Franklin County. Home of over 160,000 people in seven distinct boroughs. While each state and county has its own personality, there are a few things everyone from Franklin Country knows to be true.
1. Unless you are really into bowling, there isn’t much to do here.
It's sad because the bowling lanes are open later than most business' or restaurants.
2. You think that literately any mall is better than the Chambersburg Mall. RIP.
They say every year that the mall is going to close yet it manages to stay open one year longer. You question how that is even possible when there are only a handful of stores left.
3. If you graduated from CASHS, Greencastle-Antrim or Waynesboro, chances are a large portion of your graduating class attends Shippensburg University (because you know, Ship Happens).
I chose to go to school away from home because I didn't want everyday to feel like a high school reunion. However, many choose Shippensburg because of its affordability, closeness to home and course selection.
4. The first day of deer season is considered a main holiday.
We always have off the first Monday and Tuesday after Thanksgiving for hunting. The school districts know that if they required school on those days, about 1/3 of each school would not be in attendance. Us non-hunters do not complain, because hey, no school!
5. Montezuma’s is bae.
What started as a singular Mexican restaurant in Chambersburg has now grown to include several locations in Franklin County and even one in Gettysburg. The food is delicious, the staff is friendly and the drinks are strong.
6. When people ask where you’re from, you answer “south-central PA” or “near Gettysburg” because literately no one knows where Franklin County is.
Franklin County isn't particularly known for anything big. American history buffs love us though because President James Buchanan was born here and Chambersburg was burnt to the ground during the Civil War.
7. You are unsure why the Franklin County Fair is still a thing. Most people just go the Shippensburg Fair.
The Franklin County fair reminds me of the Chambersburg Mall. There isn't much space, parking is over priced and there aren't a lot of events that draw a large crowd (other than the tractor pull). Every year there are rumblings that this year will be the last for the fair, but every year they manage to put one together.
8. Chambersburg might be the county seat, but Greencastle is nicer.
Chambersburg is very commercialized with all of its large name stores and chain restaurants. Greencastle, on the other hand, is quieter and quaint. Cute shops/ cafes downtown, Old Home Week, well maintained public parks and better public education are all things that Greencastle has to offer. Oh, and Mikie's Ice Cream.
9. People feel very strongly about which wings are better; Norland Pub vs. The Cottage.
I've only every had The Cottage wings, so I cannot comment. Both pubs have very similar sauces but the Gold Mine and the Gold Rush sauces are the hotly contested ones.
10. Even though there isn’t much around, you can be at 5 major cities in four hours or less.
Washington and Baltimore both take around 2 hours to get there. We can be in either Pittsburgh or Philadelphia in around 3 hours. New York City takes approximately 4 hours to drive depending on traffic. With that being said, we love day trips.
11. It’s a lot better than it used to be.
I used to loathe where I came from because it seemed as if any other US city was soo much better than home. However, after being away for three years I see the progress that my little town is making. Empty storefronts are turning into thriving business' and the arts are being integrated into our community culture.
