One thing I know for sure, a walking, or biking tour is a great way to see Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Many of the old landmarks are still here. An example:
- The First Presbyterian Church is the oldest public building in Carlisle.
- The Blaine House; Col. Ephraim Blaine, Commissary General during the Revolutionary War, began construction on this house in 1794. The house retains much of its original interior and is the best-preserved 18th C. house in Carlisle.
- The Steven Duncan House. Stephen Duncan, a merchant who came to Carlisle in the 1750s, built this stone house. Duncan was a Justice of the Peace, a member of the Carlisle Assembly, and a trustee of Dickinson College. His children married into the most prominent families in Carlisle.
- The Lyon House. William Lyon, born in Ireland in 1729, built this house in 1788, according to notations in his business record. Lyon was a prosperous shopkeeper, and held several offices in county government.
- The Trent House is one of the few surviving houses in Carlisle built before the Revolutionary War. You can see the arched stone lintels over the windows on the first floor. This is a feature found on several houses built in Carlisle in the 1750s and 1760s.
- The Famous Log House. Although the location of all the doors and windows were altered in the 19th century, this 1 ½-story log house most likely dates to the Revolutionary War era. Please note the half dovetailed construction at the corners of the house.
- The Pollock House. is an 18th C. stone house owned by John Pollock, malster and tavernkeeper. In 1792 the property included the present two-story stone house with two kitchens, a brew house, and a back building of log. Except for the addition of a porch, there have been few alterations made to the house.
And, the list goes on and on. These are good examples of how the wonderful old houses were enlarged and remodeled over the years.
I strongly suggest the Country Kitchen type restaurants and eateries before taking you walking or biking tours. There are so many things to do and see here. Start the morning with a drive through Carlisle Barracks. It's the 2nd oldest Army post in the U.S. and currently the home of the U. S. Army War College.
Antique collectors, history buffs, and kids will enjoy the museum at the Cumberland County Historical Society where locally made furniture, silver, pottery, textiles, and art, as well as artifacts from the Carlisle Indian School are on display.
Whether you want to have lunch in an historic building, or you're in the mood for a certain cuisine, you have dozens of unique restaurants to choose from.You can spend the afternoon shopping in Carlisle's boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops, or browse one of the area book stores.
Catch a movie at the vintage 1939 Carlisle Theatre. Kids love Fort Letort playground in Letort Park, Frozen Custard at Massey's on W. High St., Molly Pitchers statue in the Old Graveyard, feeding the ducks at Boiling Springs or swimming in Boiling Springs Pool, or in Laurel or Fuller Lakes at Pine Grove.
Oh yeh, if golf is your game, Cumberland County has seven public courses to choose from and all set amidst the beautiful scenery and landscaping of this wonderful part of Pennsylvania.
I can go on and on about the delights of touring this wonderful community and the surrounding area, but you should come here yourself and check out the sights, the living, the friendly people, the history, the culture and, the lifestyle in Carlisle.
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