The following places of interest are near Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, York, Reading, Pa and surrounding areas of a one hour drive or less from our home(stead) near Grantville, PA.
PlanetariumIf your interests lay in the stars....attend the planetarium in the PA State Museum at 3 North Street in Harrisburg. You will find tons of Pennsylvania history there as well.
Hershey Antique Car ShowEvery spring and fall a car show is held in Hershey, PA. The show in the fall is one of the world's largest. If your interest is in old cars and their parts, you don't want to miss it. It covers acres and acres with a flea market that would be tough to duplicate.
Civil War SiteGettysburg, Pa. is approximately a one hour drive and has tons and tons of just about anything involving the Civil War. Check it out if your interest is in the Civil War.
Harley Davidson Museum and Open HouseIn York the manufacturer of Harleys has a museum if your interests lays in motorcycles. Their phone number is 717 848-1177 for information.
Amish FolkIf you have an interest in the Amish and their ways of living Lancaster county is the best place to start. Drive east on route 340 from Lancaster through a small town called Intercourse and you will see many Amish farms, buggies, and the plain folk selling their wares. It includes just about anything. Along route 30 east of Lancaster and south of route 30 on route 896 you will find two Amish farms where tours abound. They are very interesting and they reveal many of the old homestead ways.
Wax Museum in LancasterEast of Lancaster on route 30 you will find a wax museum if that should interest you.
Dutch Wonderland Amusement ParkGoing east of Lancaster on route 30 near the wax museum is an amusement park that is family oriented.
Miller's Smorgasbord and Quilt ShopSeveral miles east of Lancaster on route 30 is a shop that sells handmade quilts which are made by the Amish and plain folk of the area. They also have a restaurant if you'd like to try some good home cooking.
Hershey Outlet MallLocated along Hershey Park Drive is a mall that has many outlet stores where many items can be purchased as you might need or desire.
Hershey Amusement ParkThe amusement park of Hershey has so many rides you probably will not have enough time in one day to ride them all. There is something for everyone especially if you like the rides.
Indian Echo CavernsLocated just off route 322 west of Hershey by a small town of Hummelstown is the Indian Echo Caverns. For information call 717 566-8131 or check ‘em out at www.indianechocaverns.com
Strasburg RailroadA very enjoyable ride on an old steam engine and coach is a great way to roll through the hills of Lancaster county and view the Amish farms at a slow pace. The railroad is located in Strasburg, Pa. southeast of Lancaster off route 741. More information is available at 717 687-7522 or on the web at www.strasburgrailroad.com.
Pennsylvania Renaissance FaireJust south of the Pa Turnpike at the Lebanon/Lancaster interchange/exit along route 72 is a great place to spend a summer day watching the knights joust and sampling the wines in an old Mt Hope estate that is very elegant. They have rides, food and fun. Check it out on the net at www.parenaissancefaire.com
Seltzers Lebanon BolognaIf you've never had Lebanon bologna you are in for a treat. It is a taste all of its own. Check out http://www.seltzerslebanonbologna.com/ or visit them at: 230 N College St., Palmyra, Pa 17078 (just off route 422 west of the square) or call them at 717 838-6336 or 1-800-282-6336 for information.
Knoebels Amusement ParkJust northeast of Elysburg along route 487 is Knoebels Amusement Park. It is a great place for a one day outing with the children. Www.knoebels.com gives you all the information.
Ashland Coal Mine MuseumCheck out www.pioneertunnel.com to find out more about a train ride down into the mine. It will definitely be an eye opener if you decide to visit.
Sight and Sound PlayhouseThis playhouse has real live plays that center around Biblical themes for those whose interest lies in the theater and the Bible. For more information check www.bibleonstage.com or call 717 687-7800. They are located in the Lancaster, Pa. area.
Green Dragon Farmers Market (Fridays)Just north of Ephrata, Pa. a few miles on route 272 is a farmers market that is addictive. They have anything from old fashioned home cooking to Amish prepared and canned foods to flea market items to crafts and so forth. You wouldn't want to miss it. Take some goodies home! They are only open on Fridays, however. Just watch for the sign and a big green dragon.
Roots Farmers Market (Tuesdays)Roots market is the same as the Green Dragon Market noted above but is only open on Tuesdays. It is located a mile south of Manheim, Pa. just off route 72. Watch for the signs. You can't miss ‘em!
Renningers Antique and Flea MarketRenningers markets are unsurpassed. They are extremely large and you can walk for hours. They are located at both Adamstown and Kutztown, Pa. Check their website at www.renningers.com
Hershey TheaterLocated in Hershey, Pa. at 15 E Caracas Ave. one can attend various theatrical performances. Their phone # is 717 534-3405 for information and dates and times.
