Hanover Dutch Festival

Summer is in full swing, and you're invited to spend the warmer days exploring York County.

Whether it's enjoying music at a peaceful winery, enjoying annual July 4 fireworks or soaking up the best of small-town festivals, a summertime getaway is closer than you think in York, PA.

Discover downtown Hanover during Dutch Festival

A family-friendly festival returns July 30 when the 33rd Annual Dutch Festival takes over downtown Hanover, a charming borough just half an hour east of Gettysburg.

Celebrating Hanover's German roots, the Dutch Festival offers something for the whole family, with more than 300 craft and food vendors, authentic German entertainment and even a classic car show and kids carnival.

While you're downtown, make sure to check out Hanover's rich offering of craft breweries. Several stops on the Susquehanna Ale Trail can be found within walking distance of each other, making it easy to knock off a few stops on your passport.

Relive the past at Civil War Weekend

History and train buffs alike won't want to miss the inaugural Civil War Weekend at Steam Into History in New Freedom, another of York's quaint small towns.

Travel back to the early 1860s as they experience living history, encampments, battle re-enactments and more during this three-day event bringing the past to life.

Transportation will be the William H. Simpson #17, an impressive replica of a Civil War-era steam locomotive. Hop aboard and enjoy riding along the same rails that President Lincoln traveled on his way to deliver the Gettysburg Address. You'll chug your way to a Victorian Ball and sit down with lunch with General and Mrs. Lee at the Glen Rock Mill Inn, an old sawmill that's found a second life as one of the area's best fining dining restaurants.

If you're looking for a place to stay, the locomotive passes right by the Jackson House Bed & Breakfast in the aptly named Borough of Railroad. Built in the 1859 along the Northern Central Railroad, the B&B offers charming rooms with private baths - and a great location along the York County Heritage Rail Trail

Sip on summer along the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail

If you're thinking of doing a little wine tasting excursion this summer you'll find a slew of release parties, summer concerts, events and even trolley rides on the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail. The fun will complement the wine at every stop.

Enjoy tastings from Logan's View Winery for a good cause during the Woof & Wine event at Brown's Orchard and Farm Markets on July 9. You'll meet adoptable shelter dogs that will steal your heart, all while sipping on some of York County's favorite wines.

While you're there, make time to explore Brown's, where you'll find the best of summer's harvest, including in-season local peaches and blueberries.

Strawberry lovers could head to The Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey for Straws & Stripes, a summer release party that honors the armed forces. The winery will also celebrate the release of strawberry wine, beer and ciders and feature a food village offering strawberry delights.  

For a classic summertime experience, pack a picnic and visit Reid's Orchard & Winery for Music in the Valley, or scoot across the Mason-Dixon Line and enjoy live music at the Harford Vineyard & Winery or DeJon Vineyard.  

That's just a taste of all the happenings on the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail, where you'll find great wine and great times all summer long.

Take in some fireworks

July wouldn't be complete without fireworks for the Fourth of July.

Celebrate our country's independence at John Wright Restaurant, where you can watch fireworks light up the sky over the Susquehanna River as you enjoy picnic-style food and everything from folk to classic rock from Copper Sky.

Or, head to the ballpark for July4York. Enjoy food, inflatable and lawn games at PeoplesBank Park, home of the York Revolution Atlantic League baseball team, before taking in fireworks to celebrate July Fourth.