Home prices much higher, sales slip, in Harrisburg area in March

April 12, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

A pending home sale in Harrisburg

Home prices rose at a brisk pace, though sales fell, in the latest monthly report on previously owned homes in the Harrisburg area.

For March, 576 houses sold in the three-county region compared to 627 houses in the year-ago period, as the median sales price rose to $238,900 from $209,900, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, 309 houses sold, an increase of nine, while the median price rose to $205,750 from $179,500 in March 2021, GHAR said.

Cumberland County saw sales fall to 245 homes versus 287 the prior March, though the median price jumped to $280,000 from $233,050, according to GHAR.

In Perry County, sales dropped by 17 units to 23 homes, as the price increased to $216,000 versus $194,000 the prior March, said GHAR.

Houses sold relatively quickly in March, as the “average days on the market” dropped to 23 days compared to 31 days last year, according to GHAR.

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Authentic Mexican café to open in downtown Harrisburg, serving family recipes

April 11, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Rosa Ortiz, owner of Café De Olla, which is opening in downtown Harrisburg

A new café is set to open in downtown Harrisburg, showcasing both traditional Mexican and American cuisine.

Café De Olla will open on April 14 with a mariachi band and plenty of breakfast and lunch items, authentic to owner Rosa Ortiz’s family and country of origin.

“I want people to feel at home here,” Ortiz, a New Cumberland resident, originally from Mexico, said. “I want it to be a place where people come and feel relaxed with their families.”

The café is located at 210 N. 3^rd St., the former location of El Rancho Resturante y Pupuseria, which relocated to Eisenhower Boulevard in January.

Many of the dishes served at Café De Olla will come straight from Ortiz’s family recipes. Both of her parents have experience in the restaurant industry and her grandmother’s recipes will be featured at the café.

“I feel like my grandma is so proud,” Ortiz said. “She’s so excited to share her recipes with people.”

On the breakfast menu is a popular Mexican breakfast, chilaquiles, fried corn tortillas, cooked in salsa and sprinkled with cheese. There are also several egg dishes—eggs with chorizo, ham or jalapeños, tomato and onion. Ortiz will serve several American breakfast items, as well, such as pancakes, French toast and avocado toast.

For lunch, the café will offer enchiladas, tacos dorados, enmoladas and quesadillas, among other dishes. Much of the restaurant’s bread and tortillas will be handmade. And, of course, they will serve their namesake, café de olla, a Mexican spiced coffee.

Some of the items will actually come straight from Mexico, as Ortiz’s grandmother will prepare Oaxacan hot chocolate and mole sauce to send to the restaurant.

When Ortiz visited Oaxaca, Mexico, a few years ago, she was inspired by the culture.

“I fell in love with the food and the vibe there,” she said. “I wanted to bring a little bit of what I saw there to over here.”

When the owners of El Rancho, friends of Ortiz’s, decided to move locations, Ortiz saw it as the perfect opportunity to fulfill a long-time dream.

“I’ve always liked cooking,” she said. “Cooking is a love language for me.”

The restaurant looks much different than the previous Mexican restaurant that operated in the space. Ortiz favors a minimalist design over bright colors and a louder atmosphere. The café is painted in warm grays and browns, with several plants placed around.

Ortiz’s sister, mom and dad will help her run the restaurant for the time being, as it has been a challenge for Ortiz to find staff.

“I feel like I’m ready. I have a lot of family that is helping out,” she said. “It feels good to be here. I’m excited to show people our food.”

Café De Olla will hold its grand opening on April 14 at 11 a.m. It will be open on Mondays through Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sundays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit their Instagram page.

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Pop-rock band LANY set for Riverfront Park date this summer

April 11, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

You can add the pop-rock band LANY to the lineup of musicians set to play Riverfront Park this summer.

On Monday, Harrisburg University Presents announced that the band would stop in Harrisburg on Aug. 19 as part of its “Summer Forever” Tour. Formed in 2014, the group has released three top-40 albums.

At the concert, LANY will be joined by guest band Surfaces.

The concert is the fourth HU Presents Summer Concert Series show announced this year in partnership with Harrisburg city, Dauphin County, Clair Global, PNC Bank, and Troegs Independent Brewing.

