Photography by Donovan Roberts Witmer unless otherwise noted
Reader Favorites:
York’s Best Coffee Shop: The Green Bean Roasting Company
Jennifer Schreiber and Vanessa DeLisio do more than offer a great cup of joe to York City residents. This dynamic duo, founders of York’s Best Coffee Shop, The Green Bean Roasting Company, made it their personal goal to brew a stronger business community in their own downtown neighborhood. The Green Bean can boast the freshest, finest coffees because they produce their own—roasting beans on-site in their signature lime green machine. And for those espresso fans out there? The Green Bean Roasting Company offers a rotating menu including drinks like the “Strawberry Nut Latte”—a blend of espresso, hazelnut and strawberry—and “Coconut Cream Mocha”—a combo of espresso, coconut, chocolate and vanilla. Whether it’s for lunch or a quick morning coffee, The Green Bean is surely York’s caffeine locale.
The Green Bean Roasting Company | 100 South Beaver Street | 717-848-4070 | greenbeanroasting.com
York’s Best Hotel: The Yorktowne Hotel
In 1925, The Yorktowne Hotel was York’s solution to a thriving, progressive city with tremendous growth in agriculture, industry and commerce. Nearly a century later, the hotel remains one of the most elegant establishments in York City. It’s no wonder, as the historic building combines 121 luxury guest rooms with its AAA 4-diamond restaurant, the Commonwealth Room. Although the grandeur of the Yorktowne Hotel has stayed the same, much consideration has been given to keep the establishment up-to-date with today’s amenities and technologies. Next time you’re in need of overnight accommodations, or are simply spending the day browsing York’s downtown historic area and its shops and restaurants, don’t hesitate to make a trip to the Yorktowne.
The Yorktowne Hotel | 48 East Market Street, York | 717-848-1111 | yorktowne.com
York’s Best Brewery: Liquid Hero Brewery
Although York’s local brew heroes have only been in the business a few short years, it didn’t take long for them to bubble to the top of the industry. Liquid Hero Brewery founders Matt DePrato, Josh Hoke and Christian Quinlivan describe their beer-making beginning as “homegrown”—a no-frills home brewing operation started on a back porch in 2008. In the past five years, the trio has perfected their method, established a local brewing operation and developed a loyal following—quite the accomplishment for three locals who had what was once “a distant goal” of opening a craft brewery! Liquid Hero Brewery now offers nine year-round regular and specialty brews, along with a menu of seasonal offerings. From the strawberry wheat “Schweet Ale,” to the citrusy “Irregardless IPA,” to the dark “Freight House Porter,” Liquid Hero offers the perfect beverage for any Susquehanna Valley beer enthusiast.
Liquid Hero Brewery | 50 East North Street, York | 717-814-9250 | liquidhero.com
York’s Best Painting & Wallpaper Services: York Wallcoverings
With a rich history like York Wallcoverings’, it is no surprise that York looks to this esteemed company for its wallpaper services. Operating from the same Susquehanna Valley location as when the company first opened in 1895, York Wallcoverings now holds the title of America’s oldest and largest wallpaper manufacturer! This business sees the value of doing some things the old-fashioned way, keeping the vast majority of their products designed in-house, including murals, appliques and an extensive list of patterns. In fact, the variety of products that York Wallcoverings produces is so wide, York can say that it is the only manufacturer in the world to own and operate every type of wallcovering printing press. We’re confident that this company that continues to hold up its heritage and use great care for its crafted products will be a York staple for centuries to come.
York Wallcoverings | 750 Linden Avenue, York | 717-846-4456 | yorkwall.com
York’s Best Cupcake Shop: Just Cupcakes
Though these baked goods are adored by nearly everyone, our York readers voted the cupcakes from Just Cupcakes as sweeter than the rest. This mother-daughter business, started by Sarah Koveleski and Christine Martin in Central Market York, has somewhat recently expanded to its own cute downtown café. The establishment offers fan favorite flavors like “Inside-Out S’mores”—chocolate cake topped with marshmallow topping and dipped in graham cracker crumbles—and “Orange Creamsicle”—orange cake with cream filling and orange frosting—as well as breakfast pastries and other light mid-day entrees. Drop by next time you’re looking to cater an event with some sugary treats, or simply to satisfy that sweet tooth.
