Summer is in the air. That means hot music and cool waters, fastballs and slow food. The Susquehanna region is the place to find summer fun that fuels your passion. Whatever you love to do, put these local spots and events on your itinerary, and endless summer starts here.
FOR THE MUSIC LOVER
LANY featuring Special Guest, Surfaces
From L.A. to London to Harrisburg, LANY brings its infectious pop/alt sound to Riverfront Park. Brought to town by Harrisburg University Presents, the duo’s Harrisburg stop on its Summer Forever Tour will leave you dancing in the kitchen. Check out the concert August 19th at 8pm.
Allegro Orchestra Summer Concert Series
Never enough Ludwig! The pandemic tried to spoil his 250th birthday celebrations, but nobody puts Beethoven in a corner. Lancaster’s Allegro Orchestra makes classical music fun and accessible. Summer concerts include Beethoven’s boisterous “Eroica” Symphony No. 3, July 9.
Gardner Theatre at Lancaster Country Day School | 725 Hamilton Rd, Lancaster | Allegrolancaster.org
The Pennsylvania Cigar Box Guitar Festival
You just have to be there to understand. The Pennsylvania Cigar Box Guitar Festival at the York Emporium open your ears to the rockin’ sounds made possible by cigar boxes, washboards, and who-knows-what-else handcrafted into artisan instruments. @YorkEmporium, 10am–6pm Aug. 27.
343 W Market St, York | facebook.com/Pennsylvania-Cigar-Box-Guitar-Festival-122995721068990
FOR THE WATER LOVER
Float Around
Tubing to get you over Hump Day. It’s the Late Night Float from Sickman’s Mill Outfitters, 5pm to 7pm Wednesdays. You can also take a daytime float or a weekend guided tour. End with a food-truck treat and a drink from Jimmy’s Place, the Creekside hangout.
671 Sandhill Rd, Pequea | Sickmansmill.com
Dive In
To scuba, that is. York Divers offers classes for kids and adults, taught by experienced scuba pros. Adaptive classes bring the joys of scuba to divers with disabilities. When you’re ready, go diving at Codorus State Park’s Sinsheim Cove.
968 S George Street, York | Yorkdivers.com
Get Rowing
Kayak down the Swattie without the headaches of lugging the kayak. Cocoa Kayak of Hershey offers rentals and shuttle service for renters and BYOKers. It’s all along the scenic Swatara Creek, lined with historic sites, caves, and bald eagle habitats.
624 Pine Rd, Palmyra | Cocoakayak.com
FOR THE SPORTS LOVER
Start a Friendly Family Feud
Family fun alert! Start a family-challenge tradition at City Island Water Golf. The beautiful setting, landscaped in hydrangea and roses, overlooks the Susquehanna River. End the match with a celebratory round of hand-dipped ice cream at the concession area.
800 Riverside Dr, City Island, Harrisburg | H2ogolf.com
Step Out Into Nature
Ned Smith Center for Nature & Art’s trails immerse hikers in mature woodlands and expansive meadowlands. For outdoor enjoyment of the non-hiking variety, bring the kids to make bluebird boxes while you stroll the artisan booths at the annual Nature & Arts Festival, July 22.
176 Water Company Rd, Millersburg | Nedsmithcenter.org
Take Me Out to The Ball Game
It’s the War of the Roses fought with baseballs, as the York Revolution and the Lancaster Barnstormers face off through September at York’s PeoplesBank Park and Lancaster’s Clipper Magazine Stadium. Midnight Madness, 10 pm July 22 in York!
5 Brooks Robinson Way, York | Yorkrevolution.com | Lancasterbarnstormers.com
FOR THE HISTORIAN
Travel Back in Time
Step into the world lived by Edward Hand, adjutant to George Washington, at Historic Rock Ford. Learn about the people who worked the farm for insights into 18th century labor and slavery in Pennsylvania. Marvel at the meticulously preserved silk gown of Hand’s wife, Katherine.
881 Rockford Rd, Lancaster | Historicrockford.org
Take the Kids on a Historical Ride
Take the kids for the fun, and sneak in a history lesson. At Knoebels, wooden roller coasters and a 1913 carousel take visitors back in time. Encounter artifacts and fascinating stories at history museums devoted to the park, local mining, and carousels.
391 Knoebels Blvd, Route 487, Elysburg | Knoebels.com
Experience History
Born to an enslaved mother, on a Declaration of Independence signer’s plantation–William C Goodridge’s life is a story of entrepreneurship and risk. Today, visitors to his home can see his secret and authenticated hiding spot for fugitives on the Underground Railroad.
123 Philadelphia St, York | Goodridgefreedomcenter.org
FOR THE SHOPPER
Shop in One Stop
Snappy outfit, shoes to match, and a bra that truly fits, all in one trip? Is this heaven? Actually, it’s Neighbors & Smith. Camp Hill’s newest plaza entices with chic boutique Little Black Dress (littleblackdresscamphill.com), shoe legend Plum Bottom (plumbottom.net), lingerie emporium Underneath It All (underneathitall.net), and more.
1801 Market St, Camp Hill
Venture Out for Vintage
Forge your own style path via downtown York’s vintage and consignment scene. Explore Twice Upscale Resale bridal and formal wear consignment (Twiceupscaleresale.com), m.elene for vintage wears and wares (Melenevintage.com), Revolt Style Studio, where vintage meets modern (Revoltstylestudio.com), and My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe, where designer names are the name of the game (Mygirlfriendswardrobe.net).
Add a Little Empowerment to Your Closet
Curated, breezy fashion in all sizes, including a Curvy Girl Collection–you’re sure to leave Nicole Taylor Boutique in style. Empower Her tees tell the world that you are “Another Mother for Peace” or “Pretty Powerful.” It’s all sustainably made.
325 N Queen St, Suite B01, Lancaster | Nicoletaylorboutique.com
FOR THE FOODIE
Hit the Taste Bud Trails
Follow the signs—well, the apps—to Harrisburg and Hershey’s most congenial spots for a brew or a delectable goodie. The Brew Barons Beer Trail and the Sweet Treat Trail take you to new places for a sip, a nosh, and a good time with friends.
Visithersheyharrisburg.org/trails/brew-barons-beer-trail | Visithersheyharrisburg.org/trails/sweet-treat-trail
Scream for Ice Cream
Cappuccino Crunch. Salted Banana Foster. Strawberry Cheesecake. With flavors like these, who needs toppings? Heck, what are we thinking? Make it a sundae. Or better yet, a parfait piled with whipped cream. Make time for family, fun, and pup cups at Splits & Giggles.
500 W Lemon St, Lancaster | Splitsandgiggles.com
Host a Culinary Bash
Oops. You offered to host the family reunion. Now what? Sharmini’s Kitchen catering is far from the ordinary. York-based Sharmini brings global tastes, so your guests will rave about the cucumber canapes with whipped feta, Mozambique piri-piri (that’s “pepper-pepper”), grilled chicken kebab, and mini choux a la crème.
