The Susquehanna Valley in its entirety is rich with history, culture, outdoor recreation and delicious dining options. A quieter gem, and maybe even hidden to some, that nestles snugly between Dauphin and Lancaster counties unexpectedly offers all of this and more. That gem is the Lebanon Valley, and this season, we’re encouraging you to take a local daycation and explore this area of Central Pennsylvania that might be a road less traveled, but one worth traveling.
1. Ancestor Coffeehouse and Crêperie
Begin your Lebanon Valley daycation with a stop at Ancestor Coffeehouse and Crêperie, either in Cornwall or Palmyra. Grab a freshly
roasted coffee, house kombucha or a tea to pair with a savory or sweet crêpe or a breakfast sandwich. Try a unique savory crêpe, like the Pig and Fig—consisting of bacon, brie, fig jam, apples and Olio balsamic glaze—or a sweet one, like Bananas Foster Cheesecake, which has bananas, sweet cream, caramel, honey granola, cinnamon and whipped cream. Regardless of whatever you choose, you’re guaranteed to get a delicious and satisfying breakfast to keep you fueled for your action-packed itinerary.
119 Springwood Dr Suite 500, Cornwall
2701 Horseshoe Pike, Palmyra
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2. Cornwall Iron Furnace
Less than a 10-minute drive from Ancestor Coffeehouse and Crêperie’s Cornwall location is Cornwall Iron Furnace. Witness a piece of history, as this is the only intact charcoal-burning iron blast furnace in the Western Hemisphere. The furnace was one of the major arms suppliers for the Revolutionary War. Also nearby is the Stoy Museum, operated by the Lebanon County Historical Society. The Stoy Museum offers ticketed guided tours where you’ll see items of Pennsylvania German craftsmanship, a one-room schoolhouse, a Civil War exhibit and more. The Lebanon Valley has a rich history that dates all the way back to the early 1700s, so you could spend an entire day alone just learning the history of the region!
94 Rexmont Rd Cornwall
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3. MG Mercantile
Next stop, time to shop! Just a bit farther down the road from Cornwall is the whimsical and woodsy Mt. Gretna. This charming small town is home to a lake and beach, a nostalgic ice cream parlor, rustic trails and the MG Mercantile. Offering a taste of the Main Line in the quaint Chautauqua community of Gretna, the shop offers charcuterie snacks, barware and goodies for hosting guests and parties. MG Mercantile is located in the town's historic old bank building, which has been beautifully restored yet maintains the unique charm of Gretna.
501 PA-117, Mt Gretna
4. Porch and Pantry
It’s time for lunch, and who doesn’t want to enjoy their meal on a peaceful and cozy outdoor patio tucked away in the trees of Mt. Gretna? At Porch and Pantry, you can do just that—or dine inside if you prefer. Try handheld options like a pulled pork sandwich or vegetarian black bean burger, fresh grain bowls or mac 'n' cheese for lunch. Or, get a second breakfast, served all day, like seasonal baked oatmeal, omelets or quiches. Be sure to try one of their beloved grilled sticky buns, and maybe even take a few with you for the road! Porch and Pantry is open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
106 Chautauqua Dr, Mt Gretna
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5. Governor Dick Observation Tower & Royal Oaks Farm
Take advantage of Lebanon Valley’s abundance of outdoor recreation and activities by exploring Clarence Schock Memorial Park and climbing Governor Dick Observation Tower—a 66-foot-tall tower with a view of five counties from the top. The forested park contains 1,105 acres, more than 16 miles of trails and an environmental center. It’s also an observation hub to see a variety of birds, mammals and wildflowers.
3283 Pinch Rd, Lebanon
If you still want to get outdoors but don’t feel like going for a walk or hike, visit Royal Oaks Farm. Walk beautiful garden paths and even pick your own flowers. Their Summer U-Pick Season is a self-service flower picking operation that runs from late June through early October. They provide containers, clippers and water, and you can pay online or onsite.
