Day Trips & Weekend Escapes
Planning a trip can be difficult and time-consuming, especially if you have limited prior knowledge of your destination. For your convenience, the Visitors Bureau has created a multitude of day trips and weekend getaways that can be used as resources to help you get started planning the perfect trip to our area today. You can choose to follow these trips very closely or you can simply use them as a guide, to be rearranged and edited to suit your specific time constraints and interests. Simply choose your adventure and get started!
While you’re planning your journey to our area, be sure to visit our “Request a Brochure” page to prepare for your trip. Plus, check out our recommendations for the best “Five Central PA Hikes to do This Season” and add one or two into your trip itinerary!
*NOTE* Please contact your planned stops directly prior to traveling to ensure seasonal hours are current and locations are open. These itineraries are simply meant to be ideas to get you started on your travels. We want you to have a blast on your visit to our area, so if you need additional ideas to fill in a gap in your itinerary, please contact our Welcome Center at 570-784-8279. Center hours are: weekdays from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM and Saturdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day (9 AM – 1 PM). We will be glad to help provide suggestions!
Weekend Trip #1: Fall Foliage and Farm Markets
A trip for the month of October – A Friday afternoon to a Sunday evening.
When autumn is upon us, Columbia and Montour Counties are the ideal destination to experience cooler temperatures, colorful leaves, and the quaint countryside! Our October weekend getaway offers a chance to visit some of the area’s finest farm markets, outdoor attractions, and of course, the renowned historic covered bridges.
Stop by Kohl’s Stony Hill Tree Farm to venture through the corn maze or spend the afternoon pumpkin picking on the 39-acre farm. On Saturday, explore our historical treasures – the iconic covered bridges. Though picturesque year round, these bridges are undoubtedly the most stunning when surrounded by the vibrant fall colors. Bring your camera to take advantage of these incredible photo opportunities. Along the route, also enjoy stops at Rohrbach’s Farm Market and Ponduce Farms to pick up some fresh seasonal produce and homemade goodies to bring home. Round out your adventure on Sunday at Ricketts Glen State Park. Hike through the park or kayak Lake Jean to see exquisite landscapes, waterfalls, and fall foliage.
Day One: Friday Afternoon
- 2 PM: Lodging check-in
- 3 – 6 PM: To Milton, PA – Kohl’s Stony Hill Tree Farm for Corn Maze and pumpkin picking
- 6:30 PM: Dinner (dine-in or takeout) at Pine Barn Inn or LT Evans in Danville
- Back to lodging
Day Two: Saturday – Farm Markets and Covered Bridges
- MORNING:
- Breakfast at lodging or nearby restaurant/café
- Self-guided tour of Northern Covered Bridges and fall foliage sight-seeing (great photo opportunities) – begin with Patterson, Kramer, Stillwater, Josiah Hess and Twins. Take in the beautiful back roads and fall foliage along the way!
- 1PM: Lunch at Morris Family Restaurant or other Bloomsburg restaurant (lunch choice dependent on location/timing during covered bridge travels)
- AFTERNOON:
- View Rupert Covered Bridge on the way to Rohrbach’s Farm Market
- View the Esther Furnace and Parr’s Mill Covered Bridges on the way to Ponduce Farms in Elysburg.
- If time allows, swing by Knoebels Amusement Resort to see the Knoebels Grove Covered Bridge, the Lawrence L. Knoebel Bridge, and the nearby Richards and Johnson Bridges.
- A late dinner at Cherokee Tap Room, Marley’s Brewery and Grille, or the Turkey Hill Brewing Company
- Back to lodging
Day Three: Sunday
- Breakfast at lodging or nearby restaurant/café
- 9 AM: At Ricketts Glen State Park for fall foliage, waterfalls, hiking and/or kayaking
- Afternoon – enjoy a takeout picnic lunch from Westover’s Country Grill in Benton at the Benton Community Park.
