Take a look behind the scenes at what makes York County the Factory Tour Capital of the World at this year’s 19th annual Made in America Tours Event. Support local businesses, learn more about their products and meet those who are passionate about them.
Kickoff Event
Join the celebration on Wednesday, June 14, at 9 a.m. for a kickoff event at one of the most popular stops, Brewery Products. Come see the Budweiser Clydesdales and get more information on the 28 community locations participating in the tour event. Meet the welcoming staff of Brewery Products while learning more about this beer and malt beverage distributor. While you’re there, enter to win a gift basket sponsored by York County Convention and Visitors Bureau. 1017 N. Sherman St., York (717) 757-3515
Snack Time
Take a stroll through the Martin’s factory to see how this facility produces over a million bags of chips and popcorn every month. Known for extra crunchy “kettle cook’d” chips, Martin’s supplies bags of delicious salty snacks throughout Pennsylvania, New York and Virginia—and they’re all produced right in Thomasville, Pennsylvania. Pick up some munchies at the on-site snack store and support this local family-owned factory, which has been in business for over 70 years. Tours will be held June 14 at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon and require closed-toe shoes. 5847 Lincoln Highway West, Thomasville, (717) 792-3565
Snyder’s of Hanover, which has been making pretzels since 1909, will be hosting tours of the production facility in Hanover. Peak into the world of pretzels on this half-hour tour and pick up some of your favorite salty crunchy snacks. Come see how America’s leading pretzel company began and grew from a small family-owned bakery in Hanover. 1350 York St., Hanover, (717) 632-4477
America’s largest privately held snack brand, Utz, got its start in Hanover in 1921 before branching out to locations all across the country. The plant in Hanover offers a self-guided, hour-long tour—the “Chip Trip,” as it is known—during which visitors can see the production process and smell the recognizable aroma of freshly made chips. The retail store, just a half-mile away, is stocked daily with goodies from the factory. 900 High St., Hanover, (800) 367-7629
The Farm Life
Learn to appreciate that cold glass of milk even more after a tour of Walk-Le Holsteins Dairy Farm. Meet the generations of family farmers responsible for over 250 cows. Take a peek at the cow kitchen, birthing center and where the cows are milked three times each day. Expect to spend at least an hour on site. This is a great learning opportunity for all ages, and there is no minimum age for the tour. 6898 Oak Ln., Thomasville, (717) 698-5199
Perrydell Farms, another family-run working dairy farm, also opens its doors for a glimpse into what it takes for milk to get from cow to cup. This is a self-guided adventure; private guided tours are available for larger groups. Enjoy a scoop of ice cream or cold glass of chocolate milk after the tour. 90 Indian Rock Dam Rd., York, (717) 741-3485
Change gears, say goodbye to the cows and get ready to roam among alpacas. Alpacas of York lets you get up close and personal with a herd of alpacas and peruse the gift shop featuring quality products made from the animals’ soft fleece. Take in the fresh air on this 21-acre farm as you gaze on these beautiful creatures. 445 Blossom Dr., Mount Wolf, (717) 495-8979
Local Craftspersons
Bluett Bros. Violins guides visitors through the world of string instruments. Master Luthier Mark Bluett has taken his love of music and found ways to share it with the community. Peer into the steps of instrument making, including violins, mandolins and guitars. Hear how the sounds come together at various steps in the process and learn more about the art of luthiery on this 30-minute guided tour. 122 Hill St., York, (717) 854-9064
Gets your hands dirty while learning the steps of soapmaking at the Sunrise Soap Company. Watch as fresh natural products become high-quality, wholesome soaps. Take home some hand-cut bar soaps, whipped cream lotions or any of the many other many feel-good products offered in the shop. Find a visitor-friendly kitchen to cook up some fizzy bath bombs or specialty molded soaps. The exclusive tour is held at 29 N. Beaver St. in York, one of Sunrise Soap’s three locations. (717) 843-7627
Something for Everyone
York County’s Made in America Tours Event celebrates the neighbors in the community who are working every day to grow the area. Find a tour to spark your interest, learn something new and support business owners located right in your backyard!
- Photos, top to bottom: Snyder's of Hanover, Utz, Perrydell Farms, Bluett Bros. Violins, Sunrise Soap Company
