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Lebanon County

Lebanon ValleyThe Lebanon Valley is nestled in the pastoral surroundings of south central Pennsylvania. The Lebanon Valley is an area known for its heritage and charm. As part of Pennsylvania Dutch country, its idyllic countryside views are unparalleled; the area is centrally located with numerous metropolitan areas within easy reach. U.S. Interstates 81, 78 and 76 (the Pennsylvania Turnpike) traverse the County, providing travelers with easy access to other major roadways and cities. The County is located approximately 100 miles northwest of Baltimore, 200 miles southwest of New York City, 85 miles west of Philadelphia and 150 miles northwest of Washington, D.C. Lancaster, Reading and Harrisburg are all within 30 miles.

The Lebanon Valley is 363 square miles in size. Excellent dining establishments and lodging options are available to tourists, but for those looking to relocate, the area is served by award-winning healthcare facilities, including The Good Samaritan Hospital and Philhaven Hospital, as well as six public school systems and many private schools. Approximately 40 four-year colleges and universities are located within 60 miles of the county with Lebanon Valley College (LVC), Evangelical Theological Seminary and Harrisburg Area Community College located within the county. In fact, LVC, founded in 1866, is one of U.S. News & World Report’s “100 Best Colleges” and provides highly individualized learning plans for its student body of approximately 1,900. Boasting its rural charm, big-city accessibility and rich culture, the area offers a quality of life that is the envy of many communities.

For more information about Lebanon County click here to be re-directed to the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce website.

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Historical and Other Must See Places

Cornwall Iron Furnace

Cornwall Charging FloorCornwall Furnace is indeed a unique survivor of the early American iron industry. Originally built by Peter Grubb in 1742, the furnace underwent extensive renovations in 1856-57 under its subsequent owners, the Coleman family, and closed in 1883. It is this mid-19th century ironmaking complex which survives today. At Cornwall, furnace, blast equipment, and related buildings still stand as they did over a century ago. Here visitors can explore the rambling Gothic Revival buildings where cannons, stoves, and pig iron were cast, and where men labored day and night to satisfy the furnace’s appetite for charcoal, limestone, and iron ore.

Cornwall Iron Furnace is part of a National Historic Landmark District by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. It has also been designated a National Historical Landmark by the American Society of Metals, and a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, citing Cornwall Furnace as "the only one of America’s hundreds of 19th century charcoal fueled blast furnaces to survive fully intact."

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Union Canal Tunnel

Union Canal Tunnel Lebanon Pa Boat RideThe Union Canal Tunnel Park surrounds the Union Canal and the tunnel through which it flows.

The 610 foot tunnel is the oldest transportation tunnel in the U.S. The park includes 110 acres of meadows and woods surrounding the tunnel and 5/8 mile of watered canal. The tunnel, a National Historic Landmark, was completed in 1827. Visitors can walk on the towpath once trodden by mules, picnic at our new pavilions or at single tables throughout the park or go fishing while enjoying the beauty of the park. Climb the marked trails through the wooded hill adjacent to the canal. The park is open every day from dawn to dusk.

Click here for more information on the Union Canal Tunnel.

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Mount Gretna

Mount GretnaNestled in the rolling hills, is the quaint Victorian Village of Mount Gretna. Attracted by its natural beauty, the Pennsylvania Chautauqua Society founded Mount Gretna in the 1890's. Throughout the area are hiking and biking trails that make it a perfect destination point for any time of the year. Mount Gretna comes alive during the summer months as people visit the area for its pleasant surroundings and quality entertainment.

Visitors can take in a show at the Mount Gretna Theatre during the months of June and July, or visit The Timbers Dinner Theatre and Restaurant for a first rate musical review and dinner theatre in July and August. In August, Music in Gretna features classical concerts and chamber music and a jazz Festival in the open-air playhouse.

The third weekend in August is also the date for the Mount Gretna Art Show, nationally-ranked juried art show that boasts thousands of visitors each year. Mount Gretna also has a lake for swimming, roller rink, numerous restaurants and a one of an old-fashion ice ream shop.

Click here for more information about what Mount Gretna has to offer.

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Lebanon Farmer's Market

Lebanon Farmers Market BuildingLocated at 35 South 8th Street, this original 1892 Farm Market Building has been preserved to the beauty of it's 19th century birth while creating a 21st century shopping experience! The structure is home to a varied list of more than 30 Farm Market Vendors, Lebanon Picture Frame and Fine Art, The Market House Bakery & Cafe and Niko's Restaurant.

