GRAACA Summer Tour 2023

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.

GRAACA Summer Tour

Sunday, July 31st. Break out the antique cars! July 31st we will meet at the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing at 8:30 am for coffee and sweets. We will then leave on a winding tour of back roads to visit an herb farm and a local farm market. After a scenic drive you will end up back at EMMR.

         Ladies will be having a luncheon tea inside, including finger sandwiches, scones and sweets. Ladies should wear a hat to tea. Guys will be having a “grill out” with a hot dog fixin’ bar, sides, dessert and a tech talk about fixes for your cars. The tea will be limited to the first 40 ladies that sign up. If you miss out on the tea you can join the guys outside for lunch. There is no cut off for outdoor lunch. Cost is $15 for ladies and $10 for guys. Make sure to polish those cars. Parking at EMMR, we are sure to have admirers. Any question please call Annette Yost at (717) 660-8000 or Pat Shaffer at (717) 258-4964. Registration deadline is July 15th.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles Event

Saturday, July 23. Rain date Sunday, July 24. The GRAACA will hold its 2nd Annual car show in the parking lot behind the Northern Central Railway Station located at 2 West Main Street, New Freedom, Pa. 17349. We will be joined by members of the Blue & Gray Miniature Aircraft Squadron who will be showing some of their planes, Train patrons will be dropped off at the parking lot after completing a ride.

         Hours are 11:00am to 4:00pm. There will be a food truck on site for lunch on your own. There is no cost for this event. Deadline to register is July 13. Contact Bob Channell 717-465-7356 if you have questions.

For train excursion ticket information please call NCR at 717-942-2370 or visit www.northerncentralrailway.com.

Past Event – GRAACA Spring Tour

On Saturday, April 30th, the Gettysburg Region met bright and early at Performance Motors of Hanover for a “coffee and cars” event. The owners of Performance Motors were very generous and not only provided us with coffee, tea and donuts, but also kindly sectioned off a portion of their lot just for our club. In addition, the showroom was open which is full of Mustangs and other interesting vehicles, including some bumper cars. This seems to be a popular event and Performance Motors will be a hosting another “coffee and cars” on May 14 from 8:00 to 10:00am if anyone is interested.

After getting our directions and walkie-talkies from tour organizer Bob Channell, we headed out on a relaxing, scenic drive over to the Royal Farms in Hampstead, Maryland where we met up with members of the Chesapeake Region before making our way back to PA to visit Treasured Motorcar Services in New Freedom. They were having their Spring Open House & Car Show which was free to attendees. Beef-it-Up catering was onsite serving up delicious pit beef and pulled pork.

After filling our stomachs, perusing the many cars present for the show and on display at Treasured Motorcars, and possibly even making a few new friends, we went for a final 10 minute drive over to Brown’s Orchard & Farm Markets. Many members walked out with various goodies including sweet treats, fresh produce, and flowers.

It was a beautiful day for a leisurely drive. We couldn’t have asked for better weather. Despite a few people experiencing some car trouble (happens to the best of us), I think everyone enjoyed themselves. Bob did an excellent job organizing the day’s activities, which were made all the more enjoyable since we were not on a strict timetable. Many thanks go to Bob and everyone else who helped make the day a success!

Lots more photos can be found on the region’s Facebook page!