Things to Do in the Susquehanna River Valley

One Day Itineraries for A Variety of Travel Interests

One of my biggest pet peeves is when I overhear someone say, “There’s nothing to do around here.”

Reptiland Family Dinosaur Clearly, that person doesn’t subscribe to the Susquehanna River Valley’s e-newsletter, which is literally overflowing with seasonal events, grouped by theme and interest every single week. If you haven’t done so already, sign up here.

Our three-county region of Pennsylvania is teeming with so many options for outdoor exploration, shopping and dining – against the backdrop of historic, charming towns and businesses owned and operated by local families.

This summer, when you can, spend your dollars and time locally; this keeps our downtowns healthy and thriving.

Let’s take some time to explore a few gems in the region, with the intention of a one-day roadtrip in mind.

Skeeters River View All of these themed suggestions were crafted to be helpful to visitors and backyard tourists alike. If you’re on a budget or have limited time, there’s no better way to spend a day then exploring a downtown or two to uncover new treasures.

A few caveats about the themed itineraries:

These are suggested businesses – there are many, many more, but we’re limited for space and time, so I have chosen locations based on their unique offerings as “hidden treasures.”
Maybe you’ve driven by some of these businesses, but never stopped. Now is the time to let your curiosity guide you to discover something that might be unexpected.
All of these businesses are members of the SRV Visitors Bureau. If you know of a business that should be included as a member or has a unique offering that we should know about, reach out to the SRVVB at info@visitcentralpa.org or 1-800-525-7320.

Now, let’s get going!

Itinerary for the Outdoor Lover

Loop includes: Milton, Watsontown, Allentown, Shamokin Dam, Vicksburg, Mifflinburg, Lewisburg, and back to Watsontown

Start the day at a local coffee shop like Tastecraft in Milton. Enjoy a freshly baked pastry and iced coffee to fuel up for the day’s adventures.
From there, head north to Blooming Meadows flower farm, just outside of Watsontown to pick your own bouquet of fresh flowers. Talk to the owners, learn about their history and what brought them to this parcel of land – their vision will inspire you!
If you’re more into fruit farms, head to Bridge Avenue Berries in Allenwood to pick your own blueberries to take home to eat or freeze for later! The owners take great care to be a certified, naturally grown farm which means that they take great care to grow their berries without the use of synthetic chemicals or fertilizers and are free of GMOs. This certification is a grassroots alternative to certified organic.
After that, take in some river views from the Shikellamy State Park, either the Marina or the Overlook. Both offer sweeping views that will calm and reinvigorate you for the rest of the day ahead.
Head to Skeeter’s BBQ for a hot lunch with even more stunning river views.
Or, head west on Route 45 to Banty Rooster (formerly Ard’s Farm) for lunch.
Make your way to the Tack Room, Inc. in Vicksburg to do a little shopping – they have a wonderful selection of equestrian gear, of course, but also clothing, shoes, and gift items. The owner is an equestrian expert and always eager to talk to customers about their needs.
Next, head to Gable House Bakery and choose a fresh baked good or to Amy’s Frosty Freeze for a cool ice cream treat.
Enjoy your treat at a local park (Mifflinburg’s town park or Lewisburg’s Hufnagle Park or are two nearby options), then make your way to the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail, which can be accessed in several locations. The trail is ideal for easy walking and biking.
If you still have some energy, check out the Bull Run Tap House or Jackass Brewing Company for a Happy Hour drink and appetizer specials. Both offer alfresco dining options.
Stroll through downtown Lewisburg to burn a few calories and window shop.
Head north to round out the night with a casual dinner at Ciro's or the Watson Inn in Watsontown.

Itinerary for the Creative Spirit

Loop includes: Lewisburg, Shamokin Dam, Penns Creek, Mifflinburg, Milton, then back to Lewisburg/Mifflinburg

Start the day at a local coffee shop like Tastecraft in Lewisburg. Enjoy a freshly baked pastry and iced coffee to fuel up for the day’s adventures.
Head to Mondragon Books to check out their amazing selection of gently used books of all genres. This place has such a chill and welcoming vibe – it even boasts a piano in the back corner if you’re so moved.
Walk down the street to Brushstrokes Gallery – they have art supplies, of course, but they also a huge kid’s section, and zany items like Bob Ross-themed gifts, quirky note cards and stationery, and so much more!
Check out a free art exhibit at the Samek Art Museum’s downtown location.
Get lunch at a downtown Lewisburg eatery (there are too many to mention, but let your food cravings guide you) before getting in the car and driving south – to Jasmine-Aire Boutique, open daily except on Mondays. This boutique was located in downtown Sunbury for many years but recently added a second location in Shamokin Dam. You’ll find gifts for yourself and that hard-to-buy-for person in your life!
Head to Penns Creek Pottery (by appointment only and Saturdays 10 am – 5 pm, so call ahead) to meet artist Bill Lynch and see his extraordinary ceramics. One of his signature, specialty glazes is blue, and you’ll see why.
Need a sweet treat? Stop by Amy’s Frosty Freeze in Mifflinburg or Gable House Bakery, where you can check yourself out with their handy DIY system.
Before leaving town, check out Artisan Corner, a carefully curated collection of handmade items and Pompeii Street Soaps, where refreshing soapy scents waft out into the parking lot. You’ll be very thankful you stopped at both locations ad you’ll find items that you didn’t know you needed, but can’t live without!
Now, make the journey to the Art Academy of Milton to check out a late afternoon or early evening class. Their schedule is posted here.
Round out the day with a glass of wine at a local winery like Fero Vineyards & Winery or Union Cellars.
Ease into the evening with dinner and drinks at Jackass Brewing Company or Rusty Rail Brewing Company.