Death Cab for Cutie, with special guest Illuminati Hottie, will perform in Riverfront Park on July 14. American indie rockers Lord Huron, with special guest First Aid Kit, will play Riverfront Park Aug. 20. And HU Presents the National at Riverfront Park on Sept. 24.

LANY tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on April 15. For tickets, click here. For tickets and information about Harrisburg University Presents entire lineup of shows, visit www.concertseries.harrisburgu.edu.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

April 8, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Construction workers began milling N. 2nd Street this week

There’s never a dull week in the Burg. This week, new businesses opened, parks and street projects broke ground, and artistic events were announced. Find all of the news listed and linked, below.

April is full of fun springtime events in the Harrisburg area. See what’s happening, here.

TheBurg Podcast features Harrisburg’s and Pennsylvania’s wild side, from the Susquehanna River to its parks and outdoor recreation. Hear from the state’s first director of outdoor recreation, the president of the Pride of the Susquehanna and an organizer for “Art in the Wild” at Wildwood Park.

City Council considered a possible strategy to address gun violence in Harrisburg, our online story reported. Council members also discussed the recipients of annual federal housing funds.

Construction continued on N. 2^nd Street in Harrisburg as the city started the milling process, a step forward in a project to transform the road from one-way to two-way traffic. For more information on the construction schedule and how it affects parking, read our online story.

Electric vehicles are becoming more popular, but are they practical for those who live in the city? In our magazine story, our writer explores that question, talking to local EV owners and industry officials.

Harrisburg and local bird advocates are encouraging people to go lights-out at night to prevent bird collisions with buildings and windows, our online story reported. “Lights Out Harrisburg” will take place from now through May.

Harrisburg’s rent relief program is nearing its end, but there are still some funds left for residents in need, our online story reported.

The Original Hot Dog Factory franchise now has a Harrisburg location on Market Street, our online story reported. Local owners LaToya Williams and Hauson Green hope their new business pursuit will serve as an example for young entrepreneurs.

Pennsylvania has hired its first director of outdoor recreation, Nathan Reigner. In our magazine story, read about Reigner’s love for nature and how he plans to carry that into his new position.

The Pride of the Susquehanna has a new president, Kim Rice, our magazine story reported. It’s been a rough few years for the Pride, but Rice has big plans for the riverboat’s future.

The Rasika School of Dance partnered with Gamut Theatre to produce “Panchatantra Tales,” bringing Indian classical and folk dance to the stage in central PA, our online story reported. The show will run for one weekend only, from April 8 to 10.

Reina “R76” Wooden, a Harrisburg artist, was chosen to have her artwork displayed in the U.S. embassy in Moldova, our online story reported. As part of the federal “Art in Embassies” program, her work will be exhibited in the residence of Ambassador Kent Logsdon, a Pennsylvania native.

Reservoir Park is closer to having a new Chutes and Ladders playground, as Harrisburg officials broke ground on the construction project this week, our online story reported. The playground will replace outdated and underused equipment in the Allison Hill park.

Sara Bozich has her weekly roundup of events for your weekend. Looking for entertainment, food, recreation? Look no further.

Theatre Harrisburg’s latest production, “Now and Then,” is a heartfelt romantic dramedy that takes place within an Irish pub setting, our theater reviewer writes. The show runs now through April 10.

A Youth Poetry Slam will take place at the State Museum of Pennsylvania this weekend, our online story reported. Writer’s Wordshop, will host the event with the goal of providing an outlet for young people to express themselves.

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Herbal, botanical shop opens in Harrisburg, bringing natural wellness to the area

April 8, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Owner Sara Rose Bryant in front of her new botanical shop, Plant Family

Tucked in a tiny storefront in residential Olde Uptown is a new shop focused on bringing wellness to Harrisburg through nature.

Plant Family opened on Friday with windows displaying vibrant green houseplants and shelves stocked with natural medicines, herbs and elixirs.

“In my opinion, every city has a great herb shop,” said owner Sara Rose Bryant, a Harrisburg resident. “I want to provide access to things that people don’t have.”

