By Jessica L. Knouse
Hanover has a long, distinguished history in manufacturing, yet the town’s post-COVID renaissance introduces businesses that provide extraordinary experiences — both in downtown and the greater Hanover area.
From entertainment, the arts, sports and the like, Hanover is not just a town that boasts industrial advancement; it is now a destination that invites you to explore, play and experience all that central Pennsylvania has to offer.



The Golf Loft
Logan Mummert, owner
It’s clear that time, attention to detail and dedication went into the creation and design of The Golf Loft. Situated on the second floor of Hanover’s downtown loft district, The Golf Loft blends sports and entertainment effortlessly. A destination all on its own, the space features two luxury simulator bays, an indoor putting green and cozy social spaces for group gatherings.
Logan Mummert, founder and owner, invites his guests to take advantage of the state-of-the-art equipment in the simulator bays. Each employs Trackman devices — the same brand also used on Professional Golf Association (PGA) tours during live, televised events.
“I never do anything half-speed,” says Mummert. “I go all in.” And go “all in” he did.
Any guest at The Golf Loft will instantaneously feel as though they’ve stepped into a professional golfer’s experience, yet Mummert invites all skill levels to participate.
“The reason people don’t come in,” he notes, “is because they might be intimidated—but they don’t have to be.”
In fact, The Golf Loft is a perfect destination for work outings, team-building experiences, date nights, private parties and even family nights out. “I want guests to feel comfortable and relaxed,” says Mummert. Guests can enjoy having fun in a simulator bay where golfers try out their best golf swings with brand new Callaway clubs and balls or they can take private lessons given by PGA professional instructors, available by appointment. Anyone can book a bay or appointment via the user-friendly online booking system, and bays are available for both adults and youth golfers.
For the more avid golfer, The Golf Loft provides a robust selection of equipment sales for clubs, golf balls, gloves and apparel in popular brands like Titleist, Taylormade, Srixon, Callaway, Mizuno and PXG. But if purchasing a set of clubs isn’t your thing, you can also work with a PGA professional to be fitted for custom golf clubs as well.
Whether you need equipment, lessons or you just want to have a fun time, The Golf Loft is a prime outing experience that will leave you feeling like you’ve just made a hole-in-one.
Timeline Arcade
Brandon Spencer, owner
He’s back! Brandon Spencer’s new Timeline Arcade location is a tribute to his earlier arcades that were once part of the North Hanover Mall and downtown Hanover. Thirteen years earlier, Spencer’s second arcade location was located in the same downtown building, but today it’s back with a brand new vibe.
Visit the arcade, located on the first floor of the 22 Carlisle St. building, and you’ll be stepping back in time —“like a portal,” as Spencer describes it.
“I want it to be like you’re walking into a mall from 1980,” he says, “so I based it off of the original Timeout Arcade.”
Featuring more than 50 arcade cabinets and pinball machines, Timeline Arcade combines nostalgia and whimsy in a most perfect manner. Custom painting designs by the Marty Mummert Studio in bright hues of reds, blues and yellows sets the tone for true retro gaming—but with a twist. Not only can families and youth enjoy this throwback center of entertainment but, with a bring-your-own-beverage policy, you can easily turn Timeline Arcade into a perfect date night destination as well.
An expert in vintage gaming systems, Spencer highlights his crown jewel: The Addams Family pinball machine, manufactured circa 1991. “It’s my favorite game from when I was a kid,” he shares. Other notable games for the arcade enthusiast include Batman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Atari Millipede and Venom. You can also test your skills at Sonic All-Stars Basketball, skeeball and pinball. Purchase an all-day or hourly pass, and you just may find yourself just as enthusiastic and energetic as you were in childhood. In short: You can play your heart out at Timeline Arcade.
Church of Satire and Scoops of Satire
Jim and Tara Bryan, owners
Jim and Tara Bryan aren’t afraid to take chances and follow a dream. After years of performing stand-up comedy shows in cities near and far while also raising a family, they decided to take a chance and bring comedy to the Hanover area. The location was important: “The York Street and Broadway corner has just got ‘something’ about it,” says Jim Bryan.
