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 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. (After a brief hiatus for the 2024 season, the board and volunteers of the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat are thrilled to announce that renovations should be completed on the stern-driven paddlewheeler soon, with plans to launch the city’s signature red-and-white boat sometime in 2025.)
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 theater has been offering double features on Friday and Saturday nights, making it the perfect way to unwind. 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 K1 Speed in Lemoyne. It’s Pennsylvania's largest indoor go-karting facility, offering unique, high-speed electric Italian pro-karts.
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. This museum boasts a treasure trove of dirt track racing memorabilia, including vintage race cars, artifacts, and a comprehensive research library. The museum also features a diverse collection of racing machines, including stock cars, motorcycles, Indy cars, NASCAR vehicles, 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. During the racing season from April to October, witness trial runs in the morning and racing in the afternoon.
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: This seasonal passport program allows you to treat yourself to delectable ice cream venues from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Lodging
Cumberland Valley offers plenty of comfortable and affordable accommodations for your weekend getaway. To help you plan your trip, click here for our lodging options listed by distance to the Carlisle Fairgrounds.