Her shop at 1820 N. 3^rd St. fills a gap that she sees by providing products that are hard to find in the area. While it was easy for her to find herbs when she lived in Seattle, it’s not as simple here, she said.

“I see there’s a need for it,” she said. “People want to know about the plants and how to take care of themselves.”

Bryant strives to source many of her products locally and from places on the east coast. Some of her natural medicines are even made by her and her business partner, Tara Chickey, who operate under the name Sacred Spiral Apothecary.

“This is exactly what we need at this time in our lives,” said Chickey, who attended the opening. “It’s such a welcoming space and she has an amazing selection. I think people are going to be really impressed.”

Products offered at Plant Family

In addition to herbs and plants, the shop offers salves, CBD products, coffee alternatives, mugs, tonics, bath salts, candles and woven African baskets.

“It’s things that will help the community,” she said. “It’s empowering to have the skills to take care of yourself and other people.”

For three days out of the week, Bryant will use the space as a massage studio, as she has worked as a massage therapist for over 20 years. She also previously owned Yoga Nature studio in Linglestown.

For Plant Family’s opening day, James Crosson, who lives in the neighborhood, stopped by. He was glad to find natural and organic items, but also was happy to see the building revitalized.

“I love what they’re doing here,” he said. “It’s really cool.”

Plant Family is open Thursdays and Fridays, from 2 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For their grand opening this weekend, they will be open on Friday from 2 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be an online shop, coming soon. For more information, visit their website.

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What’s New and Wild in Harrisburg? TheBurg Podcast, April 2022

April 7, 2022 | by Karen Hendricks

It’s a “wild” time of year—a time to come out of hibernation and rediscover the great outdoors. Our April podcast guests explore Harrisburg’s and Pennsylvania’s wild side, from the Susquehanna River to its parks and outdoor recreation.

The state’s first director of outdoor recreation, Nathan Reigner explains how big of an outdoor gem Pennsylvania really is.

The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat’s new president of the board, Kim Rice, explains what it means to be responsible for such an iconic symbol of Harrisburg, as the riverboat gets ready to launch a new season.

Richelle Corty of Harrisburg’s Wildwood Park previews this year’s Art in the Wild exhibit—composed of all-natural materials—and explains what that artwork naturally does for the community.

This month’s “Most Harrisburg Thing” is off the wall. Really. Lawrance Binda, editor of TheBurg, sorts out a recent controversy that started with grocery store artwork.

TheBurg Podcast is hosted and produced by longtime Harrisburg-area journalist Karen Hendricks. Every month, TheBurg Podcast expands stories from the pages of TheBurg magazine because “there’s always more to the story.”

Backstories that coordinate with this episode include:

Reigner Reigns | Setting Sail | The Painted Word: Art in the Wild

DYK? TheBurg Podcast received two prestigious awards in 2021: First place, Excellence in Journalism, Society of Professional Journalists, Keystone Chapter; and Honorable mention, Keystone Media Award, Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Foundation.

Visit Karen Hendricks’ website for more of her writing, journalism and PR work. TheBurg Podcast is a great Central PA vehicle for sponsors and/or advertisers: Contact Lauren ([email protected]). TheBurg is a monthly community magazine based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Lawrance Binda, co-publisher/editor.

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Local artist’s PA-focused paintings chosen for exhibit at U.S. embassy in Eastern Europe

April 7, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Artist Reina “R76” Wooden and her collection of paintings, “The Keystones 1787”

When Reina “R76” Wooden first received an email requesting her artwork for an exhibit in Eastern Europe, she thought it was a scam.

A curator for the U.S. Department of State’s “Art in Embassies” program was hoping to acquire a series of her paintings to display in the residence of the U.S. ambassador to Moldova.

It was unexpected, and Wooden didn’t know what to make of it. But after some research and discussion with the curator, she decided to take advantage of the opportunity.

“I don’t know how they found me,” she said. “I still feel like I’m off the radar. I still function as an underground artist. To be included was an enormous honor.”

It turns out that the U.S. ambassador to Moldova is a Pennsylvania native. While researching PA artists, he found Wooden’s work and connected to her many keystone-themed pieces.

