Location: Carlisle
Top Things to do in Carlisle
- 1. United States Army Heritage and Education Center
- 2. Dickinson College
- 3. Cumberland County Historical Society
- 4. Kings Gap Environmental Education and Training Center
- 5. Molly Pitcher Brewing Company
- 6. Carlisle Barracks
- 7. Carlisle Theatre
- 8. Bedford Street Antiques
- 9. Cameron/Masland Mansion
- 10. American Artisan Gallery
What to do and see in Carlisle, United States: The Best Places and Tips
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. United States Army Heritage and Education Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 370 reviews
Reviewed By JASH09 - London, England
Visited to do some work in the archives. The AHEC staff were very welcoming and helpful. The facility is a great resource for anyone looking to undertake military research. The canteen offered a good selection of food and drink and again the staff were very helpful.
2. Dickinson College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By Marianne S
Landscaping is beautiful and focused on sustainability with many areas planted with edibles. Lovely, stone buildings. Borders Carlisle town.
3. Cumberland County Historical Society
Overall Ratings
5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By SAinPA - Carlisle, Pennsylvania
We were uptown for Carlisle's First Friday and the museum was open this evening. We have been in the museum in the past but they have been working on renovations for some time.
They did a great job of organizing the exhibits to show the many aspects of Cumberland County's history.
Carlisle's history goes back to a trading post in 1720 on the "western frontier". The museum includes furniture, quilts, and artifacts the detail the history from then to the present.
The museum is visitor friendly and accommodates handicapped individuals.
What an amazing treasure in downtown Carlisle.
Plan at least 2-3 hours to enjoy the exhibits.
I believe the museum also offers a research room for prop,e working on genealogy research.
4. Kings Gap Environmental Education and Training Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By OldBridges - Bensalem, Pennsylvania
Mountainous terrain & hiking trails, extensive forest, and sweeping panoramic views, Kings Gap State Park is a treat any time of year, but is especially rewarding during autumn's foliage display. Our recommendation for the very best place to enjoy colorful Cumberland Valley & Blue Mountain autumn vistas is from the porch of the Cameron-Masland Mansion.
5. Molly Pitcher Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Mark H - Laurel, Maryland
It may just be a different palate, but Molly Pitcher came highly recommended for good local brews. They had several on tap and the place had a lot of patrons, but the beer was only so-so. I ordered a "flight" where I picked 6 of the 8 or 9 on tap. Many were a bit strange - one with peanut butter. They had only one real IPA so it really wasn't what I normally look for. It was just not up to what I was expecting.
6. Carlisle Barracks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By Rita S - Brevard County, Florida
Historic military installation still active. Every building is Well marked. Nice statues, plaques, memorials. Museum, PX, commissary, cemetery. Impressive looking buildings & grounds. Various architectural styles with meticulous detail and craftsmanship. Friendly, helpful staff at visitors center.
7. Carlisle Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
The historic downtown Carlisle Theatre features live concerts, films, children's programs and community theatre.
Reviewed By John S - York, Pennsylvania
Went to see a performance of "Anything Goes" at this lovely little community theatre. They have some performers who are very good, with wonderful voices & good dancing skills. They put on a very solid performance, and the venue is an old theatre setting, which is wonderful that they have been able to keep it going. If you are looking for some good entertainment, they put on a good show.
8. Bedford Street Antiques
Overall Ratings
5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Seapinesmiserable - long island new york
What a great antique store, spanning two floors and two hours worth of browsing. After reading a Trip Advisor review, I visited Bedford Street on a rainy Saturday. The selection is tremendous, with a wide selection of vintage and antique items. The staff is available to help but doesn't bother you. This is a high quality antique store/mall, one of the best I've been to in the East.
9. Cameron/Masland Mansion
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Dutch1638 - Fayetteville, Pennsylvania
We first visited the park and mansion two years ago. This year (12/7/2014) we returned for the holiday open house at the mansion and it was well worth the visit.
First, the Kings Gap State Park. It's about 11,000 acres of great hiking trails. Very hilly so be prepared to get your exercise. Not for those who look for easy hiking trails.
Next, the Mansion. There is no admission charge. It is huge and sits on top of the mountain with a fantastic view of the valley (I think either Cumberland or Susquehanna - or maybe both), The Mansion was built in abt. 1900 and is entirely of local stone. It has 32 rooms including 15-18 guest bedrooms. Masons were imported from Italy to construct the Mansion. It is some 200' long and 2 stories. It was completely restored several years ago. The porch is practically the length of the structure.
The Mansion is used primarily for special events (i.e. weddings, retreats). The guest rooms are "period" rooms, many with two rooms sharing a connecting batch, one area's rooms share a single bath (I believe they were the original rooms for the servants), some with a private bath. The baths are period with real clawed feet bathtubs. No room phones. Great for a group to get-away-from-it-all for a couple of days. This would be a great setting for a wedding.
There is a modern commercial kitchen and a great dining room that was added a few years ago with a wonderful view.
The Mansion is open for self-touring on Sundays from Memorial Day thru October. The park is open year-round.
On the 1st and 2nd Sundays in December the Mansion is open and decorated for the Holiday Season. Well worth the visit! You can see all the rooms (normally the 2nd floor is closed) and volunteers are on-hand and will gladly give you the history of the Mansion. They serve cookies and cider during this time. There is a jar for donations but no admission charge.
It is "well off the beaten path". Off of PA Rt. 174 and you drive up a paved road to the top of the mountain and the Mansion. Plenty of parking and there's a park center. The Mansion is the attraction but there are a few other buildings to see: ice house, carriage house, caretakers house. Plus a walled garden.
10. American Artisan Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 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 LAS49 - Port St Lucie, Florida
A beautiful gallery and shop dedicated to showing and selling work exclusively created by American craftsmen. We were especially impressed by the unusual varieties of wood turned in very unique patterns and the incredibly beautiful handmade leather goods.
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