York, Pennsylvania -  Factory Tour Capital of the World
By: Diane Macklin

Escape on a fun, yet educational road trip, not too far away a visit to York County, Pennsylvania will be long remembered. We stayed at the award winning Jackson House Bed and Breakfast, outside York in Railroad, PA. Located on the Heritage Trail, the house dates back to 1859, and the owners, Jean and George Becker treat you like family. With a well stocked fridge filled with cold beverages, including soda, wine and beer, you feel right at home. The delectable breakfast featured a myriad of items including homemade French toast (the best I ever had), scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage roll, potatoes, fresh fruit and more. Let's just say, you won't go hungry. The four bedrooms are each decorated in their own special way and the beds rock you to sleep, so comfortable. Jackson House is perfect for a couples get-away, relax in the beautiful gardens in the backyard, then take a dip in the hot tub. (Jacksonhousebandb.com)

After breakfast, head out for a day of factory tours. Martin's Potato Chip Factory (martinschips.com), located in Thomasville, is the perfect place to start. You will watch as potatoes are cleaned, peeled, cut and cooked, right before your eyes. There are two types: Kettle and Country Style. The best part? Taste them hot off the line! Martin's makes about 35,000 pounds a day and tours are available Mondays and Tuesdays. Please call in advance to arrange your tour.


Next, head to Wolfgang Candy Company, voted one of the top 5 tastiest tours by the Food Network. As soon as you enter the factory, the smell of chocolate permeates the air. Bob Wolfgang lead our tour and told us how his grandparents started the company in 1921. We saw butter creams being coated in delectable milk chocolate. Some of the newest products include chocolate covered blueberries and raspberries. Some independent markets carry Wolfgang Candies, but most are sold through fundraising programs.( WolfgangCandy.com.)

Stop for lunch in downtown York at The Harp and Fiddle. A cozy, Irish pub, offers a wide selection of beers, wines and of course, Irish food. I enjoyed the Corned Beef and Cabbage. The Shepherd's Pie at the next table looked amazing! (theharpandfiddle.com)

After lunch, save room for dessert and head to Hope Acres Robotic Dairy Farm, in Brogue, and sample their homemade ice cream. Raspberry was our favorite. Take the factory tour and watch pampered cows that actually sleep on waterbeds and have back scratchers! (hopeacres.com)

A visit to the Family Heirloom Weavers in Red Lion will give you a real appreciation for the art of weaving. Personalized jacquard covers, runners, carpets and reproductions of 19th century goods are created here. They have also created costumes for many Hollywood movies including, Cold Mountain and Gods and Generals. (familyheirloomweavers.com)

Time to return to the Jackson House, enjoy a late afternoon glass of wine and get ready to head out for dinner at The Commonwealth Room, a 4-Diamond restaurant at the Yorktowne Hotel. Executive Chef Mark Pawlowski, offers up a first rate menu, including items such as Fresh Floridian Strawberry Grouper with a Tropical Fruit Salsa, Oven Roasted Quail and Pan Seared Lamb Loin. Begin your meal with the Tomato Bisque or the Yorktown House Salad served with a Cabernet Sauvignon Vinaigrette. There is a fabulous wine menu with several selected wines by the glass. (Yorktowne.com)

If you have an extra day, you don't want to miss the Wilton Armetale Tour in Mount Joy. We were lucky enough to have a personal tour by John Wilton. His family began Wilton in 1892. We watched the process of sand molds filled with molten Armetale metal, then cooled and hand-finished. I own many Wilton pieces and found this tour extremely informative. There is an on-premise discounted store and tours should be scheduled in advance. (armetale.com)

Enjoy lunch before heading home at Bube's Brewery, the only in-tact Pre-Prohibition brewery left in the United States. Be sure to check out the underground catacombs. (bubesbrewery.com)

If it is a nice day, you may choose to eat outdoors by the Susquehanna River at John Wright Restaurant in Wrightsville. Inexpensive dining with a lovely view. (jwright.com)

Visit www.YorkPA.org for further information on places to stay, tours and restaurants.