Harrisburg

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For other places with the same name, see Harrisburg (disambiguation).

Harrisburg is the capital of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a state in the United States of America.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Harrisburg Internation Airport (IATA: MDT), [1] is located just outside of Harrisburg, in Middletown, you will need to complete the journey to the city by rental car, taxi, bus, or hotel shuttles which are accessible via the Multi-Modal Transportation Facility (MMTF).

[edit] By train

Amtrak[2] (HAR) is located at 4th and Chestnut Streets, with frequent trains to Philadelphia and beyond. 1-800-USA-RAIL.

[edit] By car

Being the state capital, there are many freeways that lead into the city. Some of these form the "Capital Beltway": I-81 (to the north), I-83 (to the east and south), and PA Rt. 581 (to the west). Interchanges serving the city most directly are on 81 and 83 north of their crossings with the Susquehanna River to their junction. The Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-76 also has two Harrisburg exits just south of the city.

[edit] By bus

Capitol Area Transit (CAT)[3], is the regional bus service for greater Harrisburg area. Travelers to Harrisburg from Cumberland and Dauphin Counties can travel via CAT. CAT is also a convenient means of transportation from Harrisburg International Airport (HIA)

  • Greyhound [4]
  • Capitol Trailways [5] is a regional bus line that offers services to the following cities:
    • Harrisburg - Hummelstown - Hershey - Palmyra - Lebanon - Myerstown - Womelsdorf - Wernersville - Reading
    • Harrisburg - York - Lancaster - King of Prussia - Willow Grove - New York
    • Pottsville - Penn State Schuylkill - Hamburg - Reading - Pottstown - King of Prussia - Philadelphia

[edit] Get around

[edit] By car

Parking - Weekdays, from 8AM-5PM, meter parking is enforced. The typical cost is 10 minutes for 25¢. Parking garages are typically the same rate, $3 for up to 2 hours and then escalating beyond that. Many of the garages are run by the Harrisburg Parking Authority [6]. Park for $5.00 from 5PM-5AM at River St, Walnut St and Chestnut St garages.

[edit] By foot or bike

There are many beautiful walking and biking trails that run along the Susquehanna River. You can also walk or ride your bike across the Walnut St. Bridge to City Island without worrying about safety because it is blocked off to cars.

[edit] By taxi

  • American Taxi (717) 901-8294.

[edit][add listing] See

Harrisburg has been an important location for statewide transportation since selected as the capital of Pennsylvania in 1812. The canal system and subsequent development of railroads, highways and airlines in the early century played a key role in transforming Harrisburg into a commercial and distribution center for Pennsylvania and the East. The city is centrally located 80 miles north of Baltimore, 100 miles west of Philadelphia, and 100 miles north of Washington D.C.

  • State Capitol Building

The Capitol was designed in the American Renaissance Style by Philadelphia Architect Joseph-Huston (1866-1940), who envisioned the building as a "Palace of Art". Built and furnished at a cost of $13 million, the Capitol features paintings, stained glass and furnishings by some of the best artisans of the day - Extract Out of A Centennial Celebration 1906 - 2006, Pennsylvania General Assembly.

The state capitol of Pennsylvania is a beautiful architectural masterpiece that encompasses many artistic designs and marvels. The capitol building is an Italian Renaissance-style statehouse. It includes collections of art, sculptures and large murals. On the floor of the main hallway are tiles that show Pennsylvania's history, symbols, insects and animals. The capitol dome rises 272 feet, and was modeled after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, and it's magnificent staircase looks like one from the Paris Opera. Over 100,000 people per year enjoy a free tour of Harrisburg's Capitol building.

[edit] Theaters

  • The Gamut Classic Theatre, [7] located in Strawberry Square, has it's own Shakespeare Festival that puts on a few plays each year for a few weeks at a time. Tickets are $25.00 ($17 for students and seniors), with buy-one-get-one-free discounts on Fridays and "Bring Your Own Price" discounts on Sundays. During the summer, the theatre also puts on a free production of a Shakspeare play in Reservoir Park. In 2008, the play will be "Love's Labor's Lost," June 4-14. The Gamut is also the home of the Popcorn Hat Player's Children's Theatre. Tickets are $6.
  • Midtown Cinema, [8]. A. small three screen theater in midtown Harrisburg. They have the greatest selection of independent films, along with good ice cream, coffee, and teas.

