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Winter is heret, snow may cover the ground, and you will be looking for entertainment to overcome seasonal blues. Fortunately, there are many wintertime activities in the York County area that are worth checking out. 1. FestivICE Presented by York Traditions Bank, FestivICE has become a wintertime tradition for locals. This winter extravaganza takes place each year over Martin Luther King weekend and is scheduled for Jan. 16-18, 2020. With over 10 tons of snow lining York's streets, you can expect ice sculpting, sledding, and a kids' 40-foot ice slide. more There will also be shopping booths, food vendors, kids' crafting tables, and face painting available at the ice festival. Make sure you also check out the flea market during the festival, located at the nearby Central Market York. Local businesses are encouraged to sponsor an ice sculpture at the festival with proceeds going back to local charitable organizations. 2. Roundtop Mountain Resort Whoever said that tubing was reversed for summertime? Snow tubing at the Roundtop Mountain Resort offers a mix of sledding and tubing. The mountain has 10 tubing lanes which can be accessed via the Magic Carpet lift. The larger runs offer just the right amount of excitement for children five years and older. Younger children will enjoy the Kiddie Tubing lanes which have smaller tubes and a smaller drop. You can enjoy snow tubing throughout the entire winter, even if there isn't snow on the ground. The snow-making machine will ensure you have a blast all winter long. The Roundtop Mountain Resort also offers skiing and snowboarding. The paintball and ropes courses are open all year long. 3. Codorus State Park As soon as the temperatures drop and a thick enough layer of ice covers the Chapel Cove portion of the Codorus State Park, you will find many York locals enjoying ice skating. The skating rink is open until 7:30 p.m. each evening when the weather is right. Twinkling lights decorate the ice rink so you can skate until closing time, even once the sun has set. 4. Gifford Pinchot State Park The same lake that locals enjoy boating and swimming in during the summer months becomes an exciting wintertime activity as soon as the lake freezes over. Gifford Pinchot State Park and the 340-acre Pinchot Lake is a top ice fishing destination. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, walleye, muskellunge, and crappie. Make sure you always practice safe ice fishing habits and make sure the ice is a minimum of four inches in thickness for one fisherman and seven inches for multiple fishermen. Renting a cozy cabin with a fireplace is also a great way to enjoy winter within the Gifford Pinchot State Park. You can enjoy hiking or cross-country skiing during the day and then relax around the warm fireplace in the evening. The winter months can bring just as much entertainment and excitement in York County as the summer months do. Whether you want to attend the annual winter festival or go snow tubing on top of a mountain, you have a lot of great options to enjoy.   Image via Pixabay

You don't have to make a mess in the kitchen to enjoy a home-cooked meal in York County, Pennsylvania. If you're craving filling food with friendly service, then you will want to check out one of these top local homestyle restaurants. 1. Dutch Country Restaurant Tradition is important at the Dutch Country Restaurant. The menu is made up of traditional Dutch recipes with items like the sunrise sampler and the broasted chicken. Try one of the baskets for lunch like the deep-fried shrimp basket or the sweet chili sauce chicken tender basket. Each one comes with a side of fries and your choice of coleslaw or applesauce. more In addition to the delicious food on the menu, the restaurant also offers you a unique historical view of Dutch Country. The building itself dates back to the 1930s, when it was initially a weigh station and livery stable with a small kitchen in the rear. Over the years, the restaurant has been moved and expanded multiple times, with the owner maintaining its commitment to family and friends and delicious home-cooked cuisine. 2. Central Family Restaurant Situated in a great location, the Central Family Restaurant is just a short walk to Historic Downtown York. The homemade menu items will take you back to a time when you enjoyed a home-cooked meal in your parent's kitchen with items, like fried chicken and a full rack of ribs. Most of the ingredients used in their recipes are locally-sourced from nearby farms. Make sure you leave room for dessert. The chocolate cake is one of the most popular items on the menu at the Central Family Restaurant and comes topped with peanut butter icing. Are you in a rush but still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal? You can order your favorite Central Family Market items for delivery through Carryout Courier. 