Rolling countryside, historic towns, and storybook landscapes come together in Keystone Crossroads—an easy, culture-rich escape just two hours from the East Coast’s biggest cities.
Pennsylvania’s Keystone Crossroads is the kind of weekend escape that feels effortlessly clever—close enough to be spontaneous, rich enough to feel like a real journey. Just a short road trip from Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington DC, this compact region brings together three iconic destinations for a richly layered journey through American history, culture, and food.
In one easy loop, travellers can experience Hershey’s renowned chocolate heritage, step into the quietly fascinating world of Amish life in Lancaster, and explore the powerful Civil War landscapes of Gettysburg. This 48-hour itinerary captures the highlights of this scenic triangle—inviting visitors of all ages to slow down, explore deeply, and connect with the stories that shaped the region
Day 1 | Hershey & Harrisburg
Begin in The Hershey Story Museum, where the life and legacy of Milton Hershey unfold through immersive exhibits that trace the rise of one of America’s most iconic brands.
Stay for one of the museum’s tasting experiences—whether it’s the hands-on Chocolate Lab or a guided journey through warm drinking chocolates from around the world.
Climb aboard a Hershey Trolley Works tour to explore local landmarks and hear the stories that shaped this quintessential Pennsylvania town.
Families can lean into the fun at Hershey’s Chocolate World, where creating custom candy bars and riding the free Chocolate Tour are part of the ritual.
Shift gears in nearby Harrisburg with a free guided tour of the Pennsylvania State Capitol, followed by a visit to the expansive National Civil War Museum. Round out the afternoon at Fort Hunter Mansion, offering a glimpse into 18th-century life along the Susquehanna River.
As evening falls, embrace the festive side of Hershey with a drive through Hershey Sweet Lights and a visit to Hersheypark Christmas Candylane for holiday rides, entertainment, and seasonal treats.
End the day exploring the region’s diverse dining scene—from chocolate-inspired dishes and desserts to fast food, fine dining, and a surprisingly strong international presence, including 18 Indian restaurants across the area.
Day 2 | Gettysburg & Lancaster
Start the morning with an easy one-hour drive to Gettysburg National Military Park & Visitor Center, where the story of America’s past comes alive across vast battlefields, the Seminary Ridge Museum, and the Eisenhower National Historic Site—each offering a deeper understanding of moments that shaped the nation.
After exploring the historic sites, wander into downtown Gettysburg, a charming pocket filled with independent shops, art galleries, cafés, and restaurants that invite you to linger.
Just beyond the battlegrounds, the Gettysburg countryside unfolds into a pastoral landscape of farms, markets, covered bridges, and rolling apple orchards. The region’s apple industry—among the largest in the US—produces more than 75 varieties, drawing visitors from around the world.
Continue on to Lancaster County, the oldest and largest Amish settlement in the country. Begin with a guided visit to The Amish Farm & House, followed by a scenic journey aboard the historic Strasburg Rail Road, offering a window into the region’s rural rhythms and traditions.
Lancaster’s food culture is famously pretzel-forward, with stops like Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery and Hammond’s Hand-Made Pretzels serving some of the freshest baked goods around.
Sweet and savoury discoveries continue at Kitchen Kettle Village, home to a Make-Your-Own Whoopie Pie experience, alongside Amish-style comfort food at Shady Maple and global flavours from Indian and Nepalese kitchens such as Himalayan Curry & Grill, Diyo Fusion, and Tikka Shack.
Close the day with a live performance—whether it’s a holiday production at Sight & Sound Theatre, American Music Theatre, Fulton Theatre, or Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre—a fitting finale to a culture-rich second day.
Sip Your Way Through Keystone Crossroads
Keystone Crossroads knows how to pour a good story. From well-marked craft beverage trails to festival-filled weekends and scenic vineyard stops, the region invites travellers to explore its flavour-packed side—one thoughtful sip at a time.
Anchoring the experience is the Brew Barons Beer Trail, a self-guided route linking more than 20 breweries, complemented by 13 wineries and three distilleries spread across the region. The calendar comes alive with events such as the Adams County Pour Tour, the Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival, and the Gettysburg Beer & Cider Fest, where local pours meet open-air celebration.
In Lancaster County, beer lovers can follow the Lancaster Ale Trail or time their visit with the lively Lititz Craft Beer Festival. Wine-focused stops include Nissley Vineyards, Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery, and Mount Hope Estate & Winery, while the Wine & Cheese Train aboard the historic Strasburg Rail Road adds a leisurely, old-world twist to the tasting trail.
Whether your preference leans toward hops, grapes, or small-batch spirits, Keystone Crossroads makes discovering the region’s craft scene feel both easy and memorable.
How to Reach Keystone Crossroads
Getting to Keystone Crossroads is refreshingly simple. The region sits just 90 minutes from Philadelphia, 90 minutes from Washington DC, around three hours from New York City, and three and a half hours from Pittsburgh—close enough for a spontaneous road trip, far enough to feel like a proper escape.
Once you arrive, getting around is equally effortless. The region’s three headline destinations—Hershey, Lancaster, and Gettysburg—are all within 90 minutes of one another, making it easy to mix and match experiences without long drives. Each stop offers a strong lineup of overnight stays, dining options, and entertainment, allowing travellers to settle in, slow down, and build a multi-day itinerary without ever feeling rushed.
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