Who says the great outdoors and a glass of vino (or beer, or spirits) don’t go together? The next time you’re looking for a bit of adventure, check out one of our pairing suggestions in the Hershey Harrisburg Region:
Wildlife & Wine
Escape with a short drive north of Harrisburg to Lake Tobias Wildlife Park in the quiet countryside of Halifax. Over 500 wild animals can be seen on 150 acres of beautiful woodlands and pastures by way of special safari cruisers. The open-air vehicles allow for an up-close and personal 45-minute encounter with some of the free-roaming wildlife from six continents. After a ride through the rolling hills, the petting zoo at the park is a great opportunity for visitors to interact with animals of all sizes, from pygmy goats to camels. The reptile facility, in operation since 2011, provides educational presentations daily. This family experience has been around over 50 years and continues to be a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. 760 Tobias Rd., Halifax, (717) 362-9126
The excitement of a safari can work up a thirst, so while you’re in Halifax, make time to stop by Armstrong Valley Winery. With a little over 11 acres of vineyard, the winery has a great range of dry to sweet wines with a warm and helpful staff. Relax while sitting in the courtyard or touring the vines on the historic farmland. 212 Rutter Rd., Halifax, (717) 896-7700
Cross the Susquehanna and continue north to The Winery at Hunters Valley, overlooking the river in Liverpool. There is something for everyone here, with a full calendar of events including live music and fabulous food. 3 Orchard Rd., Liverpool, (717) 444-7211
Heading back south through Perry County, Buddy Boy Winery and Vineyard is a perfect spot to try some award-winning wines from Duncannon natives. This former family apple orchard was transitioned to a vineyard over the planting seasons of 2010 and 2011 and celebrated the opening of the winery in 2011. Since then it has grown to become the talk of the town. 111 Barnett Dr., Duncannon, (717) 834-5606
If you find yourself driving through Newport, pay a visit to Bucks Valley Winery and Vineyard for great quality wines and delicious brick oven recipes. Nestled in breathtaking scenery, the winery makes for a perfect pit stop to unwind and enjoy the company of friends. Tours of the facility are a great way to learn more about the history and winemaking process. Learn more about music and more fun events at the winery on its online calendar. 333 Meadow Grove Rd., Newport, (717) 204-7508
A little closer to the city yet tucked away in an open farm setting sits Spring Gate Vineyard, where you can hide from the bustle of the urban life and get a taste of local flavors. Not only will the wine satisfy with great variety, but a range of food vendors are always on-site serving up fare for all appetites, with choices from cupcakes to BBQ. As the recent recipient of the Tourism Award for Excellence in Programming from the Hershey Harrisburg Region, Spring Gate Vineyard delivers good times with a neighborhood feel. Cider-lovers can enjoy a special happy hour on Fridays, when 64-oz. growlers are priced at just $4. 5790 Devonshire Rd., Harrisburg, (717) 884-8048
Cassel Vineyards is a great spot to wrap up your wine and wildlife tour. Just west of Hershey, this family farm has been around for five generations. The winery, licensed in 2009, is just one of the many facets of this piece of land, where you can gaze on free-roaming peacocks and mares in the pasture. Sign up for a Sunday open mic night in June, or just stop by for some peace and quiet. 80 Shetland Dr., Hummelstown, (717) 533-2008
Butterflies & Beer
Listen to the calming waters and walk among the lush oasis to hunt for the beautiful butterflies in the Butterfly Atrium at Milton and Catherine Hershey Conservatory at Hershey Gardens. As one of only 25 indoor tropical butterfly atriums in the country, you will be a welcome guest all year long in the home of dozens of rare butterflies from around the world. Outside, take in the seasonal beauty of the grounds full of blooming botanicals and themed gardens, including a Japanese Garden complete with a reflecting pond and giant sequoias. Let your sense of smell guide you through the odiferous Herb Garden, home to culinary and medicinal plant life. When it’s time for a little whimsy, head to the Children’s Garden for hands-on activities for little explorers, which will help them uncover the mysteries of plant life. 170 Hotel Rd., Hershey, (717) 534-3492