3. Lyndon: The Finer Diner Restaurant ownership runs in the Quinn family. The founder of the Lyndon Diner learned what went into making a restaurant successful from his father. He offers many of the same recipes that his father did in his day, while also focusing on an affordable menu with great-tasting items. Whether you are looking for a fresh beef taco salad or a hot sandwich, like the mushroom Swiss cheese, you will never run out of delectable items to try here. 4. ROOST Uncommon Kitchen The Roost Uncommon Kitchen offers a unique twist on traditional recipes from your childhood. They serve brunch all day with items like fried chicken and waffles or the Flower Pot, which comes with a scratch biscuit with apricot butter, hash browns, and cauliflower. You will also find traditional Southern recipes like shrimp and grits and green toast on the menu. The ROOST Uncommon Kitchen is located right in downtown historic York or you can enjoy its unique menu at home with delivery through Grubhub. Winter is one of the best times to enjoy a large plate of your favorite home-cooked foods. Make dinner plans this weekend in the York area and try the best homestyle restaurants around.   Image via pixabay

While the great outdoors offers plenty of opportunities for fun and excitement, there are also plenty of places to go in York County for indoor family fun. 1. Titanium Athletics At Titanium Athletics, you'll have a variety of activities to get involved with and plenty of room to enjoy them in at the 14,000 square foot facility. The goal at Titanium is for kids and adults to enjoy what they're doing, while doing their best. The point is to have fun according to their abilities and feel good about those abilities at the end of the day. more The facility offers a variety of options to be played out within the fully equipped gym such as a 40-foot tumbling track, batting cages, bounce houses, and a competition spring floor. For parents, there's a separate viewing area to relax, listen to music, watch TV, or read while the kids are involved in their activity. 2. Hickory Falls For a diversified menu of things to do for the entire family, Hickory Falls is where you'll want to go. Show off your technique and tee off with a game of mini golf or lock and load for a game of pulse-pounding laser tag. If you have a need for speed, strap into a go-kart and hit the track or go head-to-head in Hologate, the virtual reality room. For younger kids, the indoor play area has plenty to offer. When you need to be refreshed, visit Rita's for a cool, sweet treat or one of the food venues for pizza, burgers, and more. Hickory Falls is open daily. 3. Suburban Bowlerama A great way for families to have fun is to challenge other family members and friends to a game of bowling. Since 1958, Suburban Bowlerama has been the go-to place to make this happen. The 30-lane bowling center has a retro-themed vibe, state-of-the-art technology, bumper bowling lanes for the kids, and lanes that are ready for you to bowl a strike. For an extra special night of bowling, reserve a lane and bring your "A" game to Cosmic Bowling where pounding music, fog, laser tag, black lights, disco lights, and glowing lanes create an exciting atmosphere. When it's time for a break, head to Alley Oops! Sports Bar & Grill to enjoy happy hour, daily food specials, steak night, plus seven flat-screen televisions for even more entertainment. Suburban Bowlerama opens Monday through Saturday at 9 a.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. 4. The Haines Shoe House You'll literally step back in time when visiting The Haines Shoe House. It was built in 1948 by eccentric millionaire Mahlon N. Haines who made his fortune selling shoes. The 25-foot-by-48-foot tall wood structure has been renovated and serves as a reminder of times past. Stop by to take a guided tour, visit the small museum, peruse the gift shop, and enjoy freshly made ice cream, baked goods, and assorted hot and cold beverages. The unusual house opens its doors the first day of spring through early fall. Staying indoors has its advantages when it comes to fun things to see and do. When you're looking for something fun to do with the kids, these four destinations are a great way to jumpstart the action.   Image via Pixabay