The long and varied history of this location precedes even the resurrection of the Market House in 1892. This former site was home of the former Lebanon County Courthouse and Jail that will forever be connected with the story of the Blue Eyed Six. In the 1870's the small town of Lebanon made national news with the infamous murder case of the Blue Eyed Six, still studied in law books today! This famous trial lasted for nearly 6 months and ended with the courtyard hanging of five of the Blue Eyed Six on this very property. Fire destroyed the structure just a few years later. Keep your eyes out because there may be spirits lurking!

In 2003, after nearly a four year construction process, the Farmers Market has returned to its home in the magnificently restored original Market House location that is once again the place to see and be seen!

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Click Here for more information about the Lebanon Farmer's Market.


Fort Indiantown Gap

Annville Pa National CemeteryFort Indiantown Gap (called the Gap by locals) is located in northern Lebanon County, just off Exit 85B, I-81, The Gap is the home of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the Headquarters, Army and Air National Guard. The largest employer in Lebanon County, the Gap is one of the premiere National Guard training sites in the United States and provides a wide array of training for active and reserve components of the Army, Air Force, Civil Air Patrol, law enforcement agencies, and other authorized users.

Visitors are welcome to drive through the Gap, except for the training corridor and a few restricted areas. Comprised of about 17,000 acres, the "Garrison" portion of the installation, where buildings are located, consists of 5,000 acres with about 12,000 in the training corridor.

Muir Army Airfield, the sixth busiest airport in Pennsylvania, is the base of operations for a wide variety of rotary wing (helicopter) and fixed wing aircraft, including Blackhawk, Chinook, Apache, Huey, and Kiowa helicopters. There are a number of historical and military displays nearby including the restored Range House at the PNG Military Museum, the 28th Division, the 95th Division and Battle of the Bulge monuments, the Air National Guard F-102 and the EC-130 static displays, helicopters static display, Nike missiles, the 40 & 8 French railroad boxcar - Merci or French Gratitude Train, and the Stevedore Training Site.

The Lieutenant Governor's residence, a fieldstone mansion, is located near the main entrance. Immediately adjacent to the Gap is the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery and the Pennsylvania Veterans memorial, both of which are open to the public and are well worth the visit.

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Activities and Wellness in Lebanon

Golf

Lebanon GolfingGolfers revel in the selection of beautiful, challenging courses in this south central Pennsylvania region. In fact, there are more than a dozen golf courses in the Lebanon Valley and more than 50 within a short drive.

Catering to all ages and skill levels and featuring a range of terrains, these courses provide professional service, pro shops and a variety of amenities. Golfers will experience beautiful courses on rolling lands that make a day on the golf course a special treat.

Click here for a full listing of our member golf courses and services or to search other business categories.

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Rails to Trails

Lebanon Valley Rails To TrailsA favorite community activity is walking, bicycling and horseback riding on the Lebanon Valley Rails to Trails. The trails stretches for 12.5 miles from the south side of the City of Lebanon to the village of Lawn. Serenity, lush greenery, old iron bridges, great Ice Cream stops, scenic streams, century old farms, cool breezes and shady spots can be enjoyed in Lebanon Rails to Trails. Considerable progress has been made on the Lebanon Valley rail trail, although there remains much work to do before the project is finished.

The goal is to have one contiguous trail running through the county. Currently, the southern portion of the trail is open to hikers and bikers. Follow the path to Mt. Gretna and enjoy a tasty treat at the Jigger Shop before heading back.

Click here for the Lebanon Valley Rails to Trails web site.

 

 

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Lebanon Valley YMCA

Lebanon Valley YmcaBeing healthy means more than simply being physically active. It’s about maintaining a balanced spirit, mind and body. The Y is a place where you can work toward that balance by challenging yourself to learn a new skill or hobby, fostering connections with friends through our lifelong learning programs, or bringing your loved ones closer together through our many family-centered activities. At the Y, it’s not about the activity you choose as much as it is about the benefits of living healthier on the inside as well as the outside.

To learn more about the Lebanon Valley YMCA, click here.

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The Annual Give Thanks for Lebanon 5K/10K

Give Thanks For LebanonA Non-Profit Fundraising Event with ALL Proceeds Benefiting WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital and the Lebanon Valley Family YMCA.

Date and Location - Third Saturday in November Race begins at the 8th Street entrance to the Lebanon Farmers Market (33 South 8th Street)

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Arts and Entertainment

First Friday Art Walk

Lebanon Art WalkJoin us on the first Friday of every month from 5-8 PM for a walk through Lebanon to see work by local artists.

