Come to Cumberland Valley for an adventure like no other. Start your engines and embark on the ultimate road trip with a 5-day itinerary that takes you on an unforgettable journey that highlights Cumberland Valley's major automotive attractions combined with outdoor adventure, family-friendly fun, and delectable dining and drinks. So, pack your bags, grab your keys, and let's hit the road.
Thursday
Begin your journey at the York Harley Davidson Factory Tour. Learn about the production of these iconic bikes while viewing an introductory movie and getting a behind-the-scenes tour of York Vehicle Operations. You'll be guided through various manufacturing and assembly areas, watch as parts are manufactured, and see freshly painted and chrome-plated parts. These informative one-hour tours are given on Monday through Friday and take approximately one hour. The free tours are temporarily paused and expected to resume sometime in 2024.
Next, cruise over to the Rolls Royce Museum in Mechanicsburg, where you’ll find a mesmerizing collection of Rolls Royce and Bentley motor cars. The ever-changing display features cars such as the American-built 1929 Springfield Phantom 1 and the 1985 Silver Spirit. The library houses a wealth of information that can only be found in two places worldwide, making this museum a haven for car enthusiasts. Tours are offered Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm but must be scheduled in advance.
For some family-friendly fun, make your way to the Carlisle Sports Emporium. Here you can channel your inner child with an arcade, batting cages, mini-golf, laser tag, and go-karts. It’s the perfect pit stop for those seeking a dose of friendly competition.
Wind down with a relaxing cruise on the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat. This authentic stern-driven paddle-wheeler offers 45-minute public cruises from May through October as well as various specialty cruises, providing a unique perspective of the serene Susquehanna River.
Friday
Today it’s time to put the pedal to the metal as you explore just outside of Cumberland Valley. Whether you choose the scenic route for a more leisurely drive or decide to hit the highway, you’re in for a thrilling day.
Cruise through time with antique automobiles, buses, motorcycles & more set in unique scenes and settings at the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum in nearby Hershey. A changing exhibit gallery showcases everything from Model Ts to Muscle Cars.
Explore the rich history of the U.S. Army at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle. Walk the one-mile outdoor trail featuring full-scale exhibits from the French & Indian War to the present day. Inside, interactive exhibits offer a deeper look into the lives of soldiers from all eras.
Get ready for high-speed action at the nationally renowned Williams Grove Speedway. With races every Friday night from March to October, you’ll witness the excitement of sprint car racing at this historic half-mile clay oval track.
Cap off your day with a cinematic experience under the stars at the Cumberland Drive-In Theater. Since 1952, this outdoor theatre has been providing double features on Friday and Saturday nights, making it the perfect way to relax. Open seasonally from the beginning of April through the middle of September, this is one of only 320 drive-in theatres remaining in the country.
Saturday
Today, your journey takes you to the famous Carlisle Events car shows, offering one of the world’s largest presenters of collector car and truck entertainment. Take your time to savor the experience – you have all day. With eight annual collector automotive shows throughout the year, the 102-acre Carlisle Fairgrounds boasts 8,100 vending spaces making it a dream destination for car enthusiasts worldwide. Don’t miss the family-friendly events, parades, competitions, live entertainment, and special guests at each show.
For a thrilling evening activity, check out the Autobahn Indoor Speedway in Lemoyne. It’s the largest indoor go-karting facility in Pennsylvania, offering unique, high-speed electric Italian pro-karts and axe-throwing for added excitement.
Sunday
Embark on a scenic adventure along the backroads of Cumberland Valley. If you’re an early riser, start your day at the Williams Grove Farmers Flea Market, where you can browse through hundreds of vendor spots. This year-round market begins each Sunday at dawn. The expansive 90-acre grounds also host special events throughout the year designed to celebrate steam-powered equipment and educate the public about the history of farming.
Discover racing heritage at the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing, featuring a treasure trove of dirt track racing memorabilia such as vintage race cars, artifacts, and a research library. The museum also includes a wide variety of racing machines like stock cars, motorcycles, Indy cars, NASCAR, and drag cars. Even better, admission is free, although donations are appreciated.
Feel the adrenaline rush at South Mountain Raceway, an eighth-mile drag strip that opened in 1962. Witness trial runs in the morning and racing in the afternoon during the racing season from April to October.
Cool off and unwind at Pine Grove Furnace State Park., where you can enjoy the 25-acre Laurel Lake (no lifeguards) and the 1.7-acre Fuller Lake (lifeguards during peak season). The scenic lakefront beaches offer a refreshing end to your day.
Monday
Conclude your Cumberland Valley road trip extravaganza with a leisurely drive through the picturesque back roads of Perry County. Your morning begins with a visit to Waggoner’s Gap Hawk Watch. Situated on Blue Mountain, you’ll find stunning panoramic views of the Valley and one of the largest concentrations of raptors in the country.
Wind your way through the charming Perry County countryside, where you can explore 15 covered bridges, including the impressive 80-foot-long Clay’s Bridge in Little Buffalo State Park.
Wrap up your day at The Winery at Hunters Valley. Enjoy tours and tastings in a serene setting featuring breathtaking views of the Juniata River.
Dining
The Valley has no shortage of diverse dining options. Explore the culinary delights of downtown Carlisle, savor riverfront dining along the West Shore of the Susquehanna River, or embark on a culinary journey along our unique food trails.
Cumberland Valley Beer Trail: Discover local breweries and earn prizes when you sign up for a free digital passport.
Cumberland Valley Ice Cream Trail: Treat yourself to delectable ice cream venues from Memorial Day through Labor Day with this seasonal passport program.
Coffee & Chocolate Trail: In addition to distinctive meals, unique libations, and award-winning local beers, treat yourself to some of the region’s finest coffee and artisan chocolates. The seasonal passport trail runs from February 1 through May 31.
Lodging
Cumberland Valley offers plenty of comfortable and affordable accommodations for your weekend getaway. To help you plan your trip, click here to see our lodging options listed by distance to the Carlisle Fairgrounds.
