Explore Lebanon County, Pennsylvania

Recently Arlen Specter's town meeting thrust into the spotlight the small Pennsylvania county of Lebanon. The news media portrayed the residents as backwards country folk. Lebanon County is rich with history. While it may not be on the top of one's list of travels, there are many reasons to visit Lebanon County, Pennsylvania.

Lebanon Bologna

Lebanon is probably best known for its bologna. It's a dark, all-beef bologna flecked with tiny bits of fat and is distinguished by its tangy, slightly smoky flavor. Pennsylvania Germans modeled Lebanon Bologna after the slow cured sausages from Europe.

Daniel Weaver established Weaver's Lebanon Bologna in 1885, making it the first commercial Lebanon bologna company. The smokehouse on Weavertown Road in Lebanon offers tours and free tastings. Weaver's and Kutztown Bologna have merged in recent years. On New Year's Eve, the City of Lebanon drops a 12-foot bologna to ring in the New Year. Afterward, the bologna is donated to the local food bank.

The Stoy Museum

The City of Lebanon is home to the Lebanon County Historical Society's Stoy Museum. Located on Cumberland Street, the former home of Dr. Henry Stoy was the country's first courthouse in 1813. The museum is open for walk-in tours any time during business hours. The tour includes displays of artifacts native to the area, as well as replicas of 19^th century businesses and buildings. Included in the 40 displays are replicas of a general store, one-room schoolhouse and a railroad station. Represented community industries include blacksmithing, farming, weaving and mining. A research room is also available to genealogy buffs.

Lebanon Arts Center

Also in the City of Lebanon, the Lebanon Arts Center is located on Willow Street. The Arts center offers classes in various media and gallery exhibits. They sponsor a free First Friday Arts Walk where you can enjoy exhibits by local artists. The changing exhibits feature photography, painting, and abstract art and live performing arts.

Lebanon Valley Expo Center and Fairgrounds

Originally the Fairgrounds was mainly a place for the annual 4-H Fair and for local agricultural events. In the past few decades it has expanded to 77 acres and has 8 indoor rental units. Recent additions are the new arena and barn. Now the Expo Center and Fairgrounds hosts many events year-round. The annual Lebanon Area Fair is still a staple every July, and it continues the tradition of 4-H competitions and exhibits. This year's offerings also included the usual carnival rides and games, food vendors and tractor pulls. My favorite venues were the elephant show, petting zoo and the live music. For $5.00 you could ride a camel. Other year-round events include a builder's show, the regional science fair, auctions and dog and cat shows.

Parks

If you're a nature lover you don't have to leave Lebanon City to enjoy beautiful scenery and tranquility. There are many parks within the city limits. Here are just a few:

Stoever's Dam Park is located in the northeastern part of Lebanon, just off Stoever Street and minutes from the Weaver's Lebanon Bologna smokehouse. Its 156 acres has a nature barn, theatre and ball fields. Bring a picnic and spend the day exploring the nature trails. Dogs are welcome at this park.

Coleman Memorial Park is located off Route 72. The 110-acre park used to be the property of Robert H. Coleman of Cornwall Ore Mines. The Coleman family is considered Lebanon's royal family. In 1936 the family presented the city with a "Deed of Gift" and ever since Lebanon city residents have been able to enjoy the park. The park now hosts a new water complex and pool, an amphitheatre and hiking trails. Spend the day playing tennis, basketball or volleyball. On the Fourth of July spread a blanket under one of the magnolia trees and enjoy the annual fireworks display. The park is open year-round.

Union Canal Tunnel Park sits past Coleman Park where Route 72 runs into Tunnel Hill Road. Now an historical landmark, the tunnel was originally completed in 1827. It is the oldest transportation tunnel in the United States. Walk on the original mule towpaths and explore the 109 scenic acres. From June through October boat rides are offered on the second and fourth Sundays. On nights when there's a full moon rides go from eight to ten p.m.

Lebanon Valley Rails to Trails

The Lebanon Valley Rails to Trails is an ongoing project to develop one contiguous trail that runs through Lebanon County. It is a 14-mile corridor extending from the end of the Conawego Trail at the Lebanon and Lancaster County lines. The trail allows horseback riding as well as bicycling. A new access point has been opened just off Lincoln Avenue in Lebanon. Another access point exists at the Lebanon Expo Center and Fairgrounds. From there walk or ride the 3.3 miles to Cornwall or continue on to Mt. Gretna.

Cornwall Iron Furnace

Nestled in the rolling hills of Cornwall just outside of Lebanon is the Cornwall Iron Furnace. Founded by Peter Grubb, a stone mason from England, the charcoal blast iron furnace operated from 1742-1883. It is the only known surviving furnace of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. The iron plantation cast cannons, stoves and pig iron. The Gothic Revival buildings remain intact as they did over a century ago. Guided and self-guided tours are available. Exhibits feature period artifacts and pictures. The 5-acre iron plantation is a photographer's delight.

Mt. Gretna

Just south of Lebanon tucked in the mountains is the old-time resort community, Mt. Gretna. Walking through Mt. Gretna is like stepping back in time. The community was founded in the 1890's by the Pennsylvania Chautauqua Society, and most of the original cottages still exist. Mt. Gretna has an access point to the Lebanon Valley Rails to Trails. When you're not hiking, cool off by the lake or streams. Enjoy a show at the Mt. Gretna Playhouse. Every third weekend in August the community hosts its annual Outdoor Art Show. Grab an ice cream cone at the Jigger Shop, a century-old Victorian ice cream parlor. The ice cream parlor has the original marble counters. Cottages are available year-round for rent by the week or weekend. When you visit Mt. Gretna, tie on your roller skates and spend an afternoon or evening at the Mt. Gretna roller rink. For the nostalgic, the rink still plays live organ music on Saturdays.

Whether you're a resident or just passing through, take a little time and explore some of the things Lebanon county has to offer.