Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Carlisle, Pennsylvania to Linglestown, Pennsylvania

The scenic drive from Carlisle, Pennsylvania to Linglestown, Pennsylvania is full of surprises. The drive takes less than an hour, and you'll find yourself surrounded by picturesque views of farms, hills, and mountains. Along the way, there are several unexpected places that are worth a stop. Here, we have compiled a list of five such places and why you should visit them.

The Halfway Point: Enola, PA

Before we begin, let's talk about the halfway point of this drive: Enola, PA. Nestled between the Susquehanna River and the Blue Mountain range, Enola is a small town known for its excellent outdoor recreation facilities. Visitors can go biking along the Susquehanna River Trail or kayaking in the river. The town also has several parks and playgrounds where families can spend an afternoon. There are plenty of food joints, cafes, and local shops in Enola to cater to all your cravings.

1. Williams Grove Speedway (Mechanicsburg)

In Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, you can visit the historical Williams Grove Speedway. It was constructed in the 1930s and has hosted numerous national championships. The Speed Palace is open for tours and events throughout the year. It's a must-visit spot for any motor-sport enthusiast. And even if car racing isn't your thing, you can still experience the adrenaline rush of watching these cars speed around track. Moreover, the track's concession stand has the best hot dogs around.

2. Chris' Coffee and Deli (Camp Hill)

On Main Street in Camp Hill, you'll find Chris' Coffee and Deli - a local favorite for breakfast and lunch. Offering traditional sandwiches and unique wraps, this cozy place is a perfect stop for foodies. Upon entering, you are greeted with the fragrant aroma of freshly-brewed coffee. The locals highly recommend their bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches and their turkey avocado salad. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you for stopping here.

3. Capital City Mall (Lower Allen Township)

For some people, shopping is a therapy. If you're one of them, don't forget to stop at Capital City Mall. Located in Lower Allen Township, the mall has a variety of options for shopping, dining, and entertainment. With more than 70 stores and an outdoor food court, you can easily spend a whole afternoon here. Be sure to try the Asian cuisine from the food court.

4. City Island Park (Harrisburg)

Located on the Susquehanna river, Harrisburg's City Island Park is a hidden gem that offers plenty of activities. Visitors can take a stroll on the walking trails, go mini-golfing with friends, or play baseball on the island's fields. City Island also has an amusement park and a riverboat that takes riders along the river. After all these activities, you can grab a quick snack from the Island's Pretzel Co.

5. Spring Gate Vineyard (Linglestown)

Our final stop is in Linglestown, where you can visit the Spring Gate Vineyard. As the name suggests, the vineyard is famous for its wines. You can go wine-tasting and experience the unique flavors of their varieties. Along with wines, the vineyard offers live music and food trucks throughout the year. You must try the scrumptious wood-fired pizzas during your visit.

Time to Hit the Road

Now that you have five unexpected places to check out along your drive from Carlisle to Linglestown, it's time to pack your bags and hit the road. From the history and speed of Williams Grove Speedway to the vibrancy of Spring Gate Vineyard, there's something for everyone in between. Don't forget to make a quick stop in Enola for a picnic or outdoor-fun. It's always the little things that make a road trip memorable. So, step out of your comfort zone and explore these treasures along the way. Happy driving!