The owners practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods in order to keep the harvest coming every year. Their farming practices limit the use of pesticides and they monitor each of their crop. This helps them to make wiser decisions about pest control.

Family owned and operated

Since 1948, Brown’s Orchards and Farm Market has transformed greatly. Back in the day, it was a small and simple farm. Today, it is a 29,000-square-foot market and one of the sought-after family destinations in the region. At the very core of the experience of Brown’s Orchards is family values.

It has been owned and operated by Brown family’s three generations. All of them have had a commitment to home-grown stuff. Today, this business is run by Mary Brown, who is the wife of the late Dave Brown.

The Greenhouse

The customers find all of their favorite plants at the Greenhouse, which is open seasonally. The owners offer hanging baskets, custom containers, perennials, annuals, herbs, and vegetable plants. They also provide bird baths, pottery, and statuary. Customers can shop inside the farm market for greater selection of house plants.

School Tours

The school tours provided by Brown’s Orchards are an ideal way to learn about the importance of farming. Students can also learn more about food production and respecting nature. The owners are proud of their gardens, orchards, farm, market and employees.

These school tours give them the opportunity to share their pride with the students. The tours are fun and informative. Students aged 3 to 7 can benefit immensely from these well-organized tours. This is why teachers return year after year with their students to explore more.

Weddings

The budget-friendly wedding package of Brown’s Orchards is, in a way, a reflection of their service. In order to make weddings an event to cherish forever, the staff focuses on the smallest of details. In the orchards, one can find a little bit of magic everywhere when they look around. Be it the early morning mist or the sun shining on the leaves of apple and peach trees at sunset.

Two Sunday Petite Wedding package is also offered at Brown’s Orchards. This is ideal for those who are looking to celebrate with a group of their close friends. The award-winning bakery desserts and Pit BBQ meats are offered on this special occasion. This package brings together the comfort and beauty of natural surroundings and the gifts of harvest.

The catering team at Brown’s Orchards bring excellent food, good friends, and great times together. Brown’s Orchards gives plenty of opportunities to their guests to share their joys.

Gift Baskets

Brown’s Orchard also has an online ordering facility that makes giving gifts and entertaining guests easy. The customers are big fans of the orchard’s gift basket, which is full of fresh seasonal fruit. Besides this, it also includes homemade items coming straight from the bakery.

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1. Take a tour of Hershey’s Chocolate Factory

There came a time when the actual factory tours at Hershey’s Chocolate World were getting a lot of crowds. The popularity of this attraction was the reason behind such overcrowding. So, Hershey’s came up with the idea of building the Great American Chocolate Tour Ride.

Located in a building next to HersheyPark, this tour is ideal for children as well as adults. This Disney-style tour does an excellent job of teaching everyone the making of a chocolate. What could be more better than getting a free chocolate at the end of the tour!

2. Solve a chocolate mystery

The basic premise of this show is helping all those talking Hershey’s candy bars save the factory. The villains here are Victor Von Sour and his No-Bots. Both these evil characters try to destroy the Hershey’s Chocolate Factory. This show is pretty impressive as it incorporates live user interaction.

There are more than a hundred possible scenarios. The staff asks you some friendly questions before the beginning of the show. These questions have a good chance of coming up when the show is in progress. Of all the attractions at Hershey’s Chocolate World, the Great Chocolate Mystery 4D Show is the most kid-friendly.

3. Create your own candy bar

The Create Your Own Candy Bar attraction at Hershey’s Chocolate World is probably one of the most thrilling spots. You’ll get to unleash your creative side as soon as you step into the studio. Here, you can do everything from designing of the wrapper to picking the ingredients for the candy bar. The entire process is digital and there are several options to ensure that you’re successful in finding something delicious.

Once you make use of all your options, proceed to the factory and watch the making of your candy bar. It’s fun to watch the making of your candy bar along the conveyor belt. After the preparation of your candy bar, you’ll get to see the printing of its packaging. Once this is done, you’ll get your candy bar in an attractive metal tin.

