Fri – Apr 27/12

Set the TV to wake us at 7:00 am. Breakfast in the RV and we were off to York, PA for the Harley-Davidson Factory Tour.

On the way out I noticed the park was full of Class B Motorhomes (Van Conversions). It was a RoadTrek Rally! There must have been 30 or 40 in the park that I saw.

The Harley-Davidson Factory offers two tours. The regular tour runs Mon-Fri at regular intervals from 9 am-2 pm. The tour is free. The factory basically runs on a 4 day week meaning the regular production line was not running today although several machines and areas did have activity.

The Steel Toe Tour only runs Mon – Thu at 9:30 am and 12 noon. This tour costs $35 and has a “dress code”. Check the website for details.

Our tour started with a short video history. An ID Pin (a keeper) and Safety Glasses and a communication earphone are provided. The last to items are returned at the end of the tour. Cell phones must be turned off and all cameras are required to be left in a secure (deposit) area before proceeding to the factory floor. The tour had several viewing areas with informational videos. We were required to stay between the yellow lines (walkways). Part of the complex even had traffic lights which must be obeyed. A guide leads the tour and provides instructions and descriptions while a second (Safety) guide follows. We really enjoyed this excellent informational and visual tour.

Our next stop was the Family Heir-Loom Weaving Factory in Red Lion, PA only a short distance away. This tour was a step back in time. David Kline, the owner, provided an insightful and educational tour. The modest $5 admission goes to charity (World Hunger) which was very thoughtful.

This is perhaps the last facility in North America that provides custom weaving on looms that date from the 19^th and early 20^th century. David’s years of expertise are evident as he stopped, started and demonstrated several unique looms and bobbin winders from various eras. The workmanship is flawless and in high demand. Historic homes showcase many of his products or authentic reproductions of era carpet and stair runners. When Dvid found out we were from Ontario he showed us a carpet that was just completed for Upper Canada Village (Morrisburg, ON) which is less than 15 minutes from our home. It is a small world!

The store next door was actually a home that showcases many carpet, runners and materials (Huck Toweling) that is for sale. Charlotte found a lovely runner that will grace our hall entrance table when we return home.

Our next stop was another Factory (Tour). This was Wolfgang Candy Company in York, PA. This is a small family operation that has a quite interesting history. An early delivery truck was on display.

We bought some neat individually produced chocolates (Turtles on a Rock, Pigs in Mud, Ducks in Pond, Cows in Grass, a Shark and a Penguin to mention a few.) One package of Cashew Brittle didn’t even make it to the next stop.

The temperature had warmed up enough that we took the top of the Del Sol (Honda) and enjoyed the warmth of the sun. We made a few other “Factory” stops today. Included were the UTZ and Snyder (Hanover, PA) Factories that produce snack foods (Potato Chips, pretzels, cheese puffs, etc.). Of course, we sampled and made additional purchases.

We returned to Gettysburg, PA and parked at “The Square” (actually a roundabout) downtown. We took a picture at the Lincoln (and friend) Statue. This is the most authentic in existence as the head and hands were made from actual casts of these features taken from Lincoln during his lifetime.

We decided on supper at Cafe St-Amand just a block away on Baltimore Street. This French Bistro appears to be a local favourite as there were several tables already reserved when we arrived. The atmosphere was charming and the food (and service) was excellent. We both enjoyed the (classic) French Onion Soup which was a blend of caramelized onions and red wine in a rich beef broth that was topped with garlic crostini and gratineed gruyere cheese.

This was followed by the Warm Goat Cheese and Apple Salad which was a mix of spring greens, goat cheese, Fuji Apple slices and Walnuts with a very tasty Honey-Mustard Vinaigrette Dressing.

Our Entrée was the Beef Bourguignon. The slow braised beef in a Burgandy Wine au-Jus with lardon bacon and root vegetables served on mashed potatoes was also excellent.

Our choice for dessert, Crème Brulee was the perfect light finish to the meal.

While talking with our waitress we found that she and her husband (the chef) were from Watertown, NY which is just a short distance (across the border) from our home. It is a small world! (again).

It only took a few minutes to make our way back to the Drummer Boy RV Park just a few miles away.

It was an enjoyable day in PA!