Memorial State Park and LakeLocated near the Indiantown Gap Military Reservation is Memorial State Park. There is a large lake for fishing. They permit boats but no gasoline engines on them. We've fished there often. For information, www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/memoriallake.aspx
Daniel Boone HomesteadInterested in a little history on Daniel Boone in the old frontier? Well check out his homestead near Reading, Pa just off route 422. Look over the website that can prepare you for the visit at http://www.danielboonehomestead.org/
Pride of the Susquehanna RiverboatThis is a ride back in time on an old authentic Paddlewheel Riverboat located off City Island at Harrisburg, Pa. on the Susquehanna River. There phone # is 717 234-6500 for information or reservations for a dinner cruise.
America's Oldest BreweryYuengling Brewery is the oldest in America. For unique tours of a brewery check www.yuengling.com or call 570 628-4890. They are located in Pottsville, Pa.
Jerry's Classic Cars and Collectibles MuseumLocated at 394 S. Centre St. in Pottsville, Pa. are housed over 20,000 collectibles in an old Studebaker dealership from the 1920's to 1930's. Relive the 50's and 60's on two floors of history. Check www.jerrysmuseum.com or call 888 802-6605 or 570 622-9510.
Lanco Micro Sprint RacingIf you have an interest in micro sprint racing, Lanco/Clyde Martin Memorial Speedway is the place to be on Saturday nights. For more information call 717 949-3559 or check on the web at http://www.racereview.com/pa-clyde.htm The racing is fabulous and one of the best tracks on the east coast.
Weaver's BolognaIn Weaverstown near Lebanon, Pa. is located Weaver's Bologna. They provide a tour of the bologna factory which shows the smokehouses and how the meat is cured. They also have samples for tasting. For more information you can contact them at 1-800-Weavers or on the web at http://www.lebanon-bologna.com/ When it comes to bolognas there is nothing like Lebanon bologna whether it be dried, sweet or wood smoked!
Williams Grove Antique Tractor ShowEvery year an antique tractor show is held at Williams Grove, Pa. which is near Mechanicsburg, Pa. If you go south on route 15 south of Harrisburg you will see signs for Williams Grove. Just follow the signs to the Williams Grove Amusement Park. The show begins the last Sunday in August and ends Labor day. The Saturday before Labor day there is a huge consignment sale. There is also a flea market that has about anything. Checkout the old iron. it is everywhere! Check the website at http://www.williamsgrovesteam.org/Main.htm
Roadside America Indoor Miniature VillageJust off Interstate 78 at Shartlesville, Pa. is a miniature village of the USA. it is very educational, extremely informative and makes a great day trip for the children. For more information check out their website at http://www.roadsideamericainc.com/ Their hours vary from summer to winter. It is well worth the effort.
Kutztown Folk FestivalEvery year a little before the 4th of July a festival is held near Kutztown, Pa. You will find tons of history whether it be folklife, farming and gardening, churches and weddings, PA-Dutch dialect and folklore, spinning and weaving, country cooks, blacksmiths, furniture, candles, and more... There are many things for children including animals and events. The festival also hosts America's largest handmade quilt sale. The food is wonderful as well. Check their website at http://www.kutztownfestival.com/index.shtml or call toll free: 888-674-6136 for information. It is a magnificent step back into history the Dutch way.
Golden Age Air MuseumShould your interest lay in airplanes and flying, near Bethel there is a museum that offers rides in an old bi-wing plane with an open cockpit. They have a large display of equipment of the golden age era. More information can be found on the web at http://www.goldenageair.org/ or call 717 933-9566. They are located at 371 Airport Road, Bethel, Pa. 19507
Union Canal in LebanonIn the Lebanon, Pa. area is the Union Canal that provides a lot of history. Check under "Links"..."Other Interests"..."History" and you will find a site dedicated to the canal. The area can be visited with canal boat rides as well.
Pennsylvania Farm ShowEvery year in very early January, Pa. has a farm show that is well done. There are animals of all sorts, farm equipment, food, displays, exhibits, etc. Everyone can find something to enjoy. For more information go to the link at http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/farmshow/site/default.asp
Car, Truck, Motorcycle Shows at Carlisle, Pa.Throughout the year there are various shows for cars, trucks and motorcycles at Carlisle, Pa. fairgrounds. Some are National shows and there is about anything at all to see in the world of vehicles from cars to tractor trailer trucks and anything in between. Get more information at http://www.carsatcarlisle.com/
Allen Theatre and MJ's CoffeehouseLocated in Annville, Pa. is the Allen Theatre and MJ's Coffeehouse. They have live performances as well as movies. It dates back to the early 1900's and has a very interesting past as well as present. Http://www.allentheatre.com/allen.html will take you to their website for more infomation.