When you want a delicious meal, something other than the same old menu, there are plenty of options in York County. If you're focused on fresh and creative menus, with farm-to-table fare, consider these local restaurants that are sure to please your palate. 1. Tutoni's Restaurant Located in the heart of downtown York, Tutoni's Restaurant serves a delightful menu with all items made from scratch. A talented staff of chefs work tirelessly to prepare authentic Italian, as well as creative Italian cuisine from scratch. Starters are savory, try an order of braised pork belly, calamari, or roasted bone marrow. Follow with a delicious dish such as shrimp pomodoro, potato gnocchi, pork Milanese, lamb ravioli, or linguine with clams. more If you're interested in light fare and refreshing libations, stop by for cocktail hour Monday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to  6 p.m. at the TT Bar. Enjoy select cocktails, flavorful glasses of wine, and a tasteful tapas menu which is served until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 2. Glen Rock Mill Inn Get a taste for the past when staying at the historic Glen Rock Mill Inn. Built in 1837, guests are surrounded by the vintage architecture and history of the woolen mill that today serves as a boutique hotel and fine dining restaurant. The inn features renovated rooms that blend country elegance with modern styling. You have a choice of nine beautifully detailed king suites, queen-executive suites, and standard guest rooms. Each room blends the beauty of original brick walls and wood floors with modern furniture and accessories, TVs, and Wi-Fi. While staying at the inn, you'll enjoy a diverse menu of creatively prepared dishes using locally sourced ingredients along with fresh products grown on the restaurant's 26-acre farm. During your stay, you'll have access to breakfast, lunch, and dinner dining and a Sunday brunch buffet. 3. The Restaurant at Wyndridge Farm The Restaurant at Wyndridge Farm serves a delectable menu of farm-fresh food year-round. Have an exemplary meal in the warm and inviting dining room or a casual bite at the bar. If you prefer the beauty of the outdoors, enjoy your meal and the panoramic views of the farm from the patio, which features a stone fireplace. The menu is palate-pleasing with something for everyone, whether you're dining for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch. Choose from fresh starts such as jumbo gulf shrimp, tempura fried vegetables, Cajun potato chips, and fresh calamari. There's also a variety of soups and salads, brick-fired pizzas, creative burgers, and assorted sandwiches. Entrees are tantalizing with specialties such as shrimp and grits, slow-roasted Angus beef short ribs, grilled swordfish, beef stroganoff, and flavorful filet mignon. To enhance your meal, enjoy a glass of crafted beverages brewed at the farm's facility. The beverage menu includes farm-crafted seasonal beer, cider, and sodas. Tours of the facility are also available. When only farm-fresh food will do, enjoy inspired menus, tasteful beverages, a historic atmosphere, and scenic views at these exceptional York County restaurants. Image via Pixabay

Shopping for the holidays can be an overwhelming task, no matter how many people you have on your list. Instead of waiting until the last minute and stressing yourself out, start shopping early at these local spots that offer a wide range of appealing gifts. 1. Central Market Central Market has been part of York County's landscape for more than 125 years. This market is housed on Philadelphia Street and North Beaver Street in a stunning and historic building, but it has more to offer than just an appealing structure. This market is a community gathering spot and grassroots operation that allows locals to come together, sell their handmade goods, and shop for unique options. On Market Day, as it's called when the market is open, you can grab a cup of coffee, pick out some fresh produce, and support local vendors. more If you have someone on your list with a sweet tooth, pick up some baked goods that they can enjoy. A bottle of wine from the Burnt Timbers Winery or a bottle of liquor from Eight Oaks Craft Distillers is a fun option for your loved one to add to their home bar. Specialty goods include art, candles, homeopathic remedies, fashion, and apparel, homemade dog treats, nuts, candy, and soap. You can find something for everyone on your holiday list at Central Market, which is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday until 2 p.m. 2. Christmas Tree Hill Another fun place to shop for holiday gifts is Christmas Tree Hill, where you can find items from a wide range of brands. Pick out seasonal décor to complete your home's look, grab a functional