Itinerary for a Fun and Educational Family Outing

Loop includes: Lewisburg, Milton, Sunbury, Shamokin Dam, Kratzerville, Penns Creek, back to Sunbury or Selinsgrove

Warning: It’s going to be a long day with the kids, so fuel up!
Start the day by getting caffeinated at CycleUp Café in downtown Lewisburg where they have something for the adults and kiddos alike, including made to order breakfast sandwiches, coffee drinks, and fresh pastries.
Once you’re ready for adventure, head to the Milton State Park and walk the easy trail that circles the Park. Check out the Susquehanna River while you’re there – it’s a very accessible view of the region’s namesake. Bring a soccer ball or frisbee and get some outdoor exercise on their grassy area or on the playground.
Next, cool off at the Milton Public Library – attend a kid-centric program or just spend some time hanging out in the kid’s library. There are literally thousands of books to choose from and this is a great way to wind down and chill out for an hour.
Head to the Lewisburg Children’s Museum for a few hours of interactive fun, including a grocery store, play café, teddy bear clinic, treehouse, playtime theater, and space and science exhibits. The Museum is geared for kids ages 2-10, so keep this in mind before visiting.
Drive south, to Sunbury or Shamokin Dam. Easy family-friendly lunch spots include the Squeeze-In or Chestnut St. Deli in Sunbury or Skeeter’s BBQ in Shamokin Dam. Skeeter’s has lovely outdoor seating and overlooks the Susquehanna River – a perfect place for a group selfie!
While near Sunbury, swing by the YMCA Arts Center and take an art class (call ahead) or check out STEAM Innovation Labs.
Next, make your way to Hoopla's Xtreme Family Fun in Shamokin Dam where they have outdoor mini-golf, and inside they have an awesome sky rail ropes course, trampolines, arcade games and mini bowling.
Indulge in a decadent ice cream treat at Country Creamery in Kratzerville before heading to T&Ds Cats of the World in Penns Creek.
Enjoy a family-friendly dinner at Boondocks Wood Fired Grill in Sunbury or Axemann Tavern in Selinsgrove.
This would be a great time to head to a local overnight cabin – just saying!

Itineraries for an Easy Couples Getaway

Loop includes: Northumberland, Sunbury, Lewisburg, Northumberland, Mifflinburg

Start your day at Grindstone Coffee in Northumberland, which is always worth the trip for their fresh brews and unique specials. Note: they are open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Next, take your pick of two epic farmer’s markets:
- If it’s a Wednesday, grab a second cup of joe at Bason’s Coffee at the Lewisburg Farmers Market and a pastry from Gable House Bakery’s stand. Their sticky buns and cream puffs are especially amazing!
- If it’s a Friday or Saturday, head to the Sunbury Market House for a morning stroll through the local produce and meat vendors.
- Tip: make sure to pack a large cooler with ice!
For lunch, choose from one of many food vendors at the market, then head to a local winery. There are many to choose from, but of note in the Lewisburg area are Fero Winery and Union Cellars. In Sunbury, check out Spyglass Ridge Winery, Whispering Oaks Vineyard or Iron Vines Winery. If you’re up for a little roadtrip west, head to Shade Mountain Winery in Middleburg where the view of the vineyard from the deck makes it worth the drive!
Next, head to Lewisburg’s Street of Shops and Rollermills Antique Mall for some antique shopping. You never know what treasures you’ll uncover here! You can easily spend a few hours at both locations, so plan accordingly.
Ready for a sweet treat? Make your way to sweetFrog or Purity Candy downtown.
It’s probably close to Happy Hour – check out Hungry Run Distillery in Lewisburg, or roadtrip to Eclipse Brewing in Sunbury or Pineknotter Brewing in Northumberland.
For dinner, you can go two routes: summer dressy at Elizabeth’s, An American Bistro in Lewisburg or Isabella Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge in Selinsgrove, or summer casual at Rusty Rail Brewing Company in Mifflinburg or Penn’s Tavern, located south of Sunbury right on the Susquehanna River. They have a beautiful patio/deck seating and live music many nights, too.
Catch a late movie at the The Campus Theatre in downtown Lewisburg.

We’ve only scratched the surface, but hopefully these itineraries give you some new ideas for your summer roadtrips.

I challenge you to go into a business that you’ve never visited before – and talk to the owner while you’re at it. It might be the brightest spot of your day, and theirs!

Make sure to check out other local resources before you go, as special events are always popping up. We love these organizations for local info: