Escape this month to where you can experience bald eagles soaring majestically and glimpse ancient petroglyphs while kayaking on some of the most expansive and beautiful paddling waters you'll find anywhere.
The Susquehanna Riverlands in eastern York County is a wilderness retreat awaiting your discovery, surprisingly not far from major Mid-Atlantic interstates: I-83, I-81, the Pennsylvania Turnpike and even I-95.
Once you get here in almost no time at all, there's no better place to start than Shank's Mare Outfitters, which offers kayak rentals, guide services and more right along the riverfront.
Kayak Demo Weekend is May 9-10 and is the Shank's Mare kickoff event for the paddling season.
On-the-water test paddles will be available, various water crafts will be on display, and the experienced staff at Shank's Mare will be available to chat and help you find the right kayak for you. Maybe even bring mom for Mother's Day and discover a new and beautiful way to spend quality time together?
Shank's Mare will also be at the campfire sharing knowledge later in the month at York County's Indian Steps Museum, where you can learn all about the sport of Kayak Fishing on May 22.
In addition to hosting engaging events, Indian Steps is home to more than 10,000 artifacts all telling stories of Indian inhabitants in the New World.
Make this your getaway weekend, and then stay for the museum's Artifact Identification Day on May 24.
Speaking of sites dedicated to the region's history, make sure you stop in with the Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Area and experience the Zimmerman Center for Heritage.
One of the best places to get your picture taken throughout the Susquehanna Riverlands is at the center's new riverside pavilion and dock overlooking beautiful Lake Clarke.
Whenever you come for your getaway weekend, simplify your planning by exploring the many themed lodging packages offered at hotels and bed and breakfasts not far from the Susquehanna Riverlands in eastern York County. Pair your escape with wine, golf and more!
Perfect for a Susquehanna Riverlands getaway is the John Wright special offer from the Hampton Inn - York that includes a $40 gift card to the waterfront John Wright Restaurant. An incredible view from your table at John Wright is just the beginning of the farm-fresh dining experience you'll get from this culinary destination.
If camping is more to your liking, Otter Creek Campground has 89 water-electric campsites, a boat launch, hiking trails and more bordering Otter Creek and the Susquehanna River.
The Susquehanna Riverlands even offers engaging entertainment if it rains, thanks to Columbia's Turkey Hill Experience and the National Watch & Clock Museum, which is featuring On the Clock: Changing the Industrialized World.
Learn how the modern work day came to be while you're mercifully removed from the rat race.
And when the rains clear, squeeze in one more experience on the water - which is more than possible since home isn't that far away from York County, PA!