gift for someone who is particularly hard to shop for, and grab a T-shirt from the local Simply Southern lineup. You'll also find new items for 2019, including Department 56 and Christopher Radko gifts. The shop specializes in helping you maximize your shopping experience and providing total customer satisfaction, so you can shop with confidence. Some of the other brands available include Duke Cannon Supply Co., Lang, and Michel Design Works. There are five locations in York, making it easy to visit a store regardless of where you live in the area. 3. Markets at Shrewsbury Markets at Shrewsbury is a local Amish farmer's market in nearby Glen Rock. Here you can shop the selection from more than 20 merchants who sell all types of items, including locally grown produce, canned goods, farm-fresh cheeses and meats, traditional Amish desserts, and handmade crafts, furniture, and other gifts. Some of the top vendors offering gifts include Penn Dutch Furniture, Wicker Works, The Clothing Warehouse, and Old Europe Stoneware. This market also hosts several events throughout the year. The Winter Beater Cruise is a popular event around the holiday season, during which locals bring their beat-up cars to put on display for a chance to win a trophy. While you're there, be sure to pick up a few unique options to wrap up for your loved ones. With so many unique places to shop in York County, you can easily find fun and appealing gifts for your friends and family without having to step foot in a crowded mall. This holiday season, shop local and feel good about supporting your community. Image via Flickr by 6SN7 | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

Fall in York County is a lovely time of year thanks to the changing leaves and cool, crisp air. A great way to enjoy the area's beautiful scenery is to take the family on a hike. Let's discuss some of the county's kid-friendly hiking trails. 1. LaHo Trail While there are many hiking, biking, and equestrian trails in Codorus State Park, the park's LaHo Trail is the best choice when hiking with younger family members. The 1.5-mile trail, stretching along the shoreline of Wildasin Flats, is the most accessible in the park. It's a single-path track with fewer sections of steep terrain than other areas in Codorus. Several bird species visit the trail's wetlands in the fall, including Great Blue Heron, osprey, and wood duck. more 2. Rocky Ridge Park With more than 12 miles of trails for hiking and biking, you could easily spend an entire day exploring Rocky Ridge Park. The kids will especially enjoy the park's nature fun zone. Here they can climb, dig, and build. They might even spot a squirrel or chipmunk. Also, keep an eye out for the pheasant, brown thrashers, and woodpeckers that call the park home. The park's two observation decks give you fantastic views of the changing oak tree leaves. 3. Richard Nixon Park Richard Nixon Park's six miles of trails were designed with nature observers in mind. You won't have to share the trails with cyclists, horseback riders, or dogs, making them safer for little ones. The trails take you through woods of Eastern Red Cedar, dogwood, and mountain laurel trees. There are several felled trees along the trails that serve as homes for salamanders and insects. At the end of your hike, be sure to stop by the park's nature center. Here you'll find a working beehive, a touch room, and observation decks for viewing the many birds that live in the park. 4. Highpoint Scenic Vista It's only a 1/2-mile hike from the Highpoint parking lot to the scenic vista overlooking the beautiful Susquehanna River. The trail is ADA-certified, making it suitable for both wheelchairs and strollers. Along the way, you'll find several benches, perfect for when you want to take a rest and enjoy the scenery. At the top of the hill, there's a beautiful fountain and spots for birdwatching. Highpoint is the perfect spot for picnics, so be sure to pack a lunch. 5. Lock 12 Lock 12 is an intermediate section of the 199-mile Mason Dixon Trail. It takes you past an old sawmill and into tree-filled woods that include a bamboo tunnel. While it's a short hike, it will feel like you're a world away. Lock 12 concludes at a beautiful waterfall that is the perfect place to rest and enjoy a picnic. Be sure to keep an eye out for squirrels, chipmunks, and several bird species. These are just some of the kid-friendly trails in York County. No matter which one you visit, you're sure to create special memories as you explore the autumnal wonders of Southern Pennsylvania. Image via Flickr by Nicholas_T | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original.

