SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY , PA – WEEKEND GETAWAY
Things to do | Lodging | Dining | Nightlife | Transportation | Travel Tips
Links | Map | Weather | Susquehanna Events
 
Northumberland, Snyder and Union Counties
by Cory Jones

Ease back into yourself and discover the quiet calm of the Susquehanna Valley. Nestled in the heart of central Pennsylvania, the Susquehanna Valley is a collection of covered bridges and relaxing countryside towns where life moves along slowly, and you're invited to sit back and enjoy.

Comprised of Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties, the valley grew up around the Susquehanna River in the early 19th century and became a home to numerous mills and granaries. Over time the valley has continued to blossom but has retained its simple charm.

Amish buggys still share the roads with cars, "homemade" invariably wins out over "processed" and the people still appreciate the art of conversation. It's not hard to find someone who's more than happy to share a bit of sparkling wisdom or narrate a history of their little corner of the world.

Sightseers and shoppers will delight in scenic vistas, fall foliage season, covered bridges, country crafts and homemade whoopie pies.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy everything Susquehanna Valley has to offer from hiking, biking, camping and fishing, as well as water sports. Whether you want to take a peek into history or a leisurely bike ride, the Susquehanna Valley has everything you need to relax and unwind.

  THINGS TO DO

See more info on activities and businesses

Since the Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties encompass a 1200- square mile territory, it is best visited by car. Taking this into account, we've highlighted the major attractions as if you were driving in a counter-clockwise route starting from Lewisburg.

However for those travelling on foot or bike there are a number of great opportunities to experience the area. Please see our special "on foot" section below.

Lewisburg:

Home to Bucknell University, Lewisburg should be your first stop. The Susquehanna Valley Visitor's Bureau (4 miles south of I-80, exit 210A along Route 15) supplies maps, self-guided covered bridge tours, brochures and local travel tips.

From the Visitor's Bureau, you may want to start your journey with a little history with a visit to the nearby Slifer House Museum. The Slifer House, on River Road, is a preserved Victorian estate. This 25-year-old museum is furnished with authentic 18th century furniture from local furniture makers.

Once you arrive in downtown Lewisburg, walk down Market Street and see why Lewisburg has been recognized as one of the best preserved Victorian era communities in the U.S.

As you stroll along Market Street, tour one of the numerous art galleries or learn how to tie flies at the Campus Cycle & Fly Fishing Center. They'll be able to guide you to the best spots to go fly fishing in the local creeks.

For another glimpse into history, head to the Packwood House Museum downtown on Water Street. The Packwood House has a unique mix of 18th and 19th century furniture, textiles and decorative arts and crafts.

Just outside of downtown, on Rt. 15 S., is Colonial Candlecrafters, otherwise known as heaven to candle lovers. They have over 51 different fragranced candles, most of which are made on-site and owner Pat Hess has an incredible way of turning candles into works of art. You really have to see it to believe it!

When you're ready to hit the water, contact Canoe Susquehanna for canoe and kayak tours and instruction. Be sure to call ahead for reservations.

Mifflinburg:

On your way west to Mifflinburg, be sure to stop at Ard's Farm Market to pick up some real country food (off scenic Rt. 45). This quaint market sells glass bottles of milk, natural honey and a wide array of regional meats. If that wasn't enough, Ray or Alan Ard will gladly reveal the mystery behind Pennsylvania's renowned scrapple and souse. Only ask if you really want to know. (Trust me.)

Once you get to Mifflinburg you must stop at the Mifflinburg Buggy Museum on Green Street. The Buggy Museum (of the Heiss Coachworks) is the only museum in the U.S set in an original buggy "factory" with original tools and supplies. Tours of both the family home and buggy showroom are available while there's also a hands-on section in the museum's new visitor center for kids and adults to apply the original buggy making tools.

While in Mifflinburg be sure to visit the Hassenplug Covered Bridge, and don't miss Mary Koons Amish Quilts—for some authentic handmade quilts.

Outdoor enthusiasts should keep heading west to the R. B. Winter State Park along the western edge of the Susquehanna Valley (travel Rte. 192). This park offers everything; camping, hiking, hunting, cross-country skiing, fishing, picknicking and swimming.

