Between exploring wide-open spaces and charming downtowns, you can "craft" a Cumberland Valley experience that ignites your creativity. As you immerse yourself in various hands-on opportunities, you'll create a unique souvenir of your trip to Cumberland Valley. So bring your friends, step outside your comfort zone, and explore a new activity guaranteed to boost your mood.
Mechanicsburg
The Gleeful Candle Co.
One of Mechanicsburg's newest businesses, The Gleeful Candle Co., offers Central PA's first DIY candle-making workshop experience. Tap into your creativity and have fun as you choose from more than 30 scents, and receive guided instruction on creating your 100% natural soy wax candle.
The Rosemary House
The Rosemary House is a specialty herb and spice shop that hosts an impressive assortment of classes and workshops (as well as teas and luncheons), such as Make Your Own Herbal Medicine, Edible Gifts with Herbs, and more.
Board & Brush
A few blocks away, Board & Brush lets guests create custom wooden signs during a variety of scheduled workshops. No experience with a hammer, sandpaper, or power tools? No worries. Their DIY classes provide all the tools and directions you need, regardless of your skill level. The studio is BYOB.
The Bewitching Moon
The Bewitching Moon is a small gallery offering handmade items and metaphysical goods. Check their website or Facebook page for various hands-on workshops, such as creating a spirit doll.
Art Center School & Galleries
The Art Center School & Galleries, a short drive from downtown Mechanicsburg, offers painting, drawing, and pottery classes for adults and kids. While many of their classes are multi-session, they also have shorter one-day workshops.
Ashcombe Farm & Greenhouses
If you're looking for a creative outlet for gardening, sign up for an array of hands-on planting and craft classes for adults and children at Ashcombe Farm & Greenhouses. Build your own fairy garden, create a butterfly container garden, make a wreath, and more.
Jubilee Cake Studio
Leave the mess to others at Jubilee Cake Studio, where walk-ins are always welcome. Pick your canvas—cupcakes, cookies, or cake—grab your goodies—frostings, fondants, and sprinkles—and decorate! Take a stroll down their 40-foot wall of decorating tools to choose the perfect option to express your creativity! Want a themed experience instead? Sign up for their instructor-led workshops, where all supplies are included. There are classes for toddlers, teens, date nights, and more.
Carlisle
Carlisle Arts Learning Center
Carlisle Arts Learning Center hosts many workshops led by experienced local artists. Try your hand at painting, jewelry-making, and fiber arts, or create a successful piece during their popular Craft Beer & Clay Nights. Gain inspiration by viewing the artwork on display in their gallery.
Wick & Pour Studio
Sign up for a candle-pouring workshop at Wick & Pour Studio in downtown Carlisle. Choose from more than 30 premium fragrances or blend two to create your own unique scent. Then, ignite your creativity as a friendly instructor helps you create a beautiful custom candle. You'll leave with a 9-ounce candle providing 40+ hours of scented bliss.
Create-a-Palooza
Stop by during open studio time at Create-a-Palooza, located in a unique Victorian building in the heart of downtown Carlisle. Here, you can laugh, sip, unwind, and leave with a completed painting or cool ceramic piece. Bring your favorite snacks and drinks (BYOB for ages 21+).
The Kitchen Shoppe
Located right outside of downtown Carlisle, The Kitchen Shoppe provides a fun, foodie-friendly environment with a wide variety of cooking classes that accommodate all levels of experience. You'll find culinary twists on food such as seafood, baklava, and garlic; best of all, you get to taste the results!
Meadowbrooke Gourds
About 15 minutes from downtown Carlisle, you'll find Meadowbrooke Gourds. Browse the shop to see all the beautiful creations they make from the gourds they grow, or check their events calendar and sign up for one of their Make-Your-Own classes. TIP: Their classes fill up quickly, so register as soon as possible. If you don't have time for a class, purchase some raw gourds to take home and decorate.
The Winery at the Long Shot Farm
Let the stunning scenery inspire you as you participate in regularly scheduled canvas painting workshops at The Winery at the Long Shot Farm. Expect a fun time with wine, friends, laughter, and your own one-of-a-kind painting.
West Shore (Camp Hill, New Cumberland)
Creative Spark Arts
Creative Spark Arts in New Cumberland is a retail gallery with classes and workshops that encourage budding artists to enrich their creativity by exploring different areas of art. From 3D art and collages to clay and block print, these classes will get your creative juices flowing.
Cornerstone Coffeehouse
The Culinary Kitchen & Cooking School at Cornerstone Coffeehouse in Camp Hill offers a culinary experience. Classes teach you how to whip up tasty meals. Explore delicious recipes that will have you cooking like a pro in no time.
Cumberland Valley... Where the Week Ends
Find more ways to add fun to your Cumberland Valley getaway, including culinary delights, seasonal festivals, and outdoor exploration. To help plan your trip, view our online calendar for upcoming events. Be sure to filter by the "Lectures, Classes, & Workshops" category to see the latest hands-on activities to help you discover your creative spark.
