Sweet shops, romantic restaurants and Colonial charm collide in Carlisle, Cumberland County, this February. Whether you’re aiming for a Galentine’s getaway or a day trip destination with your honey, you’re bound to feel magic in the air—maybe even the magic of Cupid’s arrow.
Kings Gap Environmental Education Center
Grab your hiking boots and kick cabin fever with a winter hike at Kings Gap Environmental Education Center. Within the South Mountain woods, bare branches offer rare panoramic views of the Cumberland Valley fields and farms below. Pack hot cocoa for a warm post-hike picnic.
500 Kings Gap Rd, Carlisle
dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/KingsGapEnvironmentalEducationCenter
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Café Bruges
One of the few authentic Belgian restaurants in all of Pennsylvania, Café Bruges offers a dining experience with European flair. Choose from 100 Belgian beers, plus entrees you won’t find anywhere else in the Susquehanna Valley—such as Jägerschnitzel, Flemish Beef Stew or Waterzooi (fish stew). Decadent desserts include Belgian Dark Chocolate Mousse.
16 N Pitt St, Carlisle | cafebruges.com
U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center
A self-guided free museum, the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center’s centerpiece exhibit is the Soldier Experience Gallery. Through interactive displays, visitors experience what it was like to serve in the Army throughout American history. Or check out the outdoor Army Heritage Trail, complete with tanks!
950 Soldiers Dr, Carlisle | ahec.armywarcollege.edu
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Tranquility Salon and Wellness Center
A full-service salon and spa, Tranquility is the site of Pennsylvania’s first Himalayan salt cave. Relaxing salt cave sessions are said to aid healing and detoxification. Additional pampering and wellness services range from head to toe—from hair treatments to sparkling pedicures, plus massages, facials and much more, in a peaceful, stress-free environment.
257 Penrose Place, Carlisle | tranquilitysalonandwellnesscenter.com
Pomfret Street: Shop the Block
It’s funky fun: The eclectic shops on West Pomfret Street band together as an artsy shopping district, offering galleries, boutiques and cafés. The block includes Castlerigg Wine Shop, Marjorie’s Gems, Mummert Chocolates, Boutique on Pomfret, Pat Craig Studios & The Pond: Art Studios & Gallery, K. Olson Ceramics and the Carlisle Arts Learning Center.
30 W Pomfret St, Carlisle | visitcumberlandvalley.com/listing/shop-the-block-pomfret-street/2168
Helena’s Chocolate Café & Crêperie
Mornings and middays get a sweet start at Helena’s. French flavors are on the menu—from the sweet Dulce de Leche Crêpe to the savory Ham and Gruyère Crêpe. Give your coffee a fancy facelift at their espresso bar, and savor melt-in-your-mouth macarons for a dreamy dessert.
36 W High St, Carlisle | helenascafe.com
Grand Illusion Hard Cider
From the owl perched on outdoor signage to the third-floor escape rooms, there’s mystery in the air at Grand Illusion, a downtown cidery and wine bar. A house magician even performs table-side on “Magic Mondays.” While the food menu is small but tasty, Grand Illusion—no fooling—boasts the largest menu of Pennsylvania ciders in the state.
26 W High St, Carlisle | grandillusioncider.com
