Known for its scenic beauty and vibrant arts community, Mount Gretna was named by Fodor’s Travel as one of the “15 Amazing Lakeside Towns Where You Should Spend the Summer.” As you stroll through the quaint cottages, visit local shops and restaurants, and soak up rays at Mount Gretna Beach, you will discover why visitors return year after year to one of Pennsylvania’s best small towns. Mount Gretna, located 20 minutes from Hershey, was established in 1892 around the concept of Chautauqua, a belief that time should be spent away from everyday routines in places that invite reflection, learning, and recreation.
Located less than three hours from New York City and Washington, DC, and a two-hour drive from Philadelphia, Mount Gretna and the surrounding towns of Lebanon Valley offer city goers a nearby, charming lakeside retreat. In the summer, Mount Gretna hosts one of the nation’s best art shows: the Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, the weekend extravaganza features more than 200 exhibitors, showcases emerging artists, and offers a gourmet food court with local fare.
We’ve planned a 72-hour getaway guide featuring some of the top things to do to make the most of your time in this whimsical, artistic town.
Day One
Afternoon – As you make your way to your destination, stop at the nearby Ancestor Coffeehouse & Crêperie in Palmyra, only a 15-minute drive from Mount Gretna, for lunch. This cozy café is known for its friendly service and high-quality food. Enjoy fresh, locally roasted coffee and delicious hand-crafted crepes and sandwiches. After checking into your choice of accommodations (keep scrolling for our picks at the bottom of the guide), grab your hiking gear and go to Clarence Schock Memorial Park at Governor Dick. With 16 miles of trails, an environmental center, boulders, birds, and wildlife, the park is a destination for outdoor recreation and learning. Hike to the observation tower for 360-degree views of Lebanon County and visit the Stewardship Forest, which is dedicated to the sustainable management of forest resources to ensure future generations can enjoy the forest and wildlife for years to come.
Evening – Make a reservation at the Mount Gretna Hideaway for dinner. This charming restaurant, nestled in the heart of a picturesque forest, serves delicious pub-fare in a rustic atmosphere. Try a cocktail or craft beer while you take in the surrounding views. After dinner, attend a concert or Broadway-caliber show at the Gretna Playhouse. Home to three organizations: Gretna Music, America’s oldest summer theatre, Gretna Theatre, and The Original Mount Gretna Cicada Music Festival, the playhouse offers an open atmosphere in the shade of the trees of Gretna. The sounds of birds and cicadas accompany each performance outside this historic playhouse.
Day Two
Morning – Start your morning with breakfast or brunch at Porch & Pantry, a quaint café full of Mount Gretna charm. Sit on the porch or in the cozy indoor dining area to enjoy classic breakfast favorites as well as mouth-watering grilled sticky buns – a perfect way to begin your first full day in town. After breakfast, go over to MG Mercantile. Located in the historic Mount Gretna Bank Building, this curated selection of groceries, gifts, and goods provides an exceptional shopping experience for visitors and locals. Pick up some grab-and-go goodies for a picnic lunch at the lake and look for local souvenirs like Porches of Mount Gretna, a lovely coffee table book compiled by the Mount Gretna Art Show director.
Afternoon – Grab your swimsuit and sunscreen for an afternoon at Mount Gretna Lake & Beach. Enjoyed by generations and a favorite among locals, make sure to purchase your tickets online to take advantage of their eight acres of beach with a zero-entry shoreline, diving board, high-dive tower, famous “swing,” and multiple sunning decks. Grab lunch from the snack bar or enjoy a picnic lakeside. After a day in the sun, cool off with a sweet treat from the Jigger Shop, a location that has been serving the area for more than 100 years. The shop is known for its generous servings and outrageous ice cream treats, including sundaes with two iconic PA eats: whoopie pies and shoofly pies.
Visiting Mount Gretna in the fall, winter, or spring? Strap on your skates and check out Mount Gretna Roller Rink instead. Located in a building constructed in the 1890s, the rink has been in operation since the 1930s. This nostalgic roller-skating experience offers a lively atmosphere ideal for fun with family or friends.
The outdoor enthusiast will love tackling The Lebanon Valley Trail, which offers more than 20 miles of mixed-use greenway that passes through cityscapes, forests, and farmlands. Start the trail at the Mount Wilson Road Trailhead and take in some fall foliage, winter wood and summer scenes, or spring flowers on the hike.
