Location: Carlisle
Top Things to do in Carlisle
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What to do and see in Carlisle, Pennsylvania (PA): The Best Free Things to do
With a long history dating back to before the American Revolution, it's not a surprise that Carlisle is full of historic treasures, including a church once attended by George Washington and a courthouse damaged by artillery during the Civil War. Despite this impressive heritage, the city is most famous for being Pennsylvania's "automotive capital," hosting ten annual car, truck, and motorcycle shows that are attended by a half a million people each year.
Restaurants in Carlisle
1. Cumberland County Historical Society
2. Castlerigg Wine Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By Fearless27752035730
If you enjoy a glass of wine, you're in luck. Castlerigg Wine Shop is truly special. The vibe is friendly, and even a bit quirky, and the setting is beautiful--it's in a restored Victorian in historic downtown Carlisle, complete with pressed-tin ceilings, gleaming hardwoods, stained glass and a fireplace--so it's perfect for date night, girl's night out or a quick wine tasting or glass of wine with friends by the fireplace or outdoors. The owner is quite knowledgeable about wine and can steer you in the right direction, whether you're a newbie or connoisseur, and they have a variety of dry and sweet wines available by the bottle or glass. There's also a little gift shop. An enthusiastic thumbs-up. You won't find anywhere just like it.
3. Carlisle Barracks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By Ridge66 - Woodbridge, United States
I attended school at the Barracks and it's a great place in US history. The LeTort Spring runs through the base and it adds to the greatness of Carlisle. Practice your bass catch and release in this beautiful place.
4. United States Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 442 reviews
Premier facility for historical research on U.S. Army history & is dedicated to telling the Army story...one Soldier at a time. Open to the public, key features of the USAHEC include interpretive & interactive exhibits, the research library & archive, & multifunction facilities. Visit the USAHEC special exhibits, "Soldier Experience" interpretive gallery, art gallery, museum store, Army Heritage Trail (AHT), or attend an event, lecture, or workshop. The mile-long outdoor AHT allows visitors to experience history in a new way, through interactive and full-scale military exhibits. The U.S. Army War College Library is a component of the USAHEC and features one library system in 2 locations. In Ridgway Hall, the library & archives collection encompasses over 14 million historical items. The Root Hall collection covers subjects such as military strategy & operations, leadership & management, international relations, foreign policy, strategic studies, & economics.
Reviewed By 388bobl - Hanover, United States
Wanted to go to this place for awhile now and finally had some time on a Saturday to drive up to Carlisle PA. It was a nice day for a drive and only took about 50min. from Hanover to get there. The complex is huge with 2 large main buildings and a mile long outside area where the buildings and military vehicles are kept. Even with the masks restrictions, you can still do the interactive exhibits inside, including a parachute jump and a gun target simulator. We enjoyed outside the most, it took us about 1.5 hours to see everything outside spread out over 2 large fields. There is no charge for the center and it really was a great place to visit!
5. Dickinson College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By 480darrelb - New Cumberland, United States
Always enjoy visiting the campus of my Alma Mater when we are in Carlisle. My most recent visits were when we were eating at restaurants in Carlisle. There are concerts, lectures, plays, etc. open to the public from time to time. The campus has changed and grown quite a bit since I graduated 40 odd years ago.
6. Kings Gap Environmental Education and Training Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By MissaLynnB
Loved doing the orienteering courses and just spending time in the natural beauty that is this space. A lot of winding and turning to get to the ed center in the middle, but totally worth the drive! Cute little garden, a mansion and water tower (though the mansion was closed when we went).
7. Georgie Lou's Retro Candy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Forget the housework and mortgage and immerse yourself in nostalgia that will make you giggle at Georgie Lou's Retro Candy! Georgie Lou's specializes in childhood favorites from the past alongside candy kids love today. From Bit-O-Honey to Turkish Taffy and from Airheads to Warheads, our 800+ kinds of candy will give kids of all generations a sugar rush! We carry 120+ varieties of unique and nostalgic glass bottle sodas and a nice selection of gourmet chocolate bars. Our retro gifts gives a nod to the past with a wink and a smile. Here you'll find metal signs and lunch boxes, toys and games, cards and notepads, purses and shopping totes and so much more, featuring humorous sayings or pop culture icons, such as Star Trek, Star Wars, and Wonder Woman. Georgie Lou's makes their own delicious fudge, barks, chocolate pretzels, and other specialty treats. We host parties, bus tours, fundraisers, do on site events, and design and deliver custom gift baskets and have online shopping. You're going to love it here so much that you laugh out loud, and that's the way we like it!
Reviewed By wwatson83 - Carlisle, United States
The owner and her boys are great...They have new and old candy which is awesome to be able to find things that you used to get as a kid! Oh and try the amazing fudge!!!
8. American Artisan Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Be sure to check out this gallery in downtown Carlisle to see a unique assortment of fine arts and crafts fashioned by American artists from throughout the country. You'll be sure to find the perfect pieces among the beautifully crafted items. Most of the works are created by members of a guild and are the best in their respective fields. From leather cases to hand carved Santas & birds.
Reviewed By OldBridges - Bensalem, United States
The shop is small, but every table, shelf & wall offered a wide variety of locally created craft items - both small & large, from the inexpensive to high-end, including jewelry, pottery, Christmas tree ornaments & other such items. Definitely worth a stop.
9. Molly Pitcher Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
We are a microbrewery with 20 rotating taps and full service kitchen featuring seasonal outdoor seating and private rental room available.
Reviewed By jamesjA1432QT - Carlisle, United States
Great selection of their brews. Ciders also available. Everything from IPAs, stouts, porters to kolsches. Always busy. Convenient since right downtown. Outdoor patio in nice weather. Great place!
10. Cumberland Valley Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Once you're here start your journey in downtown Carlisle at the Cumberland Valley Visitors Center. Pick up free helpful area attraction brochures and travel maps, such as the Official Cumberland Valley Visitors Guide & Map, the Local Farm Food & Outdoor Attractions Guide, self-guided walking tours and water trail guides. Our friendly, knowledgeable visitor services representatives would love to guide you to attractions, shops, restaurants, local events and more. The Visitors Center is also equipped with a meeting space to welcome large groups and bus tours to Cumberland Valley.
