The Great Outdoors & Indoors
1. Get inside on a hot day andtour the jaw-dropping Capitol
It’s a hot, steamy day. You just can’t stand another hour at the pool. Isn’t there someplace that’s cool and inspiring, that dazzles the eyes and soothes the senses? The answer could be right under your nose. The Pennsylvania Capitol is a resplendent marriage of art and architecture, called by Theodore Roosevelt the handsomest state capitol he’d ever seen. Take a tour, and see through the eyes of a dazzled president, from the murals of the soaring rotunda overhead to the storytelling Mercer tiles beneath your feet. -DM
501 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, PA/www.pacapitol.com/tours.html/ 1-800-868-7672
2. See a HBG Senators game
You don’t have to be a baseball fan to enjoy a carefree night at the Senators’ ever-evolving ballpark, the rechristened FNB Field. The Senators celebrate 30 years this year too. Enjoy entertainment between innings. Savor MoMo’s pork barbecue, or Arooga’s wings. If you miss Harrisburg’s legendary hot dog joint, The Spot, this is the place where you can still get a Spot dog. New this year: Snap a selfie with life-sized bobbleheads of past Senators greats like Bryce Harper, now an MLB star with the Washington Nationals and enshrined in the Senators’ One & Only World Famous, Life Size Bobblehead Hall of Fame. -DM
FNB Field, 245 Championship Way, Harrisburg, PA/www.senatorsbaseball.com/717-231-4444
3. Tour de Belt: June 5
Bicyclists of all ability levels look forward to the annual Tour de Belt, June 5. It’s a chance to support the beautiful Capitol Area Greenbelt and immerse in a haven of greenery in and around the city. For pedaling pleasure all summer long and beyond, join a ride with the Harrisburg Bicycle Club. The rides start from spots all around the region, at different times and days to suit all schedules. Best of all, they’re organized by skill level, so you can choose your pace, from leisurely to heart-racing. -DM
4. Tubing on the Yellow Breeches
Grab your tube, and get out on the water. Harrisburg residents in the know go to the Yellow Breeches for a day of fun and relaxation. After all, what’s more perfect than a leisurely lazy-river float on a sweltering summer day? Just park at Messiah College for easy entrance to the water. -HW
5. Fireworks inNegley Park
Take in a hilltop and a river flowing in the distance. Bring a blanket and a basketful of picnic goodies. Result: the perfect way to celebrate Independence Day or Labor Day. Lemoyne’s serene Negley Park offers the ideal vantage point for fireworks bursting in air from City Island below. -DM
418 Cumberland Road, Lemoyne, PA/www.lemoynepa.com/717-737-6843
6. Strites Orchard fruit picking
Get out and enjoy the fruits of your labor…literally! At Strites Orchard, a bounty of pick-your-own fruits and vegetables are available. Start early in the season for strawberries, or head over mid-summer for cherries and black raspberries. Plus, plan a day for apple and pumpkin picking once the weather cools. -HW
1000 Strites Road, Harrisburg, PA/www.stritesorchard.com/ 717-564-3130
7. Ride The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat
Go rollin’ on the river, and gain a perspective of the city that you just can’t get driving up Second Street. Time slows down as you float past the bridges, the riverbank, the islands and the architecture, all in an authentic stern-driven paddlewheel riverboat. You can even schedule your own special event, like a wedding. Take the kids to a superhero pizza party, savor a wine and cheese tasting or dine on a cruise with craft beer pairings. -DM
11 Championship Way, Harrisburg, PA/www.harrisburgriverboat.com/717-234-6500
8. Evenings at Riverfront Park
After the hot, humid days, sometimes weather gives way to a more mild evening, and city dwellers know the best place to walk the dog, run or get in a bike ride is in Riverfront Park. Beautiful sunsets, friendly neighbors and a lovely river view. -SB
9. Kayak the Susquehanna
On a bright, sunny summer day, there’s nothing like hitting the Susquehanna (or one of its tributaries) for a relaxing day of kayaking. Drop in at Adams-Ricci Park and float into the river from the west, or book a rental through Susquehanna Outfitters right on City Island. -SB
10 Sport Hall of Fame Drive, City Island, Harrisburg, PA/www.susquehannaoutfitters.com/717-503-0066
10. Drive in for a Red Rabbit Bunny Burger
Take a trip back in time to the Red Rabbit Drive In, an authentic 50s experience that’s home of the Bunny Burger. It’s a Harrisburg favorite, and if you’ve never been, you’ll see why. Just save room for a hand-spun milkshake and “make the rabbit a habit” every summer.