After some skating or hiking fun, shop until you drop and explore local favorites like La Cigale, a family-owned sewing shop with custom-size tablecloths reflecting the tradition and style of Provence, France. Food lovers will want to check out The Aegean Table, a shop specializing in Greek olive oil, balsamic vinegars, and specialty items like “mezzes'' or small bites of homemade spanakopita, baklava, dolmadakia, tzatziki sauce, and rizogalo (rice pudding).
Evening – For dinner, try the Blue Bird Inn, built in 1859 and one of the state’s oldest continually operated inns serving food. With vaulted ceilings, an incredible fireplace, and breathtaking country views, the Blue Bird Inn offers an experience that is sure to please. After dinner, finish your evening off with seasonal brews served in a refined pub atmosphere at Snitz Creek Brewery.
Day Three
Morning – Go to nearby Palmyra and find Rising Sun Bar and Kitchen for breakfast al fresco. Located in a centuries-old building, this eatery takes a contemporary twist on innovative eats, like the Bacon Jammin' Benny and a variety of Brizzas (breakfast pizzas), and creative drinks, like the Rising Sun Manhattan. After breakfast, visit the Risser-Marvel Farm Market featuring seasonal produce, local baked goods, and canned items. Then, go to Royal Oaks Farm to pick your own flowers. From now until October, fill a jar or a bucket and make sure to snap some pictures in the seasonal sunflower field.
Afternoon – Try historic Quentin Tavern for lunch. Open year-round and situated underneath a grand catalpa tree, sit outside on the deck to embrace the Lebanon Valley sunshine. More shopping excursions await after lunch next door at the Carriage House Collective. From jewelry, clothing, and candles to one-of-a-kind furniture, the historic Carriage House offers items from more than 30 makers. Say hi to the small Yorkie, Max, behind the counter when you check out. Finish off your day with a sweet treat at the Lebanon location of Lancaster Cupcakes. Try their specialty, rotating cupcake menu that offers gluten and vegan free options.
Add A Day
Not ready for your Mount Gretna getaway to end? Add an extra day and go to Ephrata, a small Lancaster County town about 30 minutes away. Ephrata is home to the nation’s first communal religious society, the Ephrata Cloister. Take a tour to learn more about this historic 18th century religious community while observing the building’s unique architecture and remarkable art. Next, stop by The Green Dragon Farmers Market and Auction, one of the nation’s largest farmers markets, and browse the market aisles of Amish-made quilts, baked goods, collectibles, toys, and jewelry every Friday.
While in Lancaster County, be sure to drive along the Northern Amish Countryside Trail to explore more than 25 covered bridges in the area. The bridges are often referred to as “kissing bridges,” since many couples stroll through them. Follow a covered bridge tour on Google maps to experience the area’s old charm and architectural beauty.
For lunch or dinner, try Black Forest Brewery and pair one of their local brews on tap with your favorite bar bites. Located adjacent to the 1777 Americana Inn Bed and Breakfast, this brewery’s historical design provides a welcoming atmosphere in downtown Ephrata. Post meal, save room for dessert and try Udder Choice, a locally owned and family operated restaurant offering homemade ice cream and creative sundaes named after cows. Try the Red and White Holstein, Guernsey, or Ayrshire. Make your extra day in Ephrata a dinner and a show experience and see one of the many shows The Ephrata Performing Arts Center has to offer.
Places to Stay
The Londonderry Inn & Estate – A triple diamond, four-star bed and breakfast, The Londonderry Inn & Estate features magnificent accommodations in a beautifully restored pre-Civil War 1840s structure. Stay in one of six large stately rooms, all of which include private baths and a full-course gourmet breakfast! Great care has been taken to ensure the idea of Chautauqua is embraced through an atmosphere of rest, restoration, and inspiration at this local inn.
The Muhlenberg Cottage – The Muhlenberg Cottage is a charming Mount Gretna Airbnb that offers guests a cozy retreat in an idyllic community. The five-bedroom home sleeps 10 and offers modern conveniences, like a fully equipped kitchen. The home also has a comfortable living space and outdoor areas.
The Swiss Chalet – With more than 4,000 square feet of living space, the Swiss Chalet is a stunning Mount Gretna home that will make for a memorable vacation. The home’s five bedrooms can accommodate up to 10 guests, and the chalet is within walking distance of many of the town’s best attractions.
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