Penns Creek:

If shopping is your mission, however, after Mifflinburg, head south instead to Penns Creek Pottery, nestled against Jack's Mountain along Rt. 104. Originally a grain mill, Penns Creek Pottery has a wide array of beautiful pieces of handmade pottery. While perusing, owner Bill Lynch will happily sit back and impart his vast knowledge of the area and the various techniques in"throwing." After making a purchase, just ask, and Bill might give you a tour of the kiln in which your piece of pottery was created and the original granary equipment (dating back to 1908).

While in Penns Creek, get back to nature at T&D's Cats of the World, a refuge for exotic animals. Get within five feet of lions, tigers and leopards or let an emu eat right from your hand! All the animals at T&D's were saved from abusive or unwanted situations.

Middleburg:

As you continue south down Rt. 104 you will come to Shade Mountain Vineyards and Winery, just north of Middleburg. At Shade Mountain you can see the winemaking process from the greenhouse to the glass, as you overlook rolling fields of vineyards. As you tour their facilities you can receive a first-hand account of wine bottling, aging and best of all. . . tasting!

Mt. Pleasant Mills:

A visit to the Susquehanna Valley is not complete without a trip to Irvin's Country Tinware. At Irvin's you can pick up some gorgeous pieces of carefully crafted punched tin, copper and brass. After exploring the shop, head upstairs to see a beautiful gallery of photographs of wildlife and nature taken by the very accomplished Mr. Hoover himself.

Selinsgrove, Sunbury & Northumberland:

As you head back north, be sure to schedule a stop in Selinsgrove, Sunbury and Northumberland.

Home to Susquehanna University and restaurants, Selinsgrove is a nice spot to stop for lunch or for more shopping at the Susquehanna Valley Mall.

Visit the town of Sunbury, known for being the site of the first two commercial buildings wired for electricity by Thomas Edison. The courthouse also held Molly Maguire trials.

For outdoor-types in Sunbury, there is the stunning Shikellamy State Park. Inside the park, visit Lake Augusta, home of the world's longest inflatable dam!

Hike, bike or picnic on the shore. There is also a scenic overlook located at the confluence of the north and west branch of the Susquehanna River—perfect for a romantic sunset!

While in Northumberland, visit the Joseph Priestley Museum on Priestley Avenue. The Priestly Museum typifies the lifesyle of the discoverer of oxygen as he grew to be a world famous educator, scientist and theologian.

Allenwood:

Clyde Peeling's Reptiland, along Rt. 15 in Allenwood (north of Lewisburg), has something for both young and old. Clyde, who has appeared on the Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien shows, has put together quite a cold-blooded collection. His educational "zoo" is open year-round and has alligators, tortoises, snakes and much much more. With interactive exhibits, multimedia shows, touching sessions and programs running five times a day, this fun adventure is not to be missed.

On the outskirts of Allenwood you'll be sure to find something wonderful at the Bald Eagle Antique Center.

Elysburg:

For family fun, be sure to make a trip to Knoebels Amusement Resort, on your way home east in Elysburg. This award winning amusement park has countless games, over 50 rides (including an antique carousel that still lets you catch the brass ring and two Top 20 wooden roller coasters) and best of all admission is FREE!

Also worth a trip is the Anthracite Mining Museum in Elysburg.


ON FOOT:

The bus from Port Authority will drop you in downtown Lewisburg where you can walk a few blocks to the Pineapple Inn or the Lewisburg Hotel on Market Street or Anni's Inn and Outings B&B on North 3rd St.

Peruse the shops and galleries along Market Street or take in a movie.

Bikers can box their bikes and take them on Susquehanna Trailways at no extra charge.

Visit www.visitcentralpa.org for several self-guided bike tours from Lewisburg. Bikers will also delight in the "Bike-Inn-to-Inn" package offfered by area B&B's:
See lodging below for more details.

Canoers can spend the day on the Susquehanna River or take a week long camp and canoe excursion with Canoe Susquehanna. Just call them and they'll pick you up from your lodging in Lewisburg. A 2-hour kayak trip is only $70.00 per couple.

 


  LODGING

The Susquehanna Valley is chock full of fantastic lodgings from campsites to chain hotels to bed & breakfasts.

Downtown you'll find the Lewisburg Hotel, the Pineapple Inn and Anni's Inn & Outings B&B. Anni's has large, bright rooms that offer all the privacy you could ever want. Anni herself is a bicycle enthusiast and provides picnic lunches and advice on the best routes.

In the heart of New Berlin lies the elegant Inn at New Berlin (pictured left). You can work out the weekday kinks with a massage or just sit back next to the piano in this luxurious and romantic bed and breakfast. John and Nancy will gladly cater to your every whim.

