At The Heritage of Green Hills, summer is a season of music, movement, and memory-making—and this year’s calendar is packed with opportunities for fun, culture, and a little something sweet and salty.
Residents of Shillington, Pa.’s premier senior living community have been hitting the road to enjoy a wide range of excursions that showcase the very best of Berks County and beyond. Whether it’s grooving to live bands, stepping back in time at historic sites, or sampling local flavor on Berks County’s new Sweet & Salty Trail, every outing is filled with laughter, discovery, and connection.
Music That Moves Us
“One of the best things about summer in the Reading area is the incredible variety of concerts and music festivals—it feels like there’s something exciting happening every other day,” says Cheryl Anderson, Well by Design Director at The Heritage, who creates the jam-packed schedule of events and activities for the community’s independent living residents. “We bring in live performers throughout the year, but when the weather’s warm, it’s the perfect time to get out and about into the local community. Group trips are great for the spirit, and a lot of fun, too!”
Residents of The Heritage have cultured, eclectic tastes—they can groove to jazz, rock, and swing, or get swept up in classical melodies. This summer, they’ve enjoyed the feel-good soulful tunes of The Uptown Band and Elvis impersonator Jeff Krick at Alsace Lutheran Church’s Peach Festival; the high-energy 1950s rock classics of Flamin’ Dick & The Hot Rods in New Holland; and the sounds of the 1970s by Lovelace at the Bethany Children’s Home Summer Concert. Other highlights included the Ringgold Band’s Picnic in the Park at St. John’s UCC, swing and jazz with the Anna Alexander Trio, Celtic music from Fire in the Glen, and classic rock favorites from the Fabulous Greaseband. Not to mention the enchanting Valley Forge Carillon Concerts, where international artists like Doug Gefvert and Malgosia Fiebig filled the summer air with the bells of the historic Washington Memorial Chapel.
Culture and Curiosity
For those who love history and hands-on learning, trips to Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum’s Civil War Days and St. Peter’s Village’s Step Back in Time offered rich glimpses into Pennsylvania’s past. Residents also explored art and the environment at the Brandywine River Conservancy & Museum of Art, entered a colorful world of play at the Reading Museum’s Toytopia exhibit, and followed a story of art and imagination during the Yocum Institute’s Summer Library Tour featuring “Hazel & The Empty Easel.”
Other cultural adventures included a performance of “The Penguin Lessons” at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts and a celebration of Elmwood Zoo’s 100th Anniversary, where residents met Philadelphia Eagles Ambassador Reggie the Bald Eagle.
More Than Sweet & Salty Adventures 
Nothing says summer like a road trip—and The Heritage’s residents have been savoring the region one bite at a time thanks to the Pennsylvania Americana Sweet & Salty Trail. Tasty stops have included Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery and Wilbur Chocolate in Lititz, St. Peter’s Village for nostalgic charm and sweet surprises, and September Farm, where ice cream, pretzels, and sunflowers made the perfect trio.
“We’ve been combining learning a bit about local history with yummy treats, but it’s much more than that,” explains Anderson. “All our summer outings are a natural extension of our holistic Well by Design® program, which supports every dimension of residents’ wellness—physical, intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual. Whether dancing to live music, exploring art and history, or simply sharing ice cream with friends on the Sweet & Salty Trail, each trip provides meaningful opportunities for movement, intellectual stimulation, connection, and joy. It’s important to your overall health and happiness to stay active, curious, and engaged with the world around you.”
The Care Center’s Scenic Bus Rides
The Care Center at The Heritage of Green Hills, home to the community’s personal care and memory care neighborhoods, also offers residents plenty of summer fun.
“We offer residents a variety of different things to do in-house every day, such as gentle exercise classes, simple cooking classes, parties, games, movies, and singalongs,” says the Care Center’s Arts and Entertainment Coordinator, Heather Setley. “But getting out is important, too. We take a weekly scenic drive for a change of pace, explore the area, get some fresh air, and reconnect with the wider world. Sometimes we’ll go to a nature-filled setting, while other times we’ll head out to someone’s old neighborhood.”
A Commitment to Enrichment
Whether it’s a lively concert, a trip to a local museum, or a peaceful countryside drive, every outing this summer has reflected The Heritage of Green Hills’ deep commitment to creating a fulfilling, enriching lifestyle for residents. These experiences spark joy, foster friendships, and help residents stay connected—all while embracing the spirit of adventure that makes life here so special.
Take a Trip to The Heritage of Green Hills
Ready to see what summer—and every season—can look like at The Heritage of Green Hills? Visit https://heritageofgreenhills.com to learn more and schedule your personal tour today.