4. Experience the chocolate tasting tour

If you want to understand chocolate better, check out the Chocolate Tasting Adventure at Hershey’s Chocolate World. This chocolate tasting tour lasts about 25 minutes. Of course, it guides you through the entire process of the making of a chocolate. Additionally, it also shows you how to taste the chocolate to discover its flavors. This would be quite similar to the wine-tasting or beer-tasting tours.

After learning a great deal about your chocolate, you will receive five pieces of chocolate. You’re required to taste slowly by placing them on your tongue and allowing the piece to melt. You might’ve never done this while eating a chocolate before. The activity would show you how letting the piece melt in your mouth brings out many different flavors. This is especially true in case of darker chocolates.

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A decade later, the district’s population increased to 20,858 people. The educational attainment levels for Southern York County School District’s population were 89.3% high school and 26.5% college graduates. These figures are of individuals who were 25 years of age and over at the time.

Income

A little over 20% of the pupils in the district lived at 185% or below the Federal Poverty level. This was shown by their eligibility in 2012. More specifically by the federal free or reduced price school meal programs. The residents of Southern York County School District had a per capita income of $22,345 in 2009. The median family income stood at nearly $60,500.

The median household income in York County was close to $57,500. In 2010, the median family income was a little over $49,500.

Schools

There are five schools that Southern York County School District operates. They are Shrewsbury Elementary School, Friendship Elementary School, Susquehannock High School, Southern Middle School, and Southern Elementary School. High school students may choose to attend York County School of Technology. Here they can train in mechanical and construction trades,

There are a wide range of services that the district gets from the Lincoln Intermediate Unit IU12. Among them are special education for disabled students and services associated with hearing, speech, and visual disability. The Lincoln Intermediate Unit IU12 also undertakes professional development for staff and faculty.

The Southern York County School District Foundation

Organized in 1997, this foundation provides a means for individuals and businesses to make tax-deductible contributions. They are for projects, supplies, equipment, scholarship, and several other purposes for the benefit of district students. This charitable organization comes under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Internal Revenue Code’s Section 501 (c)(3).

Many projects were pursued during the foundation’s first five years. It also disbursed a few scholarships, but this was not done on a regular basis. They happened more as a reaction to unsolicited donations. In 2001, the Foundation underwent reorganization. This resulted in the addition of new and enthusiastic directors and establishing of liaisons with the district administration.

There was a sense of passion and mission in the new Board. It took a committed approach towards making its presence known in the Southern York County community. As compared to foundations in several other school districts, the Southern York County School District Foundation is multifaceted. This is its unique characteristic, as most of the school district foundations work just to get funds for scholarships.

They do this for the benefit of seniors who are graduating. The Southern York County School District Foundation provides additional opportunities for funds to support all phases of district operations. For its work, the Mid Atlantic Consortium of Educational Foundations awarded this foundation the ‘In Search of Excellence Award’.

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You’ll get some splendid opportunities for factory tours and the chance to indulge in some memorable shopping experiences. The York County has historically served as the first capitol of the United States of America. It was home to the Continental Congress during the late 18th century. Museums located in York County offer glimpses into certain things of the past, such as Native American life.

It is also home to the world-renowned Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Museum. If you’re not a history buff, there are several other things awaiting you. A visit to the state parks would allow you to enjoy a variety of activities. Swimming, hiking, and fishing are some of them. During winter, you can do some ice-skating, skiing, and other recreational stuff.

For shopping enthusiasts, there are attractive bargains in certain places. They’re mostly discount outlets offering products manufactured in York County. These items include woven fabrics, pottery, and wines. You’ll also find antique shops while exploring this county in the state of Pennsylvania. Here are some of the best places you can’t afford to miss:

1. Castle Creek Farm

This beautiful farmland is located in the Dillsburg borough of York County. While getting around in Castle Creek Farm, you’ll see the horses and alpacas roaming the pastures. In some other places, you’ll find chickens moving around. There’s an abundance of green natural surroundings, as far as your eyes can see. Castle Creek Farm is located in the fertile farmland of Central Pennsylvania.

