Story Ideas

Your Story Begins in York County, PA!

To inspire your next travel writing adventure, we've pulled together a variety of innovative story ideas. From historical features to family fun, downtown excitement or a wine trail adventure, there are plenty of stories to be told in York County!

Download a PDF one-sheeter here for some great inspiration. 

HAVE IT MADE HERE
Go behind the scenes and find out why you can have it made in York County! First and foremost, this is where you can witness the legends in the making with a tour of Harley-Davidson Motor Company's largest vehicle operations. (Note: Tours were paused during Covid but are anticipated to resume in 2023.) Continue your factory tours as you go behind the scenes to see and taste your favorite snacks coming off the lines at some of the most well-known snack companies in the country -- Snyder's of Hanover and Martin's Snacks -- and also discover where American artisanship is alive and well at Bluett Bros. Violins, Sunrise Soap Company and more! 

AMERICA'S FIRST CAPITAL CITY -- AND IT'S NOT PHILADELPHIA
Long before modern factories roared to life, the United States itself was made here in America's first capital city -- York, PA. Founded in 1741, York soon hosted a Continental Congress on the run from British troops and it was here in 1777 the Founding Fathers ratified the Articles of Confederation forming the "United States of America." Downtown's Colonial Complex is dedicated to this era of York's rich history, which goes on to include roles in the Civil War, Industrial Revolution, World War II, and the American artisanship resurgence seen today at the city's Sunrise Soap Company.

FARM TO FORK & TASTING TRAILS FOR CONNOISSEURS OF EVERY FLAVOR
The Mason-Dixon Wine Trail is the Mid-Atlantic's Premier Year-Round Wine Destination and has been joined more recently by the Susquehanna Ale Trail and Keystone Craft Spirits Trail, forming the Good Libations Trails, complete with a year-round digital passport program for visitors. Several stops along the trail are in the Hanover area of York County -- home of one of America's best-known snack food names, Snyder's of Hanover. What could make beer and pretzels even better? Add explorations of authentic farmers markets and restaurants across the region showcasing nearly 300 years of agrarian tradition.

EXPLORE PA'S TOP-RANKED TRAIL -- THE YORK COUNTY HERITAGE RAIL TRAIL
Looking for the next great outdoor getaway adventure? Come and bike PA's 2015 Trail of the Year, the York County Heritage Rail Trail, stretching from the Mason-Dixon Line (or farther south if combined with Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail) to historic Downtown York and north to Rudy Park. Discover a boutique winery, working Civil War-replica locomotive attraction, the iconic Howard Tunnel and more along the way.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVERLANDS -- MID-ATLANTIC WILDERNESS OASIS
The Lower Susquehanna River Region is home to one of the most picturesque-yet-accessible paddling venues in America. Just north of the Interstate 95 corridor and the Chesapeake Bay, a trip to this section of the Susquehanna quickly transports you to a wilderness oasis with seemingly endless, glassy flat water reflecting the images of bald eagles flying overhead and the lush green hues of tree-lined shores. Discover the Audubon Society-designated important bird area called the Conejohela Flats and petroglyphs created by our region's first inhabitants or lace up your boots for backcountry treks on nationally recognized trails.

HEART OF HANOVER TRAILS

Walk the steps of history to learn about the Battle of Hanover and other compelling stories that unfolded in Hanover, in southwestern York County. Each storyboard was carefully created to feel history first-hand through others’ experiences through many eras, including the Civil War. Downtown Hanover is full of unique eats, exciting retail, and libations for all palettes.