Half Day Self-guided Tour: Boiling Springs & Ashcombe Farm

The village of Boiling Springs, 5 miles from Carlisle, is the quintessential charming village. Weeping willows grace the banks of a spring-fed lake which is surrounded by picturesque 19th century houses, a mansion on the hill, ruins of an historic iron furnace, an old stone mill, and a tavern that has operated since 1832. Art galleries, a fly fishing shop, and a playhouse and resort offer everything that a visitor could want in a trip.

After a visit to Boiling Springs, a short drive down country roads will take you to Ashcombe Farm and Greenhouses, a shoppers delight.

Leave Carlisle going east on High St. to the edge of town. At the Hess Station, veer Right onto Rt. 74 S. After the I-81 overpass, turn right onto Westminster Dr. Take this to the intersection of Forge Road. Turn Left onto Forge Road. Boiling Springs is 4 miles ahead. Forge Road will lead to a stop sign across from the Clock Tower at the Intersection of Rt. 174. Cross Rt. 174 onto Front St. which runs along Children's Lake. You may want to park the car here and walk around the village.

Things to see in Boiling Springs:

• Clock Tower erected in 1956 with stones from the barn that once housed slaves on the Underground Railroad operated by Daniel Kaufman.
• Daniel Kaufman House and Historical Marker. Kaufman, an abolitionist, laid out the village in 1845.
• Ege Mansion built in the 1780s by Ironmaster Michael Ege
• 1780s Grist mill.
  

• Remains of the 18th century Blast Furnace of Carlisle Iron Works are located in Municipal Park on the Right side of the road between the Grist Mill and the Mansion. You might want to walk onto the bridge over the world-renowned trout fishing stream, the Yellow Breeches Creek, and watch fly fishermen try their luck at a trout.
• Visit the walled cemetery where members of the ironmasters families are buried. The iron gate was made at the furnace.
• Allenberry Playhouse & Resort (about 3/4 mile east of the Clock Tower on Rt. 174) opened in 1949 and is still producing quality professional theater. Murder Mystery weekends are held during the fall and winter. Fairfield Hall contains several dining areas and lounges. Tip: Allenberry makes the best sticky buns in the world!

Places to shop in Boiling Springs:

• Village Artisans on Walnut & Fourth Sts. An award-winning shop with one-of-a-kind gifts, prints, and cards of Boiling Springs
• Studio and gallery of award-winning wildlife artist Gerald Putt at 4 Front St.
• Yellow Breeches Outfitters Along with fishing gear and books, there is a nice assortment of Orvis clothing for both men and women.
• JCW Gallery where you can purchase prints of Boiling Springs

You may want to visit the Appalachian Trail Conference headquartered in a building that was a restaurant during the days when Boiling Springs was a popular summer resort (1895-1930.) In 1991, a portion of the Appalachian Trail was rerouted by the lake.

Most popular spot to eat in Boiling Springs:

• The Boiling Springs Tavern has served food and drink continuously since it was built in 1832. Open Tues. through Sat. for lunch and dinner.
  

The next stop on the tour is Ashcombe Farm & Greenhouses about 6 miles ahead. Leave Boiling Springs heading east on Rt. 174. Travel 2.1 miles from the Clock Tower to the intersection of Rt. 174 and Rt. 74. At the traffic light turn Right onto Rt. 74. Travel 3.2 miles, crossing the Yellow Breeches Creek and the RR tracks at Brandtsville. Just before the Exxon station turn Left onto Williams Grove Road. Follow the road straight for 1.1 miles. You will cross the Yellow Breeches again. Shortly after you cross the creek, turn Right onto Grantham Road and Ashcombe’s. The parking lot is on the Right.

Ashcombe Farm & Greenhouses is more than a garden center—it is a shopper’s delight. Besides an enormous selection of plants and shrubs, you can purchase antiques, gifts, homemade baked goods, and gourmet foods.

To return to Carlisle turn Left out of the parking lot at Ashcombe’s. From the stop sign at Grantham Rd. and Williams Grove Road cross the road onto Millers Road. This short road follows the creek and dead ends at Park Place. Turn Left onto Park Place. Proceed 2.0 miles to red barn and stop sign at Rt. 74. Carlisle is 8 miles to the Right.

Tour ends at Square in Carlisle