FRIDAY PM
Get into the fall spirit with fall-scented candle-making glass at The Gleeful Candle in Carlisle (registration required), or enjoy the electrifying musical stage adaptation of Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein at the Playhouse at Allenberry.
Cozy up with a hot meal. With over 300 restaurants in Cumberland Valley, you'll find varying cuisine types, including Belgium, Japanese, Nepalese, Thai, and more, mixed with favorite American classics.
For the ultimate weekend, consider staying at a bed & breakfast. See the top 5 reasons why, including hometown hospitality and the style and charm of these unique locations.
SATURDAY AM
Start your day with a delicious, seasonal treat or cup of coffee. Cumberland Valley is bursting with bakeries and coffee shops serving up mouth-watering baked goods and unique coffee flavors, including many apple and pumpkin-flavored treats.
SATURDAY
This weekend's lineup of fall festivals means a full weekend of eating, drinking, shopping, entertainment, and history. Choose one or two of your favorites or hit all three events if you're feeling ambitious.
Shippensburg Pumpkin Festival (October 20-22, 2023)
The second annual Shippensburg Pumpkin Festival will feature a weekend of live pumpkin carving (Friday & Saturday), food trucks, craft vendors, live music, kids' activities, pumpkin painting, and more Event Hours: Friday 4 pm-8 pm; Saturday 11 am-6 pm; Sunday 12 pm- 3 pm Event Cost: Free
Fall Furnace Fest @ Pine Grove Furnace State Park (October 21 & 22, 2023)
Fall Furnace Festival at Pine Grove Furnace State Park is a local favorite. Set in the scenic Michaux State Forest, this family-friendly event includes food, crafts, live music, hayrides, pumpkin carvings, scarecrow making, kids' crafts, and historical demonstrations. Saturday night, stay for the pumpkin parade and float and learn about the Legend of the Hairy Hand. Event Hours: Saturday 11 am-7 pm followed by the Hairy Hand event at 7 pm; Sunday 11 am-4 pm Event Cost: Free
Fall Harvest Days (October 20-22, 2023) & Oktoberfest Celebration (October 21)
This annual tradition has been happening for almost 40 years. Enjoy a corn maze, games, food, and activities for the whole family. The corn maze and fall games at free. Horse-drawn hayrides are $7.00 per person. Shop for pumpkins in the field and browse fall flowers, seasonal decor, and fresh-baked seasonal goods in the store. A special Oktoberfest Celebration will take place on October 21, featuring a beer truck, schnitzel, bratwurst, and pretzels. Event Hours: Saturday 10am-6pm; Sunday 10am-4pm Event Cost: Free
SATURDAY PM
The fun continues Saturday night. Explore the corn maze at Maple Lane Farm (open until 7 pm) or take a breathtaking 2-hour sunset dinner cruise along the Susquehanna River while enjoying a delicious 3-course dinner on the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat (advance reservations required) Or, if you brought the kids, race go-karts, play mini-golf, compete in laser tag, and enjoy arcade games at the Carlisle Sports Emporium.
Tap, tour and try a pint on the Cumberland Valley Beer Trail. Sign up for a free passport, and check in at over 30 participating breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries to earn prizes. Check With so many flavors to explore, you'll want to make a return visit. Pictured: Lovedrafts Brewing Co., Mechanicsburg
SUNDAY
It's time for Sunday Funday! Whether you decide to explore a farm with the kids, unwind on a hiking trail or take a scenic, leisurely drive to take in the fall foliage, the suggestions below will make the experience easy.
SPEND TIME ON THE FARM
Kids of all ages will love classic fall activities like picking pumpkins and navigating corn mazes. Try your luck at navigating the corn maze at Mt. Airy Orchards; visit Paulus Farm Market for u-pick pumpkins, a large farm play area, a mini corn maze, and hayrides; or head to nearby Hershey Gardens for Pumpkin Palooza.
FOLLOW THE CUMBERLAND VALLEY PHOTO TRAIL
Fill your Instagram feed and capture the spirit of Cumberland Valley with images of downtown murals, tucked-away covered bridges, and other scenic spots when you explore the Cumberland Valley Photo Trail. Along the way, you're sure to find other happy surprises.
GO FOR A HIKE
Fall is the perfect time to take a hike in Cumberland Valley. Whether you're taking a day hike on the iconic Appalachian Trail or ascending to an overlook for sweeping views of the Valley, you'll want to make sure you packed your camera. Pictured: Pole Steeple Overlook
CAPTURE FALL FOLIAGE
Peak fall foliage typically occurs in mid-late October with an impressive display of yellow, orange, and red leaves. Whether you prefer to drive or hike, you can find the best viewing spots.
MAKE A RETURN VISIT
If you enjoyed your fall visit to Cumberland Valley, you want to make sure to return in December for family-friendly, holiday-themed fun and events, including a Christmas parade, shopping markets, visits with Santa and more. Also, be sure to explore our charming, locally-owned shops to pick up gifts and treats for the holiday season.