The federal “Art in Embassies” program assembles exhibitions to be displayed in U.S. ambassadors’ residences during their tenure, which is usually about three years. The organization’s goal is to encourage “cross-cultural dialogue and understanding through the visual arts,” according to their website. They have exhibits in over 189 countries and create about 60 exhibitions per year.

Wooden’s collection of three paintings, “The Keystones 1787,” will become one of these exhibits in Ambassador Kent Logsdon’s residence in Chișinău, Moldova’s capital.

“It makes me finally feel like I can stay true to my identity as an underground artist and still be seen,” she said. “Each year, there have been a lot of challenges. But if I had given up, this opportunity might not have happened.”

Wooden said that her art draws on themes of independence and the pursuit of freedom—things that she believes are especially important to Pennsylvanians.

With the current war in Ukraine, which neighbors Moldova, Wooden believes her art, centering on the idea of freedom, will carry even more significance.

“The keystone symbol carries a lot of meaning,” she said.

Representatives with the “Art in Embassies” program will pick up Wooden’s art within the coming weeks to transport it to Moldova, where it will be on display for several years.

“It’s exciting,” she said. “This is a turning point for me.”

For more information about the Art in Embassies program, visit their website.

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Doggone Good: Harrisburg entrepreneurs open hot dog franchise downtown

April 7, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

LaToya Williams and Hauson Green, owners of The Original Hot Dog Factory-Harrisburg.

Ever try a bacon-wrapped hot dog topped with an onion ring? How about a Jamaican jerk chicken dog or a breakfast dog?

Those just a few of the 26 unique combinations customers can try at Harrisburg’s newest hot dog spot downtown.

“They’re messy, full of toppings, and you’ll leave full,” said co-owner LaToya Williams. “Everybody loves hot dogs.”

The Original Hot Dog Factory is having a grand opening on Saturday at 317 Market St., the former home of the Flamingo Grille. It’s one of the Atlanta-based franchise’s 25-plus locations across the country.

While the franchise may be national, everything about its ownership is local. Owners Williams and Hauson Green, two long-time Harrisburg residents, are ready to try their hands in the restaurant industry.

Both owners are entrepreneurs at heart, Williams previously having owned a dollar store and Green currently working as a barber at his family’s business, Heads Up, a barbershop in Uptown.

For Williams and Green, their new venture into the hot dog world represents a chance for growth and a new challenge.

“I thought, I should invest in myself,” said Williams, a surgical technician. “I’m excited for growing the business and giving people a chance to be a part of it. I’m nervous, but it’s a good nervous.”

The Original Hot Dog Factory on Market Street in Harrisburg

When customers enter the small shop on Market Street, they’ll likely be greeted with a smile by Tevin Cornelius, Green’s nephew. He’s one member of the small staff, which Green said is already like a family, or in Cornelius’s case, is actually family.

Customers can order from a long menu of topping-loaded beef, turkey, Italian and chicken dogs, as well as sausages and bratwurst. Straying from their namesake, they also offer wings, burgers and chicken sandwiches and nuggets. To top it off, they have several deep-fried sweets, including Oreos, Twinkies and funnel cake sticks.

“It’s comfort food,” Green said. “It brings people together.”

The “Boston Dog”

But the food is just a small part of Green’s mission for the restaurant. He’s all about mentorship—investing in the next generation. It’s what he does with the youth who come into his barbershop, and it’s what he plans to do at the restaurant.

“I like giving back,” he said. “I want to teach young entrepreneurs. It’s not about the money, but the impact on lives.”

Green hopes that he can serve as a role model and leader for his employees, who he hopes will own their own businesses one day.

“He’s super successful and has taught me so much,” Cornelius said. “I’m excited to step out and try something new.”

The Original Hot Dog Factory held a soft opening on Tuesday and remains open until Saturday—the official grand opening. It’s already been crazy busy, Williams said, but it’s a good thing.

“I was not expecting this response, but I’m super grateful,” she said.

The Original Hot Dog Factory-Harrisburg will be open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

April 7, 2022 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA! Scroll down or use the menu links to find ideas for your weekend.

What you’ll find:

For your weekend planning
Top Weekend Recs
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Like this content?

