How to spend a couple of summer evenings in Harrisburg, PA?

April 11, 2018 11:02 AM

So, husband has a work conference in Harrisburg, PA over July18-20. The thing is, July 19 is our anniversary so I wanna go too! Looking for some fun ways to spend the afternoons/evenings from about 5:00 on, from locals or anyone familiar with the area!

We're especially looking for:
*Delicious and interesting local restaurants, possibly coffee shops, and craft pubs/breweries
*Local shopping (bookstores in particular)
*Outdoor venues, especially on the river!
*Really any interesting sightseeing; we don't mind being touristy!

We will have a vehicle, and are staying (I believe) at the Radisson, if that helps! Thank you so much for any suggestions!

posted by deep thought sunstar to Travel & Transportation (8 answers total)

They have a really nice minor league baseball park on the city-owned island in the middle of the river. If it's a nice night, it's just a glorious way to spend a chill few hours outside.
posted by LobsterMitten at 11:26 AM on April 11, 2018 [3 favorites]

Unfortunately, after a day game on the 18th, the Senators are out of town the 19th and 20th.
posted by Chrysostom at 12:10 PM on April 11, 2018 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I visit Harrisburg occasionally and I've liked the Millworks, which includes a beer garden, restaurant, and open-house artist studios you can walk through. Nearby is the charming Midtown Scholar bookstore.
posted by Ryon at 12:49 PM on April 11, 2018 [1 favorite]

We've done an anniversary dinner at Bube's Brewery before. It's about 45 minutes out of Harrisburg, but we made the trip over from Lancaster, so I'd consider it worth it.
posted by librarianamy at 1:08 PM on April 11, 2018 [1 favorite]

For a special dinner, consider Char's, which is located in the former Tracey Mansion next to the Susquehanna River.
posted by carmicha at 3:42 PM on April 11, 2018 [1 favorite]

Did a quick tour through Harrisburg - seconding Millworks. But also, if you like beer, stop by Zero Day Brewery.
posted by rich at 4:55 PM on April 11, 2018 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Ooooh, oooh! If you are fans of Mexican food, you must eat at Tres Hermanos. It's a hole-in-the-wall, but the food is SO GOOD. It's down the road from Appalachian Brewing Company. Midtown Scholar is a must. If the Soul Burrito truck is in town, go for a quick bite. Susquehanna Art Museum? Keep an eye on this cultural calendar and this one from the local public radio station.
posted by MonkeyToes at 5:30 PM on April 11, 2018 [1 favorite]

Tröeg’s Brewery is awesome if you don’t mind the short drive to Hershey.

https://troegs.com

I’ll ask some coworkers who frequent Hershey more often than me for more recommendations.
posted by agog at 10:10 PM on April 11, 2018 [1 favorite]