(StatePoint) Nestled between Lancaster and Hershey in the heart of Central Pennsylvania, the Lebanon Valley features adventures clad in iron with traditions that have been shaped over centuries. From iron forging with the blacksmiths at the Drunken Smithy to exploring the region’s history of iron production at the Cornwall Iron Furnace to swinging irons on one of the area’s seven golf courses, the Lebanon Valley offers a getaway with experiences that simply cannot be found anywhere else.
Much of the Lebanon Valley’s history begins at the Cornwall Iron Furnace, and so too does this adventure! The Cornwall Iron Furnace is the only surviving charcoal cold-blast furnace in the Western Hemisphere. Once a supplier of arms for the Revolutionary War, the Furnace operated from 1742 to 1883 and stands today as a true testament to the once great iron industry that flourished in this area.
From the furnace to the smokehouses! At Seltzer’s Smokehouse Meats, get a taste of tradition with Lebanon Bologna that has been made using the same hardwood smoking process and spice blends since 1902. Take a tour of the smokehouses, learn the Seltzer’s story, and discover the difference of Lebanon Bologna made the old-fashioned way at this fourth generation-owned company! Alongside Seltzer’s 100% beef Lebanon Bologna, enjoy other local specialties that have been passed down through generations, like coal-roasted Shuey’s Pretzels or perhaps a sweet side of Opera Fudge from Wertz Candies.
With a bag of Seltzer’s Beef Jerky packed, it’s time to hit the greens at Iron Valley Golf Club. Considered P.B. Dye perfection and ranked as one of the state’s top courses to play, Iron Valley features natural terrain and expansive vistas that make for a challenging round with breath-taking views. It’s not the Cornwall Iron Furnace, but irons are very much needed for this part of the ironclad adventure!
Speaking of iron, it’s time to talk iron forging. At the Drunken Smithy, visitors can try their hand at forging everything from swords and axes to horseshoe hearts and magic wands with the Smithy’s carefully guided classes. After the workshop, participants can trade axe forging for axe throwing with a session in the Drunken Smithy axe throwing lanes. And once the forging and throwing is over, a celebratory sip of handcrafted mead, cider or craft beer awaits at the Smithy’s new Mead Hall next door!
When the iron finally cools and the fire needs refueling, the Valley has a breadth of dining options to continue the adventure. At Tony’s Mining Company, enjoy fine dining with locally sourced ingredients in each dish and copper accents throughout the dining room that pay homage to the Cornwall Iron Furnace. At Lebanon Valley Craft Brewery, handcrafted beers and a carefully curated menu continue the legacy of the building’s past life as a brewery in the 1800s. And at Ash Cigar & Whiskey Bar, specialty cocktails, premium cigars, and good company are always in store!
The Lebanon Valley may be the road less traveled, but sometimes that’s just what you’re looking for. Book your Ironclad Adventure today at VisitLebanonValley.com/ironclad/.
