From Family Farm to Agritourism Destination: Destiny Dairy Bar’s Growing Impact on Cumberland Valley
June 15, 2026 ·Agribusiness
When Amy Brickner returned home to her family’s preserved dairy farm in 2006, she knew she wanted to continue a farming tradition that had shaped her life. What she didn’t know at the time was that her passion for agriculture and community engagement would eventually transform part of the farm into one of Cumberland Valley’s most unique agritourism destinations.
Today, Destiny Dairy Bar welcomes thousands of visitors each year to experience farm-fresh dairy products, interact with farm animals, and gain firsthand insight into where their food comes from. With support from the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation’s Tourism Product Development Grant, this small business is now poised for its next phase of growth.
Building a Connection Between Consumers and Agriculture
For Brickner, the inspiration behind Destiny Dairy Bar stemmed from her recognition of a growing disconnect between consumers and the farms that produce their food.
“I’ve always been passionate about local food and about connecting people to where their food comes from,” she said, especially after she realized that by 2015, many people were four generations removed from the farm.
As she explored other successful farm stores and participated in leadership programs such as the Young Dairy Leaders Institute through the Holstein Foundation, Brickner became increasingly convinced that farmers needed to play a larger role in telling agriculture’s story.
“There isn’t a lot of time for farmers to go out into the community and tell their story,” she said. “I’m happy to take on that role here in Cumberland Valley and share our story with community leaders, residents, and visitors.”
Her vision for Destiny Dairy Bar began to take shape in 2020, when Brickner purchased a pasteurizer and began developing flavored milk products. In 2021, she assumed responsibility for the dairy herd and the milk production operation from her uncle, adding another layer of responsibility as she prepared to launch the business. Today, the farm milks approximately 100 cows twice daily to provide local farm-fresh milk year-round.
One of the farm’s most distinctive offerings is its A2 milk. Unlike conventional milk, which contains both A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins, A2 milk is free of the A1 protein, making it a choice some consumers prefer and find easier to digest. This specialty milk has become a key part of Destiny Dairy Bar’s identity and offers visitors the chance to try a product that remains relatively uncommon in the region.
Destiny Dairy Bar officially opened in May 2022, initially offering bottled milk and flavored milk products. Since then, the business has expanded significantly, adding small-batch ice cream, beef and pork products, specialty cheeses, educational experiences, and farm tours.
An Agritourism Experience That Resonates
Located on a working dairy farm outside Carlisle, Destiny Dairy Bar offers something increasingly rare: an authentic agricultural experience that is both educational and affordable. The response to that simple concept has been remarkable. Since opening, the dairy bar has grown steadily, with visitors returning multiple times to enjoy the farm-fresh products and interact with calves, cows, pigs, and other farm animals.
“The combination of ice cream, milk, and farm animals really resonates with people,” Brickner said. “We try to be as open and affordable as possible. For many, it’s the first time seeing where their food comes from.”
Perhaps most rewarding for Brickner is watching children experience agriculture firsthand. “It’s heartwarming to see the reaction of children to the farm and its operations,” she said.
Strengthening Agritourism in Cumberland Valley
Brickner believes Cumberland Valley’s success as an agritourism destination is no accident.
“It’s the location and infrastructure,” she said. “Cumberland Valley is easy to get to. It’s close to everything and offers a welcoming town-and-country experience. You can be in the heart of downtown Carlisle and, within a 10-minute drive, find yourself on a farm.”
As destinations like Destiny Dairy Bar continue to grow, they help strengthen the region’s tourism offerings while also preserving connections to agriculture, one of Cumberland County’s most important industries.
Investing in the Visitor Experience
While visitation has grown steadily, with an almost 70% increase in transactions between 2023 and 2025, this growth has also highlighted infrastructure challenges. Operating a farm-based tourism business requires balancing visitor experiences with the realities of daily agricultural operations. Maintaining safe, clean facilities while managing livestock, equipment, and ongoing farm responsibilities can be challenging.
“Keeping everything safe and clean is one of the biggest challenges,” Brickner explained. “When things break down and need repair, I have to stop everything to fix it.”
To address growing demand and improve accessibility, Destiny Dairy Bar applied for and received $152,777 in funding through CAEDC’s Tourism Product Development Grant to install a large food trailer that provides farm-fresh dining, a semi-permanent event structure that offers covered seating, and a concrete walkway to the calf barn.
Accessibility has been a particularly important priority for Brickner. The improvements are designed to create a more comfortable and inclusive visitor experience, especially for families with strollers, older adults, and guests with mobility challenges, while creating a more welcoming environment for year-round educational programs, community gatherings, and special events.
“It’s hard to install accessibility upgrades on a farm, but I’m encouraged to do as much as I can because those visitors keep coming back,” she said. “They want the experience, and I want to make it better for them.”
Looking Toward the Future
Brickner sees the recent improvements as just one step in the ongoing evolution of Destiny Dairy Bar.
Future plans include integrating additional technology into the visitor experience, supporting fellow entrepreneurs, expanding partnerships with local businesses, offering educational workshops and classes, hosting more events, and continuing to build meaningful connections between consumers and agriculture.
For Brickner, the ultimate goal remains the same as the day she first envisioned the dairy bar: helping people understand and appreciate the farmers who produce their food.
By blending education, recreation, and authentic agricultural experiences, Destiny Dairy Bar not only creates a memorable visit for guests but also helps preserve Cumberland County’s agricultural heritage for future generations.
With continued investment in infrastructure and visitor amenities, the destination is well-positioned to welcome even more guests eager to discover the people, products, and stories behind one of Pennsylvania’s most important industries.
