Explore Carlisle, Pennsylvania
If you love exploring new areas full of history and old-world charm then you will enjoy exploring Carlisle Pennsylvania. First, Carlisle is an incredibly vibrant and beautiful township nestled in Cumberland Valley, known for the whiskey rebellion. Second, Carlisle is also known for its significant role in the Revolutionary War. In recent years it has become a hub of agriculture and is considered Pennsylvania’s automotive capital.
When I visited Carlisle, my first impression was, “ Oh, how cute and well-put-together this town is!” At first glance, Carlisle is just that, a cute and nicely groomed town. There is so much more to Carlisle than meets the eye however. This historic township offers a plethora of activities for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, foodies, art lovers, and everyone in between. There is a bit of everything in Carlisle to keep you coming back for more. You’ll be transported back in time as you walk in the footsteps of George Washington, wander down the lovely tree-lined streets, and enjoy the beautifully restored buildings along the way. Each building has unique features and has been impeccably restored and well-maintained.
The town itself is steeped in history and Carlisle offers a glimpse into the Revolutionary War days as well as the beginning of the newly formed United States. Today the ominous and castle-like former prison is used for county offices. Carlisle’s peaceful cemeteries have tales to tell of rebellion, heroism and offer insights into the community’s larger history. Dickinson College, known as the first college to be founded after the formation of the United States, now hosts summer music festivals. Carlisle played a significant role as a central meeting place for the state militia during the Whiskey Rebellion and now peacefully enjoys a brewery, cidery, and distillery. The gems of the past are all around you in Carlisle making it an incredible and thought-provoking place to visit.
How do I get to Carlisle?
Carlisle is located about 124 miles west of Philadelphia PA, 27 miles north of Gettysburg, PA, and 190 miles east of Pittsburgh PA. The borough of Carlisle has two major highways, 76 and 81 passing through it so getting here by car is very easy. The nearest commercial airport is Harrisburg International Airport, about 24 miles east of Carlisle. Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C., Philadelphia International Airport, and Pittsburgh International Airport are all within a few hour’s drive as well. Having major airports nearby gives you a great variety of flights and fares to choose from. We recommend shopping around for the best fares.
Getting Around & Parking in Carlisle
Carlisle is a wonderful town to explore on foot so insider knowledge about getting around and parking your car is always nice to know. Carlisle is mostly a grid system with most of the streets being two-way. There are some one-way alleys and more affordable parking on certain blocks. The majority of businesses are located on the main thoroughfares of High Street and Hanover Street. Most of the side streets are residential and easier to park along. Public transportation that is convenient for visitors is minimal. Driving into town if you stay outside of the town’s center will be the easiest.
Short Term Parking
Silver two-hour parking meters close to the intersection of High S. and Hanover St will be the most expensive parking cost. The silver meters accept coins, credit cards, and use of the mobile passport parking app. The silver meters are situated in about a two-block radius of the main square and have a maximum time limit of ten hours. If you just need to quickly pop into a store or coffee shop the silver meters have a green button that if pressed, will give you fifteen minutes for free if the meter has expired.
Overnight Parking
If you venture farther down any of the side streets, past the central two-block radius you will come across gold-colored meters. The gold meters are the most affordable parking spaces and they do allow for overnight parking. Any gold meter is considered long-term parking and they only accept quarters or use of the passport parking app. The gold meters also offer fifteen minutes for free, only if the meter is expired by pressing the button or turning the knob.
If you prefer not to park on the street or you would like your car under a roof the Pomfret Street Parking Garage meets both requirements. Located at 35 West Pomfret Street the garage is a five-story, cash-only garage open 24 hours featuring security cameras and competitive parking rates.
Things to See and Do in Carlisle
It’s amazing what you can learn just by stopping by a town or city’s visitor center. Carlisle has one of the friendliest and most helpful visitor centers I have been in since Galway, Ireland. Staffed by tourism interns, Carlisle’s visitor center stays fresh by having young people on staff. It was a breath of fresh air to chat with a person of your generation with a passion for the town, its history, and the fun spots to explore.
The rich history and heritage of Carlisle is extensive and full of color and mystery. Since it was established by Scottish and Irish immigrants in 1751 Carlisle has been home to or visited by quite a few significant names in history. Carlisle was home to three signers of the Declaration of Independence and hosted well-known figures such as General George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Hugh Mercer, Henry Bouquet, and John Forbes. Detailed road signs and historical markers dot the town and highlight its rich and varied history.
Visit Molly Pitcher's Statue
The most prolific heroine of Carlisle and one of the most popular women of the Revolutionary War era was Molly Pitcher. Pretty much one badass lady. Molly Pitcher’s given name was Mary Ludwig and she was born in New Jersey in 1744. Mary Ludwig relocated to Carlisle to work and later married William Hays in 1769 before the Revolutionary War began. In May of 1777, William Hays enlisted in the Colonial Army so Mary Ludwig Hays followed her husband to war. She tended to the sick as well as assisted with the cooking and washing for her husband’s regimen.
