Sightseeing
Enjoy 932 acres of recreational freedom. The park features Holman Lake, fishing, boating and boat rentals, miles of hiking trails, playgrounds, picnicking areas and pavilions, a butterfly garden, historical sites, and an amphitheater. The pool complex is open June through August and features ADA access, water slides and a sprayground. There are wide paved shoulders along Little Buffalo Road to allow room for joggers and runners along Holman’s lake. Winter activities at Little Buffalo include an ice-skating area and ice fishing.
28 locals recommend
Little Buffalo State Park
1067 Swimming Pool RdEnjoy 932 acres of recreational freedom. The park features Holman Lake, fishing, boating and boat rentals, miles of hiking trails, playgrounds, picnicking areas and pavilions, a butterfly garden, historical sites, and an amphitheater. The pool complex is open June through August and features ADA access, water slides and a sprayground. There are wide paved shoulders along Little Buffalo Road to allow room for joggers and runners along Holman’s lake. Winter activities at Little Buffalo include an ice-skating area and ice fishing.
Located in Little Buffalo State Park the Blue Ball Tavern Museum tells the history of Perry County, Pennsylvania. Open on Sundays from 1-3pm this historic building is a local point of interest operated by the Historical Society of Perry County. The history of this property has been traced back past the Declaration of Independence and the tavern as has a significant role in everything from local politics to war.
Blue Ball Tavern
State Park RoadLocated in Little Buffalo State Park the Blue Ball Tavern Museum tells the history of Perry County, Pennsylvania. Open on Sundays from 1-3pm this historic building is a local point of interest operated by the Historical Society of Perry County. The history of this property has been traced back past the Declaration of Independence and the tavern as has a significant role in everything from local politics to war.
Circa 1830’s grits mill is located in Little Buffalo State Park. The mill is operated and open for tours on Sundays from 1-3pm throughout most of the year. The mill features of 32’ steel wheel – the largest water wheel east of the Mississippi. In the fall, the mill serves a venue for a small local apple festival
Shoaff's Mill
State Park RoadCirca 1830’s grits mill is located in Little Buffalo State Park. The mill is operated and open for tours on Sundays from 1-3pm throughout most of the year. The mill features of 32’ steel wheel – the largest water wheel east of the Mississippi. In the fall, the mill serves a venue for a small local apple festival
Take a ride into the past on the last known wooden double stern-wheel paddle boats still in operation in the United States. The Millersburg Ferry Boats are the only ferries still in service along the whole 464-mile-long Susquehanna River. The ferry can be access from the Ferry Boat Camp Grounds just south of Liverpool.
8 locals recommend
Millersburg Ferry
River StreetTake a ride into the past on the last known wooden double stern-wheel paddle boats still in operation in the United States. The Millersburg Ferry Boats are the only ferries still in service along the whole 464-mile-long Susquehanna River. The ferry can be access from the Ferry Boat Camp Grounds just south of Liverpool.
Waggoner’s Gap is known by locals as the route 74 mountain. The throughway provides breathtaking views of both Perry and Cumberland county at its 1464-foot peak. The hawk watch site is a 125-acre rock outcropping with marked trails and parking. From that location observers can view one of the largest concentrations of raptors in the U.S. Approximately 15,000 to 20,000 raptors pass through every year. It is one of the best sites along the Kittatinny Ridge (Blue Mountain) to see Golden Eagles, and in PA to watch the fall hawk migration.
Waggoner's Gap Hawk Watch
Waggoners Gap RoadWaggoner’s Gap is known by locals as the route 74 mountain. The throughway provides breathtaking views of both Perry and Cumberland county at its 1464-foot peak. The hawk watch site is a 125-acre rock outcropping with marked trails and parking. From that location observers can view one of the largest concentrations of raptors in the U.S. Approximately 15,000 to 20,000 raptors pass through every year. It is one of the best sites along the Kittatinny Ridge (Blue Mountain) to see Golden Eagles, and in PA to watch the fall hawk migration.
If you enjoyed Butcher’s Farm Market in Newport, drive just a short distance further to their produce and turkey farm for fall time family fun. A variety of attractions await you there including a 4-acre corn maze, corn cannon, straw bale kingdom, petting zoo area, pick-your-own pumpkin patch, wagon rides, apple cider, whoopie pies and more. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon!