- Pay a visit to Retherford’s Farm Market & Antiques just south of Benton and pick up a few last goodies to bring home.
- Head Back Home!
Weekend Trip #2: A Toast to Antiques & Local Heritage
Pick up Antiques brochure and Walk Danville, Bloomsburg, and Berwick brochures at the Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau Welcome Center – 121 Papermill Road, Bloomsburg
Our towns proudly showcase our local heritage, and the area antiques shops are full of vintage treasures. Begin touring Danville on Friday, birthplace of the historic T-rail. Stroll the downtown area and admire the 19th century architecture. On Saturday, find the perfect vintage jewelry, furniture, pottery, and more with stops at several local antique shops in and around the Bloomsburg area. In the afternoon, head east along the river to visit Berwick and take a tour of the historic Jackson Mansion. On Sunday, take a scenic drive to Benton to visit the town and try some of the antique shops there. The complex displays collectibles from over 40 area vendors. End your weekend with a leisurely walking tour of downtown Bloomsburg to learn about the history of the town and some of its oldest buildings!
Day One: Friday
- 11 AM: Rising Sun Antiques in Danville
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at LT Evans, The Iron Fork, OIP Italian Restaurant, or other Danville area restaurant.
- 2 PM: Self-guided walking tour of historic Danville with Walk Danville brochure
- 5:30 PM: Dinner at Old Forge Brewing Co. or BJ’s M Street Tavern
- Check in to lodging venue
Day Two: Saturday
- Breakfast in Bloomsburg
- 10:30 AM: Visit European Antiques & Collectibles in Nescopeck.
- Back to Bloomsburg for lunch at Steph’s Subs or Brewski’s Coffee & Bar
- Early to mid-afternoon: Travel to Berwick to tour the historic Jackson Mansion
- Late afternoon: On the way back, visit Lavender and Old Lace in Bloomsburg
- Dinner at the Marley’s Brewing Company or the Farmhouse at Turkey Hill
- Back to lodging
Day Three: Sunday
- Breakfast at lodging or nearby restaurant/café
- Enjoy a scenic drive to Benton to visit Ol’ Country Barn, and the quaint Benton downtown.
- Lunch at a restaurant in Benton/Orangeville/Lightstreet area
- Early to mid-afternoon: Complete historical walk of Bloomsburg using Walk Bloomsburg brochure
- Dinner in Bloomsburg or another area restaurant
- Back to lodging or head back home!
Weekend Trip #3: Choose Your Adventure
Before you go: Request a free Travel Guide from the Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau – 121 Papermill Road, Bloomsburg.
Columbia and Montour counties are home to unique landscapes and off-the-beaten-path gems that are perfect for every outdoor enthusiast. Whether on land or water, an adventure is waiting around every corner! Jump-start your weekend on Friday at the Montour Preserve by hiking any of the 11 public trails. The land surrounds Lake Chillisquaque, a 165-acre reservoir that is open for fishing, boating, or exploration. On Saturday, hit the water for some kayaking or canoeing on the Susquehanna River. Several local outfitters offer guided tours, giving visitors a prime chance to experience the East coast’s longest river. Wrap up your weekend adventure at Ricketts Glen State Park. Hike the trails to discover the 22 waterfalls located in the park, the most popular being the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. Swim and relax at the Lake Jean beach or explore the entirety of the 254-acre lake by kayak or boat. Regardless of the adventure you choose, this weekend will be a breath of fresh air!