60 Benvenue Road, Duncannon, PA/www.redrabbitdrivein.com/717-834-4696
11. Get crab cakes at Nicks 114
We dare you to find a better crab cake in Harrisburg than the signature jumbo-lump delights they serve at Nick’s 114 Café. At this neighborhood joint in New Cumberland, locals know all about the fresh made cakes, which you can get broiled or fried; single or double; sandwich, solo or salad-style. Order a side salad, too, and opt for the homemade blue cheese dressing—it’s worth the indulgence. -HW
114 Bridge St., New Cumberland, PA/www.nicks114cafe.com/717-774-6612
12. Picnic ethnic
Remember great-grandma’s pljeskavica? No? How about her halushki? So maybe you never tried great-grandma’s dishes, passed down through the generations. Here’s your chance, at a Steelton or Harrisburg-area church picnic. Open to the public, these summertime staples celebrate the heritage our ancestors brought from the old world, whether they were Serbian, Slavic, Croatian, Greek or Mexican. Watch event calendars for picnics from Prince of Peace Parish or St. Mary’s, both at Cibort Park (Penn Street at Center Street, Steelton); St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church and the Serbian-American Club, both at Serb Park (1131 Eisenhower Boulevard, Harrisburg); St. Francis of Assisi at Kohl Memorial Park (Union Deposit and Dowhower Roads, Harrisburg); and St. Ann Byzantine Catholic Church (5408 Locust Lane, Harrisburg). Be sure to circle May 2017 on your calendar, for the legendary Greek Festival at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral (1000 Yverdon Drive, Camp Hill, www.holytrinityhbg.org, 717-763-7441). -DM
13. The first sip of Sunshine Pils from Harrisburg’s best brewery, Tröegs
Tröegs’ summer seasonal ushers in warmer weather with its light body that does not compromise on taste. This light, hoppy and crisp beer should be a mainstay in your beer fridge all summer long. Available through August. (Pro tip: Take cans of this kayaking!) -SB
200 E. Hershey Park Drive, Hershey, PA/www.troegs.com
14. Live music & BBQ at MoMo’s BBQ & Grill
Nothing says summer like BBQ, and MoMo’s is one of the best (actually reader confirmed with a Best of Harrisburg winning vote). Plus, pop in on weekend nights for great live music, a huge selection of craft beer and great food. (You must have the smoked wings with Alabama white sauce.) -SB
307 Market St., Harrisburg, PA/www.momosbbqandgrill.com/717-230-1030
15. Mark your calendar for Aug 2: HYP Lemonade Day
When life gives you lemons, open a lemonade stand! On HYP Lemonade Day, August 2, four teams of students work with Harrisburg Young Professional mentors to create business models for their own unique lemonade stands and, applying their business strategies, vie to sell the most lemonade. The budding entrepreneurs operate their stands at spots around downtown Harrisburg during lunchtime, and part of the proceeds benefits local charities chosen by the students. -DM
2601 N. Front St., Harrisburg, PA/www.hyp.org/717-831-0726
16. Bring your appetite to Soul Burrito, Harrisburg’s best food truck
When you’re looking for alfresco food on the go, track down Harrisburg’s best food truck, Soul Burrito, or visit their brick and mortar location. Fans rave about The Jamaican Sensation, which features marinated chicken coated in coconut curry sauce. The mac-n-cheese is a big hit, too. Watch for Wednesdays when you can get a Soulrrito filled with fried chicken, collard greens and mac-n-cheese. Warning: bring your appetite; these burritos are big. -HW
3816 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA/www.soulburrito.com/717-719-9592
17. Nosh a Pho7Spice noodle bowl