The National Civil War MuseumLocated in Harrisburg, Pa. is a museum dedicated to the Civil War fought between the North and South. It is excellent and very interesting. For more information go to ther website at http://nationalcivilwarmuseum.org/
Zoo America in Hershey, Pa.Located in Hershey is a zoo that attracts many visitors each year which is located directly beside Hershey Amusement Park. For hours of operation and more information, see http://www.hersheypa.com/attractions/zooAmerica/
Hershey Chocolate WorldIn Hershey, Pa. is the Hershey Chocolate World which gives tours that similates a chocolate production factory. It is very interesting and informative. For more information go to their website at http://www.hersheyschocolateworld.com/
Cabelas Sporting Goods StoreLocated in Hamburg, Pa. at exit 29 just off of Interstate 78 is a display like few ever see with regards to the outdoor world sports in hunting and fishing and a whole lot more. There are very few displays as this one. You will not be disappointed. There is a restaurant there as well and just about anything you can think of can be purchased to complete your hunting, fishing, camping as well as any other outdoor need.
Crystal CaveLocated near Kutztown, Pa. is a natural wonder known as Crystal Cave discovered in 1871. There is a restaurant, museum and a very unusual miniature golf course located on the 125 acre site as well. Check their website http://www.crystalcavepa.com/ for more information.
Dorney Park and Wildwater KingdomLocated just off Interstate 78 in Allentown, Pa. is the Dorney Amusement Park. They have a lot of water rides as well as many other rides. You can check their website at http://www.dorneypark.com/ for information.
Mid Atlantic Air MuseumIn Reading , Pa. there is a museum that is very informative when it comes to air travel and history. It is located at 11 Museum Drive, Reading, Pennsylvania 19605 or you can call them at (610) 372-7333 or check their website at www.maam.org/
Vanity Fair OutletLocated at 801 Hill Avenue Reading, PA 19610-3026 is an outlet center with over 90 designer and brand name stores. They can be called at (800) 772-8336 or check their website at www.vffo.com/vfovmain.htm
Ephrata CloisterLocated in Ephrata at the intersection of route 272 and 322 is the Cloister community which was one of America's earliest religious communities. There is a lot of history there. For more information check the website www.ephratacloister.org.
Landis Valley MuseumThe Landis Valley Museum located in the Lancaster area is a nationally significant living history museum that collects, conserves, exhibits, and interprets Pennsylvania German material, culture, history and heritage from 1740 through 1940. You can find more about them at http://www.landisvalleymuseum.org/
Longwood GardensLocated at Kennet Square which is southeast of Lancaster is a site that is well worth the drive. The gardens are on well over a thousand acres, have over eleven thousand different plants and are visited by over nine hundred thousand visitors each year. It is quite a display. Check it out on the web at http://www.longwoodgardens.org/ or call them at 610-388-1000.
Art Association of HarrisburgIn Harrisburg the Harrisburg Art Association is located at two studios, one at 21 N. Front Street and the other at Reservoir Park. Check their website, http://www.visithhc.com/artassn.html, for information concerning exhibits or call them at 717 236-1432.
John Harris MansionJohn Harris was the founder of Harrisburg, Pa. To view his mansion along with a lot of other history, check http://www.visithhc.com/z/dauphinhistorical.htm or call 717 233-3462 for more information.
Pa. State Capital BuildingsIf you have an interest in government perhaps you would like a tour of the capital buildings in Harrisburg. Check the website of the Hershey/Harrisburg Welcome Center at http://www.visithhc.com/caphist.shtml or call 1-800-TOUR-N-PA (800-868-7672) to reserve a place in a tour.
Harrisburg Senators BaseballIf your interest lies in baseball Harrisburg has its own team where they play on City Island, an island located in the Susquehanna River. The Senators have their own stadium and some great ball is played there. Check their website at http://www.senatorsbaseball.com/ for information.
Penn National Horse RacingDo you like the horses? Penn National supplies some excitement when race time begins. Check their website at http://www.pennnational.com/directions.shtml for information.
The Doll House MuseumInterested in dolls? They have them at Harrisburg at the Doll Museum located at 2004 State Street Harrisburg, PA 17103 or call for information at 717 233-3099.
Laudermilch's MeatsIf you want excellent fresh meats of all sorts along with a deli and bakery items that are overwhelming head to Annville, Pa. They have the best at reasonable prices. You will make many return trips there if you go once. Check their website at http://www.laudermilchmeats.com/beta/laudermilch/fresh_meat.htm or call them at 717 867-1251.
