ByWay Package:
The Arts…In & Around Carlisle!

Hosted by several of the most amazing Carlisle area B&Bs—Pheasant Field B&B, Jacob's Resting Place, and The Carlisle House—each having their own unique flare for making you feel right at home.

Begin your artistic adventure by checking into your B&B of choice (package rates and reservation details below); some of these folks display and sell the art produced by the artists you find along the ByWay. Of special note in case you can time it just right is "First Saturdays–Art in Carlisle!"—a continuing series in the heart of the historic downtown, featuring original paintings, drawings, ceramics, jewelry, and hand-made cards.

Day One: After a hearty breakfast, start your tour in historic Carlisle. First stop, the Garden Gallery—an exceptional place often hosting special art shows featuring the works of local, regional and national artists…a great place to find unique gifts too! Then, just a short hike to Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC) to find out who the featured local artists is and possibly find a workshop in session and watch as emerging artists learn their craft (or why not call in advance to schedule your very own "Art Exploration" workshop!). While in Carlisle, Nancy Stamm's Galleria and Fly Away Home are two more art-filled places to visit. Plus, don’t miss exploring the Army Heritage and Education Center where you can walk among WWII bunkers and tour an Army barracks—and witness Army history come alive!

Then off to Village Artisans Gallery, situated in the picturesque village of Boiling Springs. Dedicated to offering original work of 200+ Pennsylvania craftspeople and artists, this award-winning Gallery often hosts special demonstrations on certain Saturdays throughout the year—from bark carved faces, to needle felting, to fine jewelry-making to you name it. Peruse the Rt 15 events calendar to find out what those ‘don’t wanna miss’ dates are.

While here, stop at Boiling Springs Tavern for lunch—a charming eatery located at the heart of this historic village— and learn about the munitions that were produced here for the Revolutionary War. After you fill your bellies with fine food, travel a short distance south to Fitzgeralds Pottery in Dillsburg. With any luck, you may catch this extremely skilled potter at work and learn how he crafts his wonderful, and in some cases, whimsical pieces.

Return to Carlisle for a delicious dinner at Piatto. This renowned Italian restaurant specializes in using locally produced meats, cheeses and produce and serves as an art gallery for local artists. California Cafe, The Good Life Cafe, or Market Cross Pub are also great local restaurants waiting to serve you. Then ‘home’ to your B&B to tell the innkeepers all about your adventure before going off to ‘sweet dreams.’

Day Two: Wheel on over to Mechanicsburg—another historic town, named because of all the repair work done on wagons for the settlers who traveled west to expand the good ol’ USA. The Mechanicsburg Art Center School & Galleries, just on the out-skirts of town, offers art workshops in a variety of media and has a ‘barn-size’ exhibit area for featured art shows. Continue into downtown Mechanicsburg to explore the art at Gallery 13 and 2nd Floor Gallery; local talent as well as nationally known artists; artists studios, hand-crafted gifts, a sculptural garden, coffee shop and more!

Then cross the mighty Susquehanna River to Harrisburg, our state capital. Start this leg at the PA State Museum where you’ll find Radius, HACC Gallery & Museum Shop featuring the heritage crafts hand-made by PA artisans. Radius also has monthly featured themed exhibits: teapots, quilts, etc. Right beside the Museum is the exquisite State Capitol Building, a work of art unto itself; this historical site is often referred to as "the palace of art." Across the street you will find Arts at 510, and a couple blocks further, the Susquehanna Art Museum and Art Association of Harrisburg. If the timing is right and your appetite whet, check out one of the fine eating establishments on Harrisburg’s renowned Restaurant Row. By then it's time to head home to your B&B for a relaxing evening and well-deserved slumber.

Day Three: Today after another scrumptious breakfast, why not slow the pace down a little and head north on PA Rt 34—a very scenic drive through the PA countryside. The first small town en route will be New Bloomfield, home of Carson Long Military Institute—the oldest boarding school with military training in the United States. Don’t be surprised if you see a cadet or two walking about town. Continue on Rt 34 north and stop by Little Buffalo State Park for a short hike and visit to the historic Mill and Blue Ball Tavern while there. Then on to Newport—on the Square, you will find Perry County Council for the Arts Gallery and other quaint shops. The Gallery has been nationally honored for its fine array of artwork: glass, pottery, jewelry, fine art, fine photography, handmade soaps and creams, blacksmith creations and whimsical wooden birdhouses, and on and on. You may even be lucky enough to meet the featured "artist of the month" at an opening of an exhibit.

Across the street, we recommend picking up a lunch special “to go” at Espresso Yourself Café. This favorite town hangout specializes in healthy, organic foods…artistic culinary creations made with the freshest of local ingredients. While you wait, treat yourself to a great cup of cappucino or latte and soak up the work of local, talented artists.
Grab your lunch and keep going north on Rt 34 ‘til you are at it’s end. Nestled in the hilltops overlooking the majestic Susquehanna River is Hunters Valley Winery. Sample some delicious varietals, buy a bottle to accompany the lunch that you brought from Espresso Yourself and don’t forget to take some home too! Enjoy a walk among the vineyards; the view from the Winery is just spectacular—nature's work of art! No wonder this has become a popular site to find artists plein aire painting.

You’ve come full circle and are back on US Rt 15 heading south along the Susquehanna River—a beautiful drive that shows the diversity of the Pennsylvania landscape. Speaking of landscape, or beautiful landscape paintings rather, you must stop in Summerdale at the Cathy Mabius Studio & Gallery—a well known artist in the area who exhibits around the country. Cathy is always happy to talk to visitors and demonstrate her painting techniques for you. Her paintings are also exhibited at many of the local galleries on the ByWay.

Did you get an extra bottle of wine? Take it to Piatto for dinner and reflect on all the wonderful art, history, and hospitality you experienced on your Rt 15 ByWay of the Arts.

Our Rt 15 innkeepers are always happy and at the ready to offer suggestions for extended stays. You can also visit our calendar of events to find out about any special art events that may be of special interest to help round our your artistic adventure. Your days are open canvases for you to fill with color.

Package rate varies depending on B&B choice. Maps and artist information will be provided to help you along the ByWay.

To make your lodging reservations or more information, please contact your choice lodging establishment (below) and mention the Rt 15 ByWay "The Arts…In & Around Carlisle.” Hope to see you soon!

Jacob's Resting Place – (877) 258-0717 Rt 15 ByWay Package #1: Three room suite with sitting room, fireplace, separate bedchamber, and large bath with two person whirlpool. $209 double occupancy plus tax/one night; $356/two nights Rt 15 ByWay Package #2: The Blue and Gray room with private bath. $175 double occupancy plus tax/one night; $290/two nights Packages include a hand-made PA Artisan turndown gift, dinner coupon, Artist Trail information, special events and maps, and a snack tray with a complementary bottle of PA wine. (please ask about rates for three or more nights)

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