DESTINATION

York

Capitalizing on the region's legacy as an industrial and manufacturing center, today's York County bills itself as the Factory Tour Capital of the World. More than a dozen factories, producing everything from pretzels to motorcycles, welcome visitors. A booklet detailing all of the city's tours is available at the visitor information centers.

Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center, jct. George and Philadelphia streets, features the historic 1906 Capitol Theatre and the 1925 Strand Theatre. Performances run throughout the year; phone (717) 846-1111.

Heritage Rail Trail County Park is a 21-mile biking, hiking and horseback riding trail that runs from the Colonial Courthouse to the Mason Dixon Line, where it connects to Maryland's 20-mile Northern Central Railroad Trail. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted. The trail runs along an operational railroad line, so never get too close to the tracks. The park is open daily 8 a.m.-dusk; phone (717) 840-7440.

Visitor Centers

York County Convention and Visitors Bureau 1425 Eden Rd. York, PA 17402. Phone:(717)852-6006 or (888)858-9675

Self-guiding Tours

Literature about self-guiding walking tours is available from the York County History Center, (717) 848-1587, at 250 E. Market St. The York County Convention and Visitors Bureau also usually stocks them at their two locations.

Shopping

The York Galleria, 2 miles east of I-83 on US 30, is the area's largest mall; the anchor store is Boscov's. West Manchester Mall, 1 mile west of I-83 on US 30, features Kohl's.

Two miles east of I-83 on US 30 across from York Galleria, Christmas Tree Hill offers holiday-themed gifts and home decor in a post-Revolutionary War mansion.

Many farmers markets specialize in Pennsylvania Dutch and German cuisine and include Central Market House, 34 W. Philadelphia St., held Tues., Thurs. and Sat. 6-2; Market & Penn Farmers Market, 380 W. Market St., held Tues. and Fri.-Sat. 6-3; and New Eastern Market, 201 Memory Ln., held Fri. 7-6.