Skip to main content

Local Life: Community Highlights & Summer Events in South Central PA & North Central MD

 By Katelyn Mayer, REALTOR® – Serving PA & MD

One of the best parts of buying a home isn’t just finding the perfect house—it’s discovering the community that surrounds it. Across South Central Pennsylvania, North Central Maryland, and nearby Harrisburg, there’s always something happening that brings neighbors together. Discover what makes summer special in our area:


🛍️ Farmers Markets & Local Favorites

Jim’s Farmers Market – Downtown Chambersburg, PA
A Chambersburg staple open Fridays and Saturdays. Expect fresh produce, artisan breads, meat cuts, pantry essentials, Amish donuts, and hot lunches—the perfect weekend stop.

Downtown Chambersburg Farmers Market
Fridays, 8 AM–Noon | Courthouse Plaza — fresh vendors, crafts, and friendly community energy.

Westminster Farmers Market (MD)
Saturdays, 8 AM–Noon | Conaway Lot — seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, and artisan finds.


🍷 Adams County Wineries & Events

Explore the vineyards near Gettysburg and Orrtanna:

  • Hauser Estate Winery | Biglerville — weekend live music and Jack’s Hard Cider.

  • Reid’s Orchard & Winery | Gettysburg — wine flights, live entertainment, and Summer Concert Series.

  • Adams County Winery | Orrtanna — wood-fired pizza, “Wine Down Fridays” with food trucks and music.

Upcoming Events:

  • Sip Into Summer Wine Festival | July 20, Gettysburg Rec Park — sample local wines with food and live music.

  • Wine & Lavender Festival | August 3, Adams County Winery — themed wine, lavender treats, and local vendors.


🌳 Harrisburg Wine Spotlight

Spring Gate Vineyard (Harrisburg, PA)
A multi-award-winning vineyard and rustic estate offering wine, beer, cider, food trucks, and live music outdoors in a picturesque farm setting

They host engaging events including:

  • Father’s Day Brunch Buffet – with multiple seating times, chef-prepared dishes, mimosas, and more

  • Luau Weekend – a festive summer event with tropical vibes.

  • Plus, regular live music, food trucks, and food-focused gatherings on the estate 


🎉 Harrisburg & Regional Events

In and around Harrisburg, don’t miss out on:

  • ArtsFest – Harrisburg | Memorial Day weekend — local art, music, and food.

  • Kipona Festival | Late August — riverfront celebration, family fun, and Dock Dogs.

  • Independence Day Celebration | July 4 weekend at Riverfront Park & City Island — fireworks, concerts, and food.


🎶 Other Community Highlights

Music in the Park – Waynesboro (PA)
Sundays | 5:30 PM | Main Street Park — relaxing summer concerts.

Summer Concert Series – Carroll County Farm Museum (MD)
Select Fridays | 6–9 PM — family-friendly bands, food vendors, and community fun.


🌲 Outdoor & Seasonal Must-Do Spots

  • Hershey Gardens (PA) — vibrant blooms and scenic strolls.

  • Catoctin Mountain Park (MD) — ideal for hikers and nature lovers.

  • Capital Area Greenbelt (Harrisburg) — miles of trails for biking and walking .

  • Mason‑Dixon Wine Trail — explore wineries across both states.


Why It Matters as a Homebuyer

It’s not just about the house—it’s about the life you’ll build. Whether you’re mingling at Jim’s, sipping wine at Spring Gate, or attending fireworks on the riverfront, these local experiences bring neighborhoods to life.


Considering a move or investment?
Let me be your local guide! I’ll help you find the right neighborhood—complete with amenities, events, and connections to your lifestyle.

📧 katelynm359@gmail.com | 📱 717‑446‑1640
🌐 kmayer.ironvalleyrealestate.com

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Rental Options in East York & Red Lion

Discover a wide range of rental homes tailored to fit various lifestyles and budgets in East York and nearby Red Lion. Whether you're searching for a cozy one-bedroom apartment or a spacious three-bedroom townhome, there's something here for everyone. 📍 East York Springett’s Apartments 📍 50 Eisenhower Dr, York, PA 17402 1- and 2-bedroom level apartments 🔗 manorcommunities.com Suburban Park Apartments 📍 2685 Carnegie Rd, East York, PA 17402 1- and 2-bedroom apartments 🔗 liveatsuburbanpark.com Fallbrook Flats 📍 3889 E Market St, York, PA 17402 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments 🔗 jcmliving.com The Apartments at Waterford 📍 200 Governors Pl, York, PA 17402 Modern layouts with 1- to 3-bedroom options 🔗 waterford.theapartmentgallery.com Hillside Apartments 📍 1927 Queenswood Dr, York, PA 17403 1- and 2-bedroom apartments 🔗 theapartmentgallery.com/hillside-apartments East Breeze Apartments 📍 21-23 S Northern Way, York, PA 17402 1- and 2-bedroom apartments ...

How to Obtain a Pennsylvania Driver’s License (For Foreign Nationals)

Whether you're a resident foreign national or visiting from another country, here is the updated step-by-step process to get your PA driver’s license or legally drive in Pennsylvania. Driving in PA as a Visitor from Another Country Check if your country has a Driver License Foreign Reciprocity Agreement with Pennsylvania. If yes , you may be able to convert your foreign license without taking the knowledge or road tests . If no , you are legally permitted to drive in PA for up to 30 days using your valid foreign driver’s license before you need to get a PA license. Step 1: Study the PA Driver’s Manual Review the manual carefully to prepare for the knowledge test. Language options and a study app are available to assist you. 👉 Get a Driver's License | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Step 2: Complete Form DL-180 This form is a physician certification verifying your physical ability to drive. You must have it filled out by a licensed physician. Available ...

Understanding Property Tax Disbursement From Escrow: What Every Homeowner Should Know

  By Katelyn Mayer, Realtor If you’re a homeowner—or thinking about becoming one—understanding how property taxes are paid can save you stress and help you manage your budget better. One of the most common questions I get from clients is: “How does my lender pay my property taxes, and what is this escrow thing all about?” Let’s break it down. What Is an Escrow Account? When you buy a home with a mortgage, your lender often requires an escrow account. This is basically a special savings account that holds money collected each month from you to pay for certain expenses—most commonly, property taxes and homeowners insurance. Instead of paying your tax bill in one lump sum once or twice a year, your lender collects a bit every month and pays the taxing authority on your behalf. This system can make budgeting easier, so you don’t have to worry about coming up with thousands of dollars all at once. How Does It Work? Let’s say your annual property tax bill is $6,000. Your lender wi...