Autumn is an excellent time of year to attend a local event. The weather's not too hot, and it's not too cold yet either. If you're somewhere like York County in Pennsylvania, the changing leaves make a breathtaking backdrop to any outing. From spooky Halloween fun to a traditional beer festival, here are four local fall events you shouldn't miss this year. 1. Yorktoberfest Beer and Wine Festival What better way to usher in the chilly weather than with a pint of your favorite brew? Head to the York Fairgrounds on Oct. 12, 2019, from noon to 5:00 p.m. Sample from your choice of more than 80 beers and lagers and 120 wines from local Pennsylvania wineries at this family-friendly event. In addition to sampling some frothy ales, you can browse vendor booths, savor local eats, and dance to live bands at the annual Yorktoberfest. Tickets are on sale now for this fabulous fall event. more 2. Get Some Exercise Along the Pumpkin Walk Join your friends and neighbors at the annual Pumpkin Walk on Oct. 12, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. It's a great way to work off the season's extravagant number of sweet treats while helping support the work of the York County Rail Trail Authority. Walk along the scenic 0.6-mile Heritage Rail Trail in Seven Valleys and enjoy the decorations and lighted, hand-carved pumpkins that sit along the path. Donations are just $5 per person, and the walk goes on, rain or shine. 3. First Responders Fall Fest Help support your local first responders at this exciting fall event on Oct. 19, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Get to see fire trucks, police cars, and ambulances at this fun and educational event. You'll learn how first responders help keep our community safe, watch CPR demonstrations, practice putting a fire out with a hose, and tour a real, working police car. Pick your own apples and pumpkins, visit the corn maze, and embark on a wagon ride around the farm located at 110 Ducktown Road. in Hellam. 4. Celebrate Halloween in the Park Trick or treat your way through Codorus State Park in Hanover this Halloween. Wander through 90 spooky campsites decked out with spider webs and creepy decor at this family-friendly event Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25 and 26, 2019. Climb aboard the 1.5-mile hayride, grab a bite to eat from local food vendors and the S'more Shop, explore the nature tent, and tap your toes to the DJ's as they spin today's hottest hits. Head to the park with your four-legged friend on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. for the Halloween Pet Parade and earn special prizes. Trick or treating runs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and hayrides run until 10:00 p.m. Enter the event from the swimming pool parking lot off of Blooming Grove Road. There are multitudes of ways you can enjoy the fall season here in York County, including these four popular attractions and events. Which one will become your new annual favorite? Image via Flickr by Sean Loyless | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

Looking for a weekend of fun? You don't need to spend a fortune and travel far to enjoy a great weekend getaway. York County is full of fun places to visit. Why not plan a weekend staycation in York County? Get to know your own backyard. Be a tourist at home by visiting some of the following attractions in and around York. Steam Into History If you're a train aficionado or just interested in a bit of history, Steam Into History has got you covered with many of their fun activities designed for you. When you visit, you can experience the authenticity of a Civil War steam engine, ride a mid 20th-century diesel locomotive, travel the historic Northern Century Railway routes, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of South Central Pennsylvania. more Steam Into History trains leave from New Freedom and pass through places like Hanover Junction and the old Howard Tunnel. This tourist-centric company will allow you to "meet" Abraham Lincoln and General Robert E Lee on themed excursions and challenge you to "survive" the excitement of a wild west raid from the James Younger Gang. Apart from proving an affordable and informative way to spend your time in York County, Steam Into History is a source of educational activities for the whole family. So, have fun riding the same route as President Lincoln before his famous Gettysburg address. Sunrise Soap Company Due to their many media reviews and appearances, the Sunrise Soap Company has become a downtown York attraction. If you've never done one of their factory tours, you may consider this for your next local outing. With an emphasis on fun at work, they create soaps and body care products in a visitor-friendly kitchen. At your request, the company can organize parties and workshops