Instagram-Worthy Experiences in York County, PA

Ruins Hall, an old furniture factory turned popular event venue, is unlike anything you’ve seen before. The previously abandoned concrete structure is now a fiercely protected spot for a range of experiences from live concerts and car shows to artist exhibitions and festivals. While the events are all amazing, a visit to check out and photograph the remarkable street art (which makes the perfect backdrop) is worth the trip.

Built in the early 20^th century and located in the heart of York City, the newly renovated Yorktowne Hotel is recognized for its grandeur, rich history and artwork. Whether visiting for an evening or planning an extended stay, you can browse and capture photographs of the remarkable artwork displayed throughout the 14-story building. Created by 12, locally-commissioned artists, each piece is unique and made using a variety of materials including glass, fiber and acrylic to name a few.

Just as beautiful as the artwork is the stunning view of York City, which can be seen from the Graham Rooftop Lounge. Grab a drink and bite to eat while snapping shots of the sun setting over the local landscape – who doesn’t love a good golden hour pic?

This Miami-inspired indoor-outdoor bar serves up creative cocktails and shareable plates alongside a full lineup of art and entertainment. Covered in hand-painted murals, the vibrant outside courtyard is fun to explore and offers many photo opportunities that will be sure to have your followers double tapping. Stop in for happy hour, grab lunch or dinner, hang out and enjoy the great vibe and see what shots you’re able to capture. We promise you won’t be disappointed by adding this must-experience stop to your travel plans.

Climb aboard an authentic replica 1860s steam locomotive (which is picture-worthy itself) and travel back in time as you ride along the very route that carried noteworthy presidents and generals and helped shape our nation. Along the way, you’ll travel through wooded areas and pass overlooks which offer bright, scenic views in the spring and summer when vegetation is in full bloom as well as fall foliage and snow-covered trees later in the year. Plan a visit during your favorite season and capture views unlike anything you’ve seen before!

York County, PA boasts wonderful wineries and vineyards that offer spectacular 360-degree view just about any time of day. Grab your significant other, friend or family member and enjoy a relaxing day sipping on the area’s finest wines while capturing Instagram-worthy photos of your experience! Be sure to add the following wineries to your travel plans.

Allegro Winery – Located in Stewartstown, PA, Allegro Winery offers locally-crafted wine, slushies and beer. On the weekends during peak season (May through September), live music and food trucks are available for entertainment and small bites.

Balla Cloiche Vineyards – Looking for a peaceful, rustic setting where you can sit back, relax and sip on wine? Balla Cloiche Vineyards, located in Stewartstown, PA, is a family-owned vineyard with a tasting room nestled at the bottom of a hill. Come experience the many cozy areas that can be found around every corner of this vineyard.

Maple Lawn Winery – Escape to the countryside with a visit to Maple Lawn Winery and Cider House located in New Park, PA. Breath in the fresh air and sip on fruit-flavored wines crafted onsite. While there, be sure to explore the stunning farm, orchards and tasting room.

Thunder Ridge Vineyards – Thunder Ridge Vineyards, located in Spring Grove, PA, offers a small, boutique-style experience on a quaint property. Enjoy outside seating with serene views of the vineyard. Be sure to try one of their tasty, brick oven pizzas that pair well with any wine!

Get your hands clean as you dig in and make your own body care products at Sunrise Soap Company. The Creation Station in downtown York, PA teaches visitors how to whip up their own soaps, bath bombs, lotions, lip balms and so much more. A variety of molds, essential oils and scents as well as glitters and other decorative items are available so you can make a creation that is perfect for you! Explore your creative side, make a body care item to take home and snap several action shots while you’re at it.

See talented performers in action at The Appell Center for the Performing Arts. From live shows and musical events to movie showings and interactive workshops, entertainment can be discovered in downtown York, PA. For the upcoming event schedule, click here.

Walk, run, bike or saddle up your horse to explore the nearly 30-mile Heritage Rail Trail. Stretching across York County and running through some of the most charming towns, the Heritage Rail Trail is home to a number of historic sites, including the Howard Tunnel. The 185-year-old, 370-foot landmark is the oldest continuously operational railroad tunnel in the world. That’s not something you get to photograph and post about on social media every day!

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you visit this meticulously preserved four-building complex in the heart of York. Discover York’s critical role in Revolutionary War history and get a glimpse at what everyday life was like during the 18^th century. From the home of upper class American General Horatio Gates to the Colonial Courthouse that preserves the period when the Second Continental Congress worked in York and adopted the Articles of Confederation, you can explore a range of exhibits, see reenactors in period demonstrations and participate in hands-on activities, including getting your photo taken in the wooden stocks outside the courthouse.

Sharing a photo of your Airbnb that is shaped like a work boot would surely be a “shoe-in” to get some likes! Built in 1949, the 48-foot-long, 25-foot-high and 17-foot-wide Haines Shoe House is a staple in York County, PA. Recently renovated into an Airbnb, the guest house features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a living room, kitchen, recreation room, hot tub and outdoor fireplace.