Spry - York, PA

Spry’s history intertwines with that of York County’s and is therefore rich with historical events, such as the drafting of the Articles of Confederations. The community has also been heavily involved with political and military efforts and has seen its citizens fight in every war since the American Revolution.

In modern times, the area holds the reputation of being agriculturally rich with plenty of culture to match. No museums lie within Spry itself, however the York County Heritage Trust on Market Street provides locals a glimpse into the county’s history through photographs and films. The venue incorporates locally made furniture and time pieces into its two-story gallery. Residents can also travel less than 5 miles north to visit the Industrial and Agricultural Museum on Princess Street. Spry residents stick around downtown York for annual festivals such as A Taste Of York City and the Olde York Street Fair.

Similar to the other amenities in York County, the best local eats are scattered through various sections. Luckily, Spry claims a few of the most popular joints for itself along Queen Street. For breakfast or lunch, stop in the Tapenade Bistro to taste an order of pumpkin baked oatmeal or the legendary fruit crepe. This reputed breakfast delicacy whisks fluffy cream with ripe fruit before layering it inside the airy crepe. Hungrier patrons opt for the savory Eggs Benedict or skip strait to the lunch menu for a bowl of seafood soup or turkey Florentine and bacon sandwich.

For a late night hangout and some of the best wings you will ever eat, stop at the Stone Grille and Taphouse on St. Charles Way. The restaurant opens in time for lunch and does not close until well after dinner, making this the perfect place to hang out at the bar and listen to good music. Unlike many other wing spots, these masterpieces actually have grill marks and a generous amount of spicy sauce. Locals praise the beer selection and appreciate the attached “Bottle Shop” that encourages patrons to create a six-pack to go.

If you find yourself south of Spry, stop for burritos at Roburrito’s Mexican café on Main Street. Pack your tortilla full of all the standard fixings, but make sure to top it off with the Old Grumpy Mark's Hot Sauce. This secret delicacy is just one of Roburrito’s homemade sauces that help to elevate the eatery above its corporate competition. Locals say the portions are huge, and a squirt of lime on every creation makes the flavor even bigger.

The residential feel in Spry does not foster a booming nightlife, but between all the venues in York County residents can scope out a few great places to let loose. Just outside Spry’s northern boundary on George Street lies one such place. The Cove pairs a dive-bar atmosphere with live music and exceptional bar food. For instance, in addition to your standard burger and fries, the restaurant serves dishes such as pub steak macaroni and cheese, Eastern Shore crab and smokey brisket. However, it’s the beer specials and central Pennsylvania’s only tap that turn first-time visitors into regulars. With at least 20 tap craft beers, The Cove has easily become a local favorite for grabbing beers after work or at 1 a.m. Make sure to catch a live band or one of the grill’s many other events before heading home.

Encompassing only 2.5 miles of residential land, Spry gives residents limited transportation options. Walkers primarily stick to residential streets off main roads since amenities are relatively spread out. However, the area suits locals who prefer getting around on bikes. The neighborhood’s perimeter is lined with bike-friendly roads or unpaved trails. Dew Drop Road, Cherry Street and Powder Mill Road can be used to delve into the area without circling it.

Though biking remains a viable alternative, 96 percent of residents utilize cars as their primary transportation means for daily errands and commutes. No rail lines pass through the borough, but Rabbit Transit provides public bus services for all of York County. Route 10S stops at the OSS Station off Powder Mill Road and has two stops along Queen Street at Dew Drop Road and Cherry Street. Driving to the city center takes about two hours by accessing Highway 30 from Interstate 83 in York. Spry’s size keeps it from being an area where taxis can be hailed or arranged through Uber, but locals can call ahead to schedule their rides.

Though Spry nearly adjoins William Kain Park and Lake Redman, only one designated recreation area resides inside the community. The free York Township Park off Oak Street appeals to families with children in need of a well-kept jungle gym, specifically one named “Kid’s Kingdom.” Locals stroll the winding paths through soccer fields, basketball courts, tennis courts and a baseball field before encountering large stretches of green space. The park is praised for its cleanliness and safety, and residents appreciate a space large enough to bring along leashed pets. Pavilions make the park perfect for picnics or parties with a convenient parking lot.

In warmer months, residents flock to William Kain Park for its 1,675 acres of picturesque woodlands and countless water-related activities in Lake Redman. This location suits joggers more for the vast expanse of hiking trails. Bikers and horseback riders are also welcome to cruise the shaded pathways. Some equipment can be rented for a fee, but the natural haven is otherwise free.

Life amid the charming historic streets and updated single-family homes is surprisingly affordable compared to Philadelphia’s average. With the average cost of living about three percent lower than the city’s, locals encounter more affordable prices for all standard goods and services. However, Spry has a more expensive housing market and slight difference in fuel costs, with gas in the area sitting about nine percent higher than the national average. Groceries, utilities, and health care cost less in Spry than they do in Philadelphia.

Though only 33 percent of residents choose to rent, they encounter expensive prices and limited options. A standard one bedroom apartment averages $945 a month, though they are hard to find. Two-bedroom condos and townhouses are more common in the area and can go for as little as $700 a month. Aside from housing, the prices in Spry are exceptionally fair, especially since locals can enjoy a liter of draught beer for $7 to $8.

The central shopping location in Spry stretches along Queen Street with clusters of retailers also at the intersection of Leader Heights Road with Interstate 83. The layout of York County encourages residents from each borough to take advantage of the amenities in neighboring areas, especially since these are often only a few miles away.

Big-name retailers serve the York area for most products such as clothing and hobbies. The locally owned shops in Spry focus on services rather than items. For access to high-end specialty boutiques or shops, locals head farther north to the Valley View area to peruse shops such as Gem Boutique and The Watchmaker’s Daughter.

However, a few small boutiques exist closer to Spry. T.S. Dobbins on Saint Charles Way features the area’s best trendy jewelry, apparel and accessories. The little storefront is known for great sales and shopping events, such as walk-through fashion shows in the store. If you are looking for more competitive pricing, check out New Beginnings Consignment. The family-owned furniture shop features home accents, gifts and seasonal décor in such good shape it looks new. Vintage lovers head downstairs to the showroom for one-of-a-kind pieces with the popular distressed look. Residents interested in strings of stores together appreciate the Randolph Park Shopping Center and the York Galleria Mall.

Between chains such as Sheetz, Weis Markets and Rutter’s Farm Stores, locals can gather all their groceries without leaving the area. However, Spry offers many more specialty grocers that compete with the big-name chains. For example, Janina's Fine Desserts and Lehman Orchards & Roadside Market supply locals with homemade or straight-from-the-tree products. The county also hosts the Market & Penn Street Farmers' Market less than eight miles away on Market Street in York County. The facility was actually established in 1866 and has continued to be an iconic staple of York County’s culture. The indoor flea market blends the best of farmstand produce and meat with handmade crafts and treats.