Day One: Friday
- 12 PM: Lunch at Original Italian Pizza, Perkins, or another area restaurant in Danville
- 1:30 PM: Spend the afternoon hiking and exploring at the Montour Preserve
- 6:30 PM: Dinner at Quaker Steak & Lube (or another restaurant on the way back to Bloomsburg)
- Evening walk in the Bloomsburg Town Park or downtown Bloomsburg
- Check in to lodging venue
Day Two: Saturday
- Breakfast at lodging or nearby restaurant/café
- Spend the day kayaking/canoeing the Susquehanna River
- Lunch: Picnic lunch including subs/sandwiches from Steph’s Subs in Bloomsburg
- Dinner: Old Forge Brewing Company in Danville
- Early Evening spend hiking or biking Hess Field/Robbins Trail Park (trails approximately 3.9 miles)
Day Three: Sunday
- Breakfast at lodging site (depends on previous evening accommodations)
- Enjoy a scenic drive to Benton and Ricketts Glen State Park
- Spend the morning at Ricketts Glen for hiking and seeing the waterfalls
- Lunch: Brown bag picnic from Red Rock Corner Market in Benton
- Spend the afternoon on the beach at Lake Jean, try your hand at some kayaking, or cool off with some swimming.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner at Marley’s Brewery & Grille in Bloomsburg
- Head back home!
Weekend Trip #4: Craft Beer Lovers Unite!
Before you go: Pick up a free River Rat Brew Trail brochure from the Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau Welcome Center.
Hit the trail, taste the brews. Spend the weekend traveling the River Rat Brew Trail enjoying some of the area’s finest craft brews. The first evening includes dinner, drinks, and entertainment at Rusty Rail Brewing Company. Their 15-barrel brew house can produce up to 8,000 barrels of beer per year, and is Pennsylvania’s largest brewpub. The entertainment continues all day Saturday when visitors can stop at up to five more breweries, including Old Forge Brewing Company in Danville. Enjoy beer that is handcrafted on-site while appreciating the brewery’s commitment to local businesses, artisans, craftsmen, and famers. Before heading home on Sunday, visit three more enterprising Columbia County breweries: Marley’s’ Brewery & Grille, Berwick Brewing Company, and Turkey Hill Brewing Company. This day also includes a can’t-miss stop at Bill’s Old Bike Barn, where you’ll be treated to more than 50,000 square feet of vintage bikes and extraordinary antiques from around the world.
Day One: Friday
- 12 PM: Drinks at Eclipse Craft Brewery in Sunbury
- 2 PM: Three Beards Brewing Company in Sunbury
- 3:30 – 5:30 PM: Head up to Lewisburg to check out the downtown and spend some time at Jackass Brewing Company.
- 6 PM: Dinner, drinks, and entertainment at Rusty Rail Brewing Company in Mifflinburg
- 8:30 PM: Enjoy late night drinks at Pineknotter Brewing Co. in Northumberland
- Check in to lodging venue
Day Two: Saturday
- Breakfast & coffee at Bason’s Coffee & Roasting in downtown Danville
- Enjoy Danville downtown/sightseeing
- 12 PM – Drinks and light lunch at Marzoni’s Brewing Co.
- Enjoy downtown Selinsgrove shops or the Shamokin Dam shopping opportunities
- 1:30-5 PM: enjoy drinks at both Covered Bridge Brewhaus & Lost Mine-d Brewing Company in Shamokin.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner, drinks, and entertainment at Old Forge Brewing Co. in Danville
- 8PM: Late evening drinks at Rock God Brewing Co. in Danville, then head back to lodging afterward.
Day Three: Sunday
- Breakfast at lodging or nearby restaurant/café
- 11 AM: Drinks and lunch at Marley’s Brewery & Grille in Bloomsburg
- 1:30 PM: Drinks at Berwick Brewing Co.
- Enjoy Bill’s Bike Barn in Bloomsburg
- 5 PM: Early Dinner and drinks at Turkey Hill Brewing Co.
- Back to lodging or head back home!
Weekend Trip #5: Ultimate Guy’s Weekend
Pick up a Travel Guide at the Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau Welcome Center – 121 Papermill Road, Bloomsburg
Grab the guys and head out for the ultimate weekend in Columbia and Montour counties. Kick off the fun on Saturday kayaking your way down a portion of the 444-mile Susquehanna River, followed by a late afternoon round of golf. Sunday brings a variety of options, from living it up like big kids at Knoebels Amusement Resort to exploring the trails and falls at Ricketts Glen State Park. Regardless of which option you choose, know that it will be the perfect way to top off a fantastic weekend with your best friends.