On June 28, 1778, Mary Ludwig Hays became a celebrated heroine because of her actions during the Battle of Monmouth in Freehold, NJ. It is said that Mary Ludwig Hays was hauling drinking water in a pitcher back and forth from a nearby stream to the men on the hot and smoky battlefield, earning her historic nickname. On one trip to the battlefield, she saw her husband had collapsed, exhausted near his cannon. It was then that Molly Pitcher threw down her pitcher and took up her husband’s position at the cannon and was seen firing throughout the battle until victory was declared. Her act of heroism that day earned her a sergeant’s commission, awarded by General Nathanael Greene.
The Old Public Graveyard
The Molly Pitcher nickname stuck with her as she lived and worked in Carlisle until she died in 1852. She was buried in the Old Public Graveyard with military honors. Later, citizens of the community of Carlisle erected a marble monument inscribed, “Molly Pitcher, the heroine of Monmouth,” near her grave.
Today, the cemetery located near the intersection of E South Street and S Bedford Street is peaceful and serene. Molly Pitcher’s statue stands tall behind a cannon in honor of this heroic woman renowned for her bravery. The Old Public Cemetery is the resting place of other well-known public figures so the informative self-guided walking tour of the cemetery will give you a glimpse into Carlisle’s past.
Check out Carlisle's Farmers Market
I have always been a person who loves farmer’s markets and buying local and handmade items. If you do too, then you will be in heaven when you visit the Farmers on the Square in the heart of Carlisle. The summer and winter markets offer a wide variety of local produce every Wednesday. Try some fresh bread or baked goods, some spicy small-batch salsa, delicious zingy goat cheese, wine, mead, or cider…This all sounds like the makings of a pretty fantastic picnic! The list of regular vendors is as extensive as it is diverse. Farmers on the square’s vibe is very relaxed, with live music during the summer, friendly faces all around, and a generally happy and upbeat atmosphere.
Take a walk along Pomfret Street
Pomfret Street is my favorite street in Carlisle! The astonishing architecture of the buildings with their incredibly colorful façades draws you in. The intriguing window dressings of the shops and restaurants will entice you to come in. Pomfret Street has this unique and incredible ambiance. It’s a blend of old-world elegance in a fresh and unpretentious way.
During the summer there is one house in particular on E Pomfret that has one of the most dazzling and photogenic front and side gardens I have ever seen! This particular house will make you stop your car just to photograph their marvelous garden. I couldn’t resist stopping and enjoying this small slice of natural splendor.
Discover One of Carlisle's Car Shows or Events
If you love cars of any kind, Carlisle has an event for you. Everything car related seems to go on throughout the year in Carlisle. This event schedule will help you plan your visit. One of the biggest events is the Corvettes at Carlisle Show. Corvettes at Carlisle is the largest and most fun-filled Corvette event in the world! The highlight of the show is the Corvette Parade when up to 400 of the finest Corvettes parade into Downtown Historic Carlisle. It is quite a spectacle and always a highly anticipated event.
Visit Dickinson College
Dickinson College is a beautiful and historical liberal arts college located near the center of Carlisle. Dickinson College was the first college to be founded after the formation of the United States and to this day remains dedicated to its revolutionary roots. Its mission remains the same since it was founded, to provide a useful education of liberal arts and science. To me, the biggest achievement of Dickinson College is that it is recognized for its commitment to environmental sustainability. It was one of the first colleges in the US to become carbon-neutral!
As you wander the campus under the ancient trees with a light breeze at your back, you can certainly see why so many students have enjoyed their time here. When I visited, I fell in love with the tranquil landscape of the main quad and enjoyed attending one of their summer music festivals. The Bluegrass Festival is a concert on the green that brings the whole community alive. Dickinson College’s Bluegrass Festival was a ton of fun, with great music, dancing, street food, and a warm atmosphere.
Have a Picnic at LaTort Park
LeTort Park is an extensive 12-acre park featuring a sports field, a massive playground, and, my favorite, a stream with geese and ducks. LeTort Park is perfect for a picnic on a sunny afternoon. Choose one of the tables near the creek and enjoy watching the waterfowl play in the water. After lunch, stroll along the beautiful Spring Run Nature Trail. The Spring Run Trail is a two-mile, out-and-back trail that follows the stream. Enjoy the interpretive signs along the path to learn about the history of the working industry along the water.
Shop for Antiques
Because of Carlisle’s historical past and transportation history, it’s a hotbed for the antique trade. Bedford Street Antiques is a gold mine for bargain hunters and antique enthusiasts. This vast, two-story antique mall features items handpicked by over 100 different sellers. There is something for everyone at Bedford Street. Allow plenty of time to explore this incredible expanse of unique and period treasures.