In this centrally located sanctuary of comedy—now featuring an ice cream shop—you just might find your funny bone. From on-stage performances by comedians from New York, New Jersey and as far south as Florida, Bryan boasts that the Church of Satire is “an epicenter of diversity when it comes to comedic acts” where laughs are all but guaranteed. Now you can enjoy a scoop of ice cream or one of Scoops of Satire’s unique milkshakes while you watch a show. And, yes, the milkshakes have funny names.
Choose from a delectable menu of Hershey’s hand-dipped ice cream or enjoy The Dave Chipelle milkshake, made with chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream and crushed cookies and topped with chocolate syrup and whipped cream. Or perhaps you’ll try the John Candyland, a combination of cotton candy ice cream, rainbow sprinkles, strawberry syrup and whipped cream topping. Other funny yet delicious milkshakes include the Mint Hedburg, the Kevin Tart and “the Insomniac,” a nod to comedian Dave Attel.
Although the scoops and laughs are part of your experience at The Church of Satire and Scoops of Satire, Bryan takes his location and presence in the community as a great responsibility to maintain the integrity of downtown ingenuity. “We take [our businesses]seriously,” he says, “and we’re proud of downtown Hanover. We want other people to be proud, too.”
Aldus Brewing Company
Jason and Kate Milinger, owners
As a destination for beer lovers, downtown Hanover can now add the new Aldus Brewing Company location as a must-see venue. But even if you’re not a beer lover, you may be surprised to find that Aldus’ new locale is the perfect spot for everyone.
Tucked into the corner adjacent to the Hotel Hanover, the newly completed Aldus Brewing Company location looks and feels like walking into a cozy, intimate, mid-century English pub. With impeccable attention to detail, owners Jason and Kate Milinger have transformed the space into the ideal spot for socializing with friends on a lazy afternoon or enjoying a pint and dinner as the kids entertain themselves in the game room.
“There are nooks all over the place,” describes Jason Milinger, “which feels like everyone can have their own space here.”
Along on this journey is Hotel Hanover owner Tom Hufnagle, who is partnering with Aldus to provide a full menu of unique pub-style offerings. Hotel Hanover’s kitchen is preparing to expand to provide full service and get creative with menu items. “We’re pairing a lot of the foods with the beer in mind and creating specialty items to be infused with beers,” says Hufnagle.
Aldus is also using this location to test small batch beers and create one-of-a-kind beer dinner experiences. Don’t fret, however, if you’re not a beer drinker.
“We have 24 taps for beer and cocktails,” says Milinger,
“as well as a true wine list from the best wineries in Pennsylvania and quality liquors from Philadelphia Distillery.”
Between Milinger and Hufnagle, the enthusiasm for this new space is palpable. It’s clear that they both wish to explore the potential of this new location and invite you to bring your friends or family to visit them soon.
Decked Out Donuts
Amy and Rick Lovisone, owners
For Amy and Rick Lovisone, Decked Out Donuts is a prime example of when a business becomes a true labor of love. As parents of five children, the Lovisones juggled the responsibilities of raising a family and allowing opportunities for their business dreams to come true.
“I was a stay-at-home mom,” explains Amy Lovisone, so having the time to commit to a full-fledged business with young children wasn’t an immediate option for her. Yet, after years of baking cookies, fancy birthday cakes and other specialty desserts for her children or Rick’s office, Lovisone decided to take her creative “hobby” to the next level with the inception of Decked Out Donuts.
In a prime location, right off Eisenhower Drive in Hanover, the shop offers a wide variety of both “classic” donuts and “fancy” donuts. These donuts, we may add, aren’t your typical ones: they are yeast-risen donuts, which require special time and attention. Just as Lovisone got up with her children at 3 a.m. in years past, now she wakes up at this time to get to the shop, roll the dough, proof it and cut for individual donuts. “If it’s not something that is your passion,” she says, “then it’s difficult to find someone else to fill this role.”
Lovisone’s passion for her donut creations matches her passion for her family. This is evident when she describes her best-selling donut, Granny’s Strawberry Shortcake.