Butcher's Family Fun Farm
1375 Turkey Bird RdIf you enjoyed Butcher’s Farm Market in Newport, drive just a short distance further to their produce and turkey farm for fall time family fun. A variety of attractions await you there including a 4-acre corn maze, corn cannon, straw bale kingdom, petting zoo area, pick-your-own pumpkin patch, wagon rides, apple cider, whoopie pies and more. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon!
Penn’s Cave is America’s only all water cavern and wildlife park. It is a great destination for a unique experience, even on a rainy day. Cavern tours are guided tours given by boat. The wildlife park is also a guided experience given via bus. In addition, kids may enjoy the Miner’s Maze and gemstone panning. Antique shows and tractor shows are also hosted on the property throughout the year.
104 locals recommend
Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park
222 Penns Cave RdPenn’s Cave is America’s only all water cavern and wildlife park. It is a great destination for a unique experience, even on a rainy day. Cavern tours are guided tours given by boat. The wildlife park is also a guided experience given via bus. In addition, kids may enjoy the Miner’s Maze and gemstone panning. Antique shows and tractor shows are also hosted on the property throughout the year.
Another great place to have open air encounters with wildlife, Lake Tobias. Take a beautiful drive down the Juniata river and across the Susquehanna river or take the ferry for added adventure. Lake Tobias feature zoo exhibits, guided safari tours, petting zoo, reptile and exotic house, playgrounds and picnic area with concessions. An absolute treasure, seemingly in the middle of nowhere.
47 locals recommend
Lake Tobias Wildlife Park
760 Tobias RdAnother great place to have open air encounters with wildlife, Lake Tobias. Take a beautiful drive down the Juniata river and across the Susquehanna river or take the ferry for added adventure. Lake Tobias feature zoo exhibits, guided safari tours, petting zoo, reptile and exotic house, playgrounds and picnic area with concessions. An absolute treasure, seemingly in the middle of nowhere.
Shopping
The Perry County Council of the Arts (PCCA) Gallery and Landis House contemporary gallery and concert hall presents a showcasing of local artist, writers, musicians and performers. Browse the PCCA gallery on 2nd Steet in Newport or see what events are upcoming at the Landis House
PCCA Gallery
1 S 2nd StThe Perry County Council of the Arts (PCCA) Gallery and Landis House contemporary gallery and concert hall presents a showcasing of local artist, writers, musicians and performers. Browse the PCCA gallery on 2nd Steet in Newport or see what events are upcoming at the Landis House
If fiber arts interest you be sure to swing by our local fabric and fiber shops. Smile spinners is located 13 miles from the cabin just outside of Marysville. This shop features an extensive inventory of fabric and caters to the quilting crowd. The Humble Stitch is located 5 miles from the cabin in Newport. This shop offers a tasteful variety of the fiber arts from knitting to felting, quilting to embroidery. The Humble Stitch also offers social stitching gatherings on a regular basis. Be sure to check hours for both of these shops before heading out as they operate on limited hours
Humble Stitch
2 N 2nd StIf fiber arts interest you be sure to swing by our local fabric and fiber shops. Smile spinners is located 13 miles from the cabin just outside of Marysville. This shop features an extensive inventory of fabric and caters to the quilting crowd. The Humble Stitch is located 5 miles from the cabin in Newport. This shop offers a tasteful variety of the fiber arts from knitting to felting, quilting to embroidery. The Humble Stitch also offers social stitching gatherings on a regular basis. Be sure to check hours for both of these shops before heading out as they operate on limited hours
If fiber arts interest you be sure to swing by our local fabric and fiber shops. Smile spinners is located 13 miles from the cabin just outside of Marysville. This shop features an extensive inventory of fabric and caters to the quilting crowd. The Humble Stitch is located 5 miles from the cabin in Newport. This shop offers a tasteful variety of the fiber arts from knitting to felting, quilting to embroidery. The Humble Stitch also offers social stitching gatherings on a regular basis. Be sure to check hours for both of these shops before heading out as they operate on limited hours.