Palmyra Bowling LanesLocated on Route 422, east of Palmyra you will find many lanes to bowl down those pins. This bowling center has been around for many decades. You can call them at 717 838-6341for information.
Hershey GardensCheck out the 23 acres of flowers trees, etc. along with the 3 and 1/2 acre plot of roses Milton Hershey opened to the public in 1937. The garden is listed as one of the top ten in the country. The displays are breathtaking. You wouldn't want to miss it if you love natural plants. You can check more about it on the web at http://www.hersheypa.com/attractions/in_hershey/gardens.html or call for more information at 717 534-3492.
Pa. National Guard Military MuseumHave an interest in the military? Check out the museum of the Pa. National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. You can find more out about them on the web at http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Military_Affairs/museum/museum2.htm?dmvanewNav=%7C29762%7C
Hershey Bears HockeyInterested in hockey? Come and see the Hershey Bears play at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa. You can get more information at http://www.hersheypa.com/events/hershey_bears/index.asp
Stokesay CastleIf you have an interest in castles, there is one located in Reading, Pa. It is a replica built over the one in England in 1931 with no expense spared. It is a different dining experience since it has been turned intoa restaurant. You can find more information at http://www.stokesaycastle.com/
AACA MuseumIn Hershey is a museum that specializes in old cars and more old cars. Check their website at http://www.aacamuseum.org/home.php for more information.
Harrisburg Symphony OrchestraIf you have an interest in bands and so forth check out the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra at http://www.harrisburgsymphony.org/
Bass Pro ShopLocated in Harrisburg just off Paxton Street is a Bass Pro Shop if your interest is in fishing and outdoor sports and gear. They have quite a display. You can check for more information at http://www.basspro.com/
Mary Merritt Museum of Childhood and DollsLocated near Douglassville is a museum of dolls (over 1500) and collections of antiques relating to childhood eras long past. You do not want to miss it if you have an interest in childhood antiques and dolls. Check the following web address for more information. http://www.fieldtrip.com/pa/03853809.htm
Pat Garrett Sickafus SheepskinsIf sheepskins is what you are looking for, head to Pat Garretts located at exit 19 just off I78. They have anything from coats, vests, seat covers, gloves, boots, mittens and more. They have them in any price and literally hundreds and hundreds of them. Check for more information at http://www.sheepskinsusa.com/
Conrad Weiser HomesteadLocated near Womelsdorf, Pa. along route 422 is the Conrad Weiser Homestead. There is tons of history there along with displays. Conrad Weiser served as a diplomat, judge, community planner, soldier and Pennsylvania's foremost Indian treaty maker. His 18th century residence, springhouse, and gravesite are set in a 26 acre park designed by the Olmstead Brothers. For more information see http://www.berksweb.com/conrad.html
Lake Tobias Wildlife ParkLocated just off route Pa. 225 between Halifax and Elizabethville is a wildlife park that has a petting zoo as well as a safari and much, much more. It is well worth your time. Check out their website (http://www.laketobias.com/) for directions and go and enjoy. It is a great one day adventure and is educational as well!
Eastern Museum of Motor RacingIf you have an interest in the sport of motor racing regardless of the type of vehicle used, be sure to check in at the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing just south of Dillsburg, Pa. off route 15 in the York Springs area. If you'd like more information check their website at http://www.emmr.org/ They have exhibits in sprint cars, midgets, and stock cars to motorcycles, Indy cars, NASCAR, drag racing and more! It will be worth your time!
PagodaIn Reading, Pa. high on the mountain that overlooks Reading stands a pagoda. You can get more information at http://www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/PAREApagoda.html It is worth the effort to see the structure in person. It is an astounding structure!
Hollywood Casino Penn NationalDo you have an interest in playing the slots? Well, they are available near Grantville, Pa. at Penn National Hollywood Casino just north of I81, exit 80. You can find out more about them at http://www.hcpn.com/
Forgotten Highway for BicyclistsApproximately an hour and a half from our local area is a stretch of old Pennsylvania Turnpike no longer used by cars and trucks near the Breezewood exit that winds through the countryside and forests of Pennsylvania as well as through two tunnels which has been established as a riding path for bicycles. Several years ago the Southern Alleghenies Conservancy purchased the road from the state and established a Bike Pike. More information can be found at www.saconservancy.org or call 814 623-7900 ext5 as well as www.fatjimmys.com or call 866 356-2897 where bicycles can be rented.
Farmstead Market
Located near Grantville, Pa. at the intersection of route 22 and 743 is a farmers market with many things for the buyers. (Lots of goodies! Their website is at http://www.farmsteadmarket.com/ We patronize them regularly. They are open on fridays from 8am to 6pm and saturday from 8am to 2pm