for all ages. The business takes pride in their products. In their own words, they create them with "much love and excellent ingredients." The Sunrise Soap Company's mix of fun, excellence, and customer care have given them a viral following. Celebrities, such as Melissa Etheridge and Bob Weir of The Grateful Dead, are among their patrons. MA & PA Railroad Heritage Village Abandoned in the 90s, the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad has been preserved, with part of it converted into the Ma & Pa Railroad Heritage Village. The Village now hosts special events, field trips, train rides, and a village tour. Visit the MA and PA Heritage Village between June and September for self-guided walking tours. Discover what life was like when Muddy Creek Forks was a thriving railway town. View the Village's calendar for exciting special events and train rides. Each Sunday during the operating season — from 1 pm to 5 pm — the Village's train rides are functional. Hourly motorcar train rides are also available. The first train departs from Muddy Creek Forks Station 15 minutes after opening, and the last ride leaves 45 minutes before closing. Plan your visit with this in mind so that you don't miss out. If you've never had the chance to experience any of these attractions, now is the time to plan your staycation. Each of their activities is family-friendly and have something that will appeal to all age groups. Image via Flickr by lcm 1863 | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

When the sun is shining and the weather is warm and inviting, head out to have a delicious meal al fresco. Check out four of our favorite spots to enjoy outdoor dining with delicious food and wonderful views in York County, Pennsylvania. 1. Victor's Italian Restaurant Victor's Italian Restaurant is one of the state's best Italian restaurants, but we could swear its pasta tastes even better when it's enjoyed in the sunshine. Indoor seating is available in the restaurant, which is built in a gorgeous 19th-century renovated church, but you'll also love the streetside dining option, or even the full-service bocce court. more Victor's menu reflects the tastes of an Italian trattoria, and it changes seasonally to highlight locally grown products. Enjoy the selection of more than 100 wines, including a number of Italian varietals. Dinner favorites include risotto, the Meatball Monday spaghetti dinner special featuring entertainment in the background, the chef's special fish of the day, and many other Italian specialties. 2. Wyndridge Farm For a true American farm experience just outside of York proper, check out Wyndridge Farm. Wyndridge's farm-to-table menu selections include brick-oven fired pizza, pasta primavera, half a roasted chicken served with garlic mashed potatoes and broccoli florets, among many other options. Pair your lunch or dinner with farm-crafted beers and ciders, and get a spectacular view of the countryside from the outdoor patio dining space. 3. Knickers Pub Tee off in the morning and grab a bite for lunch at Knickers Pub, or just enjoy the weather while you dine. Located on the links at Heritage Hills Golf Resort & Conference Center, Knickers Pub features elevated pub fare, such as a classic pub burger, a bourbon peach barbecued pork chop, or smoked gouda macaroni and cheese, and an extensive menu of drinks. Enjoy it all on the patio overlooking the links, complete with a large-screen TV and shuffleboard. Knickers Pub is about 15 minutes from downtown York. It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, and the bar stays open until midnight on weekdays and until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturdays. 4. The Cantina The Cantina serves Latin-inspired bar food and features live music every weekend. The Cantina was originally within the courtyard of Taste Test’s space, and in 2019 decided to expand inside into 105 S. Duke Street. This is a green space in the heart of Royal Square — it offers reasonably priced beer, margaritas, and a beautiful space to sit outside and relax. serves up a special dinner in Cherry Lane Park. These beautiful summer Friday nights feature small bites in the Italian Aperitivo style, along with beer, wine, and cocktails. Enjoy food stations including prosciutto, seafood, and a variety of Italian classics, all for a fixed price, as well as a different set of live music each month. 5. Cherry Lane Park Central Market House in Cherry Lane Park is another go-to outdoor eating spot in downtown York. Enjoy an outdoor lunch experience on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Whether you're a committed foodie, you're looking to explore the local food scene, or you simply love to enjoy a glass of wine in the sunshine, York, Pennsylvania, has something for you. Check out these four awesome outdoor dining options before the weather gets cool again for scrumptious tastes and broader horizons! Image via Flickr by jeffreyw | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

