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Itineraries: A Taste of Cumberland County Day 1: Historic Carlisle Carlisle, founded in 1751, is an historical and architectural treasure, as well as a beautiful place to spend the day. After a hearty breakfast at Fay's Country Kitchen or Kimberley's Café & Creamery you'll be ready for the day ahead. Start the morning with a drive through Carlisle Barracks. It's the 2nd oldest Army post in the U.S. and currently the home of the U. S. Army War College. You will pass many of the buildings of the Carlisle Indian School where Olympian Jim Thorpe and more than 10,000 American Indian children went to school from 1879-1918. Don't miss the Hessian Powder Museum, built in 1777. It houses artifacts and exhibits depicting the 240+-year history of Carlisle Barracks. Tip: As a security measure since 9/11, you must show your photo driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of car insurance before entering the Barracks.
Tip: Make sure to look up at the weather vane. Whether you want to have lunch in an historic building, or you're in the mood for a certain cuisine, you have dozens of unique restaurants to choose from. Several award winning restaurants include the California Café, Market Cross Pub, and Amy's Thai Cuisine.
After dinner, if you're in the mood for a blast from the past, see a movie at the 1939 Carlisle Theatre, shoot some pool, listen to a band, or catch the latest play at Allenberry Theatre.
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Day 2: Scenic Ramble
Two shops in Boiling Spring that shouldn't be missed are Village Artisans Gallery & Studios on Walnut Street, carrying the works of more than 200 artists and craftsmen, and Yellow Breeches Outfitters near the clock tower, selling fishing gear, books, Orvis and other lines of sports clothes.
Don't miss a trip to the General Store (open May-Sept.). The half way point of the famed 2160-mile Appalachian Trail is in the park, and it has become a tradition with thru hikers to stop here and try to eat a half gallon of Hershey's ice cream. You may be lucky enough to witness this feat! Spend the rest of the day in the park. You can picnic, swim at Fuller or Laurel Lake, rent a boat, or even hike a bit of the Trail.
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Day 3: Pretty Towns & Specialty Shopping: Today is devoted to sightseeing and shopping. In Cumberland County you'll experience shopping like it used to be-in small, individually-owned shops located on the main streets of towns. After breakfast, travel to Mechanicsburg along Trindle Road (Rt. 641), past undulating farmland with scenic views of the mountains. Tip: About a mile from Mechanicsburg, at the intersection of Rt. 174, is the Pepperidge Farm Discount Store where you can stock up on cookies and crackers.
South Market Street has a variety of specialty shops including Civil War and More, Veronique's Antiques, Barn Cat Mercantile, The Rosemary House & Gardens selling herbal gifts, books, and more, and the 2nd Floor Gallery selling original art, pottery, glass, etc.
Camp Hill, with its tree-lined streets and handsome residences, was named for the Civil War camp that was located here. On Market Street you'll find a wide assortment of specialty shops, antique shops, and great places to eat. The old Camp Hill Borough Office now houses a number of shops including Cordier Antiques & Fine Art, and Funky Junque. Other shops on Market Street include the Primrose Peacock specializing in collector dolls and bears, Creative Elegance Boutique a clothing shop, William Ris Gallery selling original paintings, jewelry, and sculpture, Rosemarie's Antiques, and One Good Woman selling coffees and gifts. You might want to have an afternoon tea or coffee break at the Cornerstone Coffeehouse or you can wait until you get to New Cumberland (4 miles) and have Irish and British tea, coffee, and homemade scones at the Oxford Hall Celtic Shop. The last town on today's itinerary is New Cumberland, located at the spot where the Yellow Breeches Creek empties into the Susquehanna River. In 1725 Peter Chartier, the son of a French fur trader and an Indian mother, built a cabin and ran a trading post on land that is now New Cumberland. The borough was incorporated in 1831 and was an important lumber center. Many of the shops and restaurants in New Cumberland are located on the third block of Bridge Street. Oxford Hall Celtic Shop carries imports from Ireland and the British Isles, Esther S. Hempt Fashions specializes in fine clothing, the Proper Setting carries everything for the table, and at Dingeldein's Bakery you will find scrumptious baked goods that are a treat for the eye as well as the palate. Have dinner at Coakley's Restaurant & Irish Pub, an institution in New Cumberland. If you're still not ready to call it a day, you can see a movie at the 1939 West Shore Theatre, a play at Allenberry, Oyster Mill Playhouse, or the Little Theatre of Mechancisburg, or you can dance the night away at one of the nearby bars or clubs. Places to stay in the area:
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Antique collectors, history buffs, and kids will enjoy the museum at the .jpg)
Spend the afternoon shopping in Carlisle's boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops, or browse one of the area book stores such as Whistlestop Bookshop (pictured) while enjoying the town's impressive 18th and 19th century architecture.
After breakfast, a short drive will take you to Boiling Springs, the quintessential charming village. Weeping willows grace the banks of a spring-fed lake which is surrounded by picturesque 19th C. houses, a mansion on the hill, ruins of an historic iron furnace, an old stone mill, and a tavern that has operated since 1832. Originally the site of an 18th C. iron works, Boiling Springs was a stop on the Underground Railroad, and later, a summer resort. The ever popular Allenberry Playhouse & Resort, just east of town, has been producing professional theatre since 1949.
After lunch at the 
Why not end the day with a drive to one of two scenic overlooks with panoramic views of the valley. One spot is atop Waggoners Gap on the North Mountain; an Audubon Society site for hawk watching. The other overlook is from the patio of the Mansion at King's Gap on the South Mountain. If you go to 
The first town you'll visit today is Mechanicsburg. The village, settled about 1807, grew rapidly after becoming an important stop on the railroad in the 1830s. Victorian in look and feel, Mechanicsburg has the largest number of "tower" houses in the county. If you park near the Square (Main & Market Streets) you'll be within easy walking distance of many historic buildings and shops.
Take a walk around town before the stores open. On East Main Street you'll see the oldest building in Mechanicsburg, Union Church, built in 1825. Next door is Washington Fire Co. No. 1, formed in 1857. Further down the block is the restored Frankeberger Tavern c. 1801. Make sure to visit the exhibits at the 
Start your shopping spree in Mechanicsburg with a trip to Fairey Godmother's on West Main Street where you'll find racks and racks of vintage clothing that will bring back memories and some laughs.
If you want an early lunch, try the Gingerbread Man, Grandpa's Growler, or Jo Jo's Pizza & La Campana Restaurant in Mechanicsburg, or drive the 5 miles to Camp Hill and have lunch at Café on Market or the 
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