West Manchester

Day Trips

Begin your day with a stroll through York's Historic Downtown. Admire the 18th-century architecture while enjoying a locally brewed latte at a cozy café along Broadway. Learn about local history at the York County History Center through interactive exhibits.

Stop for a farm-to-table lunch at a popular diner featuring seasonal produce. Visit the Agricultural & Industrial Museum to explore restored blacksmith shops and antique machinery. Take a guided trolley tour to see historic homes and hear stories from knowledgeable guides.

Dine at a riverside bistro overlooking the Susquehanna River, enjoying fresh regional dishes. Catch a live performance at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, offering concerts and theatre shows. End the evening with a leisurely walk along the riverfront trail under twinkling lights.

Hit the trails at Codorus State Park for a sunrise hike along the Glades Trail. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like white-tailed deer and songbirds amid the oak forests. Pause at a scenic overlook to snap photos of the reservoir before heading to the visitor center for maps and tips.

Rent a kayak or canoe to paddle across Lake Marburg, enjoying the calm waters and wooded shoreline. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the park's picnic pavilions overlooking the water. Afterwards, explore the bike loops or set up by the sandy beach for a relaxing swim.

Return to town for a hearty dinner at a riverside grill specializing in fresh-caught trout and regional fare. Watch the sunset glow over the water as you savor a locally brewed craft beer on the outdoor patio. If the night is clear, head back to the park for stargazing in one of the dark sky areas.

Tour the colonial courthouse and follow a self-guided walking path highlighting Revolutionary War landmarks. Grab bagels and coffee from a family-run deli for a quick breakfast on the go. Wander through the Central Market District to sample artisanal cheeses and Amish baked goods.

Enjoy lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant showcasing seasonal ingredients from local farms. Visit the York Art Association galleries and attend a live pottery demonstration. Shop for handmade crafts and souvenirs at boutique stores along Market Street.

Sample craft beers at a downtown brewpub featuring rotating taps from local microbreweries. Dine on gourmet burgers or flatbreads in a chic taproom atmosphere. Finish the night with a ghost tour through historic alleyways and share spooky tales of York’s past.

Head north to Shenk's Ferry Wildflower Preserve for a guided nature walk at dawn. Admire a colorful array of spring blooms and learn about native plant conservation from park rangers. Spot woodland creatures peeking through the underbrush as the day warms up.

Pack sandwiches for a shaded picnic near the Susquehanna River overlook with panoramic views. Continue exploring the preserve's trails, keeping a lookout for bobcats and rare bird species. Try your hand at wildlife photography with the lush forest as your backdrop.

Stop at a riverside tavern for locally sourced pub fare and a cold beverage on the outdoor deck. Enjoy live acoustic music under string lights as you share stories of your day’s adventure. Relax beside a fire pit with new friends while stargazing above the river.

Begin with a hearty brunch at a cafe known for creative omelets and fresh fruit smoothies. Meet your guide for a behind-the-scenes tour of a microbrewery crafting hybrid ales with regional hops. Sample house-brewed beers paired with small bites in the tasting room.

Travel to a neighboring brewery that experiments with barrel-aging techniques and specialty stouts. Indulge in a chef-led cooking demonstration focusing on beer-infused sauces and marinades. Savor a plated lunch where each course is expertly paired with a brewmaster’s selection.

Dine at a farm-to-fork restaurant that integrates local beer into its menu, from beer-battered fish to stout chocolate cake. Unwind with a flight of dessert beers or ciders in a modern taproom. End the night with a guided pairing of cheese and ales as lights dim.

Rent bikes in York and set out on the Heritage Rail Trail towards Hanover, passing scenic farmland and historic railroad relics. Stop at interpretive stations to read about the railroad’s role in regional development. Pack granola bars for quick energy boosts along the route.

Refuel with a deli lunch in quaint Glen Rock, sampling local cured meats and artisanal cheeses. Cycle onward through rolling hills lined with apple orchards and charming bridges. Pause at trailside benches to enjoy fresh air and peaceful countryside views.

Return to West Manchester and muscle into a cozy pizza joint known for wood-fired pies. Pair your slice with a craft soda or local brew while recounting the day’s most memorable vistas. Take an evening stroll through a nearby park to stretch your legs before bedtime.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a French bakery offering croissants and espresso in a courtyard setting. Browse a nearby antiques market for vintage finds and handmade crafts. Attend a midday open mic session at a coffeeshop, listening to local poets and musicians.

Have a light lunch at an artisan sandwich shop before heading to the American Music Theatre for an afternoon matinee. Explore behind-the-scenes exhibits showcasing costumes and set designs from past productions. Purchase souvenirs and grab a coffee in the theatre lounge.

Experience a full evening show featuring Broadway-style performances and live orchestras. Dress up for dinner at an upscale bistro near the theatre, savoring seasonal dishes and fine wines. Walk through a lit-up courtyard garden afterward, enjoying the night air and soft music from the venue.

Spend the morning at the York Central Market, meeting local farmers and tasting fresh produce samples. Pick up heirloom tomatoes, artisan bread, and free-range eggs for your cooking lesson. Chat with artisans crafting handmade soaps and jams along the market stalls.

Join a hands-on cooking class at a culinary school using your market finds to create seasonal dishes. Learn from a professional chef how to balance flavors and use regional herbs. Enjoy a sit-down lunch of your own creations paired with a crisp local white wine.

Visit a nearby cider mill for an evening tasting of hard ciders in various fruit-infused styles. Sample small plates of charcuterie and spiced nuts alongside your cider flight. Unwind by a cozy fire pit as dusk falls, toasting the day’s delicious discoveries.

Arrive early at Lake Marburg for stand-up paddleboarding lessons on calm, reflective waters. Watch the sunrise paint the lake’s surface in golden hues as you learn basic paddle techniques. Take a mid-morning break for a lakeside picnic featuring bagels and fresh fruit.

Go on a guided kayaking tour down the lake’s inlet, exploring hidden coves and wildlife habitats. Pack a lunch in a dry bag and stop at a secluded beach to swim and sunbathe. Try fishing off the dock after lunch, aiming to catch bass or bluegill before heading back.

Dine at a lakeside lodge restaurant known for its wood-fired grill and handcrafted cocktails. Enjoy live jazz music on the outdoor patio as you watch the lake glow at sunset. Cap the night with s’mores by a communal bonfire and stories from fellow travelers.

Start your day with a gentle yoga session in a vineyard overlooking rolling hills. Sip herbal tea from local farms as you stretch beneath the morning sun. After class, savor a fresh fruit smoothie in the winery’s tasting room.

Embark on a guided tour of the region's boutique wineries, sampling award-winning Rieslings and hearty reds. Learn about grape growing and wine-making techniques from passionate vintners in intimate settings. Enjoy a gourmet lunch at a vineyard restaurant, pairing each course with wines.

Relax with a spa treatment at a countryside resort, choosing from massage, facial, or aromatherapy wrap. Retreat to a peaceful terrace for sunset views and a final glass of bubbly. Unwind in a hot tub under the stars before turning in for a restful night.