Every February, Motorama brings racing fans from across the country to the PA Farm Show Complex & Expo Center for two days of thrilling races and opportunities to interact with drivers and vendors. While you’re in Cumberland Valley, we’ve got plenty of winter thrills and relaxing activities to help you round out your weekend.
Explore our Hiking Trails
Cumberland Valley is a great place to go hiking in any season. As long as you pack the right cold-weather gear, winter is a wonderful time to experience the beauty and serenity of our forests and trails. King’s Gap Educational Center in Carlisle has lots of parking and 25 miles of scenic, well-marked trails. For a more rugged adventure, try one of the trails at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Be sure to check out our Winter Hiking Tips for more trail suggestions and packing recommendations.
Hit the Ski Slopes
Roundtop Mountain Resort in Lewisberry offers ski and snowboard trails for all experience levels, plus snow tubing, so there’s fun to be had for the whole family. Consider a night lift ticket to ski under the lights after a fun day at Motorama. Lessons and equipment rentals are available. Many of our state parks are also perfect for cross-country skiing, like the bicycle trails at Gifford Pinchot State Park, once they’re covered in snow. If you’re lucky, you might even see someone ice boating on the lake!
Indulge Your Inner (Go-Kart) Racer
If you find yourself inspired by all the races you watch at Motorama, Cumberland Valley offers several opportunities to get behind the wheel of your own racing kart! Carlisle Sports Emporium has both indoor and outdoor go-kart tracks. While the Outdoor Grand Prix course may be closed, the indoor FasTrak course is always open. Wide, sharp turns allow drivers to power-slide and drift as if they were real race car drivers, offering an exhilarating experience. Rookie Go-Karts enable younger kids to get in on the fun. If your need for speed isn’t satisfied, head to K1 Speed in Lemoyne for electric go-karts on a world-class indoor track.
Visit an Art Gallery
If you’re looking for a change of pace, Cumberland Valley has lots of art galleries where you can spend a few leisurely hours enjoying the creativity of Central Pennsylvanian artists. Check out the Carlisle Arts Learning Center in downtown Carlisle to see works from local artists and test your own skills by taking an art class. At The Garden Gallery in Carlisle, head up to the annex to see even more local arts and crafts.
Shop Local
Learn more about the area and support local businesses by buying items made in the Cumberland Valley. We have dozens of unique shops selling everything from paintings and pottery to coffee, candy, and clothing. Bring home some (non-edible) body butter and small-batch bar soaps that smell good enough to eat from Glitz Soap to soothe your dry winter skin, plus a box of (totally edible) gourmet chocolates and ice cream from Macris, with locations in Mechanicsburg and Lemoyne.
Relax in a Cozy Cafe
Whether you need an early morning boost or want a cozy place to unwind after a few hours at Motorama, the Cumberland Valley has lots of coffee shops and cafes serving up tasty beverages, treats, and lots of good vibes. Many also serve breakfast and lunch items. A cafe is a great place to discuss your favorite moments from your Motorama Weekend. Our Cumberland Valley Coffee and Chocolate Trail will also be underway, so check in at participating locations and earn prizes.
Plan Your Winter Motorama Weekend in Cumberland Valley
However you choose to spend your time, we’re here to help you plan your visit to the Cumberland Valley, with plenty of suggestions on where to stay, where to eat, and things to do in every season, including our many passport trails.
