up for Christmas (and every other holiday for that matter) with quality goods from around the country.

YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

With more than 250 years of tradition, historic York County blends charming local customs with the beauty one of Pennsylvania's richest farm regions. The county, nestled in the rolling farmlands of south central Pennsylvania, offers activities for every interest, from golf and museums to cultural attractions and wineries and from factory tours to great shopping for antiques, hand-made crafts and fantastic bargains.


Historically, York served as America's first capitol-home to the Continental Congress from September 1777-June 1778. Area museums provide glimpses into areas such as timekeeping, weight lifting agriculture, Native American life and the unique world famous Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Museum.


But, if history doesn't interest you there are plenty of other things to see and do. Check out our three state parks where you can hike, fish, swim, picnic or just relax.


The nearby Susquehanna River makes York County one of the top boating and board-sailing areas in Pennsylvania. Or try golfing at any of our numerous golf course. We have skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating and almost every other recreational activity you can think of.