Day One: Friday
- 4 PM: Slot car racing at Bloom Raceway and Hobbies
- 6:30 PM: Dinner & brews at Anomaly Craft Brewing in Berwick
- Check in to lodging venue
Day Two: Saturday
- Breakfast at lodging or nearby restaurant/café
- Spend the morning kayaking/canoeing the Susquehanna River.
- Lunch: Head back into Bloomsburg for a hearty lunch from Steph’s Subs or Gourmet Buffet – you’ll have worked up an appetite with all that paddling!
- Afternoon – head back over to Berwick for a round of golf at Rolling Pines Golf Course.
- Evening – enjoy drinks and dinner at Hog’s Hollow Saloon in Berwick or Marley’s Craft Brewery in Bloomsburg.
Day Three: Sunday
- Morning Options: Either spend the morning with your buddies fishing the Columbia County creeks, or visit Bill’s Old Bike Barn in Bloomsburg to see an amazing collection!
- 1 PM: Lunch in Bloomsburg area
- PM Open Choice: Visit Knoebels Amusement Resort for an afternoon of fun rides and food or hit Ricketts Glen for hiking and waterfalls.
- Dinner: Turkey Hill Brewing Company in Bloomsburg
- Head back home!
Weekend Trip #6: Family Fun Exploration
Looking for a fun-filled trip that is perfect for your family? Look no further than the many activities of Columbia and Montour counties! This weekend adventure kicks off on Friday with a visit to the interactive and engaging Children’s Museum, followed by a one-of-a-kind experience at Rolling Hills Red Deer Farm. This two hundred acre farm is home to 400 red deer, which can be hand-fed and photographed while you enjoy a hayride tour. Saturday brings an educational experience at Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland. The gallery is home to 40+ species of reptiles and amphibians including turtles, crocodilians, lizards, and more. Children are sure to be fascinated with the natural habitats that house these exotic animals and the various interactive exhibits that allow for hands-on learning. Finish the day with an educational visit to the beautiful Montour Preserve north of Danville. Explore the finders-keepers fossil pit, the nature education center, the lake, or some of the local trails in the area. The Preserve is the ideal place for inquiring young minds to learn about their natural environment!
Your weekend would not be complete without a visit to Knoebels Amusement Resort, America’s largest free-admission amusement park. Knoebels offers old-fashioned rides, wooden roller coasters, games, and entertainment for all ages. Escape the summer heat at the Crystal Pool, and indulge in a variety of your favorite snacks and treats while strolling through the nostalgic park. This vacation, packed with adventure, laughs, and delight, will be a family favorite for years to come!
Day One: Friday
- Breakfast at local restaurant/café
- 10 AM – Noon: Pay a visit to the Children’s Museum in Bloomsburg.
- 12:30 PM – Lunch at Steph’s Subs or downtown Bloomsburg eatery
- 2 – 5 PM: Visit Rolling Hills Red Deer Farm in Catawissa
- 5:30 PM: Dinner at Quaker Steak and Lube or Gourmet Buffet in Bloomsburg
- Back to lodging
Day Two: Saturday
- Breakfast at lodging or nearby restaurant/café
- 10 AM visit Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland for the morning. Follow it up with a bite to eat at Croc Bites snack bar, plus some ice cream.
- 2 – 5:30 PM: Spend the afternoon exploring and learning about the natural world at the Montour Preserve – fossil pit, wildlife, education center, nature trails, etc.
- 6 PM: Dinner in either the Millville area or the Danville area. Consider stopping for ice cream at Fran’s Dairy Bar in Millville.
