Looks like I'll be going to Harrisburg, PA..any tips?

[LuvTigger]

I'll probably be going to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for a conference in early October. I've never been there. Anything I should know?

I'll be staying at the Crowne Plaza on 2nd Street. I know it will probably be cold for me, 60's in the day, 40's at night. I probably will NOT have a car.

Can anyone tell me if there are shops and restaurants within walking distance of the Crowne Plaza? Is it an area where I can feel relatively safe walking in the early evenings? This really shouldn't be a factor for the most part because my conference includes some evening activities, but I might be on my own the first and last night.

My main interests are eating and shopping. I noticed there's a VF Outlet Village in Reading, which according to MapQuest is an hour away. Would it be worth my time to go there?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Pop Daddy]

there is nothing to do, rent a movie

 

[onecoolmama]

Unfortunately, PD is right. (He is sooo sexy when he is right)


There is not much to do there at all. The outlets arent bad. But I am not a huge shopper.

 

[Pop Daddy]

Originally posted by onecoolmama
But I am not a huge shopper.

my dream girl, a sexy women who is not a huge shopper, how comes I bet we might have to define "huge"

 

[onecoolmama]

LOL! I have to know what I am looking for! I wont go window shopping. It drives me NUTS!

 

[kimwim8]

I've gone to the Reading Outlets. Lots of stores. If you don't get to any outlets often, and enjoy shopping, then it's probably worth it to start your holiday shopping early (if you celebrate).

Harrisburg is also near Hershey Park. I'm headed there this weekend & staying in Harrisburg. I'll keep my eyes peeled to see what's around.

Kim

 

[LuvTigger]

Thanks Kim! (I almost thought this was going to end up being a hijacked thread!! )

I was considering Hershey Park, but it looks like they'll be closed during my dates!! However, there may be an optional tour to the town of Hershey on the last day of my conference, I think dependent on the number of people who want to go.

So really? Nothing to do? Not even restaurants or cute little shops?

 

[stauncie]

I just came back from the West Harrisburg, PA area. There really ISN'T much there. Even the restaurants are limited to mostly fast food I had one free afternoon and went to Hershey(20 minute drive). I didn't go to the park, but did visit the outlet mall (some really good prices) and spent a couple of hours at Chocolate World (free, interesting and reminded me of DTD) Who would have thought it tho, that in the 'land of Hershey' there is no chocolate mousse to be found I did spend a couple of hours at the Hotel Hershey (in my quest for some chocolate mousse) and was VERY impressed... if you are person that likes to tour the Disney resorts, the Hotel Hershey is not to be missed!
I finally found my mousse dessert at the Hershey Lodge ...which is across town..... Chocolate beyond Reason.... expensive but worth every bite! YUM!

 

[Piglet's Pal]

Chocolate World will be open in October and the Hershey Musuem is open. Hershey also has some outlet shopping.

There is a Civil War Musuem in Harrisburg. The Whittaker Center is a neat place to visit. Strawberry Square has some shops and a food court. Maybe you could take a tour of the Capital Building. Gosh darn--there is a musuem that is round and I can't think of the name of it, the kids and I have gone quite a few times.

If I think of anything else I will let you know.
Enjoy your trip!
PP

 

[kpgclark]

Go to the capital building. It is very nice. Other than that I don't think there is anything much to do.

 

[DoeWDW]

That round museum is the State Museum. I work right next to it.

I generally don't stay in town after work hours so I'm not sure what's open and what closes down. Walking around during the workday hours is fine, but I'm not sure what it's like after that.

I'll have to ask around to see what there is to do after hours when you don't have a car available.

The outlets in Hershey are much closer than the Reading outlets but are not as cheap. Still it would make for a nice evening trip. Chocolate World is always fun and free, and you get a small sample of chocolate. The Hershey Theater has a beautiful building and often hosts concerts and Broadway touring companies.

I'd check out the Whitaker Center - they have an IMAX theater and also have a regular (stage) theater that hosts plays and smaller concerts. They are just a short walk from your hotel - only a block or so I believe.

