Schaefferstown

Located in Lebanon County, Schaefferstown is a quick drive away for any of us in the Susquehanna Valley. Plan a day or weekend trip away to enjoy the town’s rich history, beautiful hiking trails, quaint shopping, and local dining. The long days and warm weather make it the perfect time of year to add a visit to Schaefferstown to your summer itinerary!

BY THERESA STODDARD

LEBANON VALLEY RAIL TRAIL & CORNWALL TRAIL HEAD

Offering 15 miles of paved or packed trail that is suitable for bikes and strollers, The Lebanon Valley Rail Trail is a great option to explore the surrounding outdoors while getting some exercise. The Cornwall Trail Head is an entrance not far from Schaefferstown, making it a convenient addition to your plans. You’ll also find plenty of parking, a root beer stand selling cold drinks, and picnic seating. For more information about the trail and to view a map, visit TrailLink’s site by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

119 Schaeffer Rd, Lebanon, PA traillink.com/trail/lebanon-valley-rail-trail/

HISTORIC SCHAEFFERSTOWN, INC.

Like many small towns across Pennsylvania, Schaefferstown takes pride in its unique culture and history. If that’s something you’d like to explore, visit Historic Schaefferstown, Inc, a non-profit organization that maintains multiple historic sites across town. You can plan a tour of the Alexander Schaeffer House and Farm or at the Gemberling-Rex House. The Thomas R. Brendle Museum is open for visits where you can see artifacts and 19th century crafts. Make sure you visit their website to learn about special events hosted on their grounds throughout the year.

111 N Market St, Schaefferstown, PA hsimuseum.org

The Franklin House Tavern

Known for their wide variety of entrees, bistro fare, and house infused liquors, you can’t go wrong at The Franklin House Tavern! Be sure to make lunch or dinner plans at the tavern, where you can enjoy dining at the bar, in the dining room, and outside on the patio. In addition to a good meal, you can continue your educational journey as the site of The Franklin House Tavern is also rich with history.

101 N Market St, Schaefferstown, PA

Thefranklinhousetavern.com

African American Heritage Trail

The African American Heritage Trail is the perfect guide to outdoor activity and American history local to Lebanon County. Not far from Schaefferstown, you can visit six sites along the trail that include Governor Dick Park in Mt Gretna, Cornwall Iron Furnace in Cornwall, Fort Indian Gap National Cemetery in Annville. or sites in Lebanon that include, St. John A.M.E. Church, Lebanon County Historical Society, and Light’s Fort. To learn more about each site in advance and to obtain a map of the African American Heritage Trail, go to Visit Lebanon Valley’s website.

Lebanon County, PA visitlebanonvalley.com/ african-american-heritage-trail

THE TWEED WEASEL FOLK ART & PRIMITIVES

If you’re looking for unique gifts, art, and home decor that’s unique and domestically created, The Tweed Weasel is the perfect stop. Offering folk art created by Tish & Michael, you’re sure to find something beautiful and different that speaks to you and inspires you. Art pieces range from ornaments, garden, patio, and outdoor decor to hooked work and wearables.

1148 Heidelberg Ave, Schaefferstown, PA thetweedweasel.com