“Like everything in life I just had to decide what to do with what I was given.” – Carlisle
We had the immense pleasure of visiting the Cumberland Valley region in Pennsylvania a few weeks ago. There was so much packed into this trip. It was hard to pick what to start writing about honestly. Let’s start with a A day around Carlisle in Cumberland Valley, PA. The itinerary was set for us and a good place to start if you are visiting the area.
Depending on where you are traveling from Carlisle, Pennsylvania is roughly a 3-4 hour drive from Western New York. The perfect on your way overnight spot if you are traveling south. We stayed at the Allentown Resort, like many areas they do have several other accommodations you can stay in. I would however plan to grab breakfast at the Valley Bistro. This place gets rather busy. With the specialty drinks made just the way you like it and fun foodie plates, I can easily see why. I ordered the “bee sting” to live a little on the adventurous side and happy to report it was worth it!
Next, we ventured to Meadowbrooke Gourds for a Tour and Paint session. We sorely underestimated how much time to spend at this location. Take it from me and plan time here! I would highly recommend exploring the ground first. Those little “fairy houses” pictured above are just magical. I have never seen anything like them and they have several scattered around the property in all whimsical shapes. After exploring sign up for a tour and paint session. Those gourds are seriously such a fun keepsake. Learning the history about this business first will having you really connecting with the close nit crew of 27 employees. Did I mention they are the largest maker of hand-crafted gourds in the world?
When we were in the area it was a nice ripe 103 degrees. This area is known for the higher heats so we planned accordingly with many food and hydration stops. If an establishments did not have A/C I highly recommending sitting out on the outside patio areas because generally they have a nice breeze to help keep cool. We stopped at the Pizza Grille in Carlisle. The service was friendly and the food was just what we needed for our next stop.
Take a Tour of the United States Army Heritage & Education Center. Even if you lack the interest in history this place will have something of interest for you. I would start in the inside of the building to get a little history refresh of WWII. My son loved all the displays and neat parachute simulator. Then take a gander around the outside to view the
“reconstructions of a French and Indian War way station, Redoubt Number 10 from the Revolutionary War siege of Yorktown, a section of the Antietam battlefield, a Civil War winter encampment with cabins, a WWI trench system, a WWII company area, a replicated Normandy Bocage scene from World War II, a Current Operations HESCO Bastion barrier checkpoint, and an interpretation of the Vietnam helicopter air assault at Ia Drang that includes a period Fire Support Base (USAH website)”.
After outside I recommend taking a view into their artifact areas if they are open and allow visitors. We had the best time looking at some of their collections and how they are preserving them.
While you might be tired from all the walking and exploring I would suggest a nice stop at the Carlisle Sports Emporium. It’s the perfect place to cool down, sit at a arcade game or take advantage of the many attractions they have on property. We went around 4:45pm and it was such a nice time. After playing for a good hour on games it was time to have some dinner. This next place holds a special place in my heart!
The Pitt Street Station was everything you needed after a packed fun filled day in Carlisle. It sits in Carlisle’s historic downtown featuring some classic comfort platters along side some delicious cocktails. We had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Kevin, while dinning. He is every bit the small town charming business man you would expect. Extremely humble, welcoming and gave us a tour of his other restaurant, One 13 Social, around the corner that features a more relaxed business casual atmosphere.
Kevin an avid collector of bourbon housing and serving out his 185 bottles collection to patrons. He has made his mark by serving locals and buying local right down to ordering four cows a month for his restaurants. He suggested several businesses around the area including some that are direct “competition” with his very own establishments. If you are in the area I highly recommend you supporting his businesses. He just might be buzzing around with his “diet coke” in hand ready to welcome you in!
I hope you found this post “A day around Carlisle in Cumberland Valley, PA”, helpful and encouraging! We had no idea this area was so close to Hershey Park and Gettysburg, PA.
Have you ever been to this area?
Let us know if you pop in for a visit!