Smile Spinners
1975 Valley RdIf fiber arts interest you be sure to swing by our local fabric and fiber shops. Smile spinners is located 13 miles from the cabin just outside of Marysville. This shop features an extensive inventory of fabric and caters to the quilting crowd. The Humble Stitch is located 5 miles from the cabin in Newport. This shop offers a tasteful variety of the fiber arts from knitting to felting, quilting to embroidery. The Humble Stitch also offers social stitching gatherings on a regular basis. Be sure to check hours for both of these shops before heading out as they operate on limited hours.
BMO is a specialty paddlesports shop located in the historic Marysville train station along the Susquehanna River. Floor to ceiling, this shop is loaded with canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and paddling gear. They offer river float trips, provide shuttles and custom outfit boats.
12 locals recommend
Blue Mountain Outfitters
103 S State RdBMO is a specialty paddlesports shop located in the historic Marysville train station along the Susquehanna River. Floor to ceiling, this shop is loaded with canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and paddling gear. They offer river float trips, provide shuttles and custom outfit boats.
Base Camp Outfitters is the nearby place to stop for any of your outdoor adventure needs. They are in the business of outfitting hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiast.
Base Camp Outfitters
300 S 4th StBase Camp Outfitters is the nearby place to stop for any of your outdoor adventure needs. They are in the business of outfitting hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiast.
Grocery Stores & Farm Markets
Full-service grocery store with full-service local famous meat department, wine, beer, deli and hot foods.
12 locals recommend
Karns Foods
1023 State StFull-service grocery store with full-service local famous meat department, wine, beer, deli and hot foods.
Local farmer’s market with produce, ready to go and frozen meals, organic and raw milk, bake goods, and fresh peanut butter
6 locals recommend
Butcher's Farm Market
590 N 4th StLocal farmer’s market with produce, ready to go and frozen meals, organic and raw milk, bake goods, and fresh peanut butter
Local farmer’s market with produce, frozen meats, dairy products, honey and more
7 locals recommend
Espresso Yourself Cafe
8 S 2nd StLocal farmer’s market with produce, frozen meats, dairy products, honey and more
Skyline Bargains
5101 Middle Ridge RdBent and dent Amish grocer with produce, milk and eggs.
Weis Markets
316 Walnut StGIANT Food Stores
12 Newport PlazaFood scene
The Winery at Hunters Valley
3 Orchard RdLight snacks and cheese offered with wine tastings
Buddy Boy Winery and Vineyard
111 Barnett DrPurchase wine or sit down for a meal.
Bucks Valley Winery & Vineyards
333 Meadow Grove RdPurchase wine or sit down for a meal.
Locally sourced ingredients with many organic and gluten-free options (a personal fav!)
7 locals recommend
Espresso Yourself Cafe
8 S 2nd StLocally sourced ingredients with many organic and gluten-free options (a personal fav!)
Currently take out and very accommodating for a contact free pick-up (great salads!)
9 locals recommend
Brothers Pizzeria
1426 N 3rd StCurrently take out and very accommodating for a contact free pick-up (great salads!)
Mamma's Pizza & Subs
22 South Carlisle StreetEat in or take out- great food.
Eat in or take out- operates under limited hours. Don’t leave without ordering a Big Mac Stromboli!
Zeiderelli's Pizza & Subs
1851 Keystone WayEat in or take out- operates under limited hours. Don’t leave without ordering a Big Mac Stromboli!
Farmers Daughters Cafe
12 North Carlisle StreetWebsite with full menu- one of my favorite places to be!
Perry County Café
13 West Main StreetOpens at 6AM daily
County Seat Restaurant
8 West Main StreetDiner style restaurant open for breakfast and lunch.
Buffalo Brew
24 N 2nd StCoffee shop with bagels, muffins and cupcakes.
Close to the cabin and sweetness that is to die for. You won'tfind their ice cream flavors just anywhere. Make sure to take time to cool off here!
6 locals recommend
Sweet to the Soul
19 N 2nd StClose to the cabin and sweetness that is to die for. You won'tfind their ice cream flavors just anywhere. Make sure to take time to cool off here!
Hikes
The Flat Rock trail in Colonel Denning State Park is a 2.5 mile moderate to rugged trail which climbs 1,200 feet of elevation for an amazing scenic view of the Cumberland Valley. At the top of the mountain the Flat Rock trail meets with the Tuscarora Trail which can be taken east, past Waggoner’s Hawk Watch, eventually meeting the Appalachian Trail.
