Just minutes up the road from the metro Baltimore area is York County, PA. If you're looking for a fun change of pace and scenery -- with the bounty of one of the world's greatest farming areas -- there are lots of affordable options. I was happy to be invited to check out and sample some of their favorites.
In the county seat of York, the White Rose Bar and Grill is popular every day. They have outdoor tables, their own pit smoker, and localvore based recipes such as the crab and cheese pretzel. A little Mason-Dixon dining for you! The 3 pit chef salad is an excellent version of the traditional chef salad, with tender, fresh grilled meats subbing for the usual lunch meats.
Fresh off the farm! That's the way we all want to be eating these days. Perrydell Farm will let you say hello to and pet the very calves that will one day be making all their dairy goodies for FREE. They make fresh WHOLE milk chocolate milk -- none of that 2% stuff -- as well as creamy strawberry milk, vanilla milk, orange creamsicle milk, ice creams, and more.
Despite their name, OffCenter Grill at the Yorktowne Hotel is centrally located. Though in a stately hotel, you can feel free to come to this bistro-type restaurant as you are. Classic rock plays in the background and the bar area is popular. The chef creates his own twists on comforting favorites -- a recent asparagus/crab soup de jour had lots of fresh herbs in a bisque. A shrimp taco entree was flavorful and generous with shrimp. York County is near the mushroom capital of the world -- Kennett Square -- and your evening would be amiss without trying a local specialty. Their steak is prepared the classic comfort-food way -- the way Grandma did it -- with a rich beef gravy and tender mushrooms. They also serve a nice selection of locally brewed beers.
The best way to describe the York Central Market is chill. It's not crazy loud like other markets, has a lot in the way of prepared foods for lunch, with a free browsing library, lots of tables, and even live acoustic bands playing. It opens at 6 am, for your way early-birds.
York County has a classic market with lots of Amish hand-made specialties in Shrewsbury. Here, you can purchase lunch to eat on site, fresh off the farm produce, and pantry staples.
Four Springs Winery is right on the famous NCR trail, with an intimate, accessible area to taste their more sophisticated wines.
Moondancer Winery has festivals and is located in a replica of a French chateau, high upon a hill. They also offer tastings.
John Wright Restaurant and Store is located in a historic warehouse on the Susquehanna River. They serve classic American cuisine -- with plenty of outdoor seating. They serve all meals, including a reasonably priced brunch.
Pomodoro's Italian Restaurant offers much more than spaghetti and meatballs -- though they do have that on the menu -- in a BYOB, come as you are, family atmosphere. Recipes are old family favorites.
If you are staying at Grace Manor B & B, you'll be sure to have a gourmet breakfast in the morning.
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