With its gently sloping terrain and tranquil rural vistas, the area has become a haven for bicyclists. Anni's, The Inn at New Berlin and Maison Boisee Inn (in Laurelton) offer a "Bike-Inn-to-Inn Tour."
Stay at one of the B&B's and leisurely pedal onto the next for another evening of pampered elegance. Guided by customized maps delineating twenty to thirty miles of terrain per day, cyclists revel in a three-day inn-to-inn cycling tour which includes overnight accommodations, three full breakfasts, and luggage transportation between inns.

The Buckwheat Valley Guesthouse (rent the entire house—up to 6 people) offers a cozy country estate overlooking the rolling Buckwheat Valley, while the Best Western Country Cupboard Inn in Lewisburg (pictured left) is a nice spot to start your trip as well.

Campers with kids will love the Splash Magic Campground and RV Resort, Hidden Valley Camping Resort and Shangri-La on the Creek campgrounds. Hard-core campers should head for the state parks.

In historic Aaronsburg, consider the Aaronsburg Inn, an exquisitely restored 1802 Federal home, or the all-suite Woodward Crossings Guest Lodging. Schafer's Country Cottages, also in Aaronsburg, offers five recently restored, fully modernized, non-smoking cottages—among the few surviving "Family Cabins" that once flourished along highways throughout America.

In Elysburg, other optins include Plum Pudding Inn.

See more info on lodgings


  DINING

Dining in the Susquehanna Valley offers your palate a diverse range of choices.

In Lewisburg, try the Victoria House for an elegant lunch or dinner (don't miss their desserts!).

While in New Berlin, feast your taste buds at Gabriel's Restaurant at the Inn at New Berlin. Their brunch menu is a must! Try the "Valley" omelette—built on local traditions.

Don't miss the Bongo Bongo dip at BJ's Pit Barbecue and Pub in Selinsgrove. Locals also recommend the Front Street Station in Northumberland.

See more info on dining


  NIGHTLIFE

The Susquehanna Valley is big on charm, but a little short on nightlife. You'll be so tuckered out after a day out on the river, though, that you'll probably want to turn in early anyhow.

For you nightowls, however, there are movies at the Susquehanna Valley Mall or the eclectic Campus Theater. Hint: Get to the Campus Theater early if you want to sit in one of the coveted sofas.

Also, BJ's Steak & Rib House, the Lewisburg Hotel and the Watson Inn are other local favorites.

The Sigmund & Claire Weis Center for the Performing Arts at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, frequently has musical events, shows and theatre productions—as does the performing arts center at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove. Be sure to check their event calendars.

See more info on nightlife


TRANSPORTATION

CAR:

George Washington Bridge to Route I-80, to route 15 S to Exit 210A to Lewisburg.

Travel time: 3-1/2 to 4 hours.

BUS:

Take Susquehanna Trailways from Port Authority to Lewisburg. The bus will drop you on downtown on Market Street.

Leaves 2x daily. Call for schedule 1-800-692-6314.

Travel time: 5 to 5-1/2 hours from Port Authority.

The bus also makes a stop in Watsontown.

TAXI:

Make sure you call ahead in plenty of time if you need one.
Call Aurora Taxi in Lewisburg at 570-523-1400 or Paul's Cab service in Sunbury at 570-286-7509.

See more info on transportation


  TRAVEL TIPS

Bring your bike and a craving for whoopie pies!


  LINKS

http://www.visitcentralpa.org - Convention & Vistor's Bureau


  MAP

For a detailed map of Lewisburg, please click here.


  WEATHER

All pictures courtesy of Susquehanna Valley Visitor's Bureau. Title picture: Hidden Valley Camping Resort. Thanks to Averie Clark and Harriet Bresenham of the SVVB.



Site Search


Find Your Lodging:
Try this quick search for a Pennsylvania Hotel, Motel, Campsite, Inn or Bed & Breakfast



Search by Price or Amenity
Search for a Package


 Home | Store | My Itinerary | The Escapemaker | Event Calendar | Transportation | About Us | Advertising | Packages | Romantic Getaways
Connecticut | Delaware | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New York | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | Vermont | Virginia
Getaway Gallery | Special Interests | Day Trips | Privacy Policy & Disclaimer | Advanced Search | Newsletter

Site Map

© 2006 EscapeMaker.com - Your Online Source For Weekend Getaways