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Every Town A Treasure Road Trip
Filled with historic towns and architecture, broad tree-lined streets, meandering scenic roads, covered bridges, lush forests, and a high quality of life, the Susquehanna River Valley is the type of region that calls to artists and those who appreciate simple beauty. True to form, this valley is a treasure trove of art, antiques and more wrapped up in beautiful surroundings, ready to be discovered. In this arts itinerary through the Valley, we’ve selected art galleries, stops on the Post Office Art Tour, artisans’ shops and workshops, campus art museums, historic homes with exceptional art collections, and theater and performance venues that highlight local talent. You’ll find handcrafted furniture, pottery, antiques, and more.
Day One
Settled in 1754, Selinsgrove was once an important trading post on the Susquehanna River. Today you’ll find it a quaint, delightful town. A leisurely stroll of downtown takes you past the stately Governor Snyder Mansion, which was built in 1816. Seibert Hall, which some believe to be the most beautiful building in town, dates from 1902. Selinsgrove Hall, which dates back to 1858, once housed the entire Susquehanna University, which in 1905 became one of the nation’s first co-educational colleges. Like so many other historic towns of the time, Selinsgrove suffered major fires in 1872 and 1874, which necessitated the replacement of many wooden structures with brick buildings. Today, these buildings are cheerfully occupied by shops, businesses, and restaurants.
As you explore the town, be sure to stop at the Selinsgrove Post Office to view the beautiful 1939 New Deal mural depicting spring plowing and planting in Pennsylvania. Continue to walk through downtown Selinsgrove to explore its boutique shops and restaurants, described by most as “quaint, picturesque, idyllic and charming”.
This evening we recommend having dinner in a local restaurant in Selinsgrove.
Popular restaurants you may want to try include:
BJ’s M Street Tavern & Oyster Bar - upscale casual restaurant serving premium steaks, barbecue smoked on premise, Italian wood-fired pizza and a fresh oyster and clam bar
Hoss's Family Steak & Sea -offering considerate service, delicious food and a pleasant family environment.
Isabella Ristorante -serving authentic Italian cuisine in an elegant setting in historic downtown Selinsgrove.
Isle of Que Brewing Company -quality craft beers made on-site, plus the largest menu in Selinsgrove by partnering with neighboring restaurants to deliver to Que Brew.
Marzoni's Brick Oven & Brewpub offers a mix of Italian and American fare, brick-oven pies plus house lagers and ales
Selin's Grove Brewing Company, housed in a beautiful 200-year-old stone Governor's Mansion, offers some of the best-rated beer on draft in the country.
Skeeter's Pit BBQ is known for their hand-pulled BBQ, a spectacular view of the Susquehanna River and the best in live local music.
Either before or after dinner enjoy a music or theater performance at Susquehanna University (schedule permitting).
Download or request a free copy of our "Every Town A Treasure: Selinsgrove" brochure.
Day Two
Take a short drive to Sunbury. Grab breakfast and your morning coffee at Chestnut St. Deli. Then head to Shikellamy State Park Marina and enjoy the views. Check out the tip of the park where the North and West branches of the river meet. Named one of our Top 20 River Spots, you may even see a Bald Eagle flying overhead.
Continue to Northumberland to explore the Northumberland Post Office Art ( see example at left) which includes a sculpture depicting the town’s most famous resident, Dr. Joseph Priestley (1733-1804), the discoverer of oxygen. Then head over to the Joseph Priestley House Museum to tour his house and laboratory and learn more about this fascinating man. After the tour, continue north to Lewisburg.
While in Lewisburg, relax and enjoy browsing artwork at the Samek Gallery on the campus of Bucknell University and at the Downtown Gallery. Be sure to enjoy the Poetry Path – a walking tour of historic downtown Lewisburg and Bucknell that offers visitors a chance to read and hear recordings of poems by living poets, recited in the poets' own voices. Check out the architecture of the Lewisburg Post Office and then explore Lewisburg’s plethora of antique shops. In the evening we heartily recommend having dinner in the downtown.
Enjoy fresh made, local fare or try ethnic cuisine at one of the following dining establishments:
Brendan's Towne Tavern -relax and enjoy delicious homestyle pub cooking (you can't go wrong with their burgers, soups, steaks and seafood) and a full-service bar
Bull Run Tap House -a favorite of the locals, serves good food and drinks in a fun and friendly atmosphere
Elizabeth's, An American Bistro is a true upscale bistro serving ethnic-regional food made with fresh, local and seasonal ingredients and an award-winning wine list
Lewisburg Hotel -established in 1834, this elegantly restored and remodeled hotel graces the main street of downtown Lewisburg. Enjoy cocktails and fine dining.
