Things To Do
in Carlisle
Carlisle is a charming town located in south-central Pennsylvania, known for its rich history and picturesque scenery. It is home to Dickinson College, a prestigious liberal arts institution, adding to the town's vibrant and intellectual atmosphere. Visitors can explore the historic downtown area, which features quaint shops, delicious restaurants, and beautiful architecture.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the nearby Appalachian Trail for hiking and the LeTort Spring Run for fishing.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the nearby Yellow Breeches Creek for some refreshing nature walks. Take in the scenic views and enjoy the tranquility of the early morning.
Head to the Carlisle Barracks Museum to learn about the region's military history. Explore the exhibits that cover various historical periods and events.
Enjoy dinner at a local eatery in downtown Carlisle. Try out some regional dishes and end your day with a leisurely stroll around the town square.
Begin your exploration at the Cumberland County Historical Society. Learn about the local history and the stories that shaped the community.
Visit the Old Jail Museum, where you can delve into the darker side of Carlisle's past. The guided tour offers fascinating insights into the jail's history.
Dine at a historic restaurant that reflects the local culture. Relax and enjoy a meal while recounting the day's discoveries.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong sense of community and friendly residents.
- Access to outdoor recreational activities, including parks and trails.
- Good schools and educational opportunities for families.
- A relatively low cost of living compared to larger urban areas.
- Rich history and cultural heritage, with historic sites and events.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors.
- Public transportation options may be limited.
- Cold winters can be challenging for some residents.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger cities.
- Possible issues with healthcare access in rural areas.
Best Activities in Carlisle
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the numerous hiking trails amidst beautiful nature and wildlife at Carlisle Reservation.
Enjoy a peaceful paddle along the scenic Black River, perfect for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts.
Relax and enjoy a picnic by the calm waters of LaDue Reservoir, popular for its serene surroundings.
Tours
Uncover the best of Carlisle with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Carlisle
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers scenic views and photo opportunities during events and fairgrounds activities.
Provides beautiful natural landscapes and wildlife photography opportunities.
Historic site with stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings for photo enthusiasts.
Food in Carlisle
Carlisle Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A refreshing salad featuring locally sourced greens, topped with tangy vinaigrette. It can be savored at Carlisle House, a historic restaurant known for its farm-to-table ethos.
Must-Try!
A spread made from slow-cooked apples, sugar, and spices. It's a beloved local specialty and can be purchased at the Carlisle Farmers Market or various artisanal shops around town.
These delectable dumplings filled with creamy mashed potatoes and cheese are a staple in Carlisle. Visit ethnic festivals or local diners like Massey's Frozen Custard to sample this comforting dish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Every Wednesday and Saturday, the Carlisle Farmers Market showcases a bounty of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and homemade treats. It's the perfect place to explore local flavors and discover unique ingredients.
Downtown Carlisle comes alive with an array of food trucks offering diverse street food options. From gourmet burgers to international fusion cuisine, the food trucks cater to varied tastes and are a popular choice for casual dining.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Carlisle, it is customary to greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact during conversations as a sign of respect.
It is important to be mindful of personal space in Carlisle and avoid standing too close to others, especially when engaging in conversations.
Tipping is a common practice in Carlisle, particularly in restaurants and for services such as taxi rides, with 15-20% of the total bill being the standard tip.
Safety
Tipping in Carlisle
Ensure a smooth experience
In Carlisle, United States, tipping is a common practice in restaurants, bars, and other service establishments. Generally, the standard tipping rate is 15-20% of the total bill. However, it's important to check the bill before tipping, as some restaurants may include a service charge automatically.
Payment in Carlisle, United States, is usually made by cash, credit/debit cards, or mobile payment methods. Most businesses accept major credit cards, and contactless payment methods are increasingly popular. It's also common to see the option for mobile wallet payment services at various establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Carlisle with blooming flowers, mild temperatures, and outdoor events like festivals and farm markets.
Summer offers warm weather, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring the nearby mountain trails and scenic parks.
Fall is a beautiful time in Carlisle as the foliage changes colors, offering picturesque landscapes and opportunities for leaf peeping and enjoying the local fall festivals.
Winter can be cold in Carlisle, but it also brings opportunities for winter sports and activities like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.
Carlisle at Night
Hiking in Carlisle
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hiking spot featuring beautiful views of the Susquehanna River and surrounding mountains, with a moderate trail leading up to the lookout.
A multi-use trail that runs through the Cumberland Valley, providing a flat and easy route suitable for hiking, biking, and walking, with access to picturesque landscapes.
A large state park offering multiple hiking trails through forests, streams, and along the Appalachian Trail, popular for its natural beauty and wildlife.
Features several miles of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels, offering views of the South Mountain range and educational programs on environmental conservation.
The famous long-distance hiking trail that passes through Pennsylvania, providing challenging sections and rewarding views, with access points near Carlisle.
Aiports
How to reach Carlisle by plane.
Located approximately 90 miles southeast of Carlisle, this airport serves the Harrisburg area and offers domestic and limited international flights.
Located around 120 miles southeast of Carlisle, this is a major airport offering extensive domestic and international flights.
Situated about 120 miles south of Carlisle, BWI is a major hub for domestic and international travel.
Located approximately 150 miles west of Carlisle, this airport offers various domestic and international flights.
This airport is about 90 miles northeast of Carlisle, providing regional and some international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority ethnic group in Carlisle, comprising a significant percentage of the population.
A substantial demographic group in Carlisle, contributing to the city's cultural diversity.
A growing demographic in Carlisle, representing a mix of different Hispanic backgrounds.
Includes various Asian ethnic backgrounds, contributing to the multicultural landscape of the city.
Individuals identifying with multiple racial backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of the community.
Includes smaller demographic groups that do not fall into the major categories listed above.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport in Carlisle, with local teams and high school competitions drawing significant community support.
Growing in popularity, soccer clubs and youth leagues are prevalent, providing opportunities for youth participation.
Widely played at schools and recreational facilities, basketball has a strong following and organized leagues.
A traditional summer sport in Carlisle, with various youth leagues and community teams engaged in play.
Supported by schools in the area, cross country running events are popular among students and the community.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Carlisle.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in Carlisle offer creative vegetarian and vegan options, catering to plant-based diets. Restaurants like Issei Noodle and Andalusia offer diverse menus that include flavorful plant-based dishes.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find accommodating options at various restaurants across Carlisle. Places like Brick Kitchen & Bar and Market Cross Pub & Brewery provide gluten-free menus to ensure diverse choices for diners.