CHAMBERSBURG – Chambersburg is a vibrant community that is constantly evolving. Known as Franklin County’s seat of government, this contemporary city also hosts a wonderful blend of history, culture and entertainment that lures visitors to its dynamic downtown. The traditions of Chambersburg’s longtime hospitality, centered on a lively Main Street, grow more impressive when the town’s dramatic past is remembered.
During the Civil War, the Confederate Army threatened Chambersburg in July 1864. They demanded a $500,000 ransom from the community, and when that heinous bribe wasn’t paid, the rebels burned the entire downtown. More than 500 buildings were destroyed, and more than 2,000 citizens became homeless. Chambersburg was devastated but vowed to rebuild.
Today, the town commemorates the disastrous 1864 fire every July, not solely to mark a date of infamy with that catastrophic wartime arson, but more as a celebration of the defining moment for the town’s rebirth. Strolling along Chambersburg’s Main Street 160 years later, it’s evident this town not only survived but thrived. This downtown was designated a National Historic District and has lived up to that prestigious honor.
A day or weekend spent in Chambersburg’s downtown offers pleasant sights and a wealth of experiences. Impressive architecture houses an eclectic mix of businesses and historic sites. Within a comfortable radius — measured by footsteps, not miles — shops, restaurants and art venues are situated between a scenic creek and a quintessential American town square.
Shop
Begin at Cheerful Flowers and Gifts (cheerfulflowersandgifts.com), located at 85 North Main St. in a handsome red-painted rowhouse. Created by owner Kelly Perry, the store sells creative gifts and arranges fresh flowers for weddings and all occasions. Like the shop’s name suggests, the interior is bright and cheerful. A sister business called Happy Home will premiere in an adjoining space on Oct. 12.
A few steps south is Northwood Books (northwoodbooks.com) at 59 N. Main. This bookstore is home to gently perused, new, used and rare books and has been a downtown delight since 1988. Owners Ami and Dwain Plessinger invite readers to relax in a wingback chair and enjoy a selection of over 90,000 volumes in 70 different categories, including classics, Pennsylvania history, mysteries, antique books and biographies. Ami Plessinger will add to the store’s shelves with her own newly authored book, which debuts in October.
At 107 N. Main St., housed in a lovely Victorian-era building, is REmix Design (shopremixdesign.com), a store specializing in mid-century and bohemian home décor, lifestyle products and plants. This interior space is an oasis. Owner Kendra Matusiak has an architecture degree, mixed with an artistic lineage, and those dual attributes shine at this contemporary store. Her love for nature and belief in decorating sustainability helps customers decorate their homes with an environment-friendly mentality. This philosophy creates a calming Zen-like atmosphere using recycled, reinvented or restored pieces.
Another artistic Chambersburg space is Foundry Art Market (foundryartmarket.com) at 54 Lincoln Way N. A few steps from the Square, Foundry is a cooperative gallery with local and regional artists who constantly refresh their space with high-quality artwork, including paintings, sculpture and photography. Anne Finucane is one of many talented creatives working here — she draws, paints and does printmaking. The gallery is open primarily on weekends.
Back on Main Street, the Council for the Arts has a charming gallery space at the corner of Main and King Streets. The venue currently hosts the exhibition “Sew to Speak”, a tri-regional showing of studio art quilts with fascinating stories linked to each piece. Local artist Andrea Finch is a creator in this talented group of quilters.
Stroll
All along Main Street, and on nearby avenues east and west, a walk in downtown Chambersburg reveals intricate details of classic architecture, surviving historic sites, shaded pathways along bubbling creeks, eye-catching public art and memories of yesteryear.
The Old Jail Museum and Library (175 E. King St.) hosts tours of an 1818 building that is Pennsylvania’s oldest jail. Inside this structure with three-foot-thick walls are solitary confinement cells, a basement dungeon and, surprisingly, too-close-for-comfort living quarters for the jailer and his family. The jail survived the epic Chambersburg fire and was used until 1970.
Included in a guided jail tour are indoor displays with local artifacts. Views of the prison yard with its massive 20-foot-tall limestone walls and wooden gallows, last used in 1912 for Franklin County’s final hanging, are seen outside. Also housed in this handsome building is a genealogical library and headquarters for the Franklin County Historical Society (franklinhistorical.org).
At 102 N. Main St., the Coyle Free Library is a stately 1912 building that was once a U.S. Post Office. Venture inside and see postal remnants in lovely woodwork that frames a former walk-up window. The building was renovated and an addition was completed in 2017 and includes a “green” roof and a modern auditorium.