Whether you're seeking a romantic weekend getaway or just want a peaceful weekend away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, York County provides a host of quaint bed and breakfasts. Read through the highlights of these bed and breakfast options, and then you'll be ready to book your stay. 1. Bear House Bed and Breakfast Located on Copenhaffer Road in Dover, Pennsylvania, Bear House Bed and Breakfast provides a calm and relaxing ambiance in a rustic setting. All rooms include a private entrance, a bathroom, a microwave, and a refrigerator. more Thanks to its convenient location, Bear House Bed and Breakfast is near routes I-83, Route 30 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. There are numerous attractions close to the bed and breakfast, including BAPS Motor Speedway, Gifford Pinchot State Park, and Royal Manchester Golf Links. 2. Glen Rock Mill Inn Glen Rock Mill Inn can be found in Glen Rock in Southern York County. Located along the Heritage Rail Trail, this bed and breakfast prides itself on its rich history and culture. Originally a wool mill built in 1837, the inn and its restaurant have been completely restored and renovated. Glen Rock Mill Inn features a variety of rooms and suites, depending on your preferences. All rooms include furniture, appliances, Wi-Fi, and a large screen smart TV with Bluetooth. The inn is located near Logan's View Winery, Shrewsbury Antique Center, and the Northern Central Railway. 3. Jackson House Bed and Breakfast Jackson House Bed and Breakfast is a historic bed and breakfast located on the rail trail in Railroad, Pennsylvania. Dating back to 1859, this restored bed and breakfast features private bathrooms, a hot tub, gardens, a wine cellar, a fireplace, and of course, a delicious breakfast. Jackson House Bed and Breakfast is pet-friendly, so your animal family members can join you on your weekend getaway. Located near Heritage Museum of New Freedom, Shrewsbury Antique Center, and Balla Cloiche Vineyards, there is plenty to see and do while staying at Jackson House Bed and Breakfast. 4. Red Lion Bed and Breakfast Located in Red Lion, Red Lion Bed and Breakfast is a quaint establishment that would be perfect for a romantic weekend away. With its unique location along the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail, this bed and breakfast provides numerous options for exploring the surrounding area. In addition to breakfast, all rooms feature a private bathroom, Wi-Fi, and a host of other amenities and conveniences. Local attractions include Wyndridge Farm Brewery, Logan's View Winery, and Brown's Orchards and Farm Market. 5. The Inn at Wyndridge Farm The Inn at Wyndridge Farm in Dallastown features a 6,000 square foot home that's situated on 77 acres. This scenic bed and breakfast is ideal for large groups, as the inn can accommodate between 15 and 18 people. Amenities include an in-room hot tub, free Wi-Fi, 100% smoke-free house, televisions, and laundry facilities. The inn is conveniently located near Logan's View Winery and Brown's Orchards and Farm Market. Each of these places offers guests a welcoming and relaxing bed and breakfast experience in beautiful York County, Pennsylvania. Book a stay today at any of these bed and breakfast establishments and enjoy a quiet weekend away. Image via Flickr by Berries.com | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

During the sunny days of Pennsylvania's summer, spending time outdoors is high on most people's to-do list. Soaking up the natural beauty of the area while enjoying a delicious meal is an excellent opportunity to bond with a loved one. Putting together a picnic is simple and easy. Here are four of the best picnic spots in York County. Head to the nearest spot today, with a blanket and a friend in tow. 1. Gifford Pinchot State Park Gifford Pinchot State Park is a 2,338-acre open space between Rossville and Lewisberry. The park offers guests grassy fields, wooded hillsides, and the 340-acre Pinchot Lake. Take your cooler to the Conewago Day Use Area on the east side of the lake where you'll find four pavilions, including two that are ADA accessible. There are picnic tables, charcoal grills, drinking water fountains, and well-maintained restrooms. more There's convenient parking to the area, so you won't have to haul your gear for miles, and it's adjacent to the horseshoe pits for a bit of competitive action while you wait for the charcoal to heat up. There's also a softball field and a volleyball court in the nearby Quaker Race area. The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset. 2. Highpoint Scenic Vista and Recreation Area The Highpoint Scenic Vista and Recreation Area was established in 2007 and offers picnickers a breathtaking view of the Susquehanna River. Sprawling over 79 acres of scenic meadowlands, the park is located on a hilltop overlooking the water. There's a fountain and birdwatching while you eat. After lunch, lace up your running shoes and jump on the Mason-Dixon Trail that meanders through the park. Come on out to this 199-mile footpath on Sep. 7 for the KTA Trail Challenge, a 25K and 50K annual event. 