Cumberland Valley’s blend of charming and vibrant downtown areas makes this region a true destination. Each town’s unique mix of specialty shops, historical architecture, local museums, and distinctive dining experiences make it an adventure waiting to be discovered. So put on your walking shoes and stroll along picturesque streets to discover these highlights during your weekend getaway. Once you’re here, you’ll find that the hardest part is returning home.
Boiling Springs
Bubbling with picturesque scenery, history, and a man-made lake that literally bubbles, the village of Boiling Springs is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Stay in one of 20 accommodations at the historic Allenberry Resort for easy access to all the fun. The 250-seat Playhouse at Allenberry entertains guests with mainstage plays and musicals, family productions, comedy, movie nights, musical acts, and guest speakers. Following the show, enjoy a fine casual dinner at The Barn and then retire to one of the resort’s luxurious rooms. Be sure to make an appointment for one of the many services offered at the on-site Longevity Center and don’t leave without purchasing Allenberry’s famous sticky buns at their cafe.
For those seeking additional outdoor adventure, Allenberry can arrange for guests to partake in fly fishing, trap shooting and sporting clays, kayaking, or hiking along the nearby Appalachian Trail. No visit would be complete without a stop by the Children’s Lake, which is fed by the springs that give the town its name. There, you can stroll, go fishing, enjoy birdwatching, and even take a leisurely boat ride.
Camp Hill
While shopping and wellness opportunities abound, the must-visit Camp Hill attraction in this lively community is Cornerstone Coffeehouse, which also serves as a gallery for local artists. With its incredible collection of hot or iced coffee, tea, espressos, frappes, and lattes, plus delicious sandwiches, you’ll find this the perfect place to take a break. If the weather cooperates, sit outside on their deck or walk down the street to the peaceful Willow Park. Be sure to leave time to check out some shops and small businesses — more than 55% of them are women-owned.
Carlisle
With so many dining, shopping and entertainment choices, it’s hard to choose just one thing to do in Carlisle. But to get the best sense of the Cumberland Valley and its history, the must-see attraction is the Cumberland County Historical Society. The award-winning museum features 16 galleries with stories of local history spanning 250 years. It also offers interactive workshops, walking tours, and several community events, including the McLain Bash, which honors the region’s Celtic history. The museum shop – History on High – is the perfect location to pick up a souvenir, including local artwork. It also houses the Cumberland Valley Visitors Center, which offers maps and brochures showcasing local attractions, making it an ideal first stop as you begin your journey through the Valley.
Enola
Spend a sunny day exploring the 82-acre Adams-Ricci Community Park in Enola. Pack a picnic and enjoy it in one of the many pavilions and picnic areas. Then challenge your friends or family to some basketball, tennis, pickleball, volleyball, or bocce ball. Kids under four will love the recently constructed playground while everyone can enjoy the butterfly garden. Take a hike along 3 miles of trails split into five easy loops. With walk-in access to the Conodoguinet Creek, you can bring your own canoe, kayak, or tube to enjoy a leisurely float or go fishing. Stop by the seasonal, producers-only farmers market held every Thursday afternoon from May through October for meat, produce, and dairy raised or grown within a 50-mile radius. And don’t miss the annual Pennsboro Pumpkin Fest, held the weekend before Columbus Day, which brings food, vendors, and entertainment to the park.
Gardners
When you want to escape, head to Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Gardners, PA, where hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities abound. Enjoy numerous trails, including the midpoint of the famous Appalachian Trail, and learn more about the history of the trail and those who’ve traveled it at the Appalachian Trail Museum, the only US museum dedicated to hiking. You can even spend the night in Ironmaster’s Mansion, a hostel for hikers. Gardners is also home to several campgrounds if you want a more rustic adventure.
Lemoyne
The 60,000-square-foot West Shore Farmers Market in Lemoyne, PA, sells the freshest produce, seafood, meats, cheeses, dried foods, candies, plants, and baked goods. The vast selection and delightful aroma will tempt your taste buds as you experience Cumberland Valley’s natural bounty. Then head upstairs to browse shops offering designer clothes, jewelry, and other unique high-quality products. More shopping awaits at the Antique Marketplace of Lemoyne, the largest antique store in Central PA with over 250 vendors.
Mechanicsburg
Mechanicsburg is rich in history, dating back to its founding in 1807. Visit Civil War and More to step back in time as you browse books, collectibles, music, flags, and even neckties related to the Civil War. The owner is an expert on local Civil War history and is happy to answer your questions about Cumberland Valley’s role in this conflict. The Mechanicsburg Museum Association preserves four 1800s-era buildings, including the 1801 Frankenberger Tavern and the 1867 Freight Station, which houses a changing collection of exhibits dedicated to telling the story of Mechanicsburg’s history and heritage.
Mount Holly Springs
With 7 miles of trails and an abundance of plants and wildlife, the 913-acre Mount Holly Marsh Preserve along the rocky slopes of South Mountain is perfect for nature lovers and hikers. Pick wild blueberries as you watch for birds, turtles, and muskrats. Fishing is permitted year-round along Mountain Creek, which is stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. Nearby, on-going renovations tell the story of Mt. Tabor African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, which was built in the 1870s and served the African-American community for nearly 100 years.
New Cumberland
Celebrate the luck of the Irish at Oxford Hall Celtic Shop in New Cumberland. The store gives lovers of Celtic wares a unique opportunity to find authentic Irish, Celtic, and British apparel, jewelry, wedding and engagement rings, food, religious items, art, music, and more. Your visit isn’t complete without a quick bite from their Tea Corner Café, which serves meat pies, scotch eggs, sticky toffee pudding, and, of course, tea. The renovated West Shore Theatre serves as a cinema house and performing arts venue with a year-round schedule of concerts, performances, plays, and more.
Newville
Visitors of all ages can hike, bike, walk, or horseback ride on the 13-mile Cumberland Valley Rail Trail that follows the abandoned Cumberland Valley railroad corridor from Newville to Shippensburg. Informational signs along the trail explain the region’s agricultural, railroad, and Civil War heritage. Visitors can now also enjoy a newly opened two-mile offshoot of the CVRT, which runs from the underpass at Route 233 just south of Newville to Green Hill Road.
Shippensburg
The H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center on the campus of Shippensburg University is a 1,500-seat regional theatre hosting year-round performances including rock, country, pop, Broadway, comedians, family shows, symphonies, speakers, and more. You can also start or finish your trek along the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail at the two Shippensburg trailheads — one at Shippensburg Township Park and the other at Shippensburg Station. If you make it to Shippensburg Station, be sure to visit the Cumberland Valley Railroad Museum and the Conrail Museum, both located inside renovated box cars.
Wormleysburg
Experience al fresco dining at its best when visiting two Wormleysburg restaurants located along the Susquehanna River. Each restaurant features its own distinct menu and atmosphere, but both have decks that provide scenic views of the river and the Harrisburg skyline. Dukes Riverside Bar and Grill boasts a great drink menu and is ideal for happy hour, while Dockside Willies offers reasonable prices and great food in a family-friendly atmosphere. From there, head over to City Island where you can enjoy a number of family-fun activities, including minor league baseball, mini-golf, and a ride along the Susquehanna River on the Pride of the Susquehanna.
Plan Your Cumberland Valley Getaway
We’ve only scratched the surface of all the excitement each Cumberland Valley town has to offer. From fascinating history to unique shops to scenic outdoor destinations, there is something for everyone. With so many excellent places to visit, you’ll need more than a weekend to see them all. Plan your visit today and prepare to return again and again.