Flat Rock Trailhead
The Flat Rock trail in Colonel Denning State Park is a 2.5 mile moderate to rugged trail which climbs 1,200 feet of elevation for an amazing scenic view of the Cumberland Valley. At the top of the mountain the Flat Rock trail meets with the Tuscarora Trail which can be taken east, past Waggoner’s Hawk Watch, eventually meeting the Appalachian Trail.
The Appalachian Trail runs from Georgia to Maine, with 229 miles of the trail passing through Pennsylvania. From south to north the AT enters Perry County at the top of the Blue Mountain west of route 34 and exits the county at Clarks Ferry (west of Duncannon) where hikers cross the Juniata and Susquehanna rivers by bridge. Parking is available for the AT along route 850. We will be happy to assist with shuttling if guest wish to hike the 8-mile section of trail between route 850 and Duncannon. If you are not interest in a longer hike, consider hiking Hawk Rock Trail. This is a 1.6 mile moderate out and back section of the AT with an amazing bird’s eye view of one of the world’s oldest rivers, the Susquehanna.
Hawk Rock
The Appalachian Trail runs from Georgia to Maine, with 229 miles of the trail passing through Pennsylvania. From south to north the AT enters Perry County at the top of the Blue Mountain west of route 34 and exits the county at Clarks Ferry (west of Duncannon) where hikers cross the Juniata and Susquehanna rivers by bridge. Parking is available for the AT along route 850. We will be happy to assist with shuttling if guest wish to hike the 8-mile section of trail between route 850 and Duncannon. If you are not interest in a longer hike, consider hiking Hawk Rock Trail. This is a 1.6 mile moderate out and back section of the AT with an amazing bird’s eye view of one of the world’s oldest rivers, the Susquehanna.
The western end of Perry County is home to Tuscarora State Park, Fowlers Hollow State Park and Big Spring State Park. Together these parks cover hundreds of acres of forest. There are miles of dirt roads and hiking trails to be enjoyed by the public. Its approximately a 30-40-minute drive to get to these parks from the cabin. You can also explore historical points of interest such as Pioneer Cemetery and abandoned Pandemonium PA. See the brochures in this binder for more information about this area.
Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area
9072 Hemlock RdThe western end of Perry County is home to Tuscarora State Park, Fowlers Hollow State Park and Big Spring State Park. Together these parks cover hundreds of acres of forest. There are miles of dirt roads and hiking trails to be enjoyed by the public. Its approximately a 30-40-minute drive to get to these parks from the cabin. You can also explore historical points of interest such as Pioneer Cemetery and abandoned Pandemonium PA. See the brochures in this binder for more information about this area.
City/town information
A town built around the industry of milk chocolate, Hershey, Pennsylvania is known as the sweetest place on Earth. Only a one-hour drive from the cabin this town will provide a day full of entertainment.
o Hershey Park
o Hershey Outlets
o Hotel Hershey Spa
o Hershey Chocolate World (Free admission)
o The Hershey Story (Museum & Chocolate Lab)
o Zoo America
o The Hershey Theater
o The Giant Center (Concerts & Hershey Bears hockey games)
o AACA Museum (Automotive Museum)
o Hershey Gardens & Butterfly House
78 locals recommend
Hershey
A town built around the industry of milk chocolate, Hershey, Pennsylvania is known as the sweetest place on Earth. Only a one-hour drive from the cabin this town will provide a day full of entertainment.
o Hershey Park
o Hershey Outlets
o Hotel Hershey Spa
o Hershey Chocolate World (Free admission)
o The Hershey Story (Museum & Chocolate Lab)
o Zoo America
o The Hershey Theater
o The Giant Center (Concerts & Hershey Bears hockey games)
o AACA Museum (Automotive Museum)
o Hershey Gardens & Butterfly House
Many people are drawn to tour Lancaster to see the lives of the Amish. However, that is not the only activity you will find to do there. Lancaster is an hour and twenty-minute drive from the cabin and will provide a day full of entertainment and unique experiences.
o Amish Country Experiences
o Central Market
o Kettle Village
o Dutch Wonderland
o Sight & Sound Theater
o Tanger Outlets
o Rockvale Outlets
o American Music Theater
119 locals recommend
Lancaster
Many people are drawn to tour Lancaster to see the lives of the Amish. However, that is not the only activity you will find to do there. Lancaster is an hour and twenty-minute drive from the cabin and will provide a day full of entertainment and unique experiences.
