By Stacey Wittig
York, Pennsylvania, is paws-itively the place to be for dog lovers! This historic town is going to the dogs in the best way possible, welcoming over two thousand pups competing for Best in Show at the AKC Celtic Classic next month. But that’s not all—York’s charm extends to its dog-friendly railroad rides and even its pro baseball team, which invites member dogs to the dugout! Here’s a short list of things to do in this paw-some destination:
Last year, over 2,200 dogs strutted their stuff at the AKC Celtic Classic Dog Shows during the 5-day cluster of conformation competitions at the York Expo Center in York. This family-friendly event is a paw-some outing with free admission and parking—a perfect way to spend the day!
Co-sponsored by the York Kennel Club, Delaware County Kennel Club, and Lancaster Kennel Club, the 2025 Celtic Classic is set for March 12-16, 2025.
Climb aboard the Northern Central Railway of York with your furry companions for exclusive Tails on Rails rides. Hop into a historic passenger car pulled by a vintage GP9 diesel locomotive from 1959, chugging along a former Pennsylvania Railroad mainline that’s been in operation since 1838.
Your journey takes you through the picturesque Heritage Rail Trail County Park, with stunning views and fascinating stories about the towns and villages you pass.
Don’t miss out—check their calendar for dates (at tinyurl.com/2m27h3p6) for dates and get ready for a tail-wagging train ride!
Take your K-9 buddy out to the ballgame! Every Wednesday, the home game is Bark in the Park at WellSpan Park. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring your furry friend to enjoy America’s pastime.
The York Revolution, a professional baseball team based in York, welcomes dogs to the stadium through special Woof Pack events. Dogs can accompany their owners to the designated dog-friendly areas and soak in the exciting atmosphere.
Woof Pack member dogs are invited to special events throughout the year, like photos behind home plates, in the dugout, or “trot the bases.” Be sure to grab your tickets in advance to review the Woof Pack benefits (at tinyurl.com/d9sa3499) and secure your spot.
Grab the leash and head to York County’s state parks for fetch-worthy outdoor fun! Codorus State Park and Gifford Pinchot State Park are packed with picnic spots perfect for relaxing and snacking with your furry friend. And the fun doesn’t stop there—these parks boast dog-friendly lakes where your pup can make a splash while you kick back and enjoy the view.
There are plenty of dog-friendly places to stay in York, which is sandwiched between Lancaster and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
If you and your sweet pup prefer posh hotels, we recommend the newly renovated Yorktowne Hotel, part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection. It is within walking distance of shopping, restaurants and historic sites. For those who like rustic, try Big Mount Glamping, where you stay in safari-style tents in the Pennsylvania woods.
While there is a plethora of pet-friendly restaurant patios, as you would expect in any dog-friendly town, you won’t want to miss the Holy Hound Taproom right in the historic city center. They’ll bring your four-legged traveling companion a bowl of water! Rockfish Public House is definitely the place to take your pooch if you want to enjoy some premium seafood outdoors.
The Chesapeake Bay’s proximity (only 60 miles away) ensures the highest quality catches. Or enjoy authentic Portuguese cuisine with your canine companion by your side on the outdoor seating at Mesa Moreira.
With its dog-friendly events, scenic adventures and welcoming spots for pups and their humans alike, York, Pennsylvania, is a pup-tacular destination. Make sure to put York on your list of America250 road trips and experience the charm, history and furry fun this incredible town has to offer!
Enjoy this story? Then get more inspiration at travel writer Stacey Wittig’s adventures website, unstoppablestaceytravel.com.
