Shank’s Tavern
Freddy States fondly refers to owner Bob Shank as the “chairman” of Marietta’s dining scene. “It seems as if he’s been here from the beginning,” he says. Actually, a Shank has owned the tavern since the 1930s. And, Shank’s has another impressive claim to fame – dating to 1814, when it was built by retired steamboat captain, James Stackhouse, it’s considered to be the “oldest, continually operating tavern in Lancaster County.” While Shank’s is known for its Friday seafood extravaganza – notably the jumbo lump crab cakes – flatbread pizza and Bob’s Famous Chili are other fan favorites. Shank’s was also an early devotee of the microbrew movement and often hosts tasting events for up-and-coming craft breweries. In honor of the tavern’s 200th anniversary (2014), Stoudt’s created a commemorative ale for the occasion. This summer they hosted a tasting event for a canned wine that was making its debut. Oh, and don’t miss Bloody Mary Sunday (brunch). Entertainment is offered on weekends, with open mic nights held during the week (acoustic on Tuesdays and electric on Thursdays). Shank’s bar can be rented for special events for a nominal fee. Did we mention Shank’s is supposedly haunted?
36 S. Waterford Ave., Marietta. For information, call
717-426-1205 or visit shankstavern.com.
Nick’s Bistro
Long-time restaurateur Nick Liazis took over the shuttered property that had been home to the renowned Josephine’s in 2014. The first thing he did was reconfigure the entry way. In the past, guests entered through a front door and had to make their way down a dimly lit hallway. The trip was worth it – the dining room, with its exposed log walls, gleaming wood floors and fireplace, was gorgeous. Now, guests follow a walkway to the rear of the building and enter into a space that holds a bar and more casual dining area. It’s a busy place in the fall, as Nick’s subscribes to the Big Ten Network and the NFL Sunday Ticket. As for the original dining room, it remains intact, and can be reserved for special occasions. The bistro’s website describes the menu as “Classic American with unique and creative feature items.” For example, crab cakes are on the menu, as are BBQ ribs and grilled tenderloin tips.
324 W. Market St., Marietta. For information, call
717-604-1137 or visit nicksbistromarietta.com.
The building in which Stanley’s is located has served many uses since the early 1800s – home, trading post, hotel, general store and a restaurant. Dave and Val Baker, who have owned it since 2015, carried out an extensive renovation, revealing its original log construction and wood paneling/beams. They also revised the menu, placing the emphasis on beef – aged Angus ribeye, New York strip (including a 44-ounce size), smoked brisket and burgers (How does a Blacked Bacon Bourbon Burger sound?). Penn Live deemed Stanley’s as one of the 11 Best Steak Dinners in Central PA. If you plan to hit the trail, Sunday breakfast starts at 10 a.m.
392 E. Front St., Marietta. For information, call 717-604-2088 or visit stanleystrailside.com.
Pig Iron Brewing Company
At most restaurants, there is a food menu and a drink menu. At Pig Iron, there are menus devoted to beer (nearly 80 microbrews are available at any given time), tequila, moonshine, whiskey/bourbon, gin, vodka and rum. This place even hosts a Second Shift Happy Hour (Monday-Thursday, 11 p.m.-12 a.m.). The food menu pairs beautifully with the libations and includes cheesesteaks, chicken corn chowder, wings, burgers, smoked items, seafood (Bourbon Street Shrimp, anyone?) and more. Live music is offered on the deck on the weekend.
40 E. Front St., Marietta. For more information, call
717-604-1161 or visit pigironbrewingco.com.
Parma Pizza & Grill: Launched in 2006, Parma has grown to having six locations in South Central PA, including one in Marietta. The menu includes a selection of salads, gourmet pizzas, cheesesteaks, hoagies, stromboli, calzones, wraps, wings, pasta and more.
132 W. Market St., Marietta. For more information, call
717-604-1134 or visit parmapizzaandgrill.com.
Mulberry Thrill: It seems people can’t get enough of Mulberry Thrill’s ice cream sandwiches that pair cookies from Wendy Jo’s Homemade and ice cream from Carmen & David’s. The menu also features classic popsicles, frozen whole fruit bars and more. Cold-brew coffee is also a specialty. The patio is furnished with vintage lawn chairs.
Rear of 100 W. Market St., Marietta. Find it on Facebook @mulberrythrill.
Sproutstream: Food trucks are all the rage, and Marietta is home to one called Sproutstream by Sven’s Café. Owned by the husband-wife team of Jeremy and Audrey Pombo, it specializes in artisan sandwiches, tacos and fine-quality coffees. During any given week, the truck can be found at regional wineries, private events and community celebrations.
For more information, call 717-669-4188 or visit svensmarietta.com.
Susquehanna Manor: Innkeepers Shane and Rachel Patterson host tea parties at their country inn. As many as 35 guests can be accommodated in the Grand Ball Room, on the wrap-around porch or in the gardens for occasions such as showers, birthday/anniversary parties, reunions, etc.
