bigtravelbuzzHarrisburg is the capital city of Pennsylvania and is located in the central part of the state. Here are some places to visit and things to do in Harrisburg:
Pennsylvania State Capitol: The Pennsylvania State Capitol building is a stunning example of Beaux-Arts architecture and is open for free tours. The Capitol building features impressive murals, sculptures, and stained glass windows.
National Civil War Museum: The National Civil War Museum is dedicated to telling the story of the American Civil War through interactive exhibits and artifacts. The museum is located on a hill overlooking the city and offers panoramic views.
City Island: City Island is a small island in the Susquehanna River, located just south of downtown Harrisburg. It features a minor league baseball stadium, miniature golf, and a small amusement park. There are also several restaurants and picnic areas on the island.
Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center: The Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including agricultural shows, trade shows, and concerts.
Fort Hunter Mansion and Park: Fort Hunter Mansion and Park is a historic site that features a restored 18th-century mansion, as well as walking trails, gardens, and a playground.
Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts: The Whitaker Center is a science and performing arts center that features interactive exhibits, a cinema, and a performance theater.
Susquehanna Art Museum: The Susquehanna Art Museum is located in downtown Harrisburg and features rotating exhibits of contemporary art.
Overall, Harrisburg offers a variety of cultural, historical, and recreational attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Best Time To Visit Harrisburg
The best time to visit Harrisburg is during the spring and fall seasons. In the spring, the weather is pleasant and the cherry blossoms around the city are in full bloom, creating a beautiful scenery. The fall season brings crisp weather and vibrant foliage, which is a popular attraction for visitors. The summer season can be hot and humid, and the winter season can be cold with occasional snow, which can limit outdoor activities. However, if you enjoy winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding or ice skating, Harrisburg can be a great place to visit during the winter. Ultimately, the best time to visit Harrisburg depends on your personal preferences and what activities you would like to do.
How to get around in Harrisburg
Harrisburg offers several options for getting around the city:
Public Transportation: Capital Area Transit (CAT) provides bus service throughout the city and the surrounding suburbs. The buses operate on a regular schedule and offer a convenient way to get around Harrisburg.
Taxis and Ridesharing: Taxis and ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are available in Harrisburg. They are a good option for getting around the city quickly and conveniently.
Biking: Harrisburg has a bike share program called Bike Share Harrisburg, which offers rental bikes at various locations throughout the city. There are also bike lanes and bike-friendly routes throughout the city.
Walking: Harrisburg is a walkable city, with many attractions located within a short distance of each other. Walking is a great way to explore the city and take in the sights and sounds.
Driving: If you have a car, driving is another option for getting around Harrisburg. There are several parking garages and lots located throughout the city, although parking can be difficult to find during peak hours.
Where to eat in Harrisburg
Harrisburg has a diverse culinary scene, with many great dining options to choose from. Here are some popular places to eat in Harrisburg:
Cork & Fork: This farm-to-table restaurant offers a rotating menu of seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Home 231: This cozy bistro serves up comfort food favorites such as mac and cheese and fried chicken, as well as seasonal specials.
Mangia Qui: This Italian restaurant offers a variety of homemade pasta dishes, as well as antipasti and artisanal cheese plates.
The Millworks: This unique restaurant and brewery is housed in a former industrial space and features farm-to-table cuisine, craft beer, and an art gallery.
Cafe Fresco Center City: This sleek and modern restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine, as well as sushi and cocktails.
Jackson House: This classic diner has been a Harrisburg institution since 1946, serving up classic American breakfast and lunch dishes.
El Sol Mexican Restaurant: This family-owned restaurant offers authentic Mexican cuisine in a casual setting.
The Garlic Poet Restaurant & Bar: This modern gastropub features an eclectic menu of small plates, sandwiches, and entrees, as well as craft beer and cocktails.
These are just a few of the many great dining options in Harrisburg. There are also several farmers’ markets and specialty food shops throughout the city, where you can pick up locally made products and fresh ingredients to cook with at home.
