Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson said it right – some of the best things in life are free! And what better time of year to enjoy some free family activities than when you’re wanting to save up for the upcoming Christmas season, but still wanting to enjoy the outdoors in the Cumberland Valley, Pennsylvania! Carlisle House Bed and Breakfast is the perfect location to rest your head while you take in the rich history and adventure in the Valley. And at the end of your adventures, enjoy the many amenities our boutique hotel-style Inn has to offer.
9 Free Activities to Enjoy Now in the Cumberland Valley, PA
- Hike the Appalachian Trail – The Cumberland Valley is home to the longest and flattest stretch of the Appalachian Trail. Stop half-way through your hike and honor the tradition of eating ice cream along the trail at the Pine Grove Furnace State Park.
- Visit the Union Fire Company No. 1 Museum – Plan a visit to the oldest, continuously operating volunteer fire company in Pennsylvania at the Union Fire Company No. 1 Museum.
- Walk a mile on the Army Heritage Trail – Enjoy a self-guided interactive trail loop featuring a Huey helicopter, and M-18 Tank Destroyer, and full-scale exhibits from the French and Indian War eras. The Army Heritage Trail is free and offers passersby a lunch stop at the Cafe Cumberland.
- Enjoy art at The Trout Gallery – This local museum houses Dickinson College’s permanent art collection and features changing exhibits. Open Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm.
- Attend the Cumberland County Women’s Expo – Grab a friend and enjoy a day of browsing, fashion shows, and shopping at the 7th Annual Cumberland County Women’s Expo on November 10 from 9am-2pm. Pre-register ahead of time to enjoy this event for free.
- Listen to a concert at the George Washington: Music for the First President Concert – Enjoy a free public concert on November 3 from 1-3pm at the Rubendall Hall at the Weiss Center at Dickinson College. Music by David & Ginger Hildebrand, specializing in early American Music.
- Take the family to Adams-Ricci Community Park – The perfect family stop with over 82 acres of baseball and soccer fields, batting cages, food vendors, horseshoe pits, and an Imagination Station with children’s play structures, swings, bridges and more. The five trail loops at the Adams-Ricci Community Park offers something for everyone in the family.
- Choose a self-guided walking tour – The Cumberland Valley provides beauty at every turn, and self-guided tours are the best way to explore.
- Visit Kings Gap Environmental Education Centre – The historic Italian villa-style mansion focuses on natural and cultural interpretation and education. Covering more than 2,500 acres, the area offers biking, walking, birding, hunting and more. Be sure to take a tour of the mansion and gardens when you visit Kings Gap!
We hope to see you soon at the Carlisle House Bed & Breakfast so that we can share with you our love for our Valley!