Family visiting from out of town? Here is a guide to take them through downtown York


The holidays are upon us and loved ones are visiting from out of town. If you’re looking for a fun Thanksgiving experience, this guide can help.

Spend a Saturday in the city of York and create memories full of shopping, a bit of history, coffee, brews and a food adventure.

9 a.m. | Coffee and breakfast at Prince Street Cafe

Start your day at Prince Street Cafe on West Market Street. Try their guacamole breakfast sandwich with bacon, eggs, cheese and guac layered between Thom’s ciabatta bread. Or if you have a sweet tooth, try the cinnamon swirl French toast. Pair your meal with regular hot drip, or a maple spice latte, for your caffeine kick.

Wide open space, a tall ceiling and huge windows offer an open atmosphere at the Prince Street Cafe overlooking Continental Square in York.

11 a.m. | Stroll around Central Market

A two-minute walk takes you to downtown York’s historic market house. There, you can pick up York merchandise, handmade mugs, accessories, and more. Provisions including homemade jerky, dog treats, sauces, coffee beans, candy and soft pretzels are also available. If you’re still hungry, it won’t be hard finding a bite to eat.

12 p.m. | Boutique hop

There are tons of boutiques, secondhand shops that your eyes will be busy browsing. GUSA by Victoria, Boho Bella, Dapper Dolls Pinup, Indigo Bleu and My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe are just a handful of spots to check out, among many more.

Fuel up while you shop with a fresh fruit, protein or green smoothie from Harmony Cafe.

My Girlfriend's Wardrobe moved from it's old location on West Market Street in April and opened on North Beaver Street in May.

1:00 p.m. | Portuguese feast for lunch

Following your store hopping you might end up around Mesa Moreira on 58 West Market Street. Traditional barbecue chicken, cooked on a horizontal rotisserie grill, is a must-try on the menu. Try their Portuguese-style garlic shrimp and stuffed salmon or go for the seafood paella.

Want to add some brews to the meal? Stop by Archetype Pizza across the street before lunch to pick up some beer or cider.

Mesa Moreira's shrimp in garlic sauce side is served in a cup with a sprinkling of parsley on top and a wedge of lemon.

More:Mesa Moreira: Savor the flavors of Portugal at downtown York’s newest eatery

2 p.m. | Walk off your meal with some more shops

A couple doors down from the restaurant, walk your meal off with a stroll to Bound Books. Chat with owners Sarah and Chuck, admire their array of plants and curated book collection and look for some stocking stuffers.

Stop by Refillism across the street while you’re at it. You’ll find a wide variety of eco-friendly items, from bath and body to kitchen products and more.

Elizabeth Bower, founder and owner of Refillism, a refill shop located in downtown York at 38 S. Beaver St., is on a mission to teach people that living an eco-friendly lifestyle doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. Her store features cleaning supplies and beauty and health products that are locally sourced, sustainable and environmentally friendly.

More:Plants, coffee and books: York’s new shop is Bound to bring the community together

4 p.m. | Step back in history

Before the day ends, stop by the Goodridge Freedom Center and Underground Railroad Museum, home of William C. Goodridge, the successful African American entrepreneur and Underground Railroad Conductor, for a living history program.

Step back in history and stand on hallowed ground to see an actual hiding place on the underground railroad. View original daguerreotype, ambrotype & tintype photographs in a place it once existed, as well as a collection of African American photo jewelry.

A display of original faint daguerreotypes by Glenalvin Goodridge are displayed in the case below and enhanced and reproduced on the wall above.

More:Glenalvin Goodridge daguerreotypes on display at Underground Railroad museum in York

5:00 p.m. | Dinner at Aviano’s

Admire colorful murals painted by local artists as you walk a few minutes from the Goodridge Freedom Center to Aviano’s Corner Trattoria.

This 62-seat restaurant features Italian-American fare including wood-fired pizza, paninis, handmade pasta, and cocktails.

6:30 p.m. | A sweet ending at Hamir’s

Be sure to stop by Hamir’s Indian Fusion, where Chef Hamir Patel prepares an array of stunning dishes, drinks and desserts, to end your day downtown.

Try the Soon Cake, a traditional Indian flaky cake with almonds and pistachios and seasonal fruits. Or the Mango Pudding, made with mango pulp and a hint of cardamom.

For a grand finale, try the Gulab Jamun, fried dough balls infused with a simple syrup of soflion and topped with ice cream.

7:30 p.m. | York Symphony’s Holiday Pops Spectacular

End your day with a show, kicking off the holiday season with a show by The York Symphony Orchestra and Chorus at the Strand Theatre.

9 p.m. | Rooftop views

If you’re not tired yet, stop by 48 East Market Street for a night on the Graham Rooftop at the Yorktowne Hotel for a drink under the stars. The cozy rooftop bar offers a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for winding down after a long day.


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