 

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The Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery at Lebanon Valley College

Suzanne H Arnold Art Gallery FrontThe Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery is recognized as one of the region's foremost spaces in which to experience the achievements of internationally renowned artists and art movements of yesterday and today. Housed in a former church in the medieval-revival style, the Gallery is host to five to six exhibitions a year, with loans from major national and regional art museums, galleries, and collectors. Exhibitions cover a wide range of periods and mediums, including medieval manuscripts, Renaissance prints, Japanese woodcuts, and Pop Art, as well as installations, drawings, and paintings by important contemporary artists and LVC faculty.

Exhibitions are made possible by the The Friends of the Gallery, the Gallery's membership group, as well as other generous sponsors.

Gallery Hours

Wednesday: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday–Friday: 1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: 11:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.
By appointment for tour groups. There is no charge for admission to the gallery..

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Gretna Theater

Mt Gretna TheaterOne of south-central Pennsylvania’s only professional theatres, and one of the oldest summer theatres in the United States, Gretna Theatre is located in the arts/resort community of Mt. Gretna, PA. Summer seasons of theatre have been produced at this same location since 1927! Featuring a mix of Broadway musicals and comedies as well as musical revues and theatre for children, Gretna Theatre currently operates at the Mt. Gretna Playhouse during the months of June and July each summer, and presents special events and educational outreach programming at other venues during the balance of the year.

For more information and a schedule of events, click here.

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Lebanon Community Theater

Lebanon Community TheaterComedies, musicals, and dramas fill the stage in the theater at Stoever's Dam Park, known as the Lebanon Community Theatre.

Now in our 51st year of providing quality, live entertainment to the community as patrons from all over south central Pennsylvania travel to Lebanon to see many talented people both on the stage and behind the scenes who volunteer their time to entertain you.

For more information and a list of upcoming events, click here.

 

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PA Renaissance Faire

Pa Renaissance FaireJust south of the Lebanon County line on Route 72, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, is waiting for you to live the excitement and adventure of the era when there were jousting knights, Shakespearean plays, musical performers, puppet shows, magic acts and daring stunts. Enjoy period foods, micro-brewed ales and sweet wines from 23 Royal Kitchens or shop from scores of Renaissance merchants.

The PA Renaissance Faire runs weekends over the summer. The Faire grounds also feature the Mt. Hope Winery and host events throughout the year.

For more information, visit http://www.parenfaire.com/.

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Hershey/Harrisburg

When it comes to activities and events, Hershey and Harrisburg have things to do for everyone.


Hershey

Hershey Park At Night“The Sweetest Place on Earth,”®, Hershey was founded in 1903 by Milton Hershey. This chocolate-themed town has activities and entertainment for the whole family.

Most famous for the world-class amusement park, Hersheypark®, Hershey is are also home to Hershey’s Chocolate World, Tanger Outlets, and the Hershey Bears professional hockey team. Be sure to check out the many live performances and concert events at the Hershey Theatre, GIANT Center or Hersheypark Stadium.

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Harrisburg

Harrisburg Capital RiverComplete with concert halls, fine restaurants and museums for many interests, the capital city is a popular destination for those craving the culture, cuisine and nightlife of a welcoming metropolitan center.

Browse the city’s eclectic art galleries and peruse the downtown and midtown shops found along Second and Third streets. Harrisburg is made famous by its history, tranquility and family adventure, but few realize how exciting the nightlife can be. Your visit to downtown Harrisburg is sure to be filled with lots of great eats, drinks, and laughs.

Start the evening on Harrisburg's Second Street "Restaurant Row" with happy-hour cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at any of the dining hotspots. Do like the locals do and hop to another restaurant for dinner, followed by a lounge or two for a taste of each bar’s signature drink. And, if you’re looking to be entertained, Harrisburg live music, stand-up comedy shows and dance clubs with resident and visiting DJs keep the party going long into the night.

There are so many things to do in Harrisburg, Pa that you may need to plan to visit us regularly! The Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts in Harrisburg showcases the most unique national touring acts and live performers, and major league baseball players get their start playing for the Harrisburg Senators baseball team.

For more information about Hershey and Harrisburg, visit http://www.visithersheyharrisburg.org.

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Lancaster County

Buggy FarmscapeWhen you visit Lancaster, PA, you'll experience a countryside
steeped in history, art, creativity, fun and most importantly, Pennsylvania Dutch Country hospitality. There's no shortage of unique and exciting Lancaster things to do, no matter why you like to travel. Whether you're thinking of visiting Lancaster for an authentic PA Amish experience, to shop until you drop, for exploring our vibrant downtown, to enjoy great outdoor activities, to bring the one you love for a romantic getaway or for sharing memories with the whole family.

 

 

Things to see and do in Lancaster:

See more about Lancaster County at: www.padutchcountry.com/index.asp.

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