Known as the White Rose City, York, Pennsylvania, played an important role in America’s early history, serving as the first U.S. capital as well as the birthplace of the Articles of Confederation. Visitors will discover this rich past as they explore important local sites such as the York Colonial Courthouse, where the Founding Fathers first united the American Colonies in rejection of British rule, and the historic Hanover Junction Railroad Station, where President Abraham Lincoln stopped along his way to give the famous Gettysburg Address.
A railroad company called Steam Into History offers a two-and-half-hour train excursion aboard an 1860s replica steam locomotive, helping groups envision everyday travel during the Civil War era as they ride down the track on which Lincoln traveled.
“When people come to York, they don’t know what to expect, but often they’re surprised by how much there is to do,” said Patrick Bourque, sales manager at the York County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Today, York carries on its patriotic heritage as the home of 15 American manufacturing companies, including Hershey’s Chocolate World and the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Travelers come to York County from across the country to tour these unusual facilities and visit the wide selection of wineries and breweries in the region. The Mason-Dixon Wine Trail stops at local highlights such as the award-winning Naylor Wine Cellars and the Moon Dancer Winery, Ciderhouse and Taproom, which overlooks the Susquehanna River from a beautiful hillside.
York is conveniently located 30 minutes from Harrisburg International Airport and an hour from Baltimore-Washington International Airport. It is also easily accessed from major surrounding destinations such as Philadelphia, New York City and Washington, D.C.
Primary Meeting Facilities
On the York County Fair Grounds, the York Expo Center includes a 114,000-square-foot arena, a 58,000-square-foot exhibition hall, a 22,816-square-foot warehouse-style exhibit space, a 10,000-seat grandstand and several smaller venues. Attendees can reach the event complex within minutes from hotels, restaurants and other major attractions in downtown York. The Wyndam Garden York and Heritage Hills Golf Resort each offer more than 15,000 square feet of meeting space.
Off-Site Venues
The York County History Center offers two beautiful, vintage event venues: a renovated 1920s car dealership and a remodeled 1800s factory building with an expansive reception area and courtyard. Wyndridge Farm, a local craft brewery and restaurant, provides a lovely, rustic aesthetic with event spaces such as a restored barn structure and a private pub room. Valencia Ballroom is a historic event and catering venue from the early 1900s that once hosted esteemed artists like Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman. Catering is available from White Rose Bar and Grill.
Unique Tours
Known as the Factory Tour Capital of the World, York County is home to a variety of major companies that offer guided tours of their facilities, including Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Snyder’s of Hanover Pretzels, Martin’s Potato Chips, Bluett Brothers Violins and the Sunrise Soap Company. During these behind-the-scenes tours, groups can see how some of their favorite American snacks and products are made, from seasoned potato chips to chocolate and motorcycles.
Local Food Scene
The award-winning White Rose Bar and Grill offers delectable menu items such as crab omelets with cheddar cheese, coconut shrimp and Texas toast doused with creamed chipped beef. The Restaurant at Wyndridge Farm features a beautiful outdoor patio, a large stone fireplace and a sweeping view of the surrounding farmland, with fresh offerings like pastrami smoked salmon, chicken pesto pizza and baked seafood mac ’n’ cheese. Housed within an 1850s building, the First Post serves traditional pub fare such as shepherd’s pie, and fish and chips. Tutoni’s Restaurant offers locally sourced Mediterranean cuisine with an elegant dining atmosphere.
York, Pennsylvania
Location: South central Pennsylvania
Access: Harrisburg International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Airport, Interstate 83
Major Meeting Spaces: York Expo Center, Wyndham Garden York, Heritage Hills Golf Resort
Hotel Rooms: 4,000
Off-Site Venues: Valencia Ballroom, York County History Center, Wyndridge Farm
Contact Info:
York County Convention and Visitors Bureau
888-858-9675
www.yorkpa.org
