Often people envision central Pennsylvania as a slow paced region with few opportunities. While it is true that life can be lived at a more relaxing pace here, the diversity of unique restaurants, shops, breweries and wineries often surprises both the visitor and the resident.
Take our restaurants for example. In the Susquehanna River Valley you will find quick bites at fast food and counter service restaurants, but you will also find fine dining options in beautiful and unique settings. You can eat in a beautifully restored bank building at Isabella Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge in Selinsgrove; while you are there, you can order a signature drink from their bank vault bar. Front Street Station, a Northumberland favorite, serves patrons a wide variety of fare in a renovated train station. Their special event room features dining in two train cars. Elizabeth’s An American Bistro in Lewisburg has been a favorite spot for special occasions for years due to their lovely setting and their elevated farm-to-table offerings. Just across the river in Milton, the Fence Drive-In serves their famous fish sandwiches and fresh cut french fries car hop style along the banks of the Susquehanna.
The flavors of the Susquehanna River Valley are as varied as the settings in which you find them. Brendan’s Towne Tavern in Lewisburg and the Ale House Bar & Grill in Shamokin are known for their great burgers and pub favorites. Ciro’s Ristorante Italiano in Watsontown and La Primavera Italiano Ristorante in Lewisburg offer Italian favorites with a flare. BJ’s M Street Tavern & Oyster Bar in Selinsgrove specializes in mouth-watering steaks and seafood, while a short drive away Skeeter’s BBQ serves tangy barbecue and tender brisket. Masser’s Restaurant & Catering in Paxinos and Rayauda’s Restaurant in Beaver Springs feature homestyle cooking and Pennsylvania Dutch favorites; while Siam Restaurant & Bar in Lewisburg offers Thai and Indian delicacies. Claim your stool at the Squeeze-In in Sunbury for signature hot dogs; and for sweet treats visit the Old Mill Creamery and Gable House Bakery in Mifflinburg and The Cookie Dude in Lewisburg. Get each day started right with a cup of energy from Tastecraft Café in Milton and 45W Art and Café in Mifflinburg.
Great food along with great brews can be found at the region’s breweries. Here craft brewers and chefs offer seasonal favorites and unique flavors. Rusty Rail Brewing Company in Mifflinburg serves up both in their meticulously restored manufacturing building. Lost Mined Brewing Company & Restaurant in Shamokin with their fun, thematic vibe is a great place to meet friends. Three Beards Brewing is one of the newer favorites in the region and the perfect place to relax after a long day. The River Rat Brew Trail is a great way to experience many of our regional breweries. The annual passport program is going on now through October. Go to www.RiverRatBrewTrail.com for more information.
Relaxation is the keyword at our area wineries. In addition to exquisite vintages, many offer comfortable decks overlooking vineyards, fields and forest. Shade Mountain Winery in Middleburg offers a full selection of regional wines grown, produced and bottled in Snyder County. Union Cellars in Lewisburg and Neighbor Lady Vino in New Columbia are two of our newest wineries; both offer taste-full selections in comfortable, chic tasting rooms. Whispering Oaks Vineyard in Sunbury produces award-winning vintages at their beautiful venue; and just a short drive away, Spyglass Ridge Winery offers lovely views of the vineyard and a great variety of fine wines. One of largest wine menus can be found at Catino Vino in Mount Carmel. Catino produces their wines from imported and domestic juices allowing them to produce new wines throughout the year. Kulpmont Winery in Kulpmont and Iron Vines Winery in Sunbury produce their wines in a similar manner allowing the vintners to experiment with flavor and sensation. Many of our regional wineries can be experienced through the Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail, www.PAWineTrail.com. Or plan to purchase a passport to the SRV Cabin Fever Wine Trail this winter at www.VisitCentralPA.org.
This article only touches upon a few of the wonderful restaurants, breweries and wineries in the Susquehanna River Valley. For more information about life in the river valley and the businesses found within, go to www.VisitCentralPA.org or contact the team at the Visitors Bureau at 570-524-7234. We will help you become a Small Business Champion and enjoy all the river valley has to offer!
