Meadowbrooke Gourds Offers Free Tuesday Tours of Handcrafted Artistry

Visitors can witness the intricate process of transforming gourds into unique, handmade creations at the Cumberland County business.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 2:49pm

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Meadowbrooke Gourds in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, offers free tours every Tuesday at 2 p.m. that showcase the intricate, handcrafted process of transforming gourds into unique, seasonal decorations and gifts. The family-owned business has been repurposing unsold gourds for over 30 years, starting with washing, drying, designing, carving, and painting each piece.

Why it matters

Meadowbrooke Gourds' free tours provide visitors an inside look at the artistry and craftsmanship behind their handmade products, helping them appreciate the time and effort that goes into each creation. As a long-standing, family-owned business in Cumberland County, Meadowbrooke Gourds represents the enduring appeal of local, handcrafted goods in an era of mass-produced items.

The details

The process at Meadowbrooke Gourds begins early in the morning with washing the gourds, which then need to dry in a special drying room before any design work can be done. Once dry, the gourds are carved, painted, and transformed into a variety of seasonal decorations and gifts. Dori Heller, a member of the family that owns the business, says the tours help visitors understand the level of handcrafted artistry and attention to detail that goes into each piece, which can lead to higher appreciation for the products' prices.

  • Meadowbrooke Gourds has been in business for over 30 years.
  • The free tours are offered every Tuesday at 2 p.m.

The players

Meadowbrooke Gourds

A family-owned business in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania that has been repurposing unsold gourds into unique, handcrafted decorations and gifts for over 30 years.

Dori Heller

A member of the family that owns Meadowbrooke Gourds, who oversees the free Tuesday tours that showcase the intricate process of transforming gourds into the business's handmade products.

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What they’re saying

“When people come into the store, some of them will look at the price, it's not real expensive but there are some pricey pieces, and I always tell them - come to a tour Tuesday and you will understand.”

— Dori Heller, Meadowbrooke Gourds Family Member

What’s next

Meadowbrooke Gourds will continue offering their free Tuesday tours at 2 p.m. for visitors to witness the intricate, handcrafted process behind their unique gourd creations.

The takeaway

Meadowbrooke Gourds' free tours provide an opportunity for the local community and visitors to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of a long-standing, family-owned business that has found success by repurposing unsold gourds into unique, handmade products.