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Mechanicsburg

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Mechanicsburg is a borough in Cumberland County,Pennsylvania, USA. Mechanicsburg is eight miles west of Harrisburgand the town itself has a total area of 2.6 square miles of land. On April 12, 1828 the borough was given the name Mechanicsburg after the increased settlement of Conestago Wagon mechanics to the area. Designated as a water station for the restocking of locomotives in the 1800's, railroads played a vital role in Mechanicsburg's development linking the town to the business and industry world. During the 19th century an average of 25 trains chugged through the town daily carrying travelers, mail, newspapers, coal, and food. Today Mechanicsburg is most well known for being the hometown of rocker and reality TV star Bret Michaels, and home to Jubilee Day, the largest and longest-running-one-day street fair on the east coast.

[edit] Get in

By Plane

The Harrisburg International Airport is located approximately sixteen miles from the center of Mechanicsburg. The Multi-Modal Transportation Facility(MMTF) is a four story facility that provides services for all ground transportation including taxis, limos, rental cars, shuttles, and buses making it easy for travelers to get from point "A" to point "B".

By Train

Harrisburg is home to the Harrisburg Amtrak Station. The Amtrak train moves at an average speed of 100 miles per hour and sells reasonably priced tickets. The train is cheap, timely, and an economical means of transportation. Located at 4th and Chestnut Street the station is a quick 8 miles to Mechanicsburg. Harrisburg is home to many taxi companies willing to drive the 8 miles into Mechanicsburg including Capital City Cab Services, American Taxi, Personal Driver Services, and AAA Alpine Taxicab Company. Averaging $10-$12.00 for a taxi ride into town these cab services are perfect to get a traveler to Mechanicsburg in a timely fashion.

By Car

Being that Mechanicsburg connects into the Carlisle Pike, a major trucking road, many highways connect to the area which makes it easily accesible by car. Coming from the north take I-81 to Exit 3, Carlisle Pike. Coming from the east or south take I-83 exit 4, Mechanicsburg. Coming westbound take PA Rt. 581. The Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-76 takes you to Mechanicsburg off the Harrisburg West exit.

By Bus

[edit] Get around

Taxi

Car Rentals

[edit][add listing] See

Art & Theatre

  • Art Center Schools and Galleries- 18 Artcraft Drive Mechanicsburg PA 17050
  • Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg- 915 South York St. Mechanicsburg PA 17055

History

  • Mechanicsburg is rich in history with easy to reach historical sites throughout town. The Frankeberger Tavern, the oldest building still standing in town, is found on 217 East Main Street. The museum was originally owned by George Frankeberger who built the log home in 1801 as a hotel for travelers. The Station Master's House was built in 1863 by The Cumberland Valley Railroad for the station master and his wife. Found on 4 Strawberry Alley, the home is now restored and furnished with antiques and reproductions from the period to portray a middle-class house hold during the 19th century. The Passenger Station found on 2 Strawberry Alley, is a historical train station built in 1831 connecting to the Cumberland Valley Railroad. Now the station is home to the Mechanicsburg Musuem Association.

[edit][add listing] Do

  • If you happen to travel to Mechanicsburg the second week in June the famous Jubilee Day street fair runs all day long. Rain or shine Market Street is annually shut down for the longest street fair on the east coast. Food, games, crafts, rides, and much more fill the town roads giving everyone a little taste of Mechanicsburg culture.
  • The large Conodoguinet Creek runs right through the borough. During the warmer spring and summer months the Conodoquinet is a perfect spot to spend a day fishing, tubing, and kayaking with endless places along the water to enter and exit
  • If you want to enjoy a leisurly day out on the golf course Mechanicsburg is home to two different courses: Armitage Golf Club located on 800 Orrs Bridge Road and Rich Valley Golf on 227 Rich Valley Rd.
  • Paulus Farm Market on 1216 S. York St.
  • Color Me Mine located on 4830 Carlisle Pike is a fun and artistic way to spend a couple hours with others.
  • Finkenbinder Park on the Corner of Arch and Green Streets and Center Square Park W. Lisburn Road in Center Square Development are two parks with full playgrounds.
  • Downtown Dancing on 19 E. Main St.
  • Relax and spend a day getting pampered at Sass Salon & Day Spa 4931 Carlisle Pike or Changes Salon and Day Spa 5121 E. Trindle Road.
  • A brand new Flagship Cinema recently opened in summer '09 in Hampden township. The movie theatre features, Digital 3D, Stadium Seating, Low-Res Shaker Seats and Free Soda Refills.

[edit][add listing] Buy

  • The town of Mechanicsburg is aligned with unique, one-of-a-kind stores including antiques, boutiques, sport stores, craft shops, and much much more. The best shopping is found along Market Street.

[edit][add listing] Eat

In and out of town, Mechanicsburg has an endless variety of restuarants from small diners to commercial franchises.

In Town Dining

  • Located on 398 N. York Street Grandpa's Growler Restaurant and Bar has a great home-like atmosphere. With reasonably priced food and an assortment of beer you can't go wrong!
  • The Colony House located on 125 West Main Street is a low key, laid back diner. A perfect spot for Sunday morning breakfast.
  • If you are looking for something quick and simple Subway is located on 20 West Main Street and Domino's is located on 2 West Allen Street.
  • Sal's Pizza located on 304 North York Street is hands down home to the best pizza around. If you're in the mood for pizza, hoagies, or burgers Sal's will be sure to please.

