CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — A new and exciting adventure in Cumberland County not only helps create everlasting family memories but will also support local businesses.
The Cumberland Valley Family Adventure Trail highlights over a dozen Cumberland County locations and activities for residents and visitors alike to check out.
"It's basically for families to find things to do in their own backyard. We've got a lot of great hidden gems," said Aaron Jumper, communications manager for Visit Cumberland Valley. "When you can package those together, it really shows the impact of where we have so many different unique attractions in Cumberland County."
From museums to arcades and so much more, the trail includes 16 locations scattered across the Cumberland Valley area. Trail-goers have until May 30, 2025, to check in at these locations through Visit Cumberland Valley's mobile passport to earn points.
Those points can then be redeemed for a variety of prizes.
It's a way for the visitor's bureau to showcase all that the area has to offer, provide incentives to visit these unique places, and help support their local businesses.
Destiny Dairy Bar is one of the locations on the family adventure trail and offers unique A2 ice cream and dairy products while also giving a chance for visitors to get a behind-the-scenes look at dairy farm operations.
It's owned by lifelong Cumberland County resident and dairy farmer Amy Brickner who says the additional support the trail provides is unmatched.
“It has been awesome [to see] the amount of people brought in that otherwise wouldn't have found us," said Brickner. "I grew up here, [this farm] is one of these huge ties to this community. I want to give back and really invest in the future of the Cumberland Valley tourism."
It also gives the businesses a chance to share experiences that garner a priceless reaction and appreciation from their community.
"The giggles and excitement and laughter not just from the kids, but from the adults brings back a lot of that enthusiasm that after so long you take for granted," said Brickner.
Dan Mowery, owner of Midway Bowling in South Middleton Township, agrees. He says his mission has always been about giving the community that has supported them for so long a fun and memorable experience.
Something he will be able to continue to do as part of the family adventure trail.
"We really try to leverage the fact that we've been here since 1956. So holding on to that history and continuing to reintegrate new fun experiences for people," said Mowery. "People want to come in they want to have a good time, just lots of opportunities for people to enjoy themselves when they walk through the door."
For more information on the 16 locations on the Cumberland Valley Family Adventure Trail or how to participate, visit Cumberland Valley's website.