A Treasure at Every Turn: A Central PA Weekend Getaway

Slow down, take the scenic route and uncover the unexpected treasures waiting around every corner in the Susquehanna River Valley. From charming river towns and historic landmarks to local shops, wineries, outdoor adventures and one-of-a-kind attractions, this getaway invites you to experience the best of Central PA at your own pace.

Whether you have a long weekend or just a few extra days to explore, you’ll find plenty of reasons to linger a little longer.

Please note: The Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau strives to provide accurate information, including days and hours of operation. However, we recommend checking each business’s website or social media for the most up-to-date details before your visit.

Day One: Discover the Charm of Selinsgrove

Start your getaway in Selinsgrove, a walkable river town filled with history, local shops and inviting places to dine. Take a stroll through downtown, admire historic architecture and visit Susquehanna University’s beautiful campus.

The Commons, a lovely park in downtown Selinsgrove, serves as the centerpiece for town. Beautiful flowers are situated throughout the park during the spring and summer. Throughout the summer, on Tuesday and Thursday, bands rock the pergola. On Saturday mornings from May-October, local farmers sell fresh, delicious fruits and vegetables at the Selinsgrove Farmers Market.

Within walking distance to the downtown, the Isle of Que along the Susquehanna River is a wonderful place to cycle, launch your kayak or take a leisurely stroll along the river.

End the day with a delicious meal at one of Selinsgrove’s local restaurants before settling in for a relaxing evening.

Fine dining in historic downtown Selinsgrove includes Isabella Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge featuring authentic Italian cuisine, seafood, beef, chicken and veal entrees, appetizers, desserts and cocktails in an elegant setting.

Another choice for dining is BJ's M Street Tavern & Oyster Bar. Popular for their seafood, all purchased fresh and sourced from coastal fish mongers, BJ’s also boasts a full Oyster Bar, with oysters and clams from the clear cold waters of New England.

Union Cellars Winery Spring Patio with wine glasses filled next to an open bottle of refreshing wine

Day Two: Follow the River Through Historic Towns

Continue your journey north along the Susquehanna River and uncover the stories that shaped the region.

Explore Sunbury’s historic downtown and visit landmarks that highlight the area’s past.

Continue to Northumberland for scenic river views at Shikellamy State Park Marina and learn about scientific history at the Joseph Priestley House Museum. Grab some lunch at Front Street Station, a historic 1910 Pennsylvania railroad passenger station.

Spend the afternoon in Lewisburg, where tree-lined streets, locally owned businesses and historic architecture create the perfect setting for shopping, dining and wandering.

Add a stop at a local winery. Check out Fero Vineyards and Winery to taste their award winning selections or take in the views at Union Cellars.

Then head to visit Milton’s historic downtown, where a walking mural tour highlights façade murals celebrating a number of wonderful original buildings.

At the end of day, if you choose to visit Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland in Allenwood, stop by Watsontown and have dinner at Ciro’s Ristorante Italiano or the Watson Inn.

Day Three: Shop, Sip and Take the Scenic Route

pend the day exploring the countryside and charming communities that make the Susquehanna River Valley special.

Start the day with a scenic “Wine, Antiques, Shopping and Covered Bridges Tour” of the Susquehanna River Valley. Begin with satisfying your inner shopper and browse the antique shops in Lewisburg.

Continue your journey through charming downtowns, local shops and one-of-a-kind stops. Make a stop at Banty Rooster, a unique countryside destination offering more than just a meal. Step back in time at the soda bar, browse the candy shop, savor scratch-made dishes and enjoy seasonal attractions while taking in the welcoming atmosphere.

Continue onto Mifflinburg and visit The Tack Room Inc., a must-stop destination for equestrians and anyone who appreciates quality goods and unique finds. Browse a wide selection of riding apparel, boots, accessories and gifts, with knowledgeable staff ready to help you find the perfect item.

Then stop at Pompeii Street Soap and Aromatherapy Company. A purveyor of handcrafted natural bath and body products made on-site, the shop will fill you with a sense of well-being and luscious aromas. Peruse shops in downtown Mifflinburg such as Abe's Custom Woodworking, Art of Living Design, Artisan Corner, Baskets By Debbie and Gilly's Lillies. Before heading out of town, satisfy your sweet tooth with a stop at Gable House Bakery or Our Best Friends Bakery.

Then browse Railside Furnishings showcase of the best designs in solid, handcrafted real wood furniture before proceeding through the covered bridges west of Mifflinburg and any or all of another five covered bridges in Snyder County.

As you travel further south, take a mini-winery tasting tour. Stop for a tasting at Shade Mountain Winery in Middleburg - a family-owned and -operated 70-acre vineyard with more than 30 varieties of grapes from which all the award-winning wines are made. Then head to Buddy Boy Winery in Duncannon. Sample favorite wines and tasty food made in their artisan wood-fired oven. From wood-fired pizza to pork chops, wings and ribeye steaks, your tastebuds will thank you for the experience! Time your visit for live music - there's nothing better than live music with a picturesque background and some PA wine.

Picture of Shade Mountain Fall Wines sitting on counter beside pretty glass pumpkins.

Picture of Rusty Rail Brewery Patio with beer and plate of tasty food on display

Day Four: Outdoor Adventures and Unexpected Finds

Wrap up your getaway with a day filled with outdoor recreation and unique attractions.

Start with a relaxing visit to Snyder County's Faylor Lake. This lake is a quiet spot for fishermen, birders, photographers, and hikers. You’ll find year-round activities, including ice-fishing, bird sighting, walking trails, kayaking, and a championship level, 18-hole disc golf course. Faylor Lake DiscGolfPark, a nationally recognized 18-hole disc golf course and the perfect family getaway provides an enjoyable walk and disc golf fun for everyone from the youngest to the oldest. The course is free to play and open to the public from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year.

Continue to Penns Creek where you'll find T&D’s Cats of the World. More than 200 rescued bobcats, lions, tigers, leopards, and other exotic wildlife live on 35 spacious acres. And for one final stop make your way to Penns Creek Pottery Located in a historic mill, you can learn how handcrafted fine quality stoneware is made and purchase a special piece as a keepsake reminder of your trip.

Before heading home, grab a bite in nearby Mifflinburg at the Rusty Rail Brewing Company. A regional craft brewery, Rusty Rail offers fresh food and the finest craft beers in a unique, historic atmosphere. Now, raise a toast to all the treasures you discovered along the way!

Extend Your Stay

One weekend is just the beginning. Add more time to your trip and continue exploring the Susquehanna River Valley’s charming towns, outdoor adventures, local flavors and unforgettable experiences.