The state has more to offer history buffs than Gettysburg and Philadelphia.
American chronicle partisan — or anyone who remembers even a picayune bit of their high school story classes — will already know about Pennsylvania ’s most renowned historical finish , like Gettysburg and Philadelphia . But the land ’s role in the founding of the country run beyond those two well - know cities . In fact , the first placethat “ the United States of America ” was ever uttered was neither of those popular destinations , but alternatively the modest metropolis of York , located in southeast Pennsylvania . Indeed , York has quite the résumé : It wait on as the majuscule of the US for nine months during the Revolutionary War and was the city where the fresh Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation .
That storied history has carried through to the present Clarence Day . Today , York is a thriving , vibrant town with unique museums , historical architecture , and popular mainstay include farmer markets , parks , and prowess gallery . ( It also has far few tourer than Gettysburg and Philadelphia . ) Whether you ’re interested in American account or just require to search a new community , it ’s well deserving a visit . Read on for what to do in the undersung Pennsylvania city .
Explore York’s history
The first stop on any sojourn to York should be theHistorical Society Museum . The building itself is historical : Originally constructed as a car franchise over 100 years ago , the foyer still has the original saleroom roofing tile floor and wide entrance hall . Inside , you ’ll come up hunky-dory art from the early American and Civil War menstruum , a genealogy inquiry library , and immersive exhibits like “ Street of Shops , ” about the crafts and businesses in York during the early 1800s . After getting an introduction to York ’s chronicle there , stop by theColonial Complexfor four must - see attractor in one . Open April through mid - November , the complex pop the question take tours of four different historical construction , including the reconstructed colonial courthouse , the General Horatio Gates House , the Barnett Bobb Log House , and the Golden Plough Tavern , built in 1741 and consider to be the Old existing structure in York .
Other must - see museums in York include theAgricultural and Industrial Museumand the Goodridge Freedom Center . The two - chronicle Agricultural and Industrial Museum , housed in a former factory complex , offers engaging , hands - on display for visitant of all ages : Guests can step into a trolley car from 1916 , consider a working grist manufactory , and employ rotary phones operated by a thirties switchboard . TheGoodridge Freedom Center and Underground Railroad Museumis home to exhibits on businessman and emancipationist William C. Goodridge , a Black entrepreneur in York who used his personal and commercial belongings as stations on the Underground Railroad .
Sample local food and drink
In between all of that history , there ’s also plenty to eat in York . Central Market , housed in a 125 - year - previous building , is a great topographic point to grab a bite , but it ’s much more than a farmers food market . In recent year , it has also become a community assemblage place , featuring springy medicine , activeness for tike , and seat for eating and socialising . With over 50 trafficker , visitors can wander through the market and purchase product including locally grown flowers , bring out and meats , baked commodity , and artisan crafts . It ’s well worth a sojourn if you ’re in York during one of the so - called “ Market Days ” : Tuesdays , Thursdays , Saturdays , and the first Friday of every month . If your cravings list more toward grownup beverage , York and the area ring the metropolis are also home to a large act of vineyards , all part of theMason - Dixon Wine Trailthat run through southeast Pennsylvania .
See historical architecture
Part of York ’s unique appealingness are the historic buildings dotted all over the metropolis . Many are home to everyday businesses , like theMartin Library , one of the local library leg . The Martin Library houses three levels of book of account and community gathering space , all in a landmark compound - trend structure build in 1935 . Another landmark isThe Yorktowne Hotel , Tapestry Collection by Hilton : Often considered the “ foundation of York , ” the construction dates back to 1925 and has act host to several notable Guest throughout its storied story , including Ella Fitzgerald , Frank Sinatra , and Eleanor Roosevelt . The hotel retains many of the building ’s original feature , including preserve terrazzo flooring , a dramatic mural above the front desk by twentieth - century painter Cornelius Hicks , and alone Cutler postbox slide . ( It ’s also home to the stunning Wellspan Ballroom , a magnificent issue space that can host over 400 people . ) However , the Yorktowne Hotel has also added modern signature that nod to the hotel ’s home in present day House of York : While meander the Charles Francis Hall , you ’ll find art by local contemporary artists on the wall , and all of the suite contain updated , modern amenity . The hotel also offers dining in rarefied surroundings that will prompt you of the metropolis ’s past times : The Davidson Lobby Bar dish up drink and small plateful , while the Graham Rooftop Lounge offers cocktails paired with views of York .
Just like the Yorktowne Hotel , the city of York go its past tense and its present to create a bustling community full of acculturation and history . If you ’re ready to make York your next travel destination , book your stayhere .
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The Agricultural and Industrial Museum.|Courtesy of York Historical Society.
The Yorktowne Hotel.|Courtesy of The Yorktowne Hotel.
