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I’ve lived in Central PA since 2018, and just this past year I discovered the gem that is York, PA. It’s growing, getting larger every year. More businesses, more housing opportunities, more homeowners, and so much more. When I walk around York, I can feel its pulse. It moves. It breathes, even day to day. I don’t get to come here more than a few times a month, but when I do, I feel its energy. It’s magnetic.
You can walk down the street and talk to a random stranger, sparking up a genuine conversation. There’s diversity here – suburbs and city, all woven together. One of my favorite spots to go with a friend and walk around is Prince Street Café. This place has seriously amazing coffee. If we’re going to be friends, you should know this about me; I have an obsession with French macarons. Particularly the French macarons at Prince Street Café. They are my secret love. I’ll admit, I’ve driven over there just for a few macarons on a hard day to cheer myself up… and honestly, it worked.
Whenever I’m in York, I try to pair something lively with something grounding. Prince Street Café fills my cup in one way, but Samuel S. Lewis State Park fills it in another. After good coffee and conversation, I always find myself craving a little quiet; space to move, breathe, and let my thoughts settle. This is a really great place to be alone with your thoughts, or bring a friend and just be.
Finally, after I’ve had some time to reset, I can head back to the city. (I’m an extroverted introvert, so I need my “me” time between the fast pace of city life.) Downtown York is honestly one of my favorite places to spend an afternoon. I love just wandering without a plan, taking it slow, and honestly… just being. It’s like the city is showing me what it has to offer.
York PA
Prince Street is always a must – there’s something comforting about circling back to familiar spots. The market, the small shops, people just walking around doing their thing…it all feels lived-in and welcoming. And y’all know me, I love window shopping. I love walking around, looking at the little things, taking it all in, and if I fall in love with something, then it’s meant to be. There’s so much local art, handmade goods, and random stuff that catches your eye. York has this real character to it, and the more you get to know it, the more you like it. And y’all, while I’m downtown, I can’t help but get drawn to the historic buildings. Like, I’m just walking and shopping and then I look up and I’m like, wow, this place has been here for so long. York has this mix of old and new that I just love. The architecture is part of the whole vibe.
After gazing at the beauty of history right in front of my eyes, I’d wander straight into First Post. What is First Post, you ask? Only one of, if not the best restaurants in York, PA. This place has been consistently ranked by locals as top tier. Their calamari and oysters have my heart. I just LOVE seafood. (I made that very obvious in my last blog when I mentioned squid – some of you guys were really grossed out, haha.) But if seafood isn’t your thing, don’t worry. They also have classic pub food like steak, soups, lettuce wraps, and so much more. It’s honestly a place where everyone can find something they’ll love.
And that’s basically my perfect day in York – coffee, history, a little shopping, and good food. If you ever want a day that feels both alive and grounded, this is the one. York has my heart, and I’m not even mad about it. Who knows… I might actually end up living here next.
Check out more Days in on 
See more ‘Day In” Things to Do in Mechanicsburg, PA for a Relaxing Day or A Day in Lancaster, PA: Coffee, Markets & Local Charm
