We took a trip to Ireland last year, but it was just us. We knew immediately the kids would love it, so this time we brought the kids to Ireland! Day 1 We left the house Monday, August 14th about noon and arrived at Newark International Airport at about 2:30, breezed through security, and sat […]
Must-See Stops on the Adams County Pour Tour in PA
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may make money when you purchase through them.
This is a sponsored post with Destination Gettysburg, who provided lodging, food + drinks, and access to super cool places.
It’s been quite awhile since I’ve been to Gettysburg, but I still think of it as the battlefield. Obviously there is more to Gettysburg than the battlefield, but I just didn’t really know what all was there. After receiving an invite to check out the Adams County Pour Tour, I had to share some of the stops that you really shouldn’t miss!
What is the Adams County Pour Tour?
Discover the unique tastes of Adams County, Pennsylvania’s craft beverages with a self-guided journey along the Adams County Pour Tour. You can pick up a passport and map at any official Adams County Pour Tour stop.
Each official stop has a stamp for the different beverages they serve. Some stops have several stamps available if you try more than one. For example, we tried cider and wine at Boyer Cellars, so we were eligible for two stamps at one stop!
Check out these sample itineraries for the Adams County Pour Tour.
Once you have at least 5 stamps, you are eligible for a prize! Prizes are given for 5, 12 and 20 stamps. The best part? All official stops on the Adams County Pour Tour have the prizes on site! Once all 22 stamps are collected, Pour Tour travelers will be entered to win a getaway to Gettysburg and will be able to keep their passport complete with tasting notes.
BOYER CELLARS
Boyer Nurseries & Orchards, Inc. has been a family owned and operated business since 1900. Here you’ll find a bunch of pick-your-owns for various fruits, a seasonal fruit market, and Boyer Cellars!
In 2016, Boyer Cellars opened in partnership with Great Shoals Winery (located on the Eastern Shore in Maryland). While the tasting room is new, the partnership with Great Shoals Winery is not. Boyer Nurseries has been supplying the winery with fresh fruit for its wines and ciders for many years. With the new tasting room, you can sip and enjoy while taking in the beautiful views of the orchards (including about 300 acres of apples) where that fruit is grown.
Make sure to stop into the Fruit Market!
ADAMS COUNTY WINERY
Adams County Winery is the oldest winery in Adams County. After sampling several varieties, I had a hard time choosing just one to bring home with me. I ended up treating myself to more of a dessert wine – Twisted Thicket, which is packed full of blackberries and grapes.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch outside at Terrace Bistro and let me just say YUM! I love pizza and this brick oven pizza was absolutely amazing!
We were able to explore the orchards here a bit and the grounds are truly beautiful.
Oh, and if you’re a history person like I am – you’ll probably be impressed that the original barn is pre-Civil War!
THIRSTY FARMER BREW WORKS
Mix it up a bit with the region’s newest brewery, Thirsty Farmer Brew Works. Thirsty Farmer is part of the Knouse Family. The family started taking trips to breweries and decided they could bring their farm passion to the brewery business. They really specialize in bringing the farm to the keg – most of the hops they use are their own!
Hungry while at Thirsty Farmer Brew Works? They’ve got you covered! You can grab a “build your own” food order sheet when you walk in. Just pick a vessel (flatbread, panini, quesadilla, wrap, roll) and then select from a number of meats, spreads, cheeses, and toppings. We didn’t try anything here, but it all sounds delish!
The Knouse family also owns one of the area’s most popular landmarks, The Historic Round Barn, located just across the street from the new brewery. They carry everything in here from fresh fruit and canned goods to house decor and baked goods.
CENTER SQUARE BREWING
Center Square Brewing is the brewery at The Altland House. It’s all a bit confusing, but after talking to one of the owners, Ryan Haugh, we learned that they were a bit confused and struggled to find their identity as a business. As it is now, you can eat upstairs at The Altland House Grill or downstairs at the Pub & Brewery. The best part? You can have the exact same menu whether you choose to dine upstairs or downstairs. So, whatever you choose to call the building at 1 Center Square in Abbottstown, PA – you should definitely stop here (or stay here)!
We ate upstairs at The Altland House Grill and the food was so much more than I expected. I figured it would be bar food or a step above, but it is so much more than that! They have some seriously classy dishes on the menu mixed in with salads, steaks, and classic dishes that have been on the menu here for over 100 years. I suggest trying the Chicken and Waffles.
Center Square Brewing has a unique assortment of craft beer (and a tasty homemade root beer). They also have the region’s only female brewer!
The Altland House is also the most historic inn in South Central, Pennsylvania. We were able to check out the rooms and could not get over their size (yes, large) and the price (surprising low)!
HALBRENDT VINEYARD AND WINERY
Noemi and John Halbrendt, the owners at Halbrendt Vineyard and Winery are not your average wine makers. They are both fruit scientists and put their wealth of knowledge to work in their wine. The Halbrendts started off making wine as a hobby, but then converted the garage into a winery and it’s all history from there (as the story goes).
The couple still does it all themselves (with a little help from friends during harvest season).
With five total acres, they are able to grow five varieties of grapes – 4 of which are hybrids. I love that all of their wine is made with local fruit!
REID’S ORCHARD & WINERY
The view at Reid’s Orchard & Winery is definitely one of the best in Adams County, PA! Perched atop the Buchanan Valley, the orchard and farm is home to Kathy and Dave Reid, who like many others, are farmers at heart who wanted to experiment with their fruits to bring home-grown flavor to wines and ciders. The winery got serious about 10 years ago and hard cider has taken off in the last few years as cider has a lower price point.
In the tasting room, you can do a flight of wine or cider. I opted for ciders because they’re really my favorite. Apple Crisp Cider is the most popular. JD Hard Cider uses Jack Daniels barrels in the process. If Strawberry is available, I definitely recommend that one!
In the summer, you can enjoy live music outside overlooking the view. It’s a great place to bring a packed lunch.
MASON DIXON DISTILLERY
I love hearing passionate people talk about what they do. Yianni Barakos is definitely passionate about what he’s doing here at Mason Dixon Distillery! The distillery grows many of its ingredients for its spirits on the Gettysburg battlefield and most of the raw grain they use comes from within 5 miles.
The father-son duo turned this former furniture factory into a super cool hangout with delicious eats and drinks. I recommend the lavender lemonade (it’s a grown-up version) and the rum punch here. The menu focuses on comfort food with a bit of a modern spin. It’s always changing to add in seasonal specials, so you’ll never be bored with the menu here.
You can actually tour the distillery here (in the back of the restaurant). The tour and tasting is $12 and the tour alone is $8. If you’re bringing the kids along, anyone under 21 can tour for free.
If you stop at any of the Adams County Pour Tour locations, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Leave a Reply