The Cumberland Valley offers a host of lodging options, from well-known hotel brands to unique bed and breakfasts. At these bed and breakfasts, you’re most likely to experience the Valley’s unique character. With so many historic properties spread between the Valley’s towns and rural areas, there’s plenty of opportunity to see all the Cumberland Valley has to offer.

In the rural farmland just outside Carlisle, tucked just off of Route 81, the Fallen Tree Farm offers a look at Cumberland Valley’s more pastoral side. The inn is housed in a beautiful farmhouse built in 1797 and set on a 20-acre horse farm.

Purchased by locals Kim and Brent Hanlin in 2006, Fallen Tree Farm is one of the top-rated B&B’s in the Valley. Visitors can instantly recognize the great pride the Hanlins take in the establishment. The inn has plenty of character and more than most lodging, the Fallen Tree Farm makes you feel at home.

The hosts are both friendly and gracious and will make you feel at home without being intrusive, allowing you to enjoy your room and the beautiful grounds of the farm on your own.

The inn offers three large rooms and one two-bedroom suite, all featuring queen or king-sized beds, ensuite baths, satellite TV and mini-fridges stocked with refreshments. Tucked just off the inn’s main entrance behind pocket doors, the Botanical Library room boasts a lovely sitting room with TV and a separate bedroom with adjacent bathroom. It is an ideal home away from home.

Breakfast is served in the morning from the inn’s spacious dining room, where two smaller tables flank a large communal table in the center of the room. The menu for the morning might include a delicious Quiche Lorraine with blueberry-Brie tart and melon. Other breakfast favorites at Fallen Tree include French toast, bread pudding or scrambled eggs.

For a different, yet equally rewarding experience, visitors can stay at the Carlisle House in Carlisle Borough. Here, proprietors Tim and Carolyn Carlisle thoughtfully oversee the seamless operation of this historic property; two adjoining federal-style homes built in 1826 and 1885, respectfully.

Home to 10 individually styled rooms; Carlisle House maintains its period charm while adding modern amenities. Touches include fresh-baked cookies, stocked mini-fridges and spacious en-suite baths. These qualities coupled with the owners’ exception service have earned Carlisle House membership in the Select Registry, an exclusive group of the finest 300 inns, B&Bs and hotels in the country.

Breakfast is served at regular intervals between 7am and 9am. The menu is likely to include one of the inn’s international quiches, including Norwegian with smoked salmon, dill, and more.

The diversity of lodging options in the Cumberland Valley allows visitors to match their accommodations to their individual tastes but travelers should consider dividing their stay between the town and country, allowing themselves the opportunity to experience the character of Valley’s different towns and regions.

-Gus