Crisp, cool, refreshing…and dare we say, healthy? The grilled shrimp and egg roll bun (vermicelli salad) at Pho7Spice is a perfect summer option when you’re not feeling like a hot bowl of pho. In this dish, fresh veggies and herbs like cucumber, carrots and cilantro are combined with vermicelli noodles, peanuts and fish sauce, plus savory shrimp and crunchy
egg roll. -HW
4830 Carlisle Pike, Suite D8, Mechanicsburg, PA/www.pho7spice.net / 717-412-7155
18. Brunch alfresco
The only thing that beats brunch is brunch alfresco. On Saturdays, get in early at Café Fresco for sidewalk seating, or grab a table outside of Café 1500 (just make sure you find out what Chae's concocting at the bar inside). Truly in-the-know Burg brunchers will be tucked over on North Street, snagging coveted outdoor tables at Mangia Qui or breezy seats in the courtyard at Home 231. -SB
Café Fresco/215 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg, PA/www.cafefresco.com/717-236-2599
Café 1500/1500 N. 6th St. #101, Harrisburg, PA/www.cafe-1500.com/717-831-8322
Mangia Qui/272 North St., Harrisburg, PA/ www.mangiaqui.com/717-233-7358
Home 231/231 North St., Harrisburg, PA/www.home231.com/717-232-4663
19. Dine outdoors downtown Get a seat where the action is, no matter the occasion. For a side street rendezvous: Home 231. Cozy up to seasonal freshness (www.home231.com). Don’t miss a pitch: Arooga’s Draft House & Sports Bar. The walls open up for a view of the screens (www.aroogas.com). Eat healthy: Bacco Pizzeria and Wine Bar. Custom cocktails and one-of-a-kind pizzas (www.baccopizzeriawinebar.com). Eat fresh: El Sol Mexican Restaurant. Oh, those mahi mahi tacos (wwwelsolmexicanrestaurant.com). Weather resistant: Char’s Tracy Mansion.Let the rain pitter patter on the veranda awning overhead (www.charsrestaurant.com). See and be seen: Federal Taphouse. Watch the world go by, while a world of tastes in beer and wine come to your table (www.federaltaphousehbg.com). Catch up over coffee: Little Amps Coffee Roasters. You know you want the Cold Jar—espresso shaken with ice and brown sugar (www.littleampscoffee.com). Special night: Stock’s on Second. An original,and still one of the best (www.stocksonsecond.com). -DM
To Market, To Market
20. Visit Radish & Rye Food Hub—best market stand—at Broad Street Market
At Harrisburg’s longstanding Broad Street Market, our readers love Radish & Rye Food Hub (voted this year’s best market stand). It’s easy to see why, with quality ingredients available like local grass-fed beef, raw artisan cheese and organic produce. Plus, they even have a blog to let you know what’s available for the week. -HW
1233 N. Third St., Harrisburg, PA/www.radishandryefood.com
21. Shop open-air at Farmers on the Square
Enjoy the summer at Carlisle’s open-air farmers’ market, Farmers on the Square. Whether you’re shopping for basic fruits and veggies, looking for something more interesting (chorizo anyone?) or picking up a gorgeous, hand-cut bouquet for someone special, you’ll find it all here. -HW
2 N. Hanover St., Carlisle, PA/www.farmersonthesquare.com
22. Sip fresh squeezed orange juice at Harrisburg’s best farmers market, West Shore Farmers Market
With a location convenient to both Camp Hill and Harrisburg, we get the hype about the West Shore Farmers Market, voted Harrisburg’s best farmers market for another year. Start your visit here with a stop at Juicy Rumor and order a fresh-squeezed Ginger Hopper (carrot, apple and ginger root) to satisfy your summer thirst. -HW
900 Market St., Lemoyne, PA/www.westshorefarmersmarket.com/717-737-9881
23. See Adams-Ricci Farmers Market’s new larger location
