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5 things to do with Mom on Mother's Day


Still unsure of what to do with mom for Mother's Day? There is plenty going around central Pennsylvania on May 8 — don't forget it's early this year. Check out a list below of different events and meals to celebrate mom's special day.

Ride a dinner train 

What: A 45-minute train ride billed as a memorable escape to the golden age of steam railroading. Take in views of the Lancaster County countryside while enjoying a Mother's Day menu featuring "a traditional Lancaster County meal" on the Strasburg Rail Road's Mother's Day Dinner Train.

When: Trains running May 8 at noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. from Strasburg Station

More: Tickets are $10 for children under 2, $25 for kids ages 2 to 11 and $44 for people 12 and older. Buy tickets online at StrasburgRailRoad.com or call 866-725-9666. Unsold tickets, if any, will be available at the station on a first-come, first-served basis.

Head to the street fair

What: A Mother's Day tradition for decades, this annual arts and crafts festival — York's 41st — is held in downtown York in and around Continental Square. More than 100 craft and food vendors line the streets while four performance areas and strolling performers entertain thousands of visitors.

When: 12:30 to 6 p.m. May 8

More: Check out the event page at yorkcity.org/oldeyorkstreetfair.

Explore local history

What: The colonial courthouse at 157 W. Market St. will be open, where visitors can get a dose of political intrigue, tavern life and 18th century culture. Learn more about local history at the York County Heritage Trust's museum at 250 E. Market St. Visitors can tour Golden Plough Tavern and General Gates House for $1, where people can reflect the year 1778 when the Continental Congress met in York. See a reconstruction of the colonial courthouse, where the Second Continental Congress met during York's nine-month tenure as Capital of the United States, just across the street from the Plough Tavern. Take a break from the street fair with some ice cream at the Auxiliary's Ice Cream Parlor on the first floor of the museum.

When: Noon to 5 p.m. May 8

More: Ticket information, tours and a visitor guide can be found online at yorkheritage.org.

Escape to serenity

What: Visit Allegro Winery in southern York County for a lazy Mother's Day afternoon sipping wine and sharing a basket of cheese, crackers, bread, fruit and chocolates. Enjoy the peace and beauty of the winery's covered deck, bask in the sun or the shade at tables now covered with umbrellas.

When: Anytime after 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. with advance registration.

More: Space is limited. Click the "Events" tab at allegrowines.com or call 717-927-9148 to purchase tickets.

Enjoy the great outdoors

What: Not into crowds or seeking respite? Take a hike or have a picnic amid mother nature just about anywhere in central Pennsylvania.

When: Anytime there is daylight

More: Find information on York County's 11 parks at yorkcountypa.gov/parks-recreation. Other parks around the state can be discovered online at dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks.

More

Mom's on Main

Where: Downtown York, First Friday

When: 5 p.m., May 6

Call: 717-849-2331

Mother's Day breakfast

Where: Bendersville Community Fire Department, 144 Park St., Bendersville

When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 8

Call: 717-677-8000

Mother's Day breakfast buffet

Where: Mezzogiorno at Central Market, 34 W. Philadelphia St., York

When: Seatings at 7:30, 9 and 11 a.m., May 8

Call: 717-848-5822

Mother's Day brunches

Where: Naylor Wine Cellars, 4069 Vineyard Road, Stewartstown

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 8

Call: 717-993-2431

Where: Inn at Herr Ridge, 900 Chambersburg Road, Gettysburg

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 8

Call: 717-334-4332

Where: Otto's Kitchen and Cocktails, 19 N. George St., York

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 8

Call: 717-747-1922

Pizza Patio on Mother's Day

Where: John Wright Restaurant, 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville

When: 3 p.m. to 9, May 8

Call: 717-252-0416

"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"

Where: York Little Theatre, 27 S. Belmont St., York

When: May 8

Call: 717-854-3894