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 Picnic

Again at beautiful Codorus State Park just east of Hanover, Pa. Enjoy the enclosed air-conditioned Classroom Building overlooking the lake, or bring a folding chair to enjoy the view outdoors. Arrive 11:00 a.m. or after; serving will commence around 1:00 p.m.

         Bring your antique car and relax with fellow club members.  The region will provide grilled hotdogs, hamburgers, drinks, silverware, cups and plates. To help offset the cost of the event, the cost is $5 per person (free if under age 12). Each member is asked to bring their favorite summer dish or a dessert to share. Please write down the recipe to share with friends! Refrigeration is available.

Registration deadline is July 3rd. Contact Don Barlup (717) 582-3209 or Karl Krouch (717) 576-7241.

DIRECTIONS TO THE PARK: From I-83, take exit 8 and drive 17 miles on Rt. 216 west to the park. OR from Rt. 30 turn onto Rt. 116 west, travel 7 miles, turn left onto Grandview Road, continue to next signal light, turn onto Rt. 216, drive 2 miles to the park.

DIRECTION WITHIN PARK: The Classroom Building is round and easy to notice.

If entering the park from Sinsheim Road: Turn right onto Rt. 216 (Blooming Grove Road). Cross over 2 bridges. Turn Right onto first road to the right (Marina Road). Follow road straight to the end where you will see the Classroom Building overlooking Lake Marburg.