York County Heritage Rail Trail Lititz Farmers Market Troegs
Shank's Mare Majestic at the Jennifer and David LeVan Performing Arts Center
Trail Blazing
Looking for a fun way to get outdoors this summer? See southern York County by hiking, biking, jogging or horseback riding on the 21-mile-long rail trail that connects Downtown York with Maryland’s Northern Central Railroad Trail. The Rail Trail runs from downtown York through Seven Valleys, Hanover and New Freedom, all the way to the Mason Dixon line. While on the trail, visit the historic sites of the Hanover Junction, the New Freedom train stations and the Howard Tunnel.
York County Heritage Rail Trail // Click on the Heritage Rail Trail link at www.YorkCountyParks.org for maps, starting points, and more details to plan your visit.
Think Fresh
Summer is a great time to get out and explore new farmers markets around the region, and Lititz Farmers Market is one of our favorites. From locally grown produce and artisan cheeses and breads to live music and activities for children, a trip to Lititz and its market is a wonderful way to spend a summer Saturday.
Returning vendors include: Two Ladies Baking; Charles Family Farms; Kuntryside Orchard; Two Pups Pastries gourmet dog biscuits; Sandy’s Gourmet canned goods; All Things New green cleaning products; Forever Green house plants, terrariums, specialty plants and cut flowers; Moses Martin’s raw milk, yogurt and cheese; Lititz Pickle Company; Upohar prepared ethnic foods; and Aaron’s Books.
New to the market this year: Stoudt’s Wonderful Good breads and cheeses; The Pie Shop; The Garden Patch canned goods, herbs and flowers; prepared foods from The Scarlet Runner; Lime Valley Mill’s produce, grass fed meats and eggs; Sugar Whipped Bakery; Bountiful Feast’s prepared foods; and Blossom Hill Gardens’ plants, herbs and vegetables.
Open Saturdays through October 15, 8am to 12pm.
Lititz Farmers Market // 9 N. Water St., Lititz // 717-626-6332 // www.LititzFarmersMarket.com
The Brews Brothers
They may not be signing T-shirts (yet!) but fans are flocking to the new Hershey location of Troegs Brewery, where they can find the brothers behind the brand doing what they do
best. And while they may not be the biggest craft brewer in the US (they produce about half the beer of say, Dogfish Head in Delaware), “It’s not about size and growth. It’s more about the brewing company,” says John Trogner. “We built a brew house that is, for us, a playground.” And for beer geeks, a pilgrimage for special releases only found here, he adds.
The brothers, Chris and John, from Cumberland Valley, opened their new brewing facility (relocated from Harrisburg) in October 2011. A new tasting room sits in what is known as the brewhouse, where stellar stainless steel vats are part of the beer brewing process, and two tap towers with 15 taps each serve up Troegs’ standard releases and specialty brews. It’s a casual, family friendly atmosphere with plenty of picnic table seating. A new snack bar will open soon, focusing on local produce with items like popcorn with rosemary brown butter, a chef’s community cheese plate, "grandma's" deviled eggs and sandwiches with roasted veggie chow chow or Lebanon bologna. You can even float your beer with local ice cream!
Tasting Room and self guided tour hours are Sunday through Wednesday 11am to 9pm, Thursday through Saturday 11am to 10pm. “Weekdays from 10am to 4pm is the hottest action time on the line,” says John. That’s when you’ll see the most action of brewing, filtering, kegging and bottling. There’s also a premium experience of tutored tastings in the barrel room, where scratch beers are aging to be ready for late August or September.
Troegs // 200 E. Hersheypark Drive, Hershey // 717-534-1297 // www.Troegs.com
Go Play Outside!
Located on the banks of the Susquehanna, Shanks Mare has everything outdoor enthusiasts need to get outfitted for fun–from kayaking (and lessons) to hiking, backpacking, cross country skiing and more. And they’ve been doing it since 1978, starting in Downtown York. Their location on the river since 1997 offers access to the river and the Mason-Dixon hiking trail as well as an outdoor education center and programming. Kids’ summer adventure camps offer children ages 10 to 15 experiences like hiking, kayaking and cave exploration.
Unwind on the river second Fridays from 6 to 9pm with free outdoor concerts. July 13: J.C. Fisher Band plays acoustic rock with a witty twist; Aug 10: folk rock duo Indian Summer Jars takes the stage; and September 13 welcomes Three Dollar Suit, an alternative folk band. BYOB (plus blankets, chairs and a picnic) or enjoy eats at the Rookery or Lock 2 Café.
Shank's Mare // 2092 Long Level Road, Wrightsville // 717-252-1616 // www.ShanksMare.com
It’s Showtime!
It’s dubbed “the grandest small town theatre in America,” and we have to agree the Majestic theater is pretty swell. Over 80 years ago, it was the largest vaudeville and silent film theater in Central Pennsylvania. President Dwight D. Eisenhower and First Lady Mamie Eisenhower were regular theater goers there in the 1950s. Then in 2005, the Majestic was restored so that generations to come could enjoy this slice of American history while enjoying modern day performances and amenities. The beautiful interior features a restored pressed tin ceiling, stained glass chandeliers and a stunning historic color palette. The original 1950s-themed Mamie’s Café is available for private functions and hosts pre-show parties. Guests can also enjoy a changing display of exhibits in the art gallery. The newest addition to the arts institution, Flats Original Flatbread Café, is open daily from 11am to 8pm.
1964: The Tribute, a Beatles tribute band, performs August 14. Locals can also enjoy “Movie Memories” Wednesday nights featuring classic films through August at 7:30pm. Check the website for featured films.
Majestic at the Jennifer and David LeVan Performing Arts Center // 25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg // 717-337-8200 // www.GettysburgMajestic.org