By Taryn Cook

Picture season is never ending. We want pictures with cute backgrounds that are more than a planned photoshoot or posing in front of the same colored or textured walls. Here’s a list of our top 10 most photogenic locations (in no particular order), to spice up your pictures.

Codorus State Park

Codorus State Park is a 3,500-acre park surrounding the 1,275-acres of Lake Marburg located in Hanover, Pennsylvania. It is a popular site for a variety of outdoor activities including: biking, swimming, scuba diving, disc golf, sledding and snowmobiling. The 26 miles of shoreline, open 24/7, offer different views and various options for pictures. No matter the weather or time of day, Codorus State Park will satisfy all of your must-have-a-new-picture needs. You also get a fun day out along the way.

On-Campus York College Sign

Welcome to one of the go-to locations on campus for a great picture. The wall, located on the side of Campbell Hall facing Wolf Hall is a well-loved and well-traveled location built for the exact reason of taking pictures. No matter the angle or distance away from the subject, be proud to rep York College of Pennsylvania!

Gifford Pinchot State Par

For a more forest-based park, come to Lewisberry, Pennsylvania to visit the 2,338-acre Gifford Pinchot State Park surrounding the 340-acre Pinchot Lake. With plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy, the allure of this park comes in its scenery. Come anytime to see the boulders and rock outcrops around the park that make nice shadows and add new definitions of height into your pictures. Each season seems to offer new ideas: coming in the spring allows visitors to see the eastern red bud trees that turn the park pink; in the summer you get the opportunity to find the giant swallowtail butterfly along its many trails.

YCP Fountain

Welcome to a YCP must-have picture!

The fountain located in the center of main campus is very recognizable landmark that allows you to see all of the buildings on main campus from its sight. Whether it is nice weather, and the fountain is on, or it is cold out and we have the school initials on show, the open space, whimsical water feature and statement letters bring great contrast to any picture.

Penn Street Art Bridge

Tired of backgrounds that are solid colors or just a nice landscape?

The Penn Street Art Bridge located in York was started in 2017 by the York Time Bank as a way to turn vandalism into a positive aspect of the community. It is a community project so feel free to bring your own paint and add to it. Even local and visiting artists put up a new mural so check back in regularly. Bring in some color and design and take a picture anywhere along the wall!

William Kain Park

William Kain Park has more bang for your buck, as a 1,637-acre park surrounding 220-acre Lake William and 290-acre Lake Redman. This activity filled park has volleyball, horseshoes pits, fishing, boating just to name a few. They have recently built a 350-foot walking deck that takes visitors closer to the waterfowl and never before seen views of Lake Redman.

Richard M. Nixon Park

With the main feature of this 213-acre park being its 14,000-square foot Nature Center, Richard M. Nixon Park is the home to meadow, woodland and aquatic habitats. This park is primarily used for educational reasons but the 6 miles of hiking trails weaving through the park are sure to offer great views and backgrounds.

Central Market

What is a quintessential college town without a market that students can go to explore, shop and have fun?

From fresh produce and live music to soaps and candles, Central Market in downtown York has all your bases covered. With a beautiful historic red brick building and a variety of different stalls, going to Central Market especially with your friends on a First Friday will have your pictures feeling the small-town vibe.

John C. Rudy Park

John C. Rudy Park is on the smaller side of parks and is 150 acres located in York, Pennsylvania.

Don’t feel left out because there is still space for you to live out and reminisce on your childhood. There are plenty of soccer fields and baseball diamonds that will be in use, so take a walk on the 2-mile paved loop and see what is going on, or let your dog roam free here too with the leash free Canine Meadow. Take some great pictures in the Display Garden, designed by Penn State Master Gardeners. With pops of color from all the different flowers that grow well in the state, your pictures will be the epitome of spring.

996 S. George St.

Located right at the corner of S. George Street and Country Club Road, this YCP logo calls for anyone and everyone to take a picture in front of it.

Show off your school spirit in a new way and stop off for some food while you’re down there too. Try taking the picture at a distance to show we are all pieces of the community that makes up York College of Pennsylvania.

So, there it is, a top 10 must-take-a-picture-here locations in the area. Yes, go for the pictures that you will get but also enjoy the time there. Go with friends and use the resources available at the locations to have even more fun!

Taryn Cook is a sophomore and a Hospitality Management major.