[edit][add listing] Do

  • Champion Ship Performing Arts Space, 52 Rear Market St Lemoyne, ☎ 717-612-9306. Champion Ship is a DIY, all ages, drug, alcohol, and smoke free performance arts venue located in Lemoyne, PA right outside of Harrisburg the state capital. A great place to see your favorite band, an art show, or flea market. There is also a fully stocked independent record store primarily featuring, Punk, Hardcore, Emo, and Indie Rock CD's and records. edit
  • Appalachian Trail
  • Capitol Tours and Welcome Center, East Wing Entrance, ☎ (800) 868-7672 (), [9]. 8:30am-4pm. Advanced reservations are suggested and required for groups of 10 or more. Group size is limited to 80. The tour is about a half hour long, and takes you through some of its most impressive rooms, including Italian in the House Chamber, French in the Senate Chamber and the English in the Governor's Reception Room. These are just a few of the capitol's over 600 rooms. The Welcome Center at the Capitol teaches about Pennsylvania's Government by displaying 18 informative exibits allowing visitors to read, listen, touch, and interact with the displays. FREE.  edit
  • National Civil War Museum, 1 Lincoln Circle, ☎ (717) 260-1861 (, fax: (717) 260-9599), [10]. Wed-Sat: 10am-5pm | Sun: 12pm-5pm. The only museum in The United States that portrays the entire story of the American Civil War. Equally balanced presentations are humanistic in nature without bias to Union or Confederate causes. Open 7 days a week April 1 through Labor Day. Adults $8 | Seniors $7 | Students $6 | *Family Pass $30.  edit
  • Whitaker Center / IMAX, 222 Market St, ☎ (717) 214-ARTS (2787) (), [11]. The mission of Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts is to serve as the center for scientific, artistic, cultural and educational activities to enhance the region's quality of life and economic vitality. edit
  • Pennsylvania National Fire Museum, 1820 N 4th St, ☎ (717) 232-8915 (fax: (717) 232-8916), [12]. Tue-Fri: 10am-4pm | Sat: 10am-4pm | Sun: 1pm-4pm. The Sights, sounds and history of firefighting come to life at The Pennsylvania National Fire Museum. Housed in the 1899 Victorian firehouse Reily Hose Company No. 10, the museum houses an outstanding collection of artifacts from the hand-drawn equipment of yesterday to the modern tools of today. Adult $5 | Senior $4 | Student $3 | Family $15.  edit
  • Riverfront Park and City Island. Along the banks of the Susquehanna you can enjoy a scenic bike ride, cruise the river on the Pride of the Susquehanna, or rent a canoe, paddleboat, or jet ski to experience all the Susquehanna River has to offer. Riverfront Park is also popular for afternoon lunches and provides an unbeatable view of Harrisburg's July 4th fireworks and Labor Day Weekend's Kapona Celebration, which includes a street festival, boat race, and amusement rides.
  • City Island, [13]. A unique park that sits in the center of the Susquehanna River, accessible by the east side of the Walnut St. Bridge, and is home to small shops, miniature golf, a restored carousel, train, carriage rides, and the Senators[14], a minor league baseball team. Home games for the Senators usually start at 6:35pm, and Sundays at 1:05pm, with box seats only costing $8 and general admission $5. The Riverside Village Park offers a variety of food from crab cakes to ice cream and is open daily from 11am-8pm after May 13th. Water Golf, City Island's 18 hole miniature golf course costs $5.50 for adults and $4.50 for children.
  • The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat, 717.233.7211, [15]. Harrisburg’s authentic paddlewheel riverboat, is docked on City Island, and offers 45 min public cruises throughout the summer for $4.95 for adults and $3 for children. The Pride also hosts dinner cruises once a week or you may rent the boat for a private party. City Island also gives horse drawn carriage rides that tour the island and can be reserved for special occasions. Or you can choose to tour the island on The General, City Island's Civil War-Era steam train that is located next to the carousel. Harrisburg and City Island also have two working marinas to dock your boat, a sandy beach for swimming, volleyball courts, and a multipurpose grass field for sports and concerts that is available for rent.

[edit][add listing] Buy

  • Strawberry Square, [16]. A major shopping complex in downtown Harrisburg, that has an open air feel with many food and specialty shops.
  • The Shops on Third is a little more upscale shopping than Strawberry Square. They include such shops as the famous Sparky and Clarks, as well as other one of a kind boutiques.
  • Broad Street Market is comprised of two large historic buildings that house an array of foods from Amish produce and meats, to an international deli and cheese shop, to organic and whole foods. Located on Verbecke St and 3rd St.

[edit][add listing] Eat

During the week, you should have no problem finding a place to eat without much wait, but the weekends (especially in the summer) may require a bit of a wait at the popular restaurants during their prime time dinner crowd.