This small business has a countryside setting and is a perfect place to get some farm-fresh herbal products. You can choose from a range of herbal dip mixes that are blended and prepared in the country kitchen. They use their own recipes and the finest herbs in these products.

2. Downtown York

Downtown York is the place where centuries of American history has been preserved brilliantly. Even a simple walk through this part of York County would be an unforgettable experience. There’s much to learn about while getting around downtown York. You’ll get to hear stories of famous immigrants, the Revolutionary War, and the 19th-century farmers.

The intriguing stories of the lives of military heroes, business tycoons, and factory workers would be a bonus. You might even meet some friendly locals during your visit. This area is easily accessible and has abundant parking spaces, broad sidewalks, and helpful signs.

3. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

This property has achieved astonishing growth from what it was in the beginning. The 15-acre adventure destination offers plenty of activities for its visitors. The history of this adventure farm dates back to the early 18th century when the Ferree family were its owners. They came to the Pequea Valley from France to escape religious persecution.

Marie Ferree settled here with her seven children after her husband Daniel died. The farm and surrounding land were passed down through many generations of the Ferree family. Over the years, it was also sold to several different families. Today, its owners are Jack and Donna Coleman, who arrived here with their children from New Jersey in 1987.

Starting out as dairy farmers, they now own beef cows and broilers. They also own a crop farm spread over an area of 300 acres. The fun activities you can enjoy here include wagon rides and interacting with animals at the Petting Zoo.

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Be it any time of the year, the surrounding communities can be the your ideal family destinations. You can shop, visit the elegant museums, and go on fun tours across the county. Here, we’ve listed some of the best things you can do while you’re in this charming county in Pennsylvania:

1. Go fishing in Codorus State Park

Located in the south-western part of York County, this is one of the finest Pennsylvania state parks. It has got its name from the Codorus Creek, which forms Lake Marburg, an artificial lake. It has a shoreline of 26 miles and is spread across a vast area of 1,275 acres. For the migrating waterfowls and shorebirds, Lake Marburg is a perfect place to stop and rest.

The lake also enjoys great popularity among those who love to go on sailboat or motorboat trips. However, this lake is particularly good for warmwater fishing. It has some fantastic species of fish such as bluegill, catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass. Bow fishing is permitted here in the cove areas that are shallow. People with disabilities can find a fishing pier for them near 1st Bridge.

2. Play golf at Briarwood Golf Clubs

The championship holes of Briarwood Golf Course are located in a rural and peaceful setting. While playing golf at this course, you’ll find yourself on South Central Pennsylvania’s gentle rolling hills. Briarwood Golf Course opened in the year 1956. It went through a complete renovation in 2011, enhancing the greens and spacious fairways.

Today, this golf course offers enjoyable rounds for all the golf players, regardless of their abilities. In 1992, the multiple tees of a 5-hole course called ‘Final Five’ was created by Bill Love. They’ll require straight drives from you and accurate approach shots to well-bunkered greens. This golf course is a must-play for golfers owing to its modest pricing and brilliant conditioning.

3. Visit the Agricultural and Industrial Museum

Your trip to the Agricultural and Industrial Museum would truly be a memorable one. It will give you an idea about the county’s contributions to agriculture and industries and their progress. The agricultural artifacts housed in this museum include locally-made wagons, steam engines, farm tools, and tractors.

You’ll also get to see some working industrial exhibits. Among them is an A-Frame ammonia compressor, which weighs 72 tons. It was of great help in those days for manufacturing large blocks of ice. There are exhibits on casket manufacturing, pottery, and other industrial equipment that you wouldn’t like to miss.

4. Taste some rich wines at the Four Springs Winery

Pennsylvania has a long history of the craft and tradition of wine-making. It has one of the best climates for growing wine on the East coast. Besides, the region also has the most fertile soil in the country. So, it won’t surprise you that this winery has some of the finest blends of wines.

Four Springs Winery offers you a selection of its white and red wines. You can also try their renowned sweet wines during your visit. Besides tasting the wines, you can take a photo tour of the vineyard. This will allow you to capture some lovely moments during the tour.