Just Cupcakes | 9 West Philadelphia Street, York | 717-848-4488 | justcupcakes.us
Staff Picks: Our Favorite Things
Maple Donuts, Inc.
Could there be a confection that is more quintessentially “York” than the Maple Donut? We’d argue not! The business opened the doors of its first store on Maple Street in 1946, and since then has become one of the largest independent producers of donuts on the East Coast—and a Susquehanna Style favorite! A few things haven’t changed, though: the business is still family-owned and -operated, and the original made-from-scratch recipe is used to this day. The 58 variations of the original donut include flavors like cinnamon, peanut butter and jelly, coconut crème, and even maple bacon. Who can resist a local company with a good product and a good sense of humor? As their billboards read —“a balanced diet is a donut in each hand!”
Maple Donuts, Inc. | 3455 East Market Street, York | 717-757-7826 | mapledonutsinc.com
Haines’ Shoe House
Possibly the Susquehanna Valley’s oddest residential structure, Haines’ Shoe House is certainly a building that leaves a shoe-shaped impression. Originally built in 1948 as an advertising gimmick by York’s footwear retailer Mahlon Haines, the Shoe House was once a honeymoon destination for newlyweds, but is now open to the public for tours by the current owners. The tourist destination also offers Hershey’s hand-dipped ice cream, hearkening back to the building’s 20-year history as an ice-cream parlor. This summer, pop on your sandals, hop in the car and take short trip out to Hellam to see this three bedroom, two bathroom work shoe built by York’s most eccentric millionaire.
Haines’ Shoe House | 197 Shoe House Road, Hellam | 717-840-8339 | shoehouse.us
William H. Kain County Park
Did you know? The Susquehanna River is not the region’s only breathtaking body of water! York County’s Lake Redman (290 acres) and Lake Williams (220 acres) are located within the William H. Kain County Park, near Jacobus. The park allows for family-friendly activities such as fishing (including varieties such as catfish and large mouth bass), boating (kayaks, canoes, rowboats and paddleboats available for rent) and other picnic pastimes. Not to be missed are the 12-plus miles of marked trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding around the lakes’ scenic terrain. For those looking for a low-impact nature walk, William Kain Park offers a quarter-mile bird view trail that is ADA accessible and stroller friendly.
William H. Kain County Park | York | 717-840-7440 | yorkcountypa.gov/parks-recreation
Salvaging Creativity
In any stroll around downtown York, you’re likely to see some of the captivating industrial sculptures installed by York design group Salvaging Creativity. Patrick Sells established the “collaborative multi-media design-fabrication entity” with business partner Casey Tyrrell in 2005, after shifting away from a traditional engineering career. Since then, Sells and his team have worked on several initiatives to bring art to the streets of York City —recently including sculptures on North George Street created by a collaboration of local artists and funded by the City, for the City. Much of Salvaging Creativity’s work in York can be identified by the presence of large-scale gears, beams and other mechanical parts, alluding to York’s rich industrial heritage. “York is a place of making,” said Sells. “That’s the story the city wanted us to tell.” To learn more about Salvaging Creativity and other York City street artists, be sure to check out the recently-released documentary "The George Street Artists" at youtube.com/user/DiemoVideo.