  • Neato Burrito, 209 N. 2nd St., ☎ (717) 232-7467. Best mission style burritos outside of California. Has 5 locations around the Harrisburg area. edit
  • Scott's Bar and Grill, 212 Locust Street, 717-234-7599, [17]. One of the top restaurants in Harrisburg, specializing in steaks, they serve only the finest Angus Beef. They have a huge wine list and offer local beers from the Appalachian Brewing Company. Meals usually run between $15-$30. They have a comfortable upscale atmosphere as well as an outdoor deck that overlooks Chestnut St. for seating.
  • Caffeine Connection is a reasonably priced coffeehouse located on 3rd St. across from the main steps leading up to the capitol building. It has a warm, cozy atmosphere and a great view of the capitol's beautiful architecture from the windows.
  • Cragin's Brick Haus Restaurant, 229 N 2nd St, ☎ (717) 233-4287, [18]. The Brick Haus offers authentic German and American cusine including goulasch, sausages, seafood, and steaks. edit
  • Ceoltas Irish Pub, 310 N 2nd St, ☎ (717) 233-3202 (), [19]. Ceoltas provides an authentic taste of Ireland. Ceoltas also attracts bands from all around to play at their venue. edit
  • The Firehouse Restaurant, 606 N 2nd St, ☎ (717) 234-6064 (, fax: (717) 234-6155), [20]. 11:30am-10pm (Mon-Thu) | 11:30am-11pm (Fri-Sat) | 4pm-9pm (Sun). The Firehouse is the oldest standing firehouse in Harrisburg. It operated as a firehouse until 1980. It has kept most of the original architecture and made some modifications, including a fire hydrant beer tap. edit
  • Da'Pits Chicago Grill, 2101 N 2nd St, ☎ (717) 233-7487. Da'Pits is a Chicago-style grill is known for their delicious ribs. Everything is cooked over an open flame. edit
  • Appalachian Brewing Company, 50 N Cameron St, [21]. 11am-11pm (Sun-Thu) | 11am-12am (Fri-Sat). ABC serves fresh innovative cuisine to match their handcrafted ales and lagers. Brewery tours every Saturday at 1pm. edit
  • Passage To India, 525 South Front St, ☎ (717) 233-1202, [22]. Passage to India serves excellent Indian cuisine, open seven days a week, with a great view of the river while dining. edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

Harrisburg has a small, vibrant night life for those who enjoy good food, good company, and good drinks.

  • Cafe Fresca is the only spot in Harrisburg so far that is completely smoke free. Unlike other bars in downtown Harrisburg, it has a chic modern atmosphere with Asian inspired cuisine that goes along with their extensive wine and drink menu. The music has a laid back lounge feel and on occasion Cafe Fresca has a live jazz band trio that performs in the back corner. The decor matches a sountern California look that gives the place an upscale feel.
  • The Red Door is Harrisburg's only wine bar that is situated in the heart of downtown. They feature an array of wines both in varietal and price and a cozy atmosphere for a few friends or a date.
  • Molly Brannigans is a small chain of Irish Pubs with 4 other locations in PA besides the one in Harrisburg. They have an impressive menu that includes steaks, seafood, and salads. The happy hour crowd is older from 5-7, but later on the crowd turns younger and a band usually hits the stage, while people dance in front. It has a great authentic Irish feel.

Harrisburg's downtown atmosphere dynamically changes throughout the day. During the day, you can explore the coffee shops and quickly prepared meals designed to accommodate the government and downtown workforce. Early evening you can hop between restaurants during their happy hour specials (typically 5-7pm). Stay downtown for dinner and you can enjoy a nice sit-down meal.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Accommodations in the Harrisburg area give you plenty of options at reasonable prices compared to larger metropolitan areas. More expensive hotels are located in closer proximity to Hershey and Baltimore.

  • Comfort Inn Riverfront, 22 S 2nd St, ☎ (717) 233-1611 (fax: (717) 238-2172), [23]. Check in: 3pm; Check out: 11am.  edit
  • Crowne Plaza Hotel, 525 South Front St, ☎ (717) 234-5021 (fax: (717) 234-6797), [24]. Check in: 4pm; Check out: 11am.  edit
  • Hilton Harrisburg, 1 N 2nd St, ☎ (717) 233-6000 (fax: (717) 233-6830), [25]. Check in: 4pm; Check out: 11am.  edit
  • Wyndham Garden Hotel, 765 Eisenhower Blvd, ☎ (717) 558-9500 (fax: (717) 558-8956), [26].  edit
  • Wyndham Harrisburg-Hershey, 4650 Lindle Rd, ☎ (717) 564-5511, [27].  edit

[edit] Get out

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!

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