Mancini's Wood-fired Italian Restaurant features wood-fired pizza, Italian entrees, salads, subs, and wings
Siam Restaurant & Bar serves authentic Thai cuisine made from fresh healthy ingredients and specializing in Pad Thai.
Street of Shops Restaurant a 100-seat nostalgic diner complete with vintage booths and classic soda fountain is nestled inside the Street of Shops mall.
After dinner take-in a movie at the historic art deco Campus Theatre or a performance at the Weis Center for the Performing Arts at Bucknell University (schedule and performances permitting).
Satisfy your sweet tooth with an after performance treat at Sweet Frog, a premium frozen yogurt shop with 16 flavors and 70 toppings to create personalized combinations.
Download or request a free copies of our "Every Town A Treasure: Northumberland" and "Every Town A Treasure: Lewisburg" brochures.
Day Three
In the morning, loop north along the river to visit the town of Milton. Take the self-guided historic walking tour which highlights the history of the town in 14 commemorative displays. Also, a walking mural tour throughout town showcases fantastic façade murals (pictured right) which celebrate several decades of local and national history. You can also view the Milton Post Office Art as part of the tour. The Milton Art Bank is a must see gallery. Located in a historic bank, MAB provides diverse programming and gallery exhibitions, inspiring engagement with art in its many forms.
Before you leave Milton stop for lunch Tastecraft Café. They serve delicious coffee and espresso drinks, fresh-baked goods including French macarons, breakfast and lunch options, sandwiches and salads. Stop by for some hand-dipped ice cream or gourmet specialty foods in a relaxing atmosphere. Or try the Fence Drive-In, established in the 1950's, it still operates as a car hop restaurant from mid-April until early October.
In the afternoon continue onto the city of Sunbury, the original county seat of Northumberland County. Stroll the streets with a self-guided historic walking tour that encompasses 225 years of history. Also, don't miss the Northumberland County Historical Society's Fort Augusta scale model and Hunter House Museum located along North River Street.
Then head over to Northumberland for dinner at the Front Street Station, located in a historic 1910 authentic railroad passenger station.
Download or request a free copies of our "Every Town A Treasure: Milton" and "Every Town A Treasure: Sunbury" brochures.
Day Four
As soon as you arrive in Mifflinburg, you can begin discovering this very delightful historic town, which was settled in the late 1700s by German immigrants. Take the historic walking tour of Mifflinburg, which ends at the Mifflinburg Buggy Museum. In 1855, Mifflinburg had 800 residents and 13 buggy and horse-drawn coach makers. In the 1880s, the craftsmen produced more horse-drawn vehicles per capita than anywhere else in the state, giving Mifflinburg the nickname “Buggy Town.”
The Elias Center for Performing Arts is found in the historic Elias Church. It was built in 1806 and served both the German Reformed and Lutheran congregations until 1857. Restoration of the church began in 2005 and has been restored to its original state featuring a wine glass pulpit, arched LeigenderStuhl trusses, original plank flooring, curved ceiling and three-sided gallery. Now open as a performing arts venue; come enjoy music, theatre, children's and educational programs.
In the afternoon discover some of the region’s wonderful handmade and homegrown products. At Penns Creek Pottery (pictured left), located in a restored water-powered mill, you can watch Bill and his assistants crafting fine quality stoneware and porcelain pottery before wood-firing it on the spot. Visit Pompeii Street Soap Company where handcrafted natural products are made on site. Downtown Mifflinburg is experiencing revitalization and browsing new shops like Oma's Antique Emporium, the Artisan Corner Co-op (a delightful shop featuring local juried artists), and Abe's Custom Woodworking is well worth your time. Enjoy fresh brewed coffee - hot, iced or blended – and lunch items while discovering handmade treasures from PA artisans at 45W Art & Cafe. Before heading out of town, a stop at Gable House Bakery is a must, where the case is filled with baked from scratch goodness including delectable cupcakes, cake pops, and cheesecakes, gooey sticky buns, scones, and muffins.
Download or request a free copy of our "Every Town A Treasure: Mifflinburg" brochure.
For help planning your trip contact the friendly staff at the
Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau
81 Hafer Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837
Toll-free: (800) 525-7320
Phone: (570) 524-7234
Fax: (570) 524-7282
[email protected]
VisitCentralPA.org