Salvaging Creativity | York | salvagingcreativity.com
John Wright Restaurant
When it comes to dining with a view, Susquehanna Valley residents have scenery that is second to none. One of our favorite riverfront eateries is the John Wright Restaurant, just off the Susquehanna in Wrightsville. The restored warehouse structure boasts the Four Seasons Dining Room—a timbered extension that is enclosed on three sides with glass—providing an optimal view of the river at one of its widest points. The view is not all John Wright has to offer, however. The cuisine includes items like the house smoked salmon crostini, pan seared ruby red trout, and portabella burger—all made from fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farms. In the summer months, that’s not all; take advantage of the gorgeous central Pennsylvania weather on their outdoor patio, or their newest addition, the second-story deck attached to the restaurant’s upstairs event space.
John Wright Restaurant | 234 North Front Street, Wrightsville | 717-252-0416 | johnwrightrestaurant.com
Check out the behind-the-scenes photos from our trip to York for this issue’s "Best of York" article here!
“Best of York” Winners:
Appliance Dealer: Romberger's Appliance Inc. Asian Restaurant: Esaan Thai Restaurant Banking Institution: Fulton Bank Bar/Restaurant for Cocktails: White Rose Bar & Grill Bed & Breakfast/Inn: Grace Manor Bed and Breakfast Birthing Center: WellSpan York Hospital Brewery: Liquid Hero Brewery Bridal Shop: Renaissance Bridals Burger: White Rose Bar & Grill Cancer Treatment Center: WellSpan York Cancer Center Car Dealership: Apple Automotive Carpeting & Flooring Retailer: Wecker's Flooring Center Caterer: GingerBabies LLC Coffee Shop: The Green Bean Roasting Company Consignment Shop: Finders Keepers Continuing/Adult Education: York College of Pennsylvania Convenience Store: Rutter's Cosmetic Dentistry Practice: Bowser Dental Arts Cosmetic Enhancement Facility: Lébo Skin Care Center Credit Union: First Capital Federal Credit Union Cupcake Shop: Just Cupcakes DJ: Blondie's Bridal Salon, Bakery & Planning Event Designer: Blondie's Bridal Salon, Bakery & Planning Fair/Festival: York Fair Family Destination: Hershey Park Fine Dining Restaurant: The Left Bank Restaurant & Bar Florist: Butera the Florist Funeral Home: Etzweiler Funeral Home Furniture Store: Wolf Furniture Gift Shop: Kimman's Grocery Store: GIANT Food Stores Health Insurance Carrier: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Home Heating & Cooling Installation: Haller Enterprises Home Audio & Video Installation: Haller Enterprises Home Security Provider: Advantage Security Inc. Hospital (General): WellSpan York Hospital Hotel: The Yorktowne Hotel Interior Designer: INTERIORS Furniture & Design Italian Restaurant: Victor's Italian Restaurant Jeweler: The Watchmaker's Daughter Kids’ Birthday Party Place: Bogey Macaws American Grille Kitchen and Bath Designer: Keener Kitchen Manufacturing Company Lasik Eye Specialist: Eyes of York Lighting Store: Yale Lighting Concepts & Design Mexican Restaurant: El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant Neighborhood Bar: Holy Hound Taproom New Home Builder: Jeffrey L. Henry, Inc. Outlet Center: Tanger Outlets Lancaster Painting & Wallpaper Services: York Wallcoverings Patio & Garden Center: Stauffers of Kissel Hill Pediatric Medical Practice: WellSpan Springdale Pediatric Medicine Performing Arts Center: The Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center Pizza: Marcello's Pizza Pool & Spa Retailer: Fox Pool Corporation Public Golf Course: Heritage Hills Golf Resort Real Estate Firm: Prudential Bob Yost Homesale Services Residential Plumber: Haller Enterprises Retirement Community: Country Meadows Retirement Communities Salon/Spa: Salon Oxygen Sandwich Shop: Isaac's Famous Grilled Sandwiches Shopping Mall: York Galleria Specialty Cake Retailer: Providence Divine Cakes and Pastries Veterinarian: Shiloh Veterinary Hospital Wedding Reception Venue: Out Door Country Club Winery: Allegro Winery Wings: Wings To Go Women’s Clothing Boutique: t.s. Dobbins
