Greencastle, PA Area Guide

Long before the borough took shape, the land was known as Canogege, a settlement started by James Patton. John Allison formally founded Greencastle in 1782, laying out 246 lots that by 1790 had grown into roughly 60 houses and 400 residents. Confederate forces occupied the area during the Civil War, and that chapter of history still surfaces in local memorabilia and guided tours of the historic district. The Federal-style Mitchell-Shook House stands as a lasting example of early craftsmanship and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Allison-Antrim Museum invites visitors to step inside a former Foursquare home and browse rotating exhibits displayed in a barn on-site, connecting present-day residents to the town's layered past. Every three years, Old Home Week brings the community together for a tradition that dates to 1902, featuring a parade, live music, and the beloved Old Timers Baseball Game.

Dining in Greencastle centers on the intersection of Antrim Way and Baltimore Street, where a handful of locally focused spots serve as neighborhood anchors. John Allison Public House draws regulars with American pub food, while B Street, a corner restaurant and pub in the historic district, is a go-to for steak and cold beer. Across from the Public House, Mikie's rounds out the block with ice cream and a selection of gifts for an after-dinner stop.

Getting around Greencastle means getting behind the wheel, as no public bus or train service operates in the borough. Interstate 81 and U.S. Route 11 both run north-south through town, making connections to Hagerstown, Maryland and points beyond straightforward.

Hagerstown Regional Airport is about 7 miles south, with Allegiant Air offering direct flights to Orlando, St. Petersburg, and Myrtle Beach. Harrisburg International Airport, 75 miles northeast, expands those options considerably. For rail travel, the nearest Amtrak station is in Martinsburg, West Virginia, approximately 31 miles away.

Jerome King Playground offers 15 acres of green space packed with play equipment, athletic fields, and both tennis and basketball courts, making it a reliable spot for active afternoons. On the borough's south side, Antrim Township Park features hiking trails that wind over the Martins Mill Bridge, a lattice truss bridge built in 1849 that was the largest of its kind in the state at the time of construction. The park also includes a disc golf course and additional athletic fields.

The Tayamentasachta Environmental Center, whose name derives from an Iroquoian word meaning "never-ending water," operates out of a renovated farm and barn, offering hands-on learning experiences in a natural setting. Green Grove Gardens, located to the east of town, hosts a variety of community events throughout the year.

West Baltimore Street and South Antrim Way form the heart of Greencastle's walkable downtown, where boutique stores reward an afternoon of browsing. For everyday grocery needs, residents have several options: Weis Markets, Martin's, and Glenwood Foods, an expansive supermarket, all serve the borough and surrounding area.

Antrim Way Plaza and Greencastle Marketplace, both within a mile of the town center, provide convenient access to everyday retail without requiring a long drive. The historic district setting gives even routine shopping trips a bit of old-world character.

Two hundred and forty years of Federal-era architecture, easy Interstate 81 access to Hagerstown, and a genuine sense of community make Greencastle a compelling place to put down roots. The historic district, the triennial Old Home Week celebration, Antrim Township Park's landmark 1849 bridge, and the Allison-Antrim Museum give the borough a depth of character that extends well beyond its two-square-mile footprint.