3615 Oak St, Lebanon
6. Wertz Candies
Get a break from the sun, and make a quick stop at Wertz Candies in downtown Lebanon. Wertz’s has a tiny storefront packed full of all types of candies, including a Lebanon specialty: opera fudge. Opera fudge is hand dipped in pure chocolate liquor and comes in vanilla or peanut butter flavor. The shop has an old-timey feel and a delicious smell from all the candy they make and sell. They’re also known for their caramel corn, which is made in-house.
718 Cumberland St Lebanon
7. Rising Sun Bar and Kitchen
Rising Sun Bar and Kitchen offers an atmosphere for every drink and dinner occasion. Dine inside the beautifully restored brick interior and listen to live music, or sit outside on the patio and watch the sunset as you enjoy dishes like poutine fries, wings, blackened shrimp tacos, chargrilled salmon and beer-braised brisket.
2850 Horseshoe Pike Palmyra
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8. The Londonderry Inn and Estate
Turn your daycation into a staycation at The Londonderry Inn and Estate! Conveniently located next to Rising Sun, the inn is a restored pre-Civil War Victorian-style home built in the 1840s. Rooms feature private baths, 10-foot ceilings, grand windows with custom drapery, queen or king-sized beds and a comfortable sitting area for two. In colder months, guests can also enjoy romantic fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs. Homemade breakfast is served in the parlor and, in good weather, outside on the covered patio. The inn is one of the highest rated in the area, featuring luxury accommodations and spacious suites for vacation rentals or classic bed-and-breakfast stays.
2764 Horseshoe Pike Palmyra
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Check out these events going on throughout the summer all around the Lebanon Valley.
Kayak Tours of the Union Canal Tunnel $
Date: Multiple days, May-Sept (must book ahead)
Time: 5 p.m. or 5:30 p.m., depending on tour date
Address: 25th St & Union Canal Dr, Lebanon
Music in the Park at Coleman Memorial Park
Date: Sundays, June 2-Aug 4
Time: 6 p.m.
Address: 1400 W Maple St, Lebanon
1900 Jay St, Lebanon (Rain Address)
Afternoon Garden Tea in Historic Schaefferstown
Date: July 7
Time: 2 p.m.
Address: 213 S Carpenter St, Schaefferstown
“Chess” in Concert with the Hershey Symphony, presented by Gretna Theatre $
Date: July 11-14 and July 18-20
Time: Various showtimes
Address: 200 Pennsylvania Ave, Mt. Gretna
Young Villagers Colonial Workshop $
Date: July 15-18, 2024
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Address: 213 S Carpenter St, Schaefferstown
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with Apollo’s Fire, presented by Gretna Music $
Date: July 22
Time: 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Address: 200 Pennsylvania Ave, Mt. Gretna
Lebanon Area Fair $
Date: July 20-27
Time: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Address: 80 Rocherty Rd, Lebanon
The Amish Outlaws at the Lebanon Area Fair $
Date: July 24
Time: 8 p.m.-10 p.m.
Address: 80 Rocherty Rd, Lebanon
Brandee Younger on the Harp, presented by Gretna Music $
Date: July 27
Time: 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Address: 200 Pennsylvania Ave, Mt. Gretna
Every Brilliant Thing, presented by Gretna Theatre $
Date: Aug 1- 4 and 8-10
Time: Various showtimes
Address: 350 Timber Rd, Mt. Gretna
38th Annual Mount Gretna Tour of Homes $
Date: Aug 3
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Address: PA 117 & Princeton Ave, Mt. Gretna
Plena Libre, presented by Gretna Music $
Date: Aug 10
Time: 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Address: 200 Pennsylvania Ave, Mt. Gretna
Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show $
Date: Aug 17-18
Time: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sat) 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sun)
Address: 101 Chautauqua Dr, Mt. Gretna
Fall Harvest Fair & Early American Craft Show in Historic Schaefferstown $
Date: Sept 14-15
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Sat), 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. (Sun)
Address: 213 S Carpenter St, Schaefferstown
Music & Brew Fest $
Date: Sept 21
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Address: 1400 W Maple St, Lebanon
To check out even more events happening around the Lebanon Valley, visit: visitlebanonvalley.com