- Back to lodging
Day Three: Sunday
- Breakfast at lodging or nearby restaurant/café
- Knoebels Amusement Resort for the whole day; lunch and dinner at the amusement park
- Back to lodging OR head home
Weekend Trip #6A: Family Fun Continued
With so many amazing family attractions in the area, this is an alternative option for a Family Fun weekend!
Day One: Friday
- Breakfast at local restaurant/café
- 10 AM – Noon: Pay a visit to the Children’s Museum in Bloomsburg.
- 12:30 PM – Lunch at Steph’s Subs or downtown Bloomsburg eatery
- 2 – 5 PM: Visit Bill’s Old Bike Barn in Berwick – enjoy hours of exploration at the museum, which has plenty to keep kids entertained! Contrary to its name, Bill’s Old Bike Barn is not simply a motorcycle-lovers haven – it is an experience for everyone young and old. Experience an overwhelming array of antiques from around the world. Enjoy pristine collections of motorcycles and bike memorabilia, military displays, rare posters and signs, special collections, Disney memorobilia, and MANY more items spanning a jaw-dropping 50,000+ square feet of world antique history.
- 5:30 PM: Dinner at the Forge Pub & Eatery in Berwick or get a pizza to-go from Berwick Brewing Company
- Back to lodging for a relaxing evening
Day Two: Saturday
- Breakfast at lodging or nearby restaurant/café
- Knoebels Amusement Resort for the whole day; lunch and dinner at the amusement park
- Call it a night and head back to your lodging venue or extend the evening with a family movie at the local cinema center.
Day Three: Sunday
- Breakfast at lodging or nearby restaurant/café
- Head to the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine in Ashland for an educational and exciting day. At the mine, you’ll be able to tour a real coal mine and take a ride on an old-fashioned steam locomotive. The mine, which ceased operation in 1931, was reopened in 1963 as a place where visitors could experience the history of a real anthracite coal mine. The Tunnel affords visitors an entertaining and educational opportunity to learn about the history of anthracite mining in the area. Visitors ride into the Tunnel on mine cars rebuilt to carry passengers. Deep inside the Tunnel, guests follow guides as they give an explanation of deep-mining methods. Guides are experienced miners who will point out the numerous coal seams and describe various configurations of passageways, some cut from solid rock. Next, you’ll be able to travel back through time on an old-time narrow gauge steam locomotive, the Henry Clay. Built in the 1920s, The Henry Clay takes you on a scenic three-quarter mile ride around the side of Mahanoy Mountain to show you another kind of mining called strip mining. Finally, end up in the gift shop to check out geodes, rocks, gems, fossils, coal candy, and other mine memorabilia.
- Next, head just up the road to Weiser State Forest for a leisurely walk on the Roaring Creek shared-use trail. The 8-mile hard packed trail is popular for families looking for a flat, yet wooded walk to enjoy the fresh mountain air. Walk as little or far down the path as you’d like – the trail is 8-miles one way so simply turn around whenever you’d like to return to your car.
- With the weekend complete, head home – we’ll hope to see you again soon!
Weekend Trip #7: Ladies Weekend Extravaganza
Before you go: Pick up Wine Trail and Antiques Brochures at the Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau Welcome Center – 121 Papermill Road, Bloomsburg
Shopping, wine, and relaxation are ingredients in the perfect recipe for an unforgettable weekend with your girlfriends. The extravaganza begins with a wine tasting at Purple Cow Winery outside of Bloomsburg and continues with a quiet evening exploring the downtown. On Saturday, stroll through downtown Danville, stopping in the most charming shops. Visit Shade Mountain Winery or Rock God Brewing Company before a delightful meal at the Pine Barn Inn. Sunday morning is reserved for a luxurious spa visit. In the afternoon, visit more wineries and spend the rest of the day at Eagles Mere historic village!