Formerly the Farmers on Walnut market in Camp Hill, the Adams-Ricci Farmers Market now meets in a larger outdoor location just south of Enola. You’ll love their handmade jams and jellies, fresh baked breads—and even local wines. -HW
98 S. Enola Drive, Enola, PA/www.adamsriccifarmersmarket.org
24. Get eats with beats at the Farmers Market in Hershey
The Farmers Market in Hershey combines the best of both worlds…eats and beats! Stroll through the stands, pick up your goods (fresh spices, pasta and so much more). Then stop to listen to live music during their Summer Concert Series. -HW
1215 Research Blvd., Hummelstown, PA/www.farmersmarketinhershey.com/717-364-9226
2 Festivals to Mark on Your Calendar
25. Straws & Stripes
The Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey's Straws & Stripes event returns for its second year, a summer music festival and release party in celebration of our nation’s armed forces. Headlined by a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band, the festival features food vendors and new beer and wine releases— all featuring PA strawberries—at the Harrisburg reader-voted best winery. -SB
598 Schoolhouse Road, Middletown, PA/www.vineyardathershey.com/717-944-1569
26. Fort Hunter Festivals
Dauphin County knows how to bookend a summer and fill the days in between with merriment. Dauphin County Music & Wine Festival, June 11 to 12; Brewfest, July 16; and Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival, September 9 to 11—there’s live music, tasty sipping and local foods, all wrapped in the riverside greenery of historic Fort Hunter Mansion and Park. Bring a lawn chair, but don’t be surprised when the music gets you on your feet to dance! -DM
5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, PA/www.forthunter.org/717-599-5751
Family Fun
27. National Civil War Museum
In summertime, history comes alive at Harrisburg’s National Civil War Museum high atop the summit at Reservoir Park. Living history by dedicated re-enactors promises to give visitors the flash and smoke of Civil War muskets and rifles. Walk among encampments and talk to living historians as if you could reach back in time and communicate with soldiers of the North and South. What did they wear? What did they eat? Get to know the history you never experienced in high school. -DM
One Lincoln Circle at Reservoir Park, Harrisburg, PA/www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org/717-260-1861
28. Lake Tobias Wildlife Park
Love exotic animals? You don’t have to travel far to experience a safari; catch one right here in Central PA at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park. Open-air cruisers will tour you through 150 acres of rolling hills, where nearly 500 mammals and flightless birds are available for you to see…and maybe even touch from the tour bus! -HW
760 Tobias Road, Halifax, PA/www.laketobias.com/717-362-9126
29. City Island Waterfront Mini Golf and Water Park
If you love mini-golf, but get a bit bored waiting for the next hole, head over to City Island for a game that offers something extra. Water Golf’s mid-river location makes for a scenic view, so you can watch kayaks and water wildlife float by as you anticipate your next turn. For extra summer beauty, go before dusk to catch the sunset. -HW
www.h2Ogolf.com/717-232-8533
30. Pick up a summer read at Midtown Scholar
More than just a bookstore, it is also a community gathering place, a home for the arts and a family-run business all in one. As the largest academic used bookstore in Pennsylvania, Midtown Scholar stocks over one million books and has sold tens of thousands of books to students, professors and librarians in more than forty countries. Shop local and indie for your summer beach books.