Famous street stalls in Harrisburg
Harrisburg is not particularly known for its street food scene, but there are a few popular food trucks and street vendors that you might want to check out:
Mad Dash Concessions: This food truck specializes in creative hot dogs and sausages, such as the “Mac Attack Dog” topped with mac and cheese, and the “Reuben Dog” with corned beef and sauerkraut.
The Chicken Truck: As the name suggests, this food truck serves up delicious fried chicken sandwiches, as well as sides like mac and cheese and collard greens.
Upohar: This food truck offers authentic South Asian cuisine, including samosas, curries, and biryanis.
Uncle Paul’s Stuffed Pretzels: This local chain serves up large stuffed pretzels with a variety of sweet and savory fillings, such as pepperoni and cheese, and cinnamon sugar.
Knead Bar Pies: This food truck specializes in individual-sized pizzas made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
These street vendors can often be found at local festivals and events, as well as in downtown Harrisburg during the lunch rush.
Where to stay in Harrisburg
Luxury accommodation
If you’re looking for luxury accommodations in Harrisburg, here are some options to consider:
The Hilton Harrisburg: This hotel is located in the heart of downtown Harrisburg and offers spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and indoor pool.
The Hotel Hershey: While not located in Harrisburg, The Hotel Hershey is just a short drive away and offers a luxurious experience with elegant rooms, a full-service spa, several restaurants, and golf course.
The Radisson Hotel Harrisburg: This hotel is located in Camp Hill, just a few miles from downtown Harrisburg. It offers comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, indoor pool, and fitness center.
The Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel: This hotel is located in the suburb of Swatara Township, just a few miles from downtown Harrisburg. It offers modern rooms, an on-site restaurant, indoor pool, and fitness center.
The Harrisburg Marriott: This hotel is located in downtown Harrisburg and offers modern rooms, an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and indoor pool.
All of these hotels offer luxury accommodations and convenient access to the attractions and activities in and around Harrisburg.
Where to stay in Harrisburg
Budget accommodation
If you’re looking for budget accommodations in Harrisburg, here are some options to consider:
Motel 6 Harrisburg: This budget-friendly motel is located just off I-83 and offers simple rooms, free Wi-Fi, and parking.
Red Roof Inn Harrisburg North: This hotel is located just a few miles north of Harrisburg and offers basic rooms with free Wi-Fi and parking.
Econo Lodge Harrisburg: This budget hotel is located just off I-83 and offers simple rooms with free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast.
Super 8 by Wyndham Harrisburg Hershey North: This budget hotel is located just a few miles north of Harrisburg and offers basic rooms with free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast.
Days Inn by Wyndham Harrisburg North: This budget hotel is located just off I-81 and offers simple rooms with free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast.
All of these budget accommodations offer basic amenities at an affordable price and are located within a short drive of the attractions and activities in and around Harrisburg.
Travel Tips Harrisburg
Here are some travel tips for Harrisburg:
Plan your trip around the weather: Harrisburg experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and fall are generally mild, making these seasons a good time to visit.
Rent a car: While Harrisburg has some public transportation options, the easiest way to get around the area is by car. Renting a car will give you the flexibility to explore the city and surrounding areas on your own schedule.
Visit the State Capitol: The Pennsylvania State Capitol is one of the most impressive buildings in Harrisburg and is open for tours. The building is free to enter, and the guided tours are also free.
Check out City Island: City Island is a small island in the middle of the Susquehanna River, just a few blocks from downtown Harrisburg. The island features a minor league baseball stadium, mini-golf course, and riverboat rides.
Explore the Appalachian Trail: The Appalachian Trail passes through Harrisburg, making it a popular spot for hikers. If you’re looking for a day hike, you can pick up the trail at nearby Cumberland Valley.
Try the local food: Harrisburg is known for its food scene, with many local restaurants serving up traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dishes, like pot pie and chicken corn soup.
Be aware of events and festivals: Harrisburg hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, including the Kipona Festival in September and the Pennsylvania Farm Show in January. These events can attract large crowds, so plan accordingly.
Overall, Harrisburg is a great destination for history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and foodies alike. With a little planning, you can make the most of your trip to this charming Pennsylvania city.