Day One: Friday
- 12 PM: Lunch at May’s Family Restaurant in Berwick
- 1:15 PM: Wine tasting at Freas Farm Winery in Berwick
- 3 PM: Wine tasting at Purple Cow Winery outside Bloomsburg
- 4:30 – 6:15 PM: Touring and shopping in downtown Bloomsburg
- 6:30 PM: Dinner at The Farmhouse at Turkey Hill or another restaurant in Bloomsburg area
- Check in to lodging
Day Two: Saturday
- Breakfast at lodging or nearby restaurant/café
- Antiquing at European Antiques & Collectibles in Nescopeck & other antique shops in Antiquing in Columbia & Montour Counties brochure
- Lunch at either the That’s Amore Italian Restaurant in Bloomsburg or BJ’s M Street Tavern in Danville (depending on location of last antique shop visited)
- Early Afternoon: Walking tour and shopping in downtown Danville (English Garden, Beiter’s, etc.)
- 3 PM: Wine tasting at Shade Mountain Winery
- 6 PM: Dinner at the Pine Barn Inn in Danville
- Stop on the way back in Bloomsburg for ice cream at Brennan’s Big Chill
- Back to lodging
Day Three: Sunday
- Breakfast at lodging or nearby restaurant/café
- 9 AM: visit a local day spa – relaxation time, spa and massage
- Lunch at Brewski’s in Bloomsburg
- 1:30 PM: Stop at the Shoppes at Winding Creek, then visit the Ol’ Country Barn and enjoy shopping + wine tasting at each location.
- Drive up to Eagles Mere Historic Village – explore shops, bookstore, and museum. Have ice cream at the Sweet Shop, take a walk and enjoy lakeside scenery
- Head back home!
Weekend Trip #8: A Romantic Escape
Reignite the spark in your relationship with a romantic escape to Columbia and Montour counties. This getaway is perfect for every sort of couple: wine lovers, adventurers, or art enthusiasts. Begin your weekend-long date at the Purple Cow Winery in Bloomsburg. Your wine tasting experience will be extraordinary at this family owned winery, with games and farmyard animals on the property. Create lasting memories at Knoebels Amusement Resort, America’s largest free admission amusement park. Knoebels has thrilling rides, pavilions for picnics, carnival games, and much more. On Sunday take a scenic drive to Ricketts Glen State Park. The area has 22 breathtaking waterfalls and 7.2 miles of trails that offer stunning views. Ricketts Glen provides the opportunity for a quiet walk in the woods, where you can appreciate nature and your partner. This weekend will be sure to bring out the romance in all of us!
Day One: Friday
- 2 PM: Check in to lodging venue
- 3 PM: Wine Tasting at Purple Cow Winery in Bloomsburg
- 4 – 6:30 PM: Exploring and shopping downtown Bloomsburg
- 6:30 PM: Dinner at That’s Amore Italian Restaurant or West End Ale House (both are in Bloomsburg)
- Spend the evening at a Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble show (if currently playing)
- Back to lodging
Day Two: Saturday
- Breakfast at lodging or nearby restaurant/café
- Spend the day like two kids in love at Knoebels Amusement Resort
- Have lunch at Knoebels (or a bring picnic lunch to share together in a pavilion)
- 2 PM: If you’ve spent enough time at Knoebels, hop in the car and head back to Bloomsburg!
- Enjoy a few late afternoon drinks at Dead Man Walking Distillery in Bloomsburg
- Enjoy an upscale romantic dinner at the Farmhouse at Turkey Hill (be sure to make a reservation in advance).
- Spend a relaxing evening at your lodging venue
Day Three: Sunday
- Breakfast at lodging or nearby restaurant/café
- Drive up to Ricketts Glen State Park for a day of hiking and waterfalls
- On the way back down, enjoy lunch at Westover’s Country Grill.
- Stop at for an after-lunch wine tasting at Three Dogs Vino and then head into Bloomsburg for some downtown shopping to wrap up the weekend.
- Head back home!