When you’re done strolling through the gardens, take a tour of area brewing companies. A quick trip through Hershey will lead you to Tröegs Independent Brewing, where the new summer seasonal, Crimson Pistil, will treat your tastebuds to a bit of tropical tang. Peruse the entire list of rotating brews for seasonal options and their popular Scratch Series always on tap. Be sure to schedule a tour of the brewery beginning in the Splinter Room and behold the 20 foot “foeders” used to wood-age these crafted brews with Italian, Hungarian and French oak. Foodies will also find a satisfying farm to table experience at the snack bar’s full menu. 200 E. Hersheypark Dr., Hershey, (717) 534-1297
Another stop not far down the road is The Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey, where you can relax and take in views of a natural spring pond or tap your toes to live music offerings including Decked Out Live every Friday night in the summer. Check out the upcoming weekend music festival lineups for the next girls’ night out. The brewery, which began as a fun idea among friends, also includes an on-site winery, making it an all-in-one spot to enjoy crafted beers, wines and even ciders. 598 Schoolhouse Rd., Middletown, (717) 944-1569
Continue your brewery tour and make your way over to Middletown for the new Tattered Flag Brewery and Still Works, a veteran-owned multi-functional facility that received the Tourism Award for Best New Business in 2016. A pub-style menu and well-rounded brew selection mean that everyone in your group will find something to suit their palates. 1 S. Union St., Middletown, (717) 616-8799
The Hershey Harrisburg Craft Beer Country continues into the city of Harrisburg. Celebrate local brewmasters by visiting new favorite Millworks. Located in the trendy Midtown District, Millworks serves a wide range of in-house brews and other regionally sourced beers and spirits, all paired perfectly with a seasonal menu that takes advantage of the constant supply of local ingredients from vendors at the historic Broad Street Farmers’ Market next door. Allow for time to visit the more than 30 artist galleries on site throughout the three-story complex. Take in a view of the surrounding city on the rooftop Biergarten, the largest outdoor and rooftop seating in the city. 340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg, (717) 695-4888
ZeroDay Brewing Company, attached to the Midtown Cinema and just down the street from Millworks, is another hot spot for sampling brews in the city. The crowd-funding campaign made reality serves a variety of brews with catchy names, including Cherishburg, a pale ale inspired by Harrisburg, and Grain BANG!, a collaboration with local malthouse Deer Creek. Head into ZeroDay to pick up a can or two, and stop by next door to Midtown Cinema for a feature indy film. 250 Reily St., Suite 103, Harrisburg, (717) 745-6218
Dragonflies & Distilleries
Explore the hiking trails around Wildwood Lake in Harrisburg and take advantage of some great all-natural photo opportunities. The dragonflies have arrived at the lake for the season, adding to an already active wetland scene that is home to ducks, turtles, birds and many other creatures. Best of all, it is completely free. As part of the 20 mile loop Capital Greenbelt bike trail, this is a great place to set out and start the day. Check out events at the lake for young and old alike. 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, (717) 221-0292
After a day spent capturing the perfect photo or biking through the hidden trails of the city, find your way to Midstate Distillery about 10 minutes away and adjacent to the PA Farm Show Complex and Expo Center. Saturday afternoons feature free spirits tastings, when you can sip Iron and Ice vodka, which gives a nod to the historic Harrisburg bridge swept away in the flood of 1996. Made from distilled corn, this gluten-free spirit has a smooth, clean taste. If moonshine is more your style, try Pennsyltucky Moonshine, a corn-based spirit with a hint of rye, available in 80 or 140 proof. Be sure to pick up a bottle to take home! 1817 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, (717) 745-4050
- Photos: VisitHersheyHarrisburg.org
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