“My late mother loved strawberry shortcake,” she reflects, “and making this donut and talking about it to customers is therapeutic for me because I can honor my mom’s memory.” This particular donut is made with love, and it includes vanilla cream, fresh sliced strawberries with a crushed graham cracker crust and topped with whipped cream.
Among other selections of donuts, Decked Out Donuts features the “classic” varieties like plain-glazed, chocolate, strawberry or vanilla-glazed donuts, as well as filled donuts that Lovisone deems as the “fancy” donuts, like the Peanut Butter Cup Donut, Boston Cream or seasonal specials like Pumpkin Spice and Caramel Cheesecake Snickers.
You may just find Lovisone or one of her children behind the counter helping you select which luscious, fluffy donut you’ll try next. Don’t be shy.
Britton Coffee Co.
Jordan and Itzetta Britton, owners
Coffee is a beverage that is synonymous with many things: morning rituals, getting that last boost of energy before the night shift or a welcoming aroma that invites the family to the table. Indeed, the word energy comes to mind in speaking to Jordan and Itzetta Britton, owners of Britton Coffee Co., and the best way to describe their energy would be gregarious, hard-working, tenacious and kind.
While Jordan Britton’s previous life includes construction contracting and crafting custom, live-edge furniture, he has always appreciated that morning cup of coffee. “I used to wake up at 4 a.m., drive to Philadelphia, work a 12-hour shift, and then drive home,” he says.
It wasn’t until the Brittons relocated their family back to South Hanover when they recognized a need for a place where community can gather, relax and get a great cup of coffee. What began as a coffee trailer eventually morphed to the South Hanover Britton Coffee Co. location and has since expanded to include a McSherrystown location and an upcoming downtown Hanover location.
At Britton Coffee Co., you’ll immediately notice the clean, warm design that invites the eyes to take a break from the chaos of everyday life. Britton reflects on his earlier experiences with coffee shops: “They were moody, dark, and I felt out of place. There was a lot of gatekeeping when it came to the coffee experience.”
With that in mind, “everything we do is intentional,” he says. “We want anyone to feel comfortable ordering anything off the menu.”
He envisions Britton Coffee Co. as a space for busy parents to be able to take a pause in their day, and you’ll find that it’s intentionally kid friendly. Not only is it an inviting space with distinctive coffee beverage offerings, it’s also a great place to satisfy your sweet tooth with the addition of house-made cake donuts in flavors like pumpkin spice, chocolate sprinkles or glazed. A crown jewel of the breakfast menu includes breakfast sandwiches with fresh-cracked eggs, offered exclusively at the South Hanover location from Friday to Sunday mornings.
Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or a moment to unwind, the energy of Britton Coffee Co. invites you to embrace their personal motto: “Work hard and be kind.”
McAllister’s on York and Bar E11even
Robert Godfrey and Andrew D’Agenais, owners
Whether or not traveling is your hobby, you’ll have no problem “traveling” around the world with the menu selections at McAllister’s on York and Bar E11even. Owners Robert Godfrey and Andrew D’Agenais use their globe-trekking experiences as inspiration to create a truly special menu that highlights international cuisine.
Upon entering the space, the industrial-meets-modern eclectic design includes various pieces of one-of-a-kind artwork created by D’Agenais and Godfrey’s friends who happen to be professional artists from York. A stunning custom-made reclaimed glass chandelier fashioned by local metal artist Patrick Sells hangs in the dining room as an eye-catching centerpiece in playful primary colors.
“We came to Hanover to bring something different,” says Godfrey, “not to be the same as everyone else.”
With choices like house-made gnocchi, Tuscan stuffed spaghetti squash, poulet a la moutarde or Korean chicken lollipops, it’s easy to find something to savor even if you’re not overly familiar with international food.
The creativity doesn’t just stop with a culinary journey at McAllister’s on York, however. Godfrey invites fellow wine lovers to embark on yet another journey of the senses with a curated wine list of more than 100 bottles of wine and 25 wine selections to drink by the glass. “Wine is one of my loves,” he says, “and I like to have options for people.”