Weekend Trip #9: Winter Wonderland Escape
Explore Columbia & Montour Counties in their quietest season – winter! This weekend (or multiple weekday) trip starts on Day 1 with a relaxing evening at your lodging venue after check-in. Day 2 brings outdoor adventures filled with a scenic driving tour of the area’s magnificent covered bridges. If there’s snow on the ground, be sure to bring your cameras to photograph these wooden wonders in all their glory. Winter snow makes for the perfect contrasting background on the bright red bridges. Later, get some fresh air with an invigorating hike at the Montour Preserve or do some cross-country skiing on the many wooded paths in one of the area’s state forests or gameland tracts.
Follow up your ambitious daytime adventures with a movie night back in your room, complete with popcorn and hot cocoa. Catch up on much needed sleep the next morning before you hit the road on Day 3 for wine and/or craft beer adventures along with a trip to one of the most unique museums in the state – Bill’s Old Bike Barn. Finish the day with a visit to one of the two magical light displays, the classic Berwick Holiday Boulevard or “Joy Through the Grove” at Knoebels Amusement Resort. This multi-day getaway is sure to be the perfect remedy for the winter blues!
Day One: Friday
- 3 – 5 PM: Check in to lodging venue
- 5-7 PM: Enjoy a dine-in meal at a local restaurant or get it to-go and bring it back to your room.
- Relax the rest of the evening and spend some quality time with your significant other or your family.
Day Two: Saturday
- Breakfast at lodging or nearby restaurant/café
- Spend the morning sightseeing the scenic back roads of the counties and the historic covered bridges. Columbia & Montour Counties have 25 covered bridges, the third most in the country.
- Have lunch in Bloomsburg or Elysburg along your way.
- After lunch, spend the early afternoon exploring the Montour Preserve, located approximately 15 minutes north of Danville. The Preserve contains several miles of quiet nature trails that often provide great wildlife sighting chances. See a myriad of birds, waterfowl, deer, and other woodland creatures along your path. The Preserve also has multiple picnic pavilions if you wish to bring your lunch to-go instead.
- Suggestions for later in the afternoon: 1.If you’re a cross-country skier and there’s snow on the ground, plan a few hours late afternoon at one of the state gameland tracts in the area, or at Weiser State Forest in southern Columbia County. You’ll find miles of unpaved forest roads that make great skiing trails – just be sure to do your research in advance to make sure you know which locations allow skiing access! 2. If cross-country skiing isn’t your cup of tea, you can instead do some holiday shopping in downtown Danville or explore the art galleries in downtown Bloomsburg.
- Wrap up your daytime adventures with dinner near your lodging establishment and turn the evening into movie night back in the room. If you’ve selected lodging that offers a jacuzzi tub or fireplace, make the most of it. And don’t forget the hot cocoa and popcorn!
Day Three: Sunday
- Breakfast at lodging or nearby restaurant/café
- Make your way late morning to Bill’s Old Bike Barn, on Route 11 between Bloomsburg and Berwick. Be sure to enjoy the new audio tours for the museum, where you can learn the amazing backstories of many of the museum oddities from the owner himself!
- Enjoy lunch at the Forge Pub & Eatery in downtown Berwick.
- Spend the afternoon visiting some of the River Rat Brew Trail breweries in Columbia County and/or the area wineries. (Geography-based recommendations: Marley’s Brewery & Grille, Turkey Hill Brewing Company, Berwick Brewing Company; Freas Farm Winery, Three Dogs Vino, Colonel Ricketts Hard Cider Winery.)
- 5-7 PM Dinner at an area restaurant.
- If visiting during December, spend the evening checking out one of the area’s two amazing holiday drive-thru light displays: the Christmas Boulevard in Berwick or Knoebels Amusement Resort’s “Joy Through the Grove” in Elysburg.
- After the light display, it’s back to your lodging for the evening.
- Head home after checking out the next morning – hopefully you’ve had a magical winter escape!
Some Special Day Trips
The Rise & Fall of Industry (For the History Buffs/Adventure Lovers)
For those of you looking for a unique day trip, a day spent exploring remains of the golden days of American industry is just the ticket.
