9 Best Things to Do in Hanover, PA

By VI Staff on August 4, 2019

Hanover is a borough of York County, Pennsylvania. It was named after Hanover in Germany and established on productive agricultural land. When the state line between Pennsylvania and Maryland was drawn, Hanover was a subject of a land dispute. Two surveyors were called in to clarify matters and the result was the Mason-Dixon line. Hanover is just north of the line. Hanover has several sites of historical interest and restaurants of long standing.

1.Codorus State Park

This 3500 acre state-run park, three miles from Hanover was opened in 1970. It encompasses Lake Marburg which was formed when the Codorus Creek was dammed up. The lake has 26 miles of shoreline and is the habitat of many species of fish, including cold water fish such as rainbow and brown trout. Rowing vessels and sailing boats are permitted on the lake, as well as motorboats with less than 20 Hp engines. Camping facilities for RVs and tents are available, some with electrical points. Hunting of certain species is allowed and winter sports, such as sledding and skiing are popular.

2.Warehime Myers Mansion

The Myers family, founders of the Hanover Shoe Factory, built two similar houses in 1911. One of them is now the Warehime Myers Mansion. It was purchased by William Warehime, a neighbor of the Myers family in 1997. He donated the house, along with the contents, grounds and an endowment, to the Hanover Area Historical Society. Tours of the first and second floors operate on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. There is a bowling alley in the basement and themed rooms. At Christmas time dozens of decorated trees give the mansion a festive air. The other building is the Sheppard Mansion which is now a Bed and Breakfast.

305 Baltimore St, Hanover, PA 17331, Phone: 717-637-641

3.Eichelberger Performing Arts Center

In 1896, Captain Eichelberger erected the building which now houses the Arts Center. It was originally a private academy but after four years, he donated it to the city for use as a public school. In the 1960s the building was no longer suitable for that purpose and was sold to commercial developers. A third of the building was set aside for the purposes of the performing arts and educational outreach. It is fully utilized throughout the year, with a full program of performances. The studio, conservatory and theatre are also available for hire for private events and functions.

195 Stock Street, Suite 203, Hanover, PA 17331, Phone: 717-637-7086

4.St. Vincent de Paul Church

Vincent O'Bold donated the funds necessary to build the church and Parish House in 1905. He was a local farmer and banker. Sadly, his wife and four daughters predeceased him, all dying of consumption, and he died before the church was completed. At its consecration, there were 300 congregants in the Catholic Church. This has grown to 1400. A school, convent, auditorium, library and 20-acre cemetery have been added to the complex. Mass is held daily and there is a thrift shop on the premises.

220 3rd Street, Hanover, PA 17331, Phone: 717-637-4625

5.Dutch Country Restaurant

The restaurant now known as the Dutch Country Restaurant, dates back to the 1930s. It has changed names, owners and buildings several times. The various remodeling projects at the current address have made it into an emporium. The menu is enormous, including every egg dish possible. Patrons are spoilt for choice. There are Belgian waffles and griddles, baked goods and beverages, baskets and burgers. The catering options are numerous and there is a take-out option. The restaurant is 7 days a week.

946 Baltimore Street, Hanover, PA 17331 Phone: 717-632-1616

6.Warehouse Gourmet Bistro and Brew Pub

Keith and Melinda Stambaugh were born and raised in Hanover. When Keith was still a bachelor, he graduated with a fine art degree and bought a romantic old brick building which he turned into an art studio. His new wife had notions of opening a restaurant and recruited her husband and father to start a catering business in the building. Demand from customers led to the opening of a sit-down bistro, with a Bohemian atmosphere. Keith, already a self-taught baker, turned his hand to crafting beer. The art studio was given over to a brewery and pub which is open from Tuesday to Saturday.

7 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hanover, PA 17331, Phone: 717-451-9898

7.La Cucina Cafe

Chel Armando Malvone has more than 35 years' experience in the restaurant industry, growing up and working in his family's business. In 2001, he and his wife opened their own Italian restaurant, using family recipes and cooking traditions. Meals are made from scratch with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Dietary requirements can easily be accommodated. Patrons can bring their own wines. Meals can be consumed on the premises, carried out or delivered. Catering services include packages or customized menus. La Cucina is open 7 days a week.

490 Eisenhower Drive, Suite 4 ~ Hanover, Pa 17331, Phone: 717-633-5700

8.The Famous Hot Weiner

The Famous Hot Weiner was established in 1923, has occupied the same premises since 1928 and still in the hands of the original owners. There are now three locations run by various members of the 4th generation. The old family recipe is still being used for the Famous Chilli Sauce and their Everything sandwich is a legend. The vast menu goes beyond their award-winning hot dogs, however, to include fish, chicken and burgers. Shakes, sundaes and other desserts will satisfy the sweet tooth. Packs of 12 Wieners can be enjoyed anywhere in the continental USA, via the online shop and shipping. The shops are closed on Sundays.

NORTH HANOVER - 160 Dart Drive, Hanover, PA 17331, Phone: 717-632-2424

DOWNTOWN HANOVER - 101 Broadway, Hanover, PA 17331, Phone: 717-637-1282

WEST YORK - 2179 York Crossing Drive, York, PA 17408, Phone: 717-430-4949

9.Bay City Restaurant & Seafood Company

William 'Ted' Smith pioneered the seafood restaurant business in Hanover. In 1963, he and his VW Beetle, with its back seat removed, transported bushels of crabs across state lines daily. The first restaurant focused on take-outs but grew to 100 seats before 1991, when Ted built a 600 seat establishment. This complex houses an indoor restaurant, an outdoor deck, a banquet house and a shop which sells fresh and cooked seafood. There is also a lounge area with weekly, live entertainment. Other services include off-site catering and an on-site wedding coordinator. Bay City is open 7 days a week.

110 Eisenhower Dr., Hanover, PA 17331, Phone: 717-637-1217