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Set along the Susquehanna River, the cabin originally showcased local arts and crafts. Vandersloot was fond of the history and culture of Native Americans. He had constructed this cabin as proof of their long history.

Origins

The cabin was named ‘Indian Steps’ after the area along the Susquehanna River. This name came from the carvings that the early people of this region made on Susquehanna River’s rocks. These carvings were made in the form of steps, which symbolized the footholds used by these people. They used the footholds while gathering their food along the Susquehanna River.

The embedding of the relics of York Country’s first residents took place in the cabin. These relics included arrows, stone axes, and spear heads. Vandersloot liked fishing, hunting, and discovering ancient artifacts along the Indian Steps area. Gradually, his collection of the Native American artifacts began to grow.

Construction of the Indian Steps Museum

There came a point when Vandersloot’s collection became so vast that it couldn’t be stored. He then decided to preserve his collection by constructing a building. The construction of the Indian Steps Cabin took place in 1912. It celebrated the culture and ancient civilizations of Native Americans.

The artifacts embedded throughout the structure reflect the extensive research of Vandersloot. In the 1940s, this cabin became a public museum and was named the Indian Steps Museum. In the year 1990, the museum got an entry in the National Register of Historic Places.

For operating this museum, the Conservation Society of York County doesn’t get any state or federal funds. It keeps going through donations and fees for programs, tours, and educational opportunities. Revenues that come from the sale of items in the gift shop also supports the museum’s operations.

A memorial to the Native Americans

The original inhabitants of the area surrounding the Indian Steps were the Algonquians. After them came the Susquehannocks, who stayed in the vicinity of Indian Steps from the early to late 17th century. The Shawnee people were the last Native American tribe to settle along the Susquehanna River.

They moved westwards in the 18th century. Today, you’ll find artifacts that date back to 10,000 BC in this museum. Some of the unique details of the museum include exquisite stone work and a massive table made of sandstone.

The outer building was originally a ceremonial fire place with a large chimney in its center. The building is now an archaeology lab. Indian Steps Archaeology Team uses it to store artifacts for education and processing.

Wildlife sanctuary

Conservation Society of York County operates the grounds of this museum and the trail nearby. You’ll come across an abundance of native plants, trees, and animals while exploring the area. A rock shelter and waterfall awaits you upon hiking up the trail.

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If you’re traveling with your family, your kids can have loads of fun watching all these animals in action. This wildlife park and zoo is home to over 700 animals brought here from six continents. Of course, the park’s signature attraction is its safari tour.

History

The Tobias family has been operating this wildlife park and zoo for over 50 years. It all began with J.R. Tobias, the founder of this park, who was an animal lover all his life. You can know more about him at the J.R. Tobias Museum and Education Center.

There are many exhibits here, which allows visitors to explore many interesting facts about him and his vision. Besides a few animal exhibits, you can also find a large freshwater aquarium.

Outdoor habitats

The interactive map of the park would help you in planning your activities in this wildlife park and zoo. At the heart of this park, you’ll find many outdoor habitats. They’re home to some of the amazing animal species in the world, such as zebras and black bears.

People who visit Lake Tobias Wildlife Park love watching the Gibbon apes. They entertain visitors with their sounds and expressive faces. Bird-watchers can also have a wonderful time here, watching countless birds in action. Among them are ostriches, peacocks, and guineafowls.

Petting zoo

If you’re touring this park with your kids, visit the Petting Zoo. Here, your children will get to interact with the domesticated farm animals of this wildlife park. They can walk among these well-mannered and friendly creatures and also feed them their favorite food.

One of the animals that they might like the most would be the African pygmy goats. Don’t forget to be with your children at all times while they’re here. Although the animals are harmless, they’re not trained. Sometimes, one of them might jump up to your kid just to be a little more friendly.

Reptile and Exotics

In this building you’ll get to witness many different reptiles and amphibian species. Among them are the poison dart frogs that are native to Central and South America. They possess bodies that are brightly colored and these colors are associated with their toxicity. These frogs are among the most poisonous species on Earth.

