As anyone who currently lives in Pennsylvania can attest, this has been one of the rainiest summers in recent memory. As a sun-worshiper, this doesn’t thrill me. But fortunately, there are still a ton of things to do in the Susquehanna River Valley despite the soggy weather. Here are a few suggestions…

The Packwood House Museum in Lewisburg has a new exhibit called “Pennsylvania Quilts: Studies in Color”. It showcases over a century of antique quilts from the Museum’s collection. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10-4 pm.

The Slifer House Museum in Lewisburg has a unique wedding exhibit called “Will You Marry Me? Courtship and Marriage in Victorian America”. It explores the customs of courtship and marriage during the 19th century. The gallery has been transformed into a wedding chapel and the Museum has been appointed throughout with floral arrangements, wedding cakes, marriage certificates and wedding gowns. Open Tuesday to Sunday 1-4 pm.

The Mifflinburg Buggy Museum in Mifflinburg is celebrating women with the series, “Not Frail Flowers”. Open Thursday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and on Sunday from 1-5 pm.

The Dale/Engle/Walker House in Lewisburg is only open one day a week (Sundays from 2-4 pm) but they offer a unique exhibit called “Discreet to Flamboyant: Signatures in Union County Quilts and Coverlets”. The Dale/Engle/Walker also offers tours of the historic house, the furnished wagon shed and newly designed milk production house.

The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art in Millersburg has a unique African art exhibit called “African Game Trails”. It is centered on Roosevelt’s 1909 expedition to Africa, and the wildlife conservation effort that ensued as a result. The name of the exhibit was inspired by his year-long safari in East Africa. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am- 4 pm and on Sundays from 12-4 pm.

There are also two educational and interactive exhibits going on at Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland, in Allenwood – one is a live venom show (which is an in-depth look at the marvels of animal poisons and an exciting lineup of dangerous creatures like a cobra, timber rattlesnake rattle, copperhead and gila monster) and the other shows a softer side of Reptiland — showcasing butterflies. Both are indoors and are the perfect way to escape for a few hours.

Depending on the day of the week, there’s almost always live music to be heard indoors, too. Every Friday, the Inn at New Berlin/Gabriel’s Restaurant offers live piano music, and the Front Street Station, a unique railroad eatery in Northumberland offers live music every Friday and Saturday for just 1 buck!

Up for dinner and a movie? Any night of the week, check out the art deco Campus Theatre in downtown Lewisburg then head out to one of Lewisburg’s unique eateries or cafes. Built in 1941, it features 16 foot murals and etched glass doors. Actually, it’s one of only 15 single screen art deco theatres in the entire country.

Since the region is also known for its river views (and the best way to see the river is to be ON THE RIVER) you can do that from indoors too (if you have to…). Just call the folks at the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat and sign up for one of their river cruises. They offer all kinds of themed cruises, like wing cruises, karaoke cruises, dinner cruises, Sunday brunch cruises, concert cruises, family nights, and much more. Rain or shine, a river cruise is a ton of fun, and it’s an economical night out, too.

For even more ideas, check out VisitCentralPA.org. If you’re traveling with kids, check out their “Kid Friendly Fun” brochure, which includes all kinds of activities that can be done rain or shine.

Enjoy!