Maybe you’ve never considered betting on a small town like York, Pennsylvania. You’ve been told winning is about playing big and going all in. In solo travel terms, especially in luxury, that’s often big city lights, crowded streets, and busy highways. But solo travelers do it differently, don’t we? We play by our own rules and search for the energy of places and paths less traveled. After learning about the opportunity to visit York with the International Food, Wine, Travel Write’s Association and reading about this hidden gem, I remembered I’m a betting woman. I was all in, and as soon as I placed my wager, I knew I had hit the solo travel jackpot now in York, Pennsylvania.
Small City, Big Win
So what does winning the solo travel jackpot look like beyond York Peppermint Patties? Although the iconic mint chocolate is well-known, this city offers much more. There’s elegance, art, and history. York acted as the nation’s first Capital. The first coal-burning locomotive was built in York in 1832. Stauffer Biscuit Company created the famous animal cracker in York in 1871. Bob Hoffman, the “Father of World Weightlifting,” established the York Barbell Company in 1932.
There’s a lot this gem of a town offers: food, craft beer, scenic views, and nature, to name a few. York has immense charm, and I’ve officially struck it big.
Heritage Hills Resort
But first, before relishing in all of the food and fun York, Pa has to offer, a beautiful resort awaits my arrival. Entering the enchanting Heritage Hills Resort, I feel immediate relaxation. This premier, full-service resort offers a challenging 18-hole golf experience on a picturesque course, meeting and celebration venues, a relaxing spa and salon, and various unique dining experiences. This is my kind of luxury. It’s the type of resort that’s a prize in itself. You don’t even have to leave because it offers so much. But I have a full itinerary of activities for this trip, so I’ll soak up what I can in between; literally, my room has a jacuzzi tub. Cha-ching indeed.
Lunch Loot
I don’t know about you, but winning makes me hungry. After touring the Heritage Hills Resort, it’s time to refuel at First Post. First Post is a New American-style restaurant featuring American cuisine, fine drinks, and a local early 1900s pub atmosphere. It’s not only adorable and charming inside, but they have one of my favorite dishes on the menu, brussels sprouts. That may not sound very luxurious, but I can’t help it. I love them. Fried to perfection, on that first bite, I taste crispy smoked bacon, feta, bread & butter pickles, roasted peanuts, and Nashville hot honey. These are not your momma’s brussels sprouts.
Charcuterie Cornucopia
Once I devoured Brussels, I felt satiated and content with the trip so far. But would you believe there’s more? Yup, the winnings keep coming, and the next stop is the charcuterie board-making class at Nature’s Platter. I’m not sure what to expect, but that’s part of what makes discovering new destinations and activities such a treasure. You get to enjoy the newness of this fresh experience.
Marie Fisher’s charcuterie board-making is a different experience altogether. You don’t just put some meats and cheeses on a board. Nature’s Platter is a unique charcuterie board shop where Marie creates stunning works of art onsite using local and exotic wood of all shapes and sizes, ranging from six inches to seven feet and beyond. At first, I see this blank canvas and have no idea what to make of it then, with some guidance from Marie (and champagne), my partner and I were able to make something quite beautiful, displaying local ingredients.
After crafting my first board, I enjoyed the fruits of my labor. Making charcuterie boards wouldn’t usually be on my list of activities I would like, but I’m so glad I did. Getting out of my comfort zone for this turned out to be a beautiful and delicious treat. You can see and feel the passion Marie has for her work. She takes it up a notch with her woodworking and the beauty and uniqueness she finds in every piece. No two are the same. If you think she’s having them made, think again. She’s back there, sawing and hacking away to make the most beautiful, unique boards.
Beer Tour Bonanza
Once the charcuterie experience ends, I can’t imagine what more York can offer me; this is only day one, but that happens when you hit the jackpot. After charcuterie comes craft beer.
The Ultimate Craft Beer Experience is just that. Founder Glenn pulls up in a yellow bus called the Brew Bus, and we’re off on the York County Ale Trail to learn about the amazing York County craft beer scene, which features 27 independent craft breweries. Glenn is enthusiastic about teaching people how to taste beer properly and is eager to walk his guests through brewing the perfect ale. That kind of excitement keeps your attention. While I am usually drawn to wine, this is a first- learning how to taste beer properly gave me a new appreciation for it. The Ale Trail is an up-leveled and enjoyable experience whether you’re an aficionado or a novice like myself.
Art Abound
In addition to beer tasting, The York County Ale Trail offers a special bonus prize. When driving from brewery to brewery, you’ll pass through the town, where you can see the art that adorns the buildings around the city.
Wyndridge Farm
Following the surprise art tour, the brew bus makes its final stop today at Wyndridge Farm, where we enjoy an experience made from scratch. The Wyndridge Farm team are experts in the hard cider and craft soda scene. Touring the extensive facility, you learn what goes into making some of the most delicious beverages on the market. Following the tour, I delighted in the cider flight. The different flavors made each unique and delicious. I also enjoyed a pizza with ingredients sourced from local farms.
Hotel Haven
Finally, post-brew bash, the brew bus drops guests off at the hotel. It’s 9 pm by the time I get back to my room. At the end of day one, and after 12 hours of experiencing this incredible windfall for solo travelers, I’m exhausted. I have explored so much and am ready to get in my comfy king-sized bed. Tomorrow, my good fortune continues. There’s more to explore in York, PA, and I’m excited to share the wealth.
**Note: As a travel writer, I was hosted by Explore York. All opinions are my own.**
