Things To Do
in Progress
Progress is a small rural community in central Pennsylvania, set amid rolling farmland and shady woodlands. It sits within a short drive of Lancaster’s Amish heritage and Harrisburg’s urban amenities, making it a quiet base for exploring the region. The area exudes classic Pennsylvania Dutch charm, with open skies, horse-drawn buggies in nearby farming communities, and friendly locals.
Visitors can enjoy outdoor trails, local markets, and comforting, hearty regional cuisine.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Progress and settle into your accommodations. Take some time to refresh after your travels and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, soaking in the typical morning vibe of this quaint town. Stroll around the nearby park to get acquainted with the surroundings and enjoy the fresh air.
Visit the Progress Historical Museum to learn about the town's rich history and cultural significance. Engage with friendly local staff and explore interactive exhibits that showcase life in Progress through the years. Afterward, grab lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant that highlights regional specialties.
As the sun sets, head to a local brewery that offers tastings of craft beers made right in town. Enjoy a casual dinner while mingling with locals and other visitors in a relaxed atmosphere. Wrap up your evening with live music or trivia night at a popular tavern.
Visit the local art gallery to enjoy a morning of inspiration from works by regional artists. Participate in an artist-led workshop that encourages creativity and self-expression, allowing you to take home a piece of your own art. Enjoy a light breakfast at the gallery café with freshly baked pastries.
Attend a cultural festival or community event taking place during your visit, where you can taste local cuisine, experience music and dance, and learn about the traditions of Progress. Meet artisans and craftspeople showcasing their work, and perhaps buy a unique souvenir. Enjoy lunch from one of the food stalls, featuring everything from barbecue to handmade sweets.
Wind down with a cozy evening at a local theatre where you can enjoy a live performance or a movie screening. Delight in a pre-show dinner at a nearby restaurant known for its warm ambiance and tasty offerings. After the show, grab a dessert to-go and enjoy it back at your lodging.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🏠One-bedroom apartment (local area) | $800-1,200 |
| ☕Coffee or latte | $3-5 |
| 🚗Gasoline (per gallon) | $3-4 |
| 💡Internet service (monthly) | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quaint small-town charm and easy access to PA Dutch heritage
- Abundant farmers markets, fresh produce, and hearty regional dishes
- Limited big-city amenities and nightlife compared to metropolitan areas
- Weather can be variable; some attractions are seasonal
Places to Visit in Progress
Visit one of these nice places.
Riverside views with golden hour glow; ideal for wide landscape shots and dramatic skies over the water.
Historic grounds with brick architecture and manicured gardens, offering classic angles for architectural and macro photography.
Rolling fields, traditional barns, and tree lines along rural roads provide timeless rural photography opportunities.
Food in Progress
Progress Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional breakfast meat made from pork scraps and cornmeal, usually sliced and fried until crisp. Commonly found at diners and breakfast spots across central Pennsylvania.
Must-Try!
A molasses-based pie with a rich, crumbly topping. A staple at PA Dutch bakeries and diners.
Chocolate cake-like cookies sandwiching a sweet cream filling. A beloved PA Dutch dessert found in bakeries and markets.
A tangy, smoked sausage sandwich popular in Lebanon County and surrounding areas; look for it in delis and markets with PA Dutch influences.
Freshly baked pretzels common at bakeries, markets, and street vendors; ideal as a snack to pair with local mustard or beer.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic indoor market offering PA Dutch specialties, fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and ready-to-eat treats.
Regional market featuring local produce, baked goods, jams, dairy, and seasonal specialties; great for sampling and taking goods home.
Seasonal open-air markets throughout the area where you can taste farm-fresh fruit, vegetables, pies, and street-style snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect private property and avoid photos of people without permission. When driving near horse-drawn buggies, slow down and give wide berth. Dress modestly when visiting rural communities or religious sites.
Small-town conversations are friendly; a courteous greeting and a smile go a long way. In markets, it's common to chat briefly about the produce or crafts.
Safety
Tipping in Progress
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and bars, tip typically 15-20% of the pre-tax bill for good service. At counters or for takeout, tipping is not always expected but appreciated for exceptional service; for a bar, leave $1-2 per drink if servers are attentive.
Cash and major credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common in shops and markets. Some smaller markets or casual eateries may accept only cash or have limited card processing.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with budding trees and flowering orchards; occasional showers—great for garden and macro shots as well as fresh produce markets.
Warm, sometimes humid days with longer daylight hours; perfect for river photos, outdoor markets, and sunset photography along farmland lanes.
Vibrant foliage and harvest festivals; ideal for landscapes, barn photography, and street scenes with autumn colors.
Cold with possibility of snow; atmospheric skies and icy surfaces offer moody photos, plus cozy indoor venues for warm meals.
Progress at Night
Hiking in Progress
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Riverside hiking and short woodland sections with views of water and farmland; accessible for all skill levels.
Scenic multi-use trail along a former rail corridor; easy-to-moderate elevation with open countryside.
Several accessible loops and longer options in nearby state parks, offering forested paths and creek side walking.
Airports
How to reach Progress by plane.
Primary regional airport serving central Pennsylvania; about a 20–40 minute drive to the area, with car rental and several national carriers.
Smaller regional airport near Lancaster; limited commercial service, suitable for private flights or short trips.
Major international airport about 1.5–2 hours away by car or train; good for long-haul connections and international travel.
Large hub on the mid-Atlantic corridor; provides extensive domestic and limited international connections, about 2.5–3 hours away by car.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Families, commuters, and retirees who live in the surrounding towns and countryside.
Influential in the region’s culture and economy, known for farming, crafts, and distinctive dress and customs.
People passing through for tourism, internships, or short-term stays in nearby college towns and cities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular pastime in parks and community leagues; local youth and adult leagues offer summer play.
Common at schools and community centers; often enjoyed with family and friends on fall weekends.
Widely played in youth programs and local clubs; weekend matches and pickup games occur around town.
Seasonal activities in surrounding woodlands and rivers; follow local regulations and permits.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Progress.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian visitors can enjoy salads, cheese-focused dishes, grain bowls, veggie sides, and egg-based options. Request PA Dutch sides made without meat or ask for meat-free versions of traditional dishes where available; many markets and bakeries offer vegetarian pies and baked goods.