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Rev up the Hog for York's Harley fest

By Judy Colbert, Expedia.com Contributor

If you've always wanted to see what makes a hog roar, then head for the Harley-Davidson factory in York, Pennsylvania, where things rev up for the H-D Open House, September 28–30.

You can see an exhibit of classic bikes, tour the factory (open 8 AM–2 PM), and enjoy demonstration rides on 2002 models along a 3-mile path through the city of York (you must have a motorcycle license to take a demo ride). Let your small children take a demo ride on Fisher Price Harleys, and attend a Saturday 7 PM concert by the Country Music Association "Duo of the Year," Montgomery Gentry.

The annual Bike Night, with a motorcycle parade, entertainment, and vendors, is held Friday, September 28, from 6 to 10 PM.

How to make wine, chocolate, guitars

York County, the self-proclaimed Factory Tour Capital of the World, is the place to tour a number of intriguing production lines:

Harley-Davidson: Tours last one hour, Monday–Friday at 9:30, 10:30, 12:30, and 1:30. The minimum age is 12 and closed-toe shoes are required. For more information, call +1 (717) 852-6590.

Frito-Lay: Get potato chip samples. Tours are one hour, by appointment, in February, March, and April. The minimum age is 6. Call +1 (717) 792-2611, ext. 3048.

Herr's Foods: Eat hot potato chips right off the cooker. Tours last one hour, Monday–Thursday, 9 AM–3 PM, and Friday, 9–11 AM. Reservations are recommended. Call 1 (800) 637-6225.

Hershey's Chocolate World: Mmm, free chocolate. Tours are daily 9 AM–5 PM, with extended summer hours. Call +1 (717) 534-4900.

P.H. Glatfelter (printing papers): Tours last 60–90 minutes, September through May, and the minimum age is 12. Closed-toe shoes are required. Call +1 (717) 225-2703.

Pfaltzgraff Co.: See how the pottery company crafts its signature dinnerware. Tours last 60–90 minutes and start at 10 AM, Monday–Friday. The minimum age is 6 and reservations are required. Call +1 (717) 793-9877.

York Newspaper: Tours last 1 hour and begin at 10 AM Monday–Friday. Reservations are required. Call +1 (717) 767-3493.

Family Heirloom Weavers: Watch classic American coverlets, carpets, and tablecloths being made. Tours are by appointment only and last one hour. Call +1 (717) 246-2431.

Martin's Potato Chips: Sample their chips and popcorn. Tours last 45 minutes and are available Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to noon. Reservations and closed-toe shoes are required. Call +1 (717) 792-3565.

Snyder's of Hanover: Sample their thick, crunchy pretzels. Tours last 45 minutes, Monday–Friday, 9 AM–6 PM, and Sunday, noon–5 PM. Reservations are required. Call +1 (717) 632-4477.

Wolfgang Candy Company: Try a bag of chocolates. Tours last 60–90 minutes and begin at 10 AM Monday–Friday. Call 1 (800) 248-4273, ext. 112.

Martin Guitar Company: See how the hand-crafted guitars make their four-month transformation from rough lumber into acoustic works of art. Tours last one hour and begin at 1:15 on weekdays. Call +1 (610) 759-2837.

Naylor Wine Cellars: Sample the wine. Tours last 30–45 minutes, Monday–Saturday from 11 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday from noon to 5 PM. Call +1 (717) 993-2431.

Nissley Vineyards & Winery Estate: Sample the wine. Tours last one hour, Monday–Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM, and Sunday, 1–4 PM. Call 1 (800) 522-2387.

Seven Valleys Vineyard & Winery: Sample the wine (you may not want to do these last three tours simultaneously). Tours last 30–45 minutes, Monday–Friday by appointment, and Saturday noon–5 PM. Call +1 (717) 235-6281.