Out of Town Dining

Mechanicsburg outside of the town consists of many commercial restaurants including

  • TGI Fridays 5470 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA‎ - (717) 766-1851‎
  • Red Lobster 4711 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA‎ - (717) 763-1760‎
  • Outback Steakhouse 25 Gateway Dr, Mechanicsburg, PA‎ - (717) 795-9909‎
  • Carrabba's 5250 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA‎ - (717) 795-9200‎
  • 5 Guys Burgers 4810 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA‎ - (717) 737-1112‎
  • Chili's 6416 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA‎ - (717) 795-1091‎
  • Isaac's 4940 Ritter Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA‎ - (717) 766-1111‎
  • Red Robin 6560 Carlisle Pike # 450, Mechanicsburg, PA‎ - (717) 766-5400
  • Ruby Tuesday 4890 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA‎ - (717) 761-2115‎
  • Bob Evans 5302 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA‎ - (717) 691-1606‎
  • Hooters 6035 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA‎ - (717) 791-9464‎
  • Dairy Queen 607 E Simpson St, Mechanicsburg, PA‎ - (717) 766-8231‎
  • Applebees 6055 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA‎ - (717) 796-6600‎
  • Your Place 6054 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA‎ - (717) 766-4989‎
  • Olive Garden 6520 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA‎ - (717) 796-1140‎

However there are many unique restaurants outside of town as well including

  • Bangkok Wok 125 Gateway Dr # 111, Mechanicsburg, PA‎ - (717) 795-7292‎ is a fabulous Thai Restaurant known for their large portions and out-of-this-world taste.
  • Memphis Blues 5202 Simpson Ferry Rd # 104, Mechanicsburg, PA‎ - (717) 790-9949‎ is a great little restaurant with mouth watering hot wings.
  • Known for their hot roast beef sandwiches and humongous stromboli's Ye Old Ale House 5002 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA‎ - (717) 763-8929‎ is a great restaurant to relax, play some pool, and enjoy a little beer.
  • Cafe Magnolia 4700 Gettysburg Rd # 2, Mechanicsburg, PA‎ - (717) 901-9700‎ offers an intimate and casual dining experience for anyone looking for a good cup of coffee and a light tasty meal.

[edit][add listing] Drink

  • Grandpa's Growler "(717) 766-0720" located on 398 N York Street, is a great townie-bar with live music, a happy hour, and a full bar.
  • Snapper's Bar and Grill "(717) 697-9475" located on 120 W Allen St. has an outstanding bar menu and is known for a place for mingling singles.
  • The Gingerbread Man on 26 W Main St. "(717) 697-8882" is a bar known to host large, lowd crowds.
  • Ye Olde Ale House "(717) 763-8929" at 5002 Carlisle Pike is a laid back casual bar with house brewed beer and is packed with pool tables.
  • Legend's Sports Bar and Grill "(717) 697-0321" located at 5401 Carlisle Pike is a popular spot on the weekends with great specials and endless entertainment.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

  • Wingate Inn 385 Cumberland Pkwy, Mechanicsburg, PA‎ (717) 766-2710‎
  • The Marriot 4921 Gettysburg Rd Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-4816 (717) 766-9006
  • Ramada Inn 350 Bentcreek Blvd Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 (717) 790-1520

[edit] Get out

  • Harrisburg, the state capital, is a terrific area to spend the day exploring and sight seeing. The city has many attractions to keep any visitor busy. Bike trails outline the city along the river. The capital building itself is a gorgeous peice of architecture that gives personal tours during the week. Strawberry Square provides numerous stores for shopping. Harrisburg is known for its assortment of fine dining and fun night life. Also on the weekends Harrisburg often has different festivals and fairs lining the outskirts.
  • Hershey Park is a well known amusement park built in the center of the sweetest place on earth Hershey, PA. The park is located just 20 miles away from Mechanicsburg. The entry fee not only gives you a ticket to the park but also a ticket to Hershey's ZooAmerica which is located adjacent to the rides.
  • Lancaster is a quick 40 minutes on the highway from Mechanicsburg. Home to the Pennsylvania Dutch, Lancaster has an abundant, unique culture all of its own. Enjoy the maganificant crop fields as horse and buggies routinely zoom by. Lancaster has endless attractions welcoming visitors to spend a day with the Amish.
  • Gettysburg is a historical gem with an abundance of tourist attractions. Ghettysburg is 46 miles from Mechanicsburg and is host to the Gettysburg Battlefield site of the Battle of Ghettysburg. There is much to see and do at the battlefield including tours, interactive workshops, and museums. During early July visitors can witness reenactments of The Battle of Ghettysburg. During the fall months visitors can take ghost tours of the town of Ghettysburg which has been rumored to be haunted by the spirits of the fatal battle.
  • Indian Echo Caverns is a massive tourist complex in Hummelstown, PA 35 miles from Mechanicsburg. The Indian Echo Caverns are huge limestone caves that are open to magnificant, breath taking public tours that take you deep into the caves.

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