CARLISLE, PA (March 16, 2010) - Savor local cuisine paired with fantastic views as you pedal your way through PA's #1 tourist region!
As you travel across the region you'll get an up close look at preserved farms, historic landscapes, picturesque pastures, quaint towns, friendly farmer's markets and much more.
Discover Dutch Country Roads' distinctive charm as you roll along the Capitol Area Greenbelt, the Gettysburg National Military Park and the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail. You'll meet welcoming locals as you take a detour off your trek for a scrumptious nosh at fantastic area hot spots like Hunt's Battlefield Fries in Gettysburg, Franklin House Tavern in Lebanon and Serenity-Station in York.
York
Pedal your way along the 21-mile York County Heritage Rail, which runs north from the Mason-Dixon line terminating at York City's Colonial Courthouse. Cruise along the Rail Trail to discover off the beaten path historic sites including the Howard Tunnel, New Freedom and Hanover Junction train stations. Each station offers a distinct perspective on York County's pivotal role in transforming America.
Make a pit stop off the Rail Trail at Serenity-Station for garden-fresh al fresco fare. At nearby Four Springs Winery, sip locally crafted wine and revel in warm hospitality. An hour north of Baltimore, York County offers so much, so close, for so much less! Contact Alison Smolinski with the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau at 717.852.9675 or alison@yorkpa.org.
Cumberland Valley
Farm fresh ingredients and outdoor fun are easy to find in the Cumberland Valley. Pedal through the 11-mile Cumberland Valley Rail Trail. Once a stretch of railroad tracks, this renovated biking and walking trail leads you on a scenic ride from Newville to Shippensburg. In Boiling Springs join fellow bicyclists for a self-guided ride of Cumberland Valley's farm stands, farmers' markets and preserved farms. Follow the map and get a taste of delicious cheeses, fruits, baked goods and ice cream, all fresh from local farms. Riders can conquer the two 25-mile loop rides or relax on the shorter 10-mile trek. Contact Kristen Oakley with the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau at 717.240.7195 or Kristen@visitcumberlandvalley.com.
Gettysburg
Bicycling through the historic landscape of Gettysburg, Pa., is one of the most breathtaking ways to experience one of the most significant times in American history. With 6,000 acres of preserved battleground and 26 miles of roads, the Gettysburg National Military Park is the perfect place to pedal. With both flat and hilly terrain, the battlefield provides plenty of options for bicyclists of all levels. After a morning bicycling the battlefield, stop along Gettysburg's Steinwehr Avenue and grab a bite at Hunt's Battlefield Fries with outdoor seating or a slice of Tommy's Pizza, a favorite among both locals and visitors. Contact Carl Whitehill at 717.338.1055 or cwhitehill@gettysburg.travel.
Greater Reading
Greater Reading offers trails for every biking enthusiast. We supply adrenaline-pumping fun. Ride trails created from abandoned railways, winding around lake edges and connecting mountains with metro areas. Start at our Schuylkill River Heritage Trail in Hamburg and wind you way to Blue Marsh Lake and pedal all the way to Philadelphia.
Our terrains keep you on the lookout for roots and rocks, horses and hawks and breathtaking vistas. A hodgepodge of eateries near the trails let you choose from quaint and cozy to just what you had in mind. So, when we say, "take a ride" you can count on it being an adventure. Contact Lisa Haggerty at 610.375.4085 or lisa@READINGBERKSPA.COM.
Hershey/Harrisburg
The Capital Area Greenbelt is a 20-mile multi-purpose urban trail looping around Pennsylvania's Capital City of Harrisburg. This linear trail links local restaurants, quaint neighborhoods, city parks and open spaces and is easily accessed by hiker, biker, rollerbladers, joggers, and dog walkers. The trail runs along the Susquehanna River and throughout some of the most beautiful and enjoyable natural surroundings that the Hershey Harrisburg Region has to offer. Trail users will find a perfect resting oasis along the route on Harrisburg's Restaurant Row - just one block off the Greenbelt - offering a plethora of unique eateries and local bars and pubs. Contact Rick Dunlap with the Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau at 717.231.2992 or rick@hersheyharrisburg.org.
Lancaster
Lancaster County boasts a variety of moderate to challenging recreational bicycle routes for participants of all ages. Heritage Bicycle Route C is the county's original such cycling path, covering relatively easy terrain over the course of 20 miles. Riders will enjoy the open roads and farmland of western Lancaster County, as well as the quaint village square of Maytown and the historic borough of Marietta. For sustenance along the trail, plan to stop at McCleary's Pub or Shank's Tavern while cycling through Marietta and enjoy some of their delicious local fare and color. Contact Joel Cliff with the PA Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau at 717.735.0311 or jcliff@padutchcountry.com.
Lebanon
Lebanon County has many great biking trails. Make a day of it and bike the Scenic Byway, Route 419. Begin in Quentin and travel east through the end of the county, while enjoying the beautiful Amish Countryside. For an added treat, enjoy a refreshing bite at the exquisite Franklin House Tavern in the square of Historic Schaefferstown. For those who enjoy rugged terrain and mountain biking, visit Clarence Schock Park at Governor Dick in Mount Gretna. Chill out after a day of riding by visiting the Timbers Restaurant for a good meal and a warm beverage. Contact Jessica Penchard with the Lebanon County Tourist Promotion Agency at 717.222.1617 or jpclayla@comcast.net.
Welcome to Pennsylvania's No. 1 tourist region, Dutch Country Roads! The nine counties comprising the DCR region - Adams, Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York - offer visitors an inviting mix of urban chic and rural beauty, as well as a convenient central location for your Pennsylvania getaway. For more information, visit www.dutchcountryroads.com
###