The Carlisle Antique Mall is another antiques lover’s paradise. The antique mall hosts a plethora of antique vendors on three floors as well as the Carlisle Artisan Market. You can find this beautiful old department store building located on N Hanover Street. Stop in and browse all of their rare and hard to find items. Who knows what you might find!
Take in a Show at Carlisle Theatre
The Carlisle Theatre is a classic and venerable theater standing proudly in the heart of Carlisle. The theater still shows its art deco roots but has been renovated to accommodate stage acts, concerts, and films. Its vintage marquee, with its lit-up letters, is visible up and down High Street on any given evening. Enjoy a movie or a show at this historic theater when visiting Carlisle.
Explore Outside of Carlisle
The countryside around Carlisle is rural and agricultural for the most part with expansive corn and soybean fields. As you drive through the surrounding area you may come across a horse-drawn buggy so keep an eye out. The part of Pennsylvania surrounding Carlisle is gorgeous with a peaceful country atmosphere. On a beautiful sunny day, it’s hard not to love exploring outside of the city of Carlisle.
Visit Boiling Springs
When I first read about Boiling Springs I just had to go there. The photos I saw were so alluring, I was instantly interested! Boiling Springs is only about a 15-minute drive southeast of Carlisle making it easily accessible as a side trip. The town of Boiling Springs is a quaint and charming place surrounding a lake and full of classic 19th-century buildings to view. The village has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1984 and continues to provide visitors with enjoyable historical education.
Boiling Springs was an important iron worker’s settlement in the 18th century. All that remains of the iron industry in Boiling Springs today is the iron works stable and the colossal iron works furnace. The furnace is massive and would have been fueled by charcoal. It was used to produced all kinds of iron wear including ammunition during the Revolutionary War. Now the area around the furnace is a beautiful park intersected by streams and a wonderful trail system.
Speaking of trail systems, Boiling Springs is known to be a hiker’s paradise! The Appalachian trail runs right through the center of the village and is home to the regional office of the Mid-Atlantic Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Boiling Springs is also an incredibly dedicated trail community that is committed to providing hikers with all the services they may need as well as promoting the advantage of the Appalachian Trail.
The ambiance and charm of Boiling Springs are infectious. This tidbit only scratches the surface of what the village has to offer. I highly recommend packing a picnic and spending the day exploring Boiling Springs when you visit Carlisle.
Try Fly Fishing on the Yellow Breeches Creek
Yellow Breeches Creek is an angler’s paradise. The most popular spot to fish along its banks is actually in Boiling Springs. This scenic river has never had a plentiful supply of stocked and wild trout for catch and release. Bring your fly fishing rod, or rent one at TCO Fly Shop in town. TCO Fly Shop also teaches fly fishing classes so if you are a beginner they have everything you need to get started.
Where to Stay in Carlisle
Carlisle has a wonderful array of hotels, historic inns, and bed & breakfasts as well as Airbnb’s. Some are in the downtown district, while others are located along the interstate highways outside of the historic district. There are quite a few places to choose from. Since Carlisle hosts numerous weekend events, festivals, car shows, and more it’s best to book ahead during the busy summer season. During the winter months, Carlisle is a bit quieter however, still active on the weekends and is lively when Dickinson College is in session.
Comfort Suites
Right in the heart of the historic district on South Hanover Street is the Comfort Suites. The Comfort Suite’s premises is said to be the location of an encampment during the Whiskey Rebellion. Comfort Suites offers travelers all the amenities of home with modern and spacious suites along with a delicious farm-to-table restaurant. If you enjoy whisky, the hotel features the 1794 Whiskey Rebellion Restaurant which offers over 130 premium whiskeys to sample. Since the Comfort Suites is within walking distance of everything in the historic downtown you can enjoy this picturesque town on foot after your whisky tasting.
Carlisle House Bed & Breakfast
If you prefer the charm and ambiance of a B&B rather than a hotel, yet still be downtown, look no further than Carlisle House. Its beautiful brick exterior with decorative gable adornments above the doors and windows invites you in. The B&B’s federal style interior ambiance offers you a warm welcome with a historic flair. Staying at Carlisle House comes highly recommended and includes a wonderful hot breakfast and their renowned quiches made fresh every morning.
Sleep Inn Carlisle South
With the budget traveler in mind, the Sleep Inn Carlisle South fits the bill by offering simple and comfortable, and pet-friendly rooms at an affordable price. Sleep Inn is located a short distance out of town along interstate 81 and offers travelers a complimentary hot breakfast, a heated indoor pool, and a fitness center. This low-frills accommodation is a wonderful choice for anyone looking for an economical stay during their visit to Carlisle.
Carlisle and its surrounding area have so much to offer. The town itself has a peaceful charming ambiance we look for in a new place to explore. There are many great things to do and places to stay. We haven’t forgotten about our foodie readers, we just didn’t want this article to be a million miles long so stay tuned for our drinks & dining companion guide to Carlisle coming out very soon.
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Great insights into Carlisle and the surrounding area. Thanks, Leslie! I can see why Kathleen sounds happy to be there.