In Chambersburg’s Square, the old Franklin County Courthouse was rebuilt in 1865 after the Confederate fire, using some salvaged materials. This building, the third courthouse at this site, sits proudly as a symbol of Chambersburg’s enduring stature. A handsome Justice Center poses beside it. In the center of the Square, the Memorial Fountain was dedicated in 1878, a striking cast iron landmark that also celebrates the town’s post-Civil War rejuvenation.
Another notable Main Street building is the Capitol Theatre (thecapitoltheatre.org), built in 1927 and restored to its original luster after renovations during the past nine years. The venue hosts multiple shows throughout the year, and the upcoming schedule includes “Elvis: A Live Rockumentary” (Sept. 21), and the cult classic, “Rocky Horror Picture Show: Live on Stage”, from Oct. 25-27.
While strolling downtown, stop at the Franklin County Visitor Center (explorefranklincountypa.com) in the Square. The center provides helpful info for local explorers and currently hosts an exhibit, “Letterkenny WWII Italian Prisoners of War Experience”. This intriguing project was created in conjunction with a new documentary on these POWs, that recently premiered at the Capitol Theatre. The V.C. exhibit runs until Nov. 11.
A short walk to the west, an unexpected wild landscape provides a modern-day hint why Chambersburg was settled at this particular spot on the former frontier. Falling Spring Creek rushes toward its confluence with Conococheague Creek by tumbling over a rocky ledge, creating a scenic waterfall. A turning waterwheel siphons off some of the flow and symbolizes the vital power water provided to early pioneers.
Shaded pathways line both creeks and create a cooling micro-climate, making this area a prime spot for relaxation and reflection. Falling Spring was the original name of the Chambersburg settlement, later renamed for founder Benjamin Chambers.
Dine
The newest dining venue in downtown Chambersburg is Affinity Cafe. The restaurant opened in July and serves breakfast and lunch in a comfortable setting with friendly staff. All menu items are made in-house, including muffins, omelets, salads, sandwiches, a selection of flatbreads and delicious desserts. Owner Mindy Danzberger said she picked the Affinity name because the word reflects harmony and kinship. Affinity Café is located at 133 N. Main St.
A few doors south, Bistro 71 (norlandbistro71.com) at 71 N. Main St. is an excellent dinner venue. The interior features the ambiance of an artfully illuminated bar, with cozy dining tables nearby. This French-inspired restaurant offers a menu with creative appetizers (ahi tuna over sweet soy ramen and French onion soup are favorites) and a full selection of entrees that includes Chilean sea bass, jumbo lump crab cakes, pan-seared pork chops, and mesquite-glazed salmon. The dining experience at Bistro 71 is enriched by the service of a knowledgeable and attentive staff.
In the Square, two restaurants serve ethnic cuisine. Veroni Café (veronicafepa.com) is a popular Mexican restaurant serving fresh and authentic food at 1 N. Main. Falafel Shack (falafelshackpa.com) is next door at 9 N. Main, recognized by bright red umbrellas on the patio. They serve traditional Middle Eastern favorites like hummus, and baba ganoush, along with salads and pizza.
For Chambersburg’s best cup of coffee with a side of Belgian waffles, visit Brussel’s Café at 55 N. Main St. For another cultural experience, explore La Caribena Grocery, an authentic Latin food store found at 49 N. Main St.
Stay
While no hotels are located in downtown Chambersburg (several are near I-81), there are some unique choices in the heart of town.
Two of these accommodations are listed on the Airbnb website. Creekside on King is a charming space that harkens to Chambersburg’s founding era. The soothing sounds of rushing water enliven this retreat nestled next to Falling Spring Creek. The 1-bedroom, two-story space was expertly restored with modern conveniences, without losing the charm of its rustic historic pedigree. Only a few steps from Main Street, Creekside on King is a secluded haven in the heart of a bustling downtown.
The REmix Retreat (owned by the REmix Design store on Main Street) is a second-floor studio inside a lovely 1894 brick building. With all the conveniences of home, this space also has a distinct design flair which includes bold colors, a high ceiling and relaxing nooks, which give it a comfy vibe for a special weekend or getaway. This unit is available every day of the week and close to shopping/dining.
A traditional Bed and Breakfast Inn called Craig Manor is located at 756 Philadelphia Ave. near historic Wilson College. This charming Victorian house offers all the pampering and style of an upscale inn. Call 717-262-2171 or visit their website: craigmanorbnb.com.
While these mentioned downtown venues offer unique experiences, many other places are worth discovering during a trip to Chambersburg. With autumn’s arrival and harvest time near, this hospitable town is ripe with rich flavor — a perfect destination to shop, stroll, dine and stay.