While the international cuisine may be intimidating to the casual diner, Godfrey points out that the goal of McAllister’s on York is to be an inclusive, welcoming space for anyone. “We like to make sure everyone is welcome,” he says. “The bar is like a neighborhood bar; people come in and become your family.” Visit the McAllister’s on York website and join the “family” by registering for one of the many events it hosts, including wine and bourbon tastings or collaborative events with local, downtown business partners such as “Costumes and Cocktails” this fall.
McAllister’s on York’s unique atmosphere combined with a seasonal, rotating menu provides an exciting opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and enjoy a meal that wows the senses from the first bite to the last sip.
Hazelwood Weddings and Taryn Blake Events
Kate and Adam Walton, owner of Hazelwood Weddings
Taryn Kuhn, owner of Taryn Blake Events
A gem in the Hanover area, Hazelwood Weddings and Taryn Blake Events (TBE, Inc.) invites you to make a reservation at this premier, inclusive event venue. Hazelwood’s hallmark modern, chic design is inspired by luxury farmhouses, featuring a bright white interior with custom wood accents and black fixtures. Nestled on 18 acres of private property in New Oxford, being at Hazelwood is like being in a world of your own.
As the developers and owners of Hazelwood Weddings, the Waltons had no prior experience in coordinating weddings, but they knew they had a special vision to offer. “Before our first wedding, we knew we wanted the expertise and guidance from a professional planner,” explains Walton. After interviewing several established wedding planning businesses, they decided the expertise of Taryn Blake Events was the best fit.
“It’s a partnership like no other,” says Walton, “with wedding planning now included in your package. As soon as you book with us, Taryn Blake Events takes over and helps you plan your wedding from start to finish.”
What does that mean for the average couple? For starters, you’ll receive an immediate welcome call from one of TBE’s expert coordinators to begin your wedding planning process.
“We’ve developed an arsenal of resources, planning guides, local vendor lists, to-do lists and more so that couples feel confident and supported throughout their planning journey,” explains Taryn Kuhn, owner and founder of Taryn Blake Events. “On their wedding day, we ensure their friends and family can be present and that the couple can experience every moment—as our team handles all setup, vendor needs and tear down, and the Hazelwood team runs all venue operations.”
In addition to professional coordinating services immediately upon booking, Hazelwood prides itself in offering a “one package, one price” benefit to customers.
“When you book with us, everything is included at one price,” Walton shares. This includes the full usage of their grounds, including extensive indoor and outdoor venue space; an outdoor patio; a climate-controlled grand event room; two preparation rooms for getting ready; a catering prep kitchen; and a breathtaking outdoor ceremony site. Renters also may choose from a selection of custom furniture made by local craftsmen to elevate their wedding aesthetic.
“The venue has not only elevated the wedding experience for local couples, but also works with couples from Maryland, New York, New Jersey and beyond, bringing in thousands of guests each year who support local small businesses, shops, restaurants and hotels. Guests who have attended weddings at Hazelwood have returned to host their own event there as well,” says Kuhn.
If you want a stress-free day where you can feel like royalty, consider Hazelwood Weddings for your next special event.
The Golf Loft
6 N. Railroad St., Hanover
Book private lessons or reserve a simulator bay online.
View calendar of events, purchase gift cards or inquire about party rentals online.
Timeline Arcade
22 Carlisle St., Hanover
View calendar of events on Facebook.
Church of Satire & Scoops of Satire
106 Broadway, Hanover
Purchase tickets, view upcoming shows or inquire for private event rentals online.
Aldus Brewing Company
13 Center Square, Hanover
Purchase gift cards or inquire for private party rentals online.
Decked Out Donuts
1185 High St., Hanover
View gallery of selections and purchase gift cards online.
Britton Coffee Co.
2633 Baltimore Pike, Hanover
639 South St., McSherrystown
View menu and browse selections on Facebook.
McAllister’s on York and Bar E11even
11 York St., Hanover
Order online, inquire for private party rentals, register for events or make a reservation online.
Hazelwood Weddings
195 Old Mill Rd., New Oxford
Instagram and TikTok: @hazelwoodweddings
Inquire for a bookings and view pricing online.
Taryn Blake Events, LLC
Instagram: @Tarynblakeevents
Inquire for wedding coordinator services and view upcoming events online.