To start the day, head down to the town of Ashland in the southern portion of Columbia County to experience an authentic coal mine and take a ride on an old-fashioned steam locomotive. The Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine offers a guided ride in coal carts deep underground for a firsthand experience of the life of a coal miner. The tour is packed with local history and great photo opportunities.
As you leave Ashland, stop at Weiser State Forest for a few relaxing hours outdoors. There are hiking and biking trails, fishing, boating, and more. About six miles of the marked trails were used by miners on their way to work in the late 1800s and early 1900s. These trails provide you with a chance to step back in time and walk a mile (or six) in the shoes of early American mine laborers. Your stop at Weiser State Forest also provides the perfect opportunity for a late picnic lunch.
Continuing north on State Route 42 will soon lead you to Numidia, where you will find the Numidia Dragway. If you are there on a weekend or a weeknight with a scheduled event, you will be able to enjoy a few hours of fun at the drag races. Finally, close out your special day trip at Berwick Brewing Company, a one-time factory now turned into a brewery and restaurant. The ideal end to a great day can be found here in the form of a cold brew and mouthwatering pizza.
Visit our History & Heritage page to learn more.
Wine, Wine, and More Wine!
You don’t need to go to the Finger Lakes to enjoy great wine; a special day or weekend trip can be found right here in Central Pennsylvania! Begin the day at Shade Mountain Winery in Danville and spend the day visiting other local wineries. Don’t forget Three Dog Vino! They have a tasting room with a beautiful lake-side view. Freas Farm Winery in Berwick is also a must-visit, and often offers evening fun at the winery including live music, fire pits, and movies under the stars. The nearby Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail also encompasses several other Central PA counties and offers even more chances for a memorable weekend wine escape to the area.
Visit our Breweries & Wineries page to learn more.
A Day With the Arts
Central Pennsylvania has an incredible local arts scene, and we’ve got just the day trip for you! Begin by visiting the Exchange Gallery in downtown Bloomsburg and view the latest exhibition. Next, travel right down the street and hit another great local gallery; this time it’s a local artist co-op called Artspace Gallery on Center Street. Grab a cup of freshly brewed specialty coffee and a sandwich or pierogis at Brewski’s in Bloomsburg before heading out to your next destination: Bloomsburg University. Before you get to campus, visit the new Greenly Center building and see the in-house gallery that regularly exhibits work by artists from the university and the surrounding community. Continue on to the Haas Center for the Arts to see the second floor gallery and the current exhibit. While on campus, be sure to check out some of the many sculptures located around the university grounds. Grab a satisfying meal at the Farmhouse at Turkey Hill and then next door to Turkey Hill Brewing Company for dessert and a craft brew. Finish out the evening with a special performance at one of three venues; the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble in downtown Bloomsburg or the Weis Center for the Performing Arts at Bucknell in Lewisburg.
A Day at the Covered Bridge Festival
Don’t miss the Annual Covered Bridge Festival, held at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds each year. Spend the day at the festival enjoying arts and crafts vendors, great food, live local music and more!
A Day at the Bloomsburg Fair
The Bloomsburg Fair is back for another year, and it makes for an incredible day trip! Spend a day at the largest agricultural fair in the state. Enjoy nationally-known entertainment, rides, incredible food, exhibits, horse races, auto races, vendors, and more. This year’s fair is planned for September 22nd – September 30th.
Lodging & Food Options for Weekend Trips
For travelers looking for the perfect place to stay during one of these great weekend getaways, be sure to select one of our area lodging options. Your choices will ultimately be based upon personal preferences and geographical convenience to the other itinerary stops.
*Restaurant Options for Itineraries:
The following itineraries provide several dining options for each meal that are geographically appropriate based upon the itinerary’s previous stop suggestion. You may utilize these for your convenience or feel free to select another area restaurant that suits your tastes! Please visit our Restaurants page for a complete list of area restaurants.