Discover things you never imagined behind the front doors of downtown buildings. Get a sneak peek at some of downtown York’s artistic treasures. This tour will take you behind the scenes at several historic properties as beautiful and unexpected masterpieces take center stage. You’ll have special access to places like the York Water Company, where you’ll learn about the magnificently painted and decorated ceiling. You’ll also get the inside scoop on York’s cultural happenings and most inspiring hotspots. Led by JJ Sheffer and Kevin Schreiber.

Tour step off at Continental Square at 6 p.m. and lasts approximately two hours. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, and may bring personal items such as a flashlight or umbrella. The tour will go on rain or shine.  

To buy tickets or for more information, please visit: http://downtownyorkpa.com/walkingtours/.

Photo courtesy of The Susquehanna Photographic.

Travelandliesure.com named York, PA, one of America's greatest Main StreetSave & Closes. Read more...

Register for the next Downtown Update

Join us for the next quarterly Downtown Update on Wednesday, May 16, 7:30 a.m., in the White Rose Room at Sovereign Bank Stadium. Hear from the groups and individuals directly affecting and creating positive change in downtown York. The Downtown Update agenda will include: 

• Reclaim Continental Square
• “Moving Plans to Action”
• Downtown Development
• Efforts around the unit block of West Market Street
• Update on the Brooks Initiative
• Business Retention and more!

There’s no cost to attend but pre-registration is requested. To register, visit: http://may2012downtownupdate.eventbrite.com/.

York named "Greatest Main Street"Photo courtesy of The Susquehanna Photographic.

Travelandliesure.com named York, PA, one of America's greatest Main Streets. Read more...

Join us for May “Mamapalooza” First Friday in downtown York.  Body and Rhythms Life Fitness is inviting all to shake it at Zumba on North Beaver Street, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Over 80 people are expected to get out there and work it. The class is open to all. Just show up.

Stick around for great live music from rock-a-billy band Didi Deluxe and the Dirty Devils performing on North Beaver Street, from 7-9 p.m .

Other special events: 

• Dances of Universal Peace at York Friends Meeting at 7 p.m. 
• Judeth Hawkins artwork on display at The Watchmakers Daughter.
• Bair's Fried Chicken giving away a Mother's Day Basket containing a gift certificate for Bair's, a bottle of wine from Allegro Vineyards and a flower from Charles Family Produce. Customers can enter-to-win at Bair's Fried Chicken.
• At Just Brenda Art Gallery, Brenda Wintermyer unveils a large abstract canvas created by Yorkers at her February First Friday event.
• Pubs of York Walking Tour steps off from Golden Plough Tavern at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased online at http://downtownyorkpa.com/walkingtours/.
• Downtown York’s Jazz in the City concert series continues at the Strand-Capitol’s Studio. May welcomes John Swana, Micah Jones and Jeff Stabley. $3 cover or free with student ID.
• Stop by Central Market and enjoy music by the students of Homegrown, featuring Kayla Kroh, Taylor Lentz and Holly Auchenbaugh, sponsored by Allegro Vineyards, Antiqua Glassworks, Bair's Fried Chicken, The Busy Bee, The Copper Crust, Dawg Gone Bees, NAMA Sushi and Pronto Pizza.  Please be sure to visit their Facebook pages for their individual specials!

During First Fridays, participating merchants, restaurants, cultural venues and nightlife hotspots stay open late, present entertainment, and offer specials and discounts making downtown York an ideal destination for an evening out.

Participating First Friday shops, restaurants and businesses include Elks Lodge, Cherie Anne, York Friends Meeting, Bair’s Fried Chicken, The Watchmaker’s Daughter, Camera Center of York, Park Street Pantry, Sunrise Soap Co., Sweet Melissa’s Dream, Kimman’s, Grace Manor Bed & Breakfast, New Grounds Roasting Company, Panache Plus, Tanzania Seafood & Jazz, Art and Framing Warehouse, Central Market York, Just Brenda Art Gallery, Granfalloons Tavern, The Parliament, The Kings Courtyard, The York Emporium, the Lafayette Club and Heidelberg UCC Coffeehouse.

As always, free meter parking is available after 5 p.m. on First Fridays. For a list of specials and activities download a printable flyer or visit DowntownYorkPa.com.

City of York Mayor C. Kim Bracey named Tanzania Seafood & Jazz the downtown York Merchant of the Month for April. Join us for a reception to celebrate Friday April 27, at 5 p.m., at Tanzania, located at 29 East Princess Street, in York.

Tanzania Seafood & Jazz is the premier urban seafood restaurant in the central Pennsylvania area. Their themed menu and relaxed atmosphere creates a sense of belonging for locals and visitors alike. Tanzania provides an exceptional setting for business meetings, parties and other events.

Merchant of the Month showcases and celebrates the diverse array of downtown businesses and organizations in York. Each month Mayor Bracey, in partnership with Downtown Inc, shines a spotlight on a different downtown business or organization whose dedication and hard work has positively influenced efforts to improve downtown York.

To learn more about Tanzania Seafood & Jazz, their upcoming events or specials, check out their website.