June 24, 2023
Enola, Fort Hunter & Mechanicsburg, PA
By Angelica Yost
We began our day with coffee and donuts at Adams-Ricci Park in Enola, PA. Around 9, everyone started their journey over a mountain and through some winding country roads heading north to Duncannon, and then across the Susquehanna River to Fort Hunter Mansion and Park.
Originally settled in 1725 by Benjamin Chambers who later founded Chambersburg, the property passed on to Chambers’ brother-in-law Samuel Hunter. Hunter had several mills on the land until the British turned it into a fort during the French and Indian War. Since then, the property has passed through several hands. Today, Fort Hunter is owned by the County of Dauphin and the Board of Trustees for Fort Hunter.
Several tour guides met us that day and split our members into groups for a very informative tour of the mansion. Afterwards, we headed across the road to a pavilion for a picnic lunch catered by Simply Turkey. Some people then chose to burn a few calories strolling around to the many historic buildings including the Centennial Barn, the Everhart Covered Bridge, and the Tavern House.
After lunch, we took a nice scenic drive along the river and through the country to Ashcombe Nursery and Farm Market. Apart from offering a wide array of plants, baked goods, and gifts for sale, Ashcombe’s also has a menagerie of cats, rabbits and farm animals onsite waiting to greet visitors.
Dan and I had a lot of fun planning this tour. Many thanks to everyone who joined us on this adventure. We hope you enjoyed the day and finished your shopping before the storm rolled in.