The Forum building in Harrisburg would also be within walking distance. They host the Harrisburg Symphony, along with other plays and concerts.

If I think of anything else, I'll let you know. There are quite a few DISers in the area so you could set up a DISmeet for one evening!

PM me if you have more questions or need more specifics.

 

[jrmasm]

is the State Museum!

There are a lot of newer restaraunts/bars/clubs on 2nd Street. Reading Outlets are not worth the drive IMO. Hershey outlets are small but OK. I prefer Gettysburg Village Outlets but Lancaster has the best outlets (Rockvale Square and Tanger I think).

Check out the Spa at the Hershey Hotel.

Whitaker Center has an IMAX theater.

Pride of the Susquehanna is a boat ride on the river.

 

[DoeWDW]

I still think a DISmeet would be fun!

 

[minniepumpernickel]

I've been to The Farm Show, but it's in the winter.

Hershey Park is awesome, I just went. If it's not too far from Harrisburg for you. They have a Chocolate ride, and factory tour too. The rides are much better than I expected. They have water rides too.

 

[mom2boys]

I agree with those who have suggested the Hershey Chocolate Museum. They also have a food court/shopping area filled with every imaginable type of chocolate...ice cream, cake, candy, bakery items... Christmas decorations, apparel, toys, knickknacks, magnets, stationary...
There is a zoo attached to Hershey park which might be open in October. The park itself does open on weekends for their Halloween event. We've been to Hershey's WinterLights which is set up similarly. There is no admission fee for the park but you use tickets (or a braclet for unlimited rides) for the rides which are open. This would give you a chance to walk around the park.
http://www.hersheypa.com/events/halloween_in_hershey/index.html
I have never been to Hotel Hershey, but have only heard good things about it.

 

[LuvTigger]

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions!

Piglet's Pal, it just so happens that one of the planned events is at the Civil War Museum. Because this is a government-related seminar, I would think that they would include a tour of the Capitol building as well, but it's not on the agenda yet. One event is supposed to be a dinner at the Governor's residence.

I am hoping that the optional excursions pan out and that one of them is to Hershey. I was watching a show on the Travel Channel about the hotel and would love to check it out!

Thanks again everyone!

 

[mickey's #1 fan]

i just wanted to let you know that i just got back from harrisburg this past weekend and we stayed at the crowne plaza. it's true that there really isn't much around. however, we discovered city island while we were down there. we just went out walking and found it. you have to walk across a 1/2 mile bridge, but then when you get there, there's a lot of things to do. it's a pretty small island, but it was cute. there was mini-golf, a beach, batting cages, an arcade, and a minor league baseball stadium where the harrisburg senators play. there was also a place to rent bikes, skates, and segways. i really enjoyed the mini-golf course. we were playing just at sunset and watched the sun go down over the water as we played. it was gorgeous! the only thing i don't know is what this island is like in october.

also, we didn't have any issues walking around by ourselves at night. we were 3 women walking around and never felt uncomfortable. however, there were a few homeless people around. not many shops, but we did see a few restaurant/bar type places. we ate a irish pub that was really good and only 2 blocks away from the restaurant. i can't remember the full name,but it was molly something.

that's all i can think of for now. hope it helps!

 

[mep319]

Believe it or not there is more than fast food! Chocolate world is open year around. Check the Hershey Park website for info. If going to Reading you might as well head to King Of Prussia probably just as far if you consider the distance from the turnpike. There isn't much to do in the area...one of the reasons I left after graduating High School! There use to be some neat shops and diners on Second St. There are some great resturants but some of the names escape me right now. I know Progress Grill on Progress Ave is good. I can find out more if intersted. My family is still there. There are sometimes concerts, events at City Island...other wise rent a movie, take a book...or if you have the day, drive the 2 1/2 hours to Philly!

 

[kpgclark]

Shameless plug--- there is a PA DIS meet on July 31st in King of Prussia! See:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=560099&perpage=15&pagenumber=1

 

[mep319]

FYI--colonial Rd, Progress Ave have the standard stuff....Olive Garden, Red Robin, Mall, Marshalls, Target, BN etc...