o Amish Country Experiences
o Central Market
o Kettle Village
o Dutch Wonderland
o Sight & Sound Theater
o Tanger Outlets
o Rockvale Outlets
o American Music Theater
Pennsylvania is steeped in historical events, with those surrounding the Civil War hitting the top of the tourist list. Gettysburg is a beautiful hour and fifteen-minute drive from the cabin and provides a full day’s worth of an activities and sites to see. Museums, shops and tours are plentiful in the downtown area.
o Battlefields & Civil War Museums
o Downtown shops & restaurants
o Guided horseback tours
o Ghost tours
o The Outlet Shops at Gettysburg
117 locals recommend
Gettysburg
Pennsylvania is steeped in historical events, with those surrounding the Civil War hitting the top of the tourist list. Gettysburg is a beautiful hour and fifteen-minute drive from the cabin and provides a full day’s worth of an activities and sites to see. Museums, shops and tours are plentiful in the downtown area.
o Battlefields & Civil War Museums
o Downtown shops & restaurants
o Guided horseback tours
o Ghost tours
o The Outlet Shops at Gettysburg
Perhaps the most beautiful day trip ride you can take. Driving up and down the river along route 322 will provide many scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains, Juniata river and the Susquehanna river. GPS will likely route you through Duncannon but be sure to drive to Newport from the cabin to take 322 towards Harrisburg. With only a forty-five-minute drive from the cabin, we frequent Harrisburg often. I can share plenty of information with you about things to do there- please feel free to ask!
o Pride of the Susquehanna (River boat)
o City Island & Metro Ballpark (Senators)
o Pennsylvania State Capital & Visitor’s Center
o State Museum of Pennsylvania (With planetarium)
o Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts (Includes live performance stages, IMAX and Harsco Science Center)
o Fort Hunter Mansion & Park
o Artsfest (Held in May)
o Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center
46 locals recommend
Harrisburg
Perhaps the most beautiful day trip ride you can take. Driving up and down the river along route 322 will provide many scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains, Juniata river and the Susquehanna river. GPS will likely route you through Duncannon but be sure to drive to Newport from the cabin to take 322 towards Harrisburg. With only a forty-five-minute drive from the cabin, we frequent Harrisburg often. I can share plenty of information with you about things to do there- please feel free to ask!
o Pride of the Susquehanna (River boat)
o City Island & Metro Ballpark (Senators)
o Pennsylvania State Capital & Visitor’s Center
o State Museum of Pennsylvania (With planetarium)
o Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts (Includes live performance stages, IMAX and Harsco Science Center)
o Fort Hunter Mansion & Park
o Artsfest (Held in May)
o Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center
Another place which is too well know to me to include all the details here. Please ask me for the inside scoop on this historic location forty-five-minutes from the cabin. I will be happy to provide you with recommendations on restaurants, activities or shops.
o Downtown shops, galleries & restaurants
o Cumberland County Historical Society (Store front & events)
o U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (Indoor & outdoor museum)
o Carlisle Events (Car shows)
o Trout Gallery at Dickinson College (Art exhibits)
o Bluegrass on the Grass at Dickinson College (Held in July)
o Harvest of the Arts (Held in September)
o Antiques
o Farmer’s on the Square (Open air market held Wednesday’s 3-7pm)
o King’s Gap Mansion and Environmental Education Center (West of Carlisle)
19 locals recommend
Carlisle
Another place which is too well know to me to include all the details here. Please ask me for the inside scoop on this historic location forty-five-minutes from the cabin. I will be happy to provide you with recommendations on restaurants, activities or shops.
o Downtown shops, galleries & restaurants
o Cumberland County Historical Society (Store front & events)
o U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (Indoor & outdoor museum)
o Carlisle Events (Car shows)
o Trout Gallery at Dickinson College (Art exhibits)
o Bluegrass on the Grass at Dickinson College (Held in July)
o Harvest of the Arts (Held in September)
o Antiques
o Farmer’s on the Square (Open air market held Wednesday’s 3-7pm)
o King’s Gap Mansion and Environmental Education Center (West of Carlisle)