Are you looking for something new to see, learn or do in the New Year? You can start right here in Cumberland Valley with these suggestions.
1. Get Outdoors
Do you spend most of the winter inside? Instead, bundle up and head outside, where you can try ice-skating or cross-country skiing at Colonel Denning or Pine Grove Furnace state parks. Or hike more than 25 miles of trails at Kings Gap, which provide scenic vistas and natural beauty in all four seasons of the year. The Appalachian Trail runs throughout the Cumberland Valley and can be easily accessed for a day hike, and the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail is perfect for hiking or biking year-round.
2. Exercise
Looking to burn some serious calories? Learn to ski at Roundtop Mountain Resort or snowboard down their slopes. If that sounds too intimidating, try a new exercise routine with an indoor yoga class at Simply Yoga and Fitness or a cycling or pilates class at H2L Studio.
3. Eat Healthier
Everyone wants to have a healthy diet. Fresh ingredients can be found year-round at the West Shore Farmers Market and seasonally at one of our many farmers' markets and roadside stands. Looking for a little more inspiration? Sign up for a cooking class at The Kitchen Shoppe or take a class at The Rosemary House to learn how to use herbs in cooking and as natural remedies.
4. Reduce Stress
Take steps to reduce the level of stress in your life with some self-care throughout the year. Schedule a massage, facial, mani/pedi, or other relaxing treatment at one of Cumberland Valley’s day spas, try a salt cave session at Tranquility Salon & Wellness Center, or experience flotation therapy at Dissolve Float Spa.
5. Get Crafty
Do you have hidden artistic talent that you would like to explore? Carlisle Arts Learning Center offers classes for adults and children in mediums such as photography, ceramics, drawing, copper enameling, painting, glass blowing, and indigo dyeing. Create-a-Palooza is an art and activity studio for all ages with paint-your-own pottery and canvas painting. Click here to read more about other DIY experiences throughout Cumberland Valley.
6. Gardening
Is this the year you start or expand your garden? Be sure to head to Ashcombe Farm & Greenhouses for all your gardening needs. This independent garden center has been a mainstay in the community for over 60 years and offers a variety of hands-on classes.
7. Read More
Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, mystery, or romance, the libraries of Cumberland Valley have you covered. If you are a resident, be sure to get your library card to take advantage of all they have to offer. If you are a visitor, check out the selection of new or used books at several bookstores throughout the Valley.
8. Golfing
Whether you pick up clubs for the first time or are an experienced golfer looking to get back into the swing of things, you can find what you are looking for at any of Cumberland Valley’s nine challenging golf courses.
9. Craft Beverages
Explore the Cumberland Valley Beer Trail, where you can find a selection of locally-made microbrews, ciders, wines, and spirits. Sign up for the free digital passport, check-in at participating locations, and win some prizes along the way.
10. Spend More Time with Family
Cumberland Valley has plenty of options for family adventures and kid-friendly activities. Try go-karts at the Carlisle Sports Emporium or K1 Speed, visit barnyard animals at Paulus Farm Market, or sneak in a bit of history along the Army Heritage Trail at USAHEC. Click here for a complete list of memorable things to see and do.