You can also see pythons in the building. They are non-venomous reptiles and many consider them as snakes of the old world. Among the other pythons that you can see in the building are green tree pythons and Burmese pythons. During your time spent inside the Reptiles and Exotics building, you’ll also get to watch many tropical birds.

Safari tour

The thrilling safari tours at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park allow you to enjoy close encounters with some its wild animals. During the tour, you can also learn more about the natural habitats of these animals.

Catch-and-release fishing

You’ll have access to the main lake if you wish to participate in catch-and-release fishing at this wildlife park. It is home to plenty of trout, bass, and bluegills. Children who are 12 years of age or younger can enjoy catch-and-release fishing for free here. All those who want to fish in the lake must bring their own rod and bait. Another important thing worth noting is that only catch-and-release fishing is allowed in the lake.

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Among these churches, some are well-known. However, a few others are not so popular and most of the locals won’t know them as well. Now, let’s take a look at the most attractive churches you can explore in Pennsylvania:

1. Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

According to the local legends, the architects of this church did something unusual. They threw rocks as high as they could. This was to figure out how high they could place the windows of this cathedral. The idea was to protect the windows from vandals.

Nevertheless, this Catholic church was completed in the year 1864 at the peak of America’s anti-Catholic sentiments. The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is Pennsylvania’s largest Catholic church today. Although all its windows are at the top, the beauty of this cathedral can’t be ignored.

It has the largest brownstone exterior in Philadelphia, the city where it’s located. Constantino Brumidi, the renowned Greek-Italian-American painter, did much of the interior painting. This cathedral is so beautiful that it can compete with some of the famous European churches.

2. Cathedral of Saint Patrick

The Cathedral of Saint Patrick is in the city of Harrisburg. This 20th-century structure is the second Catholic church on the property of State Street. The year of construction of the first is 1826. For the Diocese of Harrisburg, Cathedral of Saint Patrick is the mother church. If you’re seeking an intriguing history while visiting this church, you won’t get much out of it.

Instead, you’ll be in awe of its sheer beauty. It has a Baroque Revival architecture. Besides, it also has some Renaissance accents. This architecture would remind you of the Pennsylvania State Capitol and the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. The cathedral’s green copper dome is among the most captivating aspects of the city’s skyline.

3. Saint Anthony’s Chapel

Upon entering inside this chapel, it would seem like the world’s most important chapel to you. This is not only because of the beauty of its interiors but also its connection to Saint Anthony. In the inside of this chapel, you’ll find over 5,000 Catholic relics. This astonishing collection is the second largest outside of the Vatican.

The collection dates back to the beginning of Christianity and includes relics from Mary, Jesus, and the twelve Apostles. It also contains relics from Mother Teresa. Owing to the collection of such important relics, this 19th century chapel is a must-visit attraction in Pennsylvania.

4. Heinz Memorial Chapel

This chapel was constructed by Henry John Heinz. He was the founder of H.J. Heinz Company and he built this majestic chapel to honor his mother. The construction of this chapel was completed in the year 1938. After setting aside the funds, it took 26 years to build it. The architect who designed the adjacent cathedral was the one who designed the Heinz Memorial Chapel.

It has the shape of a cross. The most eye-catching feature inside it are the 23 windows of stained glass. They’re made of 250,000 individual pieces of glass. In recent times, this building is a non-denominational chapel. Besides this, it is also used as a concert hall and venue for weddings.

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However, there are other places in the United States where you can enjoy an exciting gambling experience. One such destination is Pennsylvania, which comes second in terms of casino revenues. Now, let’s take a look at some of the excellent casinos in this American state:

1. Harrah’s Philadelphia

With over 100,000 square feet of gaming space, you’ll have a variety of choices in games to indulge in. This casino is operated by Caesars Entertainment, which owns many casinos across the world. You’ll find more than 2,000 slots and video poker titles in addition to several table games. The casino also offers sports betting.

If gambling is not what you’re looking for, you can explore its entertainment and dining options. It has many retail outlets to keep you occupied besides the eateries and an event center. Harrah’s Philadelphia is now keen to explore the online space with the help of its content deals with leading gaming partners.

