York County Turns Yellow: How to Support Local During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Governor Tom Wolf announced last week that York County will move into the “yellow” phase of the state’s reopening plan this Friday, May 22. Many locals have been anxiously awaiting this announcement that lifts the current stay-at-home order, while still enforcing social-distancing guidelines. In preparation for Friday, we’ve compiled a list of socially-distanced ways to stay healthy and support local during this next phase of recovery.

Get Outside
Escape the house and head out to Codorus State Park! Codorus is home to 3,500-acres of pristine park lands that include hiking trails, Lake Marburg, and more. Spend the afternoon on the water, pedal your way through the mountain bike trail, or take a stroll through the woods. Click here for more information.  

If you are looking for a quieter natural destination in Hanover, be sure to check out Long Arm Reservoir. The park is an ideal destination for kayaking, bird watching, fishing, and picnicking. The sunsets at this park are picture-worthy, to say the least!

Head Downtown
Love downtown Hanover? We do too. Check out Main Street Hanover’s list of downtown businesses that are open and ready to serve you. Looking for a list that includes all of Hanover? Click here for a general list of Hanover businesses that are still open during this time.

Eat
Local businesses are the heart of our community, and we strongly suggest supporting them during this unprecedented time. Click here for our list of local eateries that serve whatever you’re in the mood for.

Drink
Eager to get your beer-fix after spending months cooped up at home? We hear you. Click here for a list of local breweries that are ready to quench your thirst once York County reopens.  

Still Staying Home?
If you plan to stay home for some time after York County goes yellow, we’d like to offer you some light reading. Visit our website for a digital edition of our annual Discover Hanover magazine, which includes interesting history, new developments in the community, plus all the ways you can support local businesses once you feel comfortable doing so.

Resources for Businesses
The Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce has shared valuable information during this time. Please use their website as a resource for local updates on legislation, business re-openings, virtual events, job postings, and more.

While we are eager for the “new normal” this yellow phase brings, we would like to stress safety as people emerge from their homes. Please check with CDC and the PA Department of Health to make sure the activities you participate in are safe for you and your family. And remember, we’re still a long way away from going green. Until then stay safe, stay sane, and stay salty, Snack Town!