If by the off chance you have actually heard of York, Pennsylvania, images of industry, snack foods, and the Articles of Confederation may come to mind. The New York Times has described York as a “south-central Pennsylvania manufacturing town, where the colonial architecture reflects its Revolutionary War past,” but to us it’s so much more.
Seth and I grew up in the suburbs surrounding Downtown York, and also called the city proper home for a few years. As a result of our combined firsthand experience here, we are happy to report that York is yet another hip little town that you’ve never heard of. Here we want to share how cool our hometown is the world, so we’ve put together an itinerary for our “perfect weekend” in Downtown York, PA.
Getting There: York is located just under two hours from Washington, DC. If you’re planning to stay within Downtown York itself, a car is unnecessary, but could come in handy if you plan to do some additional exploring of the area.
Day 1: First Friday in Downtown York
-Plan to visit York on the first Friday of the month, because Downtown York knows how to throw a party for First Friday. Over 70 restaurants, shops, art galleries, and small businesses show out and they even barricade main streets so pedestrians can roam free.
– Interesting little shops and boutiques are plentiful, and thrifters should definitely pay a visit to Revolt Style Studio, Molly’s Follie’s, and My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe, and York Emporium for vintage finds, conscientiously up-cycled home goods, designer consignment, and used books and “curiosities” respectively.
–Happy Hour coincides perfectly with these festivities and we highly recommend any of the following locales: Holy Hound Taphouse (for their immense selection of craft beers on tap), White Rose Bar & Grill (for their fishbowls), and Fig & Barrell (for their atmosphere, delicious cocktails and half-off small plates).
Day 2: Rails, Trails, and Ales
-Grab some breakfast, coffee, and/or a smoothie at Gather256, and then begin your day with a walk or bike ride along the York County Heritage Rail Trail. Start your trek at the Colonial Courthouse and wander south under a wooded path along the Codorus Creek.
-After you make your way back downtown, grab lunch at Central Market located in the aptly named Market District. Operating since 1888, there is not a thing you can get “at Market” that isn’t delicious, although we’re definitely partial to Roburrito’s. While you’re in the area, check out some of the public art that lines the sidewalks and gives a nod to York’s industrial heritage.
–Catch a show at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts. I had my first off-Broadway experience at the Appell Center and still talk about seeing Cats with my family there when I was a kid. If you enjoy more intimate shows, head to The King George Speakeasy, and if punk is more your thing, Skid Row Garage is the place to go.
–Dinnertime: A two of our favorites include Esaan Thai, that offers authentic Thai dishes (and BYOB), and Rockfish Public House whose menu boasts the freshest seafood in the county. If you’re looking for a more upscale experience, stop in at Left Bank and/or Roosevelt Tavern. Our list of recommendations could go on forever, but we also have to mention The Fig & Barrel Pub, Tutoni’s Restaurant, The Handsome Cab (wine bar), and Iron Horse York to round out our top picks.
-After dinner, indulge in a tasting at one or more of York’s breweries or tap houses. In the last 10 years York has exploded with craft brews and places to enjoy them. We hate to sound partial once again, but Holy Hound is always a favorite, hosting 30 rotating drafts from all over the US. Some other notable mentions are Liquid Hero Brewery, Mudhook Brewing Co., Collusion Tap Works, and Gift Horse Brewing Co.
Day 3: Mimosas, Murals, and More
–Explore the murals of Royal Square. The area between King, Queen, Princess, and Duke Streets makes up York’s recently revitalized Royal Square neighborhood and can be viewed as an arts district within the city. Resulting from a collaboration between local organizations and artists, over a dozen colorful murals have been painted on the walls of old buildings in the area, and they are definitely worth a look. More information about the murals as well as a route for a self-guided tour can be found here.
– If you’re looking for somewhere casual to grab brunch or lunch nearby, Granfalloons offers relaxed and affordable dining, and they have a rooftop patio that’s perfect for late night drinks. Another nearby option is one of York’s local craft breweries, Collusion Tap Works. They have an extensive brewed-in-house-beer list, as well as a diverse menu (including some mean mac-n-cheese bowls).
–Round out your last day with a hike at Rocky Ridge County Park. This 750 acre wooded green space is located outside of the York City limits, but with miles of trails, picnic pavilions, softball fields, and scenic views of the Susquehanna Valley, it is a must-visit for nature lovers. If you find yourself in the area during Christmastime, Rocky Ridge puts on a spectacular Christmas light display every year that has people visiting in droves.
We hope you’ll find York as charming as we do, and that this itinerary has provided some inspiration for your future travels.
