If you're looking for fun, look no further than the collection of performing arts centers and great dining establishments in Cumberland Valley. Our venues range from cozy community theatres to state-of-the-art centers that draw national acts. Below, we've put together a few options for you depending on which town you want to visit. Each includes a suggestion for drinks or dessert to complete your evening.
Carlisle
Dinner
There are too many great dining options in downtown Carlisle to suggest just one. In fact, there are at least 15 restaurants in four short blocks. Choose from an eclectic mix of cuisines with flavors from across the globe.
Show
There are two very distinct choices for catching a show in Carlisle. Enjoy a live performance or movie at the retro Carlisle Theatre or a quality performance by students at Dickinson College's Mathers Theater. Dickinson College also offers several musical performances by faculty and guest artists in Rubendall Recital Hall at the Weiss Center for the Arts.
Drinks & Dessert
Afterward, grab a delicious crepe or other tasty desserts at Helena's Chocolate Cafe & Creperie or a drink at one of several local breweries, including Molly Pitcher Brewing Co. You can also end the evening by relaxing with a glass of wine at Castlerigg Wine Shop.
Shippensburg
Dinner
Enjoy a delicious dinner before your show at Redemption BBQ, where the meat is smoked daily. Make it a full menu with a side order of comfort foods such as mac & cheese, onion petals, or shanty beans.
Show
You will have an entertaining evening at the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center at Shippensburg University. This state-of-the-art center features Broadway performances, concerts by national recording artists, famous speakers, comedians, and more.
Drinks & Dessert
Afterward, enjoy drinks at Arooga's, known locally for its award-winning wings. You'll want to try the BIG Sweet Pretzel from the small dessert menu.
Mechanicsburg
Dinner
Before a show nearby, enjoy dinner at the local favorite Hellenic Kouzina Greek Cafe. This spot serves traditional Greek food and keeps patrons coming back time and time again. Note: It is BYOB.
Show
Settle in for a lively community performance at the Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg. Enjoy plays and musicals in this former one-room schoolhouse.
Drinks & Dessert
Keep the fun going at Wolf Brewing Co., which serves a late-night food menu from 9 p.m. to close on Fridays and Saturdays. You'll also find artfully crafted small-batch brews. Or, for adults-only fun, try Lovedraft's Brewing Co., where the "music will be heavy and the meals will be hearty." Beers run the gamut for every palate, with ales, sours, porters, and IPAs.
Camp Hill
Dinner
Try something different before a show in Camp Hill. Located downtown, Cedars Restaurant features authentic and affordable Lebanese cuisine.
Show
Take in a musical, mystery, drama, or comedy at the non-profit, local Oyster Mill Playhouse. Performances take place in the converted 1820s mill.
Drinks & Dessert
Keep the fun going at Ever Grain Brewing Co. with a large variety of hand-crafted beers and artisan cocktails. Their food menu features a great selection of shareables.
New Cumberland
Dinner
Nick's 114 is a laid-back hometown favorite featuring traditional pub food, including soups, sandwiches, wings, burgers, crabcakes, and more. If you can't make it before the show, Nick's is also great for drinks and dessert afterward. You can indulge in cheesecake, brownies, rice pudding, ice cream, and more while relaxing with a beer.
Show
The newly-renovated West Shore Theatre was recently restored to the look and feel approximating its construction in 1939 with the addition of modern amenities. The intimate 200-seat theatre hosts a variety of concerts, performances, films, and plays.
Drinks & Dessert
Dead Lightning Distillery features an extensive drink menu with an assortment of small-batch spirits, including rums, flavored vodkas, flavored whiskeys, and gins. Or, head to Wild Rabbit Pies & Pints for pints from Ever Grain Brewing Co., signature cocktails, and more.