1302 N. 3rd St./www.midtownscholar.com/717-236-1680
31. Wildwood Nature Center
Did you know you can explore woods, marsh and more, just steps from city? Whether your preference is walking, hiking or biking, Wildwood Park offers options of all kinds, including ample trails and boardwalks. And, of course, the Benjamin Olewine III Nature Center is not to be missed for little flora and fauna lovers. -HW
100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, PA/www.wildwoodlake.org/ 717-221-0292
32. Indian Echo Caverns
Cool down and learn about the area’s only caverns. It’s a place that most locals know about, but few ever get to. On a hot day, it is the perfect place to get out of the heat and enjoy one of the hidden gems of our area. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. -SB
368 Middletown Road, Hummelstown, PA/www.indianechocaverns.com/717-566-8131
33. Visit Harrisburg’s best gallery, The Millworks, and enjoy a libation on the new rooftop deck.
Part art gallery, music venue, restaurant and (soon) brewery makes The Millworks a go-to spot at any point of the day. The new rooftop deck coming this summer will offer fresh beer and light snacks—and will be the first of its kind in Midtown. -SB
340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg, PA/www.millworksharrisburg.com/717-695-4888
34. HMAC First Saturday HBG Flea Market and block party
The first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the HBG Flea is a local craft market held in the Capitol Room at HMAC that hosts a variety of local vendors and artists. This summer, the market will move outdoors on Third Street with vendors, live music and more. -SB
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, PA/www.hbgarts.com/717-412-4342
35. Find something for everyone at the Whitaker Center for science and arts
A downtown staple for the entire family, this immersive combination of science, art and theatre make this one of the most unique and educational spots in our area to spend an entire day. This month is no exception for excitement, with a limited-time exhibit featuring the world’s largest playable guitar and over 60 rare and unique guitars on display with interactive, hands-on exhibits that demonstrate the science behind the music of guitars, June 4 through September 4. Finding Dori 3D opens June 17, reuniting fans with their favorite blue fish from Finding Nemo and a lesson on family. Plus The Indigo Girls—the iconic duo behind hits like “Closer To Fine” and “Love of Our Lives”—come to the Sunoco Performance Theater June 19. -SB
22 Market St., Harrisburg, PA/www.whitakercenter.org/717-214-2787
36. Midtown Cinema outdoor series
Grab a growler from ZeroDay Brewing Co. and enjoy a classic movie in the shared parking lot at Midtown Cinema on their outdoor screen. Admission is free and this season’s showings include Grease, The Goonies and Back to the Future. -SB
250 Reily St., Harrisburg, PA/www.midtowncinema.com/717-909-6566
37. Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra outdoor concerts
Live music under the stars on a warm summer night. What could be more American? Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra’s longstanding tradition of fun musical fare in free community concerts continues with familiar classical melodies and rousing patriotic tunes. This year’s series offers five concerts in five nights, from June 30 through July 4 in Annville, Perry County, Lemoyne, Carlisle and Harrisburg. -DM
www.harrisburgsymphony.org/717-545-5527
38. LOL at Theatre Harrisburg
A play is a manmade marvel when words, costumes, lights, sets, direction and acting all blend in seamless harmony for two hours of entertainment. Founded in 1926, Theatre Harrisburg continues delivering the excitement of live theater, where the charge flowing between audience and actors just can’t be replicated on a movie screen. This June, Theatre Harrisburg presents the hilarious The 39 Steps, with four actors playing 150 characters in a sendup of the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock thriller. -DM
513 Hurlock St., Harrisburg, PA/www.theatreharrisburg.com/717-232-5501
39. Art Association of Harrisburg’s Summer Soirees
Homes and studios open their doors and surround guests with artwork and crafts from local artists and artisans. This year, there are two soirees in June and two in August. Large-scale metal pieces take their place on an Uptown Harrisburg lawn. Pottery, leather bags, art glass and jewelry sparkle in a new fine home-building showroom. Paintings get their showings in homes and a Lewisburg-area farm. It’s all to benefit the Art Association of Harrisburg, supporting artistic expression since 1926. -DM
www.artassocofhbg.com/717-236-1432
40. Cool off and get inspired at the Susquehanna Art Museum
This Midtown attraction is Harrisburg’s only dedicated art museum. It exhibits nationally and internationally award-winning artists on a rotating basis. Look for their 3rd in the Burg special events and public art classes like free Family First Sundays. -SB
1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, PA/www.sqart.org/717-233-8668
By Sara Bozich, Diane McCormick & Hannah Wigton