2. Hollywood Casino

The live poker room in this casino has gained popularity in recent times. You’ll also find nearly 2,500 slot games on its 100,000-square-feet gaming floor. As Hollywood Casino is a full-service establishment, you’ll have more than 60 table games to choose from. There are small number of options in poker as well. The establishment would be the perfect choice if you’re looking for a thrilling nightlife in Pennsylvania.

The main highlight of this property is its thoroughbred horse-racing track. It hosts races throughout the year even today. Hollywood casino was the first to offer residents sports betting opportunities. It was also among the first ones to launch their online casino. This gives its visitors the option to play the games from the comfort of their home. Want know more about online slots, roulette, video poker, check out casinosjungle.com.

3. The Meadows Racetrack and Casino

Located in the city of Washington, this is among the largest casinos located in the East Coast. The gaming space in this casino spans a vast area of 350,000 square feet. Here you’ll find over 3,300 slot machines, giving you plenty of options in slot-based games.

This property also offers many opportunities for entertainment. You’ll come across a restaurant, food court, and a bowling center that has 24 lanes. Besides all of these offerings, there’s a steakhouse that provides fantastic views of the race track. You can choose from 67 table games and several machines of video poker during your visit to the casino. Additionally, there’s a small poker room, which houses 14 tables.

If you’re not able to make it to this land-based casino, you can access its online casino. It offers a decent bonus of $25 and the chance to participate in the $250,000 sweepstakes. All the games provided by the online casino are HTML5-compatible.

You can test the games in the demo mode before playing with real money. When you begin playing the Meadows Racetrack Online Casino, you can access the myChoice loyalty program. To access the online casino, the player needs to be 21 years of age.

4. Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem

This massive property is so vast that it’s home to an indoor shopping mall. It has a gaming space of 139,000 square feet with 3,000 slot machines. You’ll also find table games and poker titles. Operated by Las Vegas Sands Corp., this property also has a resort with 302 rooms. In addition to this, Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem offers you amazing nightlife, dining, and shopping opportunities.

5. Parx Casino and Racing

You’ll find more than 3,000 slot machines in this casino establishment. Additionally, it offers 180 table games and a poker room with 48 tables. Parx Casino and Racing has an overall gaming area that measures over 150,000 square feet.

This is among the few casinos in this American state where you can enjoy round-the-clock gaming. You can also place your bets on races in the Pennsylvania Derby, which is held at this location. During your visit to the casino, you can try sports betting, entertainment, and dining options that the venue offers. For those who enjoy virtual gambling, this casino also has an online presence.

Parx’s online casino is available for iOS as well as Android devices. The website of Parx Casino and Racing also has a dedicated mobile app. There’s a $500 bonus fund awaiting you if you’re new to the online casino. However, you’ll need to meet certain conditions, such as the 20x wagering requirement.

6. Rivers Casino

Located in the heart of Pittsburgh, this casino offers a 120,000-square-foot gaming area. Unlike the other land-based casino establishments in Pennsylvania, Rivers Casino has a large, dedicated entertainment space. It measures 450,000 square feet and operates 24/7.

You can also unwind and enjoy your favorite food and drinks in its restaurants and bars. An outdoor amphitheater and a nightclub would be the venues to explore for thrilling nightlife. The casino gaming space has 2,900 slot machines, 100 table games, and a 30-table poker room. You can have a slice of its online casino gaming space as well. It’s known as BetRivers and offers an amazing array of gaming options.

You’ll have the chance to claim a $250 bonus while getting started. This casino also has a dedicated app for iOS and Android devices. On BetRivers, you can also choose from a variety of payment methods, such as Visa, MasterCard, PayNearMe, and eCheck.

7. SugarHouse Casino

Although SugarHouse Casino is a relatively smaller land-based casino, it’s still considered one of the best in the state. The gaming establishment is located in the heart of Philadelphia and has a riverfront to delight your senses. You may find its 45,000-square-foot space for gaming a bit smaller than the other casinos.

Despite this, it still has more than 1,800 slot titles along with an array of table games. There are a total of 131 options in table and poker games. Additionally, it has 6 restaurants and a hotel with 500 rooms.

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