Manheim, PA

Mount Hope Estate and Winery dates all the way back to 1779, when it began as a simple family home. The first iteration of the mansion was built in the very early 1800s, along with the formal gardens. In 1895, the estate was expanded to a whopping 32 rooms in a mixture of Federal and Victorian architectural styles. Today, owners Scott and Heather Bowser work to create a homey space for visitors who want to experience walk-in or reserved-seat wine and beer tastings or for those who travel from around the country to participate in the annual Renaissance Faire that has grown into a 35-acre extravaganza. Not sure where to start? As the winery suggests, “Let your palate be your guide.”

2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim, PA 17545, Phone: 717-665-7021

For a cozier wine experience, try Waltz Vineyards. Wine tastings include a flight of five wines and can be accompanied by a plate of local cheeses, chocolates, and crackers. Wine is also sold by the glass and the bottle. The views outside the tasting room are exquisite, so guests are encouraged to take their favorite wines out to the lawn for a picnic. The lawn is dog friendly, so you can even bring your best furry friend. Hours for the Vineyards vary throughout the year, so visitors are encouraged to call and make reservations for tastings.

1599 Old Line Rd, Manheim, PA 17545, Phone: 717-664-9463

Kreider Farms has been serving Manheim and surrounding towns for almost 300 years! The operation has grown from about 100 acres, 12 cows, and a couple hundred chickens to a full-service dairy retail store with ice cream, milk, eggs, and other products that sits on over 3,000 acres and has 1,600 cows and millions of chickens. Tours run every day, and there is never a dull moment. Cows are milked three times a day in the “cow palace,” where guests can watch and learn about the process, and every tour ends with refreshing samples of Kreider’s own milk.

1463 Lancaster Road (Rt. 72), Manheim, PA 17545, Phone: 888-665-4415

Recommended Activities for Families

Manheim offers a bucket list worthy destination for the sports enthusiast in any family. Spooky Nook Sports is “largest indoor sports complex,” according to its website, and has facilities for just about any activity you can think of. The Nook welcomes individuals, birthday parties, corporate events, national sports clubs, and all other groups to train with professional trainers, play and compete indoors and outdoors, and even stay overnight in the Warehouse Hotel, right there on the grounds. There’s even an arcade and redemption zone to round out the experience. This one stop shop of a sporting experience cannot be missed.

2913 Spooky Nook Rd., Manheim PA 17545, Phone: 717-945-7087

If you’re in Manheim and searching for a cuteness overload, head to Graystone Ridge Alpacas and Farm Store. More than just home to the world’s sweetest animal, Graystone also has laying hens and angora goats. Farm owner Donna emphasizes the tranquility of the farm and the contentedness of the animals, who roam free around the grounds and welcome human interaction. Donna also hand makes many of the products in her shop from the alpaca fiber and mohair from the goats. The farm welcomes groups and activities year-round and even hosts an alpaca summer camp for adults.

903 Graystone Rd, Manheim, PA 17545, Phone: 717-898-2642

Restaurants

The Shack Restaurant and Mini Golf offers fun for the whole family. Only closed on Mondays, The Shack welcomes mini golfers, music lovers, crafters, and foodies for a round or several on the course as well as weekly events that suit every taste. Visitors can also get a rich history lesson at The Shack, which was once an important area for local Native American tribes and early settlers. Old trolley tracks, buildings, and park equipment are still visible on The Shack grounds. With daily specials and great group rates, The Shack is a wonderful place to spend a day in Manheim.

662 South Oak Street, Manheim, PA 17545, Phone: 717-664-2250

No, that’s not a time machine. It’s The Cat’s Meow, Manheim’s outstanding restaurant decorated and themed in the style of the Roaring Twenties. The Cat’s Meow is located in the historical American House Railroad Hotel, originally built in 1869 for travelers and employees of the nearby railroad line. Today, the restaurant offers cleverly named appetizers, entrees, soups, salads, and other delectable treats in a recently renovated space perfect for couples, families, and large groups. There are daily specials and seasonal outside seating that make anyone want to drop a few clams. So don’t be a wet blanket, and visit The Cat’s Meow while you’re in town!

215 S. Charlotte St., Manheim PA.17578, Phone: 717-664-3370

For another nostalgic experience, visit Lyndon Diner , a retro style, award winning restaurant also located in Manheim. Lyndon is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year except Christmas, serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as beer, wine, and cocktails. The love, passion, and care owner Lyndon Quinn puts into his food shows in every detail of his diner, from the dedication to his father on the menu to the exacting detail in each recipe he makes. Lyndon boasts that he has been slaving away to serve his guests the best and most affordable food around for more than thirty years.

1370 Manheim Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601, Phone: 717-393-4878

Public dances and cultural events hosted by Lancaster Liederkranz, a members only German club, are exciting experiences. Traditional festivals, attire, and customs are presented at all of the public events, as preservation and education have been the mission of Lancaster Liederkranz for hundreds of years. The organization welcomes membership applications from anyone over the age of 21, whether they are of native German heritage or not, and acceptance and community are clear values. Events and dances take place all year, with special attention to Oktoberfest in September and Christkindlmarkt, a Christmas marketplace open each December.

722 South Chiques Road, Manheim, PA 17545, Phone: 717-898-8451