Introduction to Harrisburg
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania has something for everybody. History is everywhere in Harrisburg, due to its crucial roles in United States history during the Westward Migration, the American Civil War, and the Industrial Revolution. The Pennsylvania Canal and the Pennsylvania Railroad helped turn Harrisburg into one of the most industrialized cities in the country. Today, Harrisburg and the Capital Region, which includes Hershey and Carlisle, offer residents and visitors many benefits. The area boasts the world’s tallest splashdown amusement park ride. It has lots of fishing, biking, and hiking to enjoy. And its zoos, caves, theater, and sporting events offer a wide variety of fun activities for the whole family.
Harrisburg Culture
Harrisburg is one of the oldest American state capital cities in the Northeast. This is one of the reasons it enjoys such prominence as a cultural and arts-related destination. The city is relatively close to such urban centers as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., and these cities have a heavy influence on Harrisburg. The city government, the corporate sector, and the larger community all have an impact on the culture. The Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts offers education, science, and performing arts to the public. The 1,700-seat Forum concert and lecture hall is located in the capital complex and is home to the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. The Pennsylvania Farm Show happens every year and is the largest event of its kind in the country.
Harrisburg Sports and Leisure
For baseball fans, Harrisburg has the Eastern League Harrisburg Senators, who play in Commerce Bank Park. The Harrisburg City Islanders play for the United Soccer League in the Skyline Sports Complex. And for ice hockey fans, there’s the AHL Hershey Bears, who play in the Giant Center. The city’s Bureau of Recreation offers residents many opportunities to participate in self-improvement activities year round. This includes educational, cultural, and sports and fitness programs. Residents have the chance to broaden their minds and improve their bodies through sports and fitness workshops, clinics, and leagues.
Harrisburg Outdoors
There is no shortage of fun outdoor activities in the Harrisburg area. Many fields and forests offer residents the chance to enjoy sunny days of boating, hiking, and biking. Swimming in lakes or playing a round of golf are both popular activities. The Fall is when the colors of the leaves explode and residents can take in the sight with a hike along the Appalachian Trail. The area has almost 20 state and national parks that offer miles and miles of trails that wind through streams, rivers, and lakes. Winter time also offers outdoor adventures like sledding, skiing, snowmobiling, and snow shoeing.
Harrisburg at Night
Dining out in Harrisburg mean great food and a wide selection of restaurants. The city’s Germanic heritage results in such regional specialties as apples and dumplings and sweet Lebanon bologna. The area has lots of agricultural fairs and farmers markets. Family restaurants serve local favorites, and the city restaurants serve a range of international cuisine. There are also many places to enjoy a cold beer, such as the Appalachian Brewing Company. This brewpub serves food that is fresh and inventive, and their ales and lagers are handcrafted.
