Nestled amidst rolling hills and rich farmland, the Cumberland Valley in Pennsylvania beckons with a unique charm. Beyond its historical significance, the region is quietly establishing itself as a haven for food enthusiasts. The concept of a designated Cumberland Valley Foodie Flavor Trail might not exist just yet, but that shouldn’t deter adventurous palates. Here’s a curated itinerary to create your own delicious adventure, featuring a delectable mix of restaurants, farms, and shops.
When allowed to take a gastro-style road trip, you know I’m down. I love traveling to places I’ve never been and test-driving the local cuisine. Happily, Cumberland Valley, PA, has a brand new Foodie Flavor Trail and I was more than happy to see (and taste!) it for myself. Here’s a peek at what you can expect when you do.
Cumberland Valley Foodie Flavor Trail: The Basics
From June 6th through November 25th, the Cumberland Valley Foodie Flavor Trail in Central Pennsylvania will take you on a fun road trip adventure across the region. With 14 stops, all you have to do to take part is sign up for the Flavor Trail Passport and get visiting. With each check-in, you’ll be one step closer to taking home a prize (link to sign up is above.) After three check-ins, you’ve already scored one.
Additionally, many of the stops offer discounts for shopping and making purchases during your check-in.
Foodie Flavor Trail Fresh From the Farm
- Immerse yourself in the bounty of the valley at West Shore Farmers Market. This sprawling market offers everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables to locally raised meats and artisan cheeses. Don’t miss their homemade apple cider donuts, a true Pennsylvanian staple.
- Maple Lane Farm Market – If you love homemade pretzels, this is the gastro-stop for you. Making Dutch Touch pretzels, visit on Thursdays and you’ll get a softer style to taste test. Additionally, Maple Lane makes and serves its own root beer.
- Mt. Airy Orchards – While fresh produce is definitely in the forefront, you can purchase meat and dairy products as well.
- Oak Grove Farms – Part produce grocer, part deli, and part bakery, Oak Grove is a popular place to shop for fresh everything! During my visit, freshly-picked strawberries were in season and there were folks queueing up for multiple quarts. Additionally, its pies are some of the best I’ve tasted.
- Route 174 Roadside Market has plenty to buy when you visit. Located in Boiling Springs, you’ll find local and home-grown produce, Angus beef, noodles, cheeses, and coffee for a kickstart. If you’ve always wanted to try goat milk soap, stop here for a good selection.
Foodie Flavor Trail: Lunchtime Treats
- Simply Flavorful – Flavored olive oil and balsamic vinegar are the main reasons to visit, but you’ll also find well-made cooking gadgets and homemade bread – I can attest to its tastiness.
- A farm bakery and flour mill, Talking Breads is THE stop for homemade, Old World European breads. In addition to pastries and freshly-pressed juices, visit at the right time and you can see how bread it made from start to finish.
- Warrington Farm Meats – An old-school butcher shop offering the freshest of meat, if you’re a carnivore, you’ll love walking into the smell of hickory smoke and a counter filled to take home and cook yourself – perfect for barbecue season.
Foodie Flavor Trail: Afternoon Delights
- No foodie adventure is complete without a sweet treat. Destiny Dairy Bar in Carlisle uses all-natural ingredients and local produce to create unique, small-batch ice cream flavors. Indulge in a scoop (or two!) and savor the taste of the Cumberland Valley. Additionally, it has plenty of animals to feed and pet.
- At home, I have to monitor our tea purchases because we have an entire cupboard full of them, but there was no stopping my spending at One Good Woman in Camp Hill. Bought by the ounce, the glass jars of tea varieties and freshly-roasted coffee are both appealing and make the store smell amazing.
- The Rosemary House is quaint in the best possible way as it’s one of the oldest herb shops in the U.S. Located in Mechanicsburg, you’ll find everything from dried hers to teas and fun gift items.
Beyond the Plate
- The Kitchen Shoppe & Cooking School – Offering over 200 different styles of demonstrations and both adult and children’s cooking classes, you’ll also find and Oilve Oil & Vinegar Tasting Bar and 20,000+ kitchen items for sale.
- Central Wedge Cheese Shop has specialty cheeses sourced from the state of Pennsylvania. Milk from goats, sheep, and cows (as well as cashew milk) is is the primary ingredient in the tasty offerings. If you’re on the fence about what to purchase, ask for a sample or a suggestions – the folks there are highly knowledgeable.
- Gilded Door Pantry in Carlisle is a fun pit stop for balsamic vinegar, fun canned goods, and flavored olive oils. It’s in a Victorian-style building and is simply beautiful.
Bonus Tip: While exploring the Cumberland Valley, keep an eye out for establishments participating in the Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail. This statewide initiative highlights creameries using local ingredients, offering another layer of indulgence to your foodie adventure.
Where We Stayed: Allenberry Resort
On my recent visit, I couldn’t image a better, more beautiful place to stay than Allenberry Resort. It has several styles of lodging to choose from, but my pick is the Meadow Lodge. Complete with a small kitchen, stove included, if you didn’t want to leave the property during your stay, you wouldn’t have to.
With on-property restaurants, fly fishing, pickleball court, and the Longevity Center for increased vitality, the area, as well, as the resort, is great for both familes and couples looking for a literal getaway from home.