Cumberland Valley is home to gifted craftsmen who make everything from beer to home decor to jewelry. Whether you're wearing, displaying, or tasting these fine artisan crafts, you'll be sure to love every moment of this handmade weekend.

While visiting more than 25 craft breweries along the Cumberland Valley Beer Trail, be sure to sign up for the free mobile passport and check in on your mobile device to start earning prizes.

Half Day

Begin your trip in historic downtown Carlisle. History on High - The Shop is home to a collection of locally crafted treasures. Find jewelry, soaps, ornaments, cards, pottery, and more tucked into this cozy shop. The shop is also home to the Cumberland Valley Visitors Center. Pick up any of the 150+ brochures, flyers, and guides on display. We've got you covered whether you are looking for local or regional attraction information!  Your next shopping stops are within walking distance. Head up to the Square, cross the street, and turn left. You'll find No Common Scents, an artisan bath and body shop filled with a variety of organic & natural hand-made soaps, lotions, scrubs, lip balms, bath bombs, soy & coconut-based candles, as well as shampoo and conditioner bars. Next, head to the Goldcrafter's Corner, where you can find an ever-changing mix of beautifully crafted items fashioned by American artists from throughout the country. Finally, in the next block, the greatest gift features unique items, including beautiful jewelry and pottery handcrafted by artisans. 

It will be hard to decide where to eat lunch, but some suggestions include North Hanover Grille, which serves up daily specials and has some of the best wings in town, or Market Cross Pub, featuring English pub food plus 250 varieties of beer and ale. Stop for dessert at Dough & Arrows, where you can find delicious ice cream and delectable homemade edible cookie dough.

For an afternoon pick-me-up, get your caffeine fix at Denim Coffee. You'll find stellar java and a place to recharge before heading out for more shopping adventures.

Full Day

Enjoy cruising through the scenic countryside as you travel to Meadowbrooke Gourds. The largest gourd manufacturer in the country, this family-owned business grows, cleans, and crafts gourd-eous creations. Behind-the-scene tours are given every Tuesday, but even a stroll through the whimsical store will show why this hidden gem was featured on the Discovery Channel's Dirty Jobs. Meadowbrooke also offers make-your-own gourd classes throughout the year and several seasonal festivals featuring live music, food trucks, craft beer, and their popular "Oops" sale.

No artisan craft tour would be complete without stopping for a sweet temptation at Exquisite Chocolates in Carlisle. You'll find the finest gourmet chocolate confections from around the world. 

End your day at Appalachian Brewing Company. This brewpub has a handful of locations scattered throughout Central PA and features flagship brews and new seasonal specialty brews throughout the year. The menu offers a fun variety of modern favorites with a twist and a smattering of huge burgers, including The Original Harrisburger.

Make it a Weekend

Visit the Sweetest Place on Earth to learn how the iconic Hershey Bar is manufactured at Hershey's Chocolate World. Your free tour includes everything from singing cows to a free chocolate sample at the end. Browse the giant gift store for unusual, hard-to-find chocolate flavors and five-pound Hershey Bars.

Take a self-guided tour, or reserve your spot on a guided tour at Tröegs Brewing Company. Either way, you'll learn how the beer is fermented and bottled and enjoy tasting their signature beers.

Wrap up your weekend at Al's of Hampden. In between bites of pizza, wings, and other pizzeria specialties, enjoy one of the 99 beers on tap, including a selection of brews made in-house.

Extend Your Stay

Cumberland Valley offers a wide selection of other brews and baubles to uncover. Explore our wineries & distilleries, art galleries, and a special selection of Made in the Valley products. Relax at the end of the day in one of our comfortable hotels or cozy B&Bs.