Pennsylvania’s roots reach back to 1681, when England’s King Charles II granted Quaker William Penn 45,000 square miles of colonial land in payment of a debt. “Penn’s woods,” as the king named this New World outpost, would produce a nation along with many significant American first—including signature consumables such as Lancaster County whoopie pie, Hershey’s chocolate and the Philadelphia cheesesteak. Here are some select options for groups seeking authentic tastes of Pennsylvania’s past.
In 1829, German emigre David Yuengling established his Eagle Brewery in Pottsville, Pa., then a sleepy coal-mining town about an hour west of Allentown. Rebuilt and renamed after a fire in 1831, D.G. Yuengling & Son, a state and national landmark brewery, endures as the first and oldest in the U.S. Groups of more than 25 people can arrange private tours of the facility, which features hand-dug caves used for storage before refrigeration and a gift shop.
Originally called The Bell in Hand when it opened in 1860, McGillin’s Olde Ale House is the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia, offering private function space and a menu of party packages.
Also in Philadelphia, the 9th Street Italian Market, dating from the 1880s, is America’s oldest outdoor market. While still predominantly Italian and with many original vendors in place, the still-thriving market has multiethnic appeal, including authentic Mexican fare. Philadelphia Urban Adventures is among several local operators offering tours of the market.
Operating since 1730 in the heart of Amish Country, Lancaster Central Market is America’s oldest farmers market building. Designated one of the nation’s “Great Public Places” in 1995, the market welcomes self-guided tours and is currently exploring hosting smaller events on its mezzanine level.