3. Codorus Furnace One of York County's most historic structures, Codorus Furnace is not your typical picnic spot. On this site, you'll find a lot to love, including the iron furnace plus a variety of associated buildings. There's the charcoal house, the worker's homes, the 2.5-story ironmaster's house, and the ruins of other unknown stone structures. Codorus Furnace measures 30 feet square and stands 12 feet tall. This picnic spot is just off of Furnace Rd. You'll find ample parking and a unique backdrop for a tasty packed lunch outdoors. 4. Samuel S. Lewis State Park Samuel S. Lewis State Park at 6000 Mt. Pisgah Rd. in Lower Windsor Twp. is an 85-acre park that touts one of the best views of York County. With its 885-foot-high ridge, it offers an excellent alternative picnic spot for those that don't want to climb the nearby Highpoint Scenic Vista. On the top of Samuel S. Lewis Park, you'll find plenty of space for picnics, including tables and benches. What better way to get out and enjoy the warm weather in York County this summer than with a picnic? Whether you pack up classic fried chicken and potato salad or a gourmet sandwich, everything tastes better outside on a blanket. Image via Flickr by dstrelau | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

Summer is warming up and when you've had your fill, escape Pennsylvania's heat with a water-themed recreation activity. From kayaking the river to splashing around in a 6-foot inflatable ball, there's somewhere for everyone to enjoy a bit of relief in the area. Check out three of the best places to cool off this summer in York County. 1. The Susquehanna River The Susquehanna River is 444 miles long, making it the longest river on the East Coast. Its flow starts in upstate New York, and then it meanders all the way to the Atlantic Ocean, where it drains into the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. more Launch your canoes, kayaks, and small motorized watercraft into York County's Susquehanna River Water Trails. These routes feature plenty of access points, boat ramps, day use areas, and overnight camping sites. Rent your kayak from Shank's Mare Outfitters. They offer recreational, touring, and fishing kayaks, plus stand-up paddleboards, instruction, tours, and trips. Sign up for a two-hour class and learn the sport of kayaking every Tuesday all summer long. 2. Codorus State Park Nestled in the hills of southern York County, the 3,500-acre Codorus State Park boast a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, while the popular Lake Marburg's 26 miles of shoreline is a favorite of warm-water anglers. Have a picnic, then cool off with a swim in the pool or the sprayground that sits on the bluff overlooking the lake. Swimming is prohibited in the lake. However, scuba diving is allowed in Sinsheim Cove on the east side of the park. Register with the park's office before diving. Codorus State Park is open every day from sunrise to sunset. All day-use areas of the park close at dusk, while the pool and overnight areas keep seasonal hours. 3. Roundtop Mountain Resort Climb inside an OGO Ball and cool off this summer at 925 Roundtop Rd in Lewisberry. These huge inflatable orbs have a 6-foot ball suspended in the middle and are the latest summer attraction at the Roundtop Mountain Resort. This unique ride runs down the tubing lanes and splashes 5 gallons of fresh water on the body surfers inside. Roundtop Mountain Adventures features a variety of water attractions in their summer activities area. After your water adventure, hit the Vertical Trek with 10 zip lines. The main tour features a 400-foot long by 40-foot high run down the mountain. Experience the challenge course with a variety of elements that test your skills, while the resort's expert staff guides each activity. Head behind the Mountain View Lodge and discover climbing structures and a ton of attractions. There's fun for the whole family with the Adventure Package. It includes unlimited use of all the equipment listed on the map for one single cost, including the super slide, the crow's nest, and the woods playground. Next time you get heated up this summer, cool off at one of these three best places to chill in York County. Which one sounds the most inviting to you? Image via Flickr by waitscm | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original