Carlisle

The historic town of Carlisle is noted for its restored architecture and tree-lined streets–once walked on by George Washington, Molly Pitcher, and other icons of early America. If history is your passion, this town offers landmarks such as the U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center, the Cumberland County Historical Society, and several self-guided walking tours that delve deeper into the town's rich history. For these reasons and more, Carlisle was voted #4 in USA Today's 10 Best Historic Small Towns.

The town is also close to the Appalachian Trail, which provides opportunities to escape into the great outdoors through hiking and also offers nearby biking trails throughout the town. Be sure to take part in tasting the unique flavors in the Carlisle area with their dine around the world experience and attending one of Carlisle's numerous car shows, such as Corvettes at Carlisle.

Home to Dickinson College, Carlisle also made the 2021 list of Safest College Towns in America by SafeWise.com, an online safety resource. Carlisle was ranked at #20 and was one of only two Pennsylvania college towns to make the list of 50 locations throughout the country.

Carlisle was one of 10 communities across the country to receive a 2021 All-America City Award from the National Civic League. The award recognized communities that overcame the overwhelming challenges of the past year to unite during difficult times and build equity and resilience.

To further encourage guests to explore, Carlisle Borough recently passed an ordinance amendment allowing downtown visitors to take their beer or wine with them in a non-breakable container while strolling downtown C-1 business district. (Due to current state laws, liquor is not allowed at this time.) This area extends from South Street to the intersection of Spring Road (just past Chen's) and from West Street (just before Dickinson College) to Bedford Street (just past the Old Jail.)

2024 Seasonal Events

The Downtown Carlisle Association just posted their events for 2024. There's plenty of fun planned throughout year!

ICE ART FEST

February 2-4

DOWNTOWN PEEP SHOW

March 18-31

FORD PARADE PARK & PARTY

June 1 form 1-9pm

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

July 18-25

WELCOME JAM

August 10 from 11am-2pm

CORVETTE PARADE PARK & PARTY

August 24 from 7-9pm

HARVEST OF THE ARTS

September 28 from 10am-5pm

MOLLY PITCHER BIRTHDAY BASH

October 12 from 2-6pm

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

November 9

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

November 30

MAKING SPIRITS BIGHT HOLDAY PARADE

December 5 at 7pm

HOLLY JOLLY JUBILEE

Featuring visit with Santa Claus and the traditional tree-lighting ceremony.
December 7 from 3-6pm

HOTCHEE NEW YEAR!

Decemebr 31 from 6-10pm

Second Saturday Block Parties & Sidewalk Sales

May 11

Featuring the corridor of South Hanover & Pomfret Streets.

June 8

Featuring the corridor of West High & Pitt Streets.

July 13

Featuring the corridor of North Hanover & East High Streets.

Weather in Carlisle

CARLISLE WEATHER

Must-See in Cumberland Valley

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