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Tourism, Lodging, Dining & Shopping

Tourism Annual events, attractions and museums showcase the culture, traditions and history of the Susquehanna Valley. The presence of authentic covered bridges, mountains and the Susquehanna Valley River makes the region picturesque.

The warmth of the spring means the start of many art and music festivals. The sizzling summer months bring carnivals, county fairs, Buggy Days and the Iron Heritage Festival. The crisp air of fall is celebrated with Oktoberfests, the Milton Harvest Festival and Halloween parades. Winter glitters with downtown decorations and Late Shopper’s Night. Santa rides into town and holiday house tours put merriment on display, while the R.B. Winter State Park Snowfest lights up the holiday season.

Exciting, entertaining and educational attractions draw in crowds. The Amateur Softball Association of Pennsylvania Hall of Fame in Sunbury is a home run, showcasing the states’ notable history of amateur softball. Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg features exhilarating rides, challenging miniature golf and games galore. It offers free admission and parking, making it a great destination for the entire family.

The Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine, located in Ashland, offers a sneak peak into the dark caverns and close quarters of the mining profession. Clyde Peeling’s Reptileland exhibits fascinating, out of the ordinary creatures. This distinctive zoo is home to snakes, frogs, crocodiles, lizards and other reptilian and amphibious animals. Hop on the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat for a cruise, day or night, out on the pristine waters of the Valley and be sure not to miss out on its concert or karaoke cruises for added musical amusement.

The Williamsport Crosscutters minor league baseball team wows crowds every season with heart racing plays and special events to make for a dynamic night out at the ballpark. Little league history is rooted deep in Williamsport as it was the birthplace of organized little league play—the Little League World Series takes place here every year. Do not miss out on the Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum in South Williamsport.

A look into the extensive past of the Valley leads to a discovery of the ancestors that shaped the region. The Dale/Engle Walker House, constructed of Limestone in 1793, offers visitors a riveting trip into history on the Underground Railroad, among other subjects. The Packwood House Museum dates back as far as the 1790s and served several purposes in its time, ultimately becoming a showplace for the 18th to 20th Century arts, crafts and furniture of Edith Kelly Fetherston.

The Mifflinburg Buggy Museum’s restored factory illustrates the production of 19th century buggies. Slifer House Museum is a flash back to the Victorian Era—once the home of Pennsylvania politician Eli Slifer, the museum is now a source of great entertainment with events all year round. The Joseph Priestly House Museum was the home of the innovative Joseph Priestly who is said to have made the groundbreaking discovery of oxygen.

Lodging Comfortable, fully equipped accommodations in the Susquehanna Valley make any stay a true pleasure. Over 20 hotels and motels offer an abundance of amenities at any price point. Most are furnished with Internet access for business people on the go or those who want to plan the next day’s activities with the help of the World Wide Web. A number have restaurants on the premises and include complimentary breakfasts for their guests. Meeting and/or conference rooms, pools, fitness rooms and game rooms are some of the other perks offered.

Bed and breakfasts are plentiful in the Valley, perfectly complementing the charm of the area. Many of these quaint inns offer full breakfasts, private baths, Internet access and relaxing hot tubs and whirlpools. Over 20 cottages, farms and houses offer a unique spin on lodging. Visitors can also stay at a number of campgrounds in the area.

Dining The Susquehanna Valley has a unique menu stemming from the area’s roots and tradition of delectable Pennsylvania Dutch home cooking. Influences from diverse cultures, as well as all-American flavors are sprinkled throughout. These together make for a delightful spread that can quench any thirst or curb any hunger.

BJ’s Steak and Rib House, Irene’s, Tedd’s Landing and Hoss’s Steak and Sea House bring both land and sea to the table. The authentic Mexican dishes at Casa Sanchez make taste buds tingle. Its refreshing homemade margaritas harmonize flawlessly with any meal. Country Cupboard dishes out the best in homecooking—Steaming potpies, country-style ham, moist broasted chicken and freshly baked desserts and breads satisfy the famished.

Campus Candlelight Café and Townside Garden Café provide a casual, relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a delightful lunch or dinner. There is room at the Meiserville Inn and Pine Barn Inn and Restaurant for weary travelers. Carriage Corner Restaurant and Nanny Tutu's please the palate. Red Robin’s menu of diverse burger selections is endless. Try an all-natural route with Emma’s Food for Life.

From steaks, ribs and seafood at fine dining establishments to barbeque and burgers at more casual eateries, all options equal satisfaction. A nice glass of wine from any one of the local wineries complements a meal perfectly. End your feast with a slice of pie or cake from The Country Cupboard’s endless homemade dessert selection.

Shopping The landscape of the Valley is scattered with both quaint shops and large chain stores offering plentiful choices for gifts, everyday necessities and more. The downtown area is filled with charming bookstores, boutiques, antique and art stores, offering shoppers hidden treasures and delights.

Fine quality furniture stores can be found throughout the Valley and surrounding area. Garden centers, candlecrafters, home décor, candy shops and craft stores are just a few of the other shopping venues in the vicinity. Wine and other products from local wineries make for distinctive gifts and souvenirs.

The malls and marketplaces in the area provide a surplus of stores for one-stop shopping. The Susquehanna Valley Mall is the largest mall in Central Pennsylvania with anchor stores including The Bon Ton, Boscovs, JCPenney and Sears. Cinema Center Theaters offer hours of enjoyment. The Monroe Marketplace, an extensive open-air mall, opened in October 2008 with stores like Target, Kohl’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods, among others.