3272 Maytown Rd., Marietta.
For more information, call 717-604-1854 or visit susquehannamanor.com.
Marco’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria: Owner Marco Sardi represents a fourth generation of restaurateurs whose roots extend back to Italy. After making a stop in New York, the family arrived in Lancaster County. In business since 1974, Marco’s has been a River Road fixture since 1996. Homemade is the key word here, as soups, bread, sauces and more are made fresh. Oh, and there’s also Italian desserts.
1410 River Rd., Marietta. For more information, call
717-426-2210 or visit marcos-pizza.net.
Events in the West
September 1 | Music in the Vineyards
The Uptown Band closes out the season with music from Motown to present day. Nissley Vineyards & Winery, 140 Vintage Dr., Bainbridge. Gates open at 6 p.m., music begins at 7:30 p.m. Over 21 only. Call 717-426-3514 or visit nissleywine.com for details.
September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | Haldeman Mansion Open House
Tour the riverside property that was home to renowned naturalist and philologist Samuel Steman Haldeman. The Haldeman Mansion Preservation Society has been working to preserve and restore the buildings on the property. 230 Locust Grove Rd., Bainbridge. 1-4 p.m. Visit haldeman-mansion.org for details.
September 8 & 22 | Yoga in the Vineyards
Laurie Rinard of Vital Tree Yoga will lead the class. Afterwards, sample Nissley wine and have a picnic on the grounds. Class size is limited. Nissley Vineyards & Winery, 140 Vintage Dr., Bainbridge. 10:30 a.m. Call 717-426-3514 or visit nissleywine.com for details.
September 8 | Tavern Dinner at Haldeman Mansion
Wine, cheese and other appetizers start the evening. The multi-course dinner will be accompanied by live music, conversation and historic atmosphere. 230 Locust Grove Rd., Bainbridge. 4:30 p.m. For tickets, call 717-426-3794 or email elainekjackson@centurylink.net.
September 9 | Marietta Garden Tour
The tour will provide gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts with ideas and insight for the end-of-summer and fall months. This year’s tour will feature eight beautiful properties in the borough, ranging from small accent gardens to creatively designed larger gardens. A plant swap is planned – bring a plant and swap it for another! Seminars related to landscaping will be offered during the day, as well. Tickets are $10 in advance and can be purchased at Bron’s Deli, Marietta; River Road Produce, Route 441; Floral Designs of Mount Joy; and the Susquehanna Chamber of Commerce, Columbia. Tour-day tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the Community House (264 W. Market St.). Pork BBQ and all the fixings will be available at the Community House that day; dinner ticket is $10. For information, visit mariettacommunityhouse.org.
September 22 | Emerald Evening
McCleary’s Public House will be hosting this year’s fundraising event that will benefit the Marietta Community House and Susquehanna Stage Co. Winners of the raffle (tickets available through September 22) will take a trip for two to Ireland. Dinner will have an Irish theme. Event also features silent and live auctions. For details/tickets, visit mariettacommunityhouse.org.
October 5-14 | Clybourne Park
Susquehanna Stage Co., which is celebrating its 10th anniversary as Marietta’s home for community theater, continues its season with this A Raisin in the Sun spin-off that is based on historical events that occurred in Chicago. Each season the company presents three plays, three musicals and one children’s show. The productions are held in Marietta’s former movie theatre, which was built in 1914 and closed in 1997. The stage company purchased it in 2016 and hopes to fully restore it. 264 W. Market St. (rear), Marietta. Call 717-426-1277 or visit susquehannastageco.com for details.
October 7 | Apple Fall Festival
All things apple – cider, desserts, dumplings and more – will be celebrated at the Haldeman Mansion. Event will also feature food, children’s games, music and bug expert, Ryan “The Bugman” Bridge. 230 Locust Grove Rd., Bainbridge. 12-4 p.m. Call 717-426-3794 or visit haldeman-mansion.org for details.
October 13 | Marietta Blues Fest & Pub Crawl
Live music will be performed at restaurants and taverns throughout Marietta beginning mid-afternoon. Enjoy drink and food specials and no cover. For details, visit parivertowns.com.
October 27 | Nightmare on Front Street Costume Ball
The “Best Party in Town” takes place at Shank’s Tavern! In honor of Halloween, the evening features music, drink, pizza and the always-popular costume contest. 36 S. Waterford Ave., Marietta. Party kicks off at 6 p.m. For details, call 717-426-1205 or visit shankstavern.com.
November 30-December 16 | 1940’s Radio Hour
Presented by Susquehanna Stage Co. 264 W. Market St. (rear), Marietta. Call 717-426-1277 or visit susquehannastageco.com for details.
December 2 | 53rd Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes
Regarded as one of the state’s oldest home tours, Marietta’s holiday extravaganza features eight decorated homes, arts and crafts, strolling carolers, a tree display at the Union Meeting House, a fife and drum band, vignettes by the Susquehanna Stage Co. and more. Proceeds benefit Marietta Restoration Associates. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. For details, visit mariettarestoration.org.
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