For something new: Looking to add some plant bbs to your home? Check out The Vintage Vine HBG’s Online Plant Sale Benefitting the Junior League of Harrisburg. Spring temps must be on the way: Lancaster Brewing Co.’s Blue Trail Shandy is back!

(Still) Worth noting: Check out my private Facebook community, Cheers Harrisburg. You can join the convo here.

Things on my agenda this weekend: Checking out the new Lebanon Valley Libations Trail (follow along on IG!), Easter-type stuff with the kiddo

Don’t forget to support your local brewery! Click here to find one near you.

For your weekend planning

Call for sponsors and vendors: Plants + Pints 2022
My trip to Lancaster last month
View our local Restaurant Directory
Local Brewery, Winery, & Cidery Directory
See what else you missed on the blog.

Below are options for your weekend.

Things to Do in Harrisburg + Central PA | Weekend Roundup | Sara Bozich

Top Weekend Recs

Look for my Easter Brunch/Dinner list on the blog
Check out my ? Spring Bucket List!
Plan for April in SoMa Harrisburg (next week!)
Make travel plans (with a discount + perks)
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

What are you doing this weekend around Harrisburg? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Like this content?

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Setting Sail: New Harrisburg riverboat leader follows her father’s course.

April 6, 2022 | by Diane White McNaughton

Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat

Appropriately, Kim Rice landed upon a nautical term to describe the similarities between her and her late father, former Dauphin County Commissioner Fred Rice.

“We are both boat-rockers,” she said. “We are not afraid to rock the boat.”

It’s exactly that fearlessness that propelled Fred, back in the early ‘90s, to become the second chairman of the board of the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat. And it’s the same fearlessness that now allows daughter Kim to follow in his wake.

Kim said that her late father inspired her own journey.

Fred Rice was outgoing, energized by people, and knew virtually everyone, she said. His hunting cabins in Dauphin and in Perry counties were full of friends, laughter and fond memories.

“He lived life to the fullest,” Kim said.

He was in the Lions Club and Safari Club, was a Gov. Tom Ridge appointee to the Mid-Atlantic Fish Commission, and chaired the Lower Paxton Republican Committee. A veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he was a successful insurance and investment consultant.

When Dauphin County Commissioner Jack Minnich resigned to become the court administrator in 1985, county judges selected Rice to replace him, and his journey to launch the boat began.

“He was so excited about it,” Kim said, citing her father’s friendship with one of the founding riverboat members, Mike Trephan.

“My dad was really good at wheeling and dealing to get people to do stuff for him,” Kim recalled, with a laugh.

The late luxury homebuilder, Stan Custer Sr., built benches. Then-Mayor Steve Reed offered aid. And his list of allies grew.

Fast-forward 30-plus years. After former board chair, local attorney Deb Donahue, approached her in 2019, Kim joined the board. Their executive director had just resigned, and a new executive director lasted only weeks.

“Deb and I were doing everything,” recalled Kim, who also holds down a full-time job with the commonwealth.

Donahue, whose father Bruce Miller was also a noteworthy local leader, served as president of the board from 2018 through 2021. Kim took the helm at the end of last year.

As the first female president of the Pride, Donahue had rough waters to navigate, including a pandemic, funding shortfalls, board resignations, internal power struggles, maintenance issues and more. Kim inherited much the same.

“I love the riverboat. I do enjoy riding on it,” she said. “I love going to City Island. I love going to meetings there. It brings me closer to my dad. He loved the river, and he loved the Pride of the Susquehanna. I am honored to do it.”

She is humble when considering her dad’s legacy.

“I can’t match my dad and his contacts,” she said.

Rough Waters

The last few years have been tough ones for the Pride. In 2018, high water repeatedly grounded the riverboat, which was just beginning to recover when the pandemic hit.

Board members have frequently paid for the operation and repairs of the boat out of their own pockets, Kim said,

“My goal is to get it to be self-sustaining and not be in such jeopardy,” she said.

Therefore, she plans to focus on grant-writing, marketing, expanding the board and fundraising. Exciting new programs for younger people also are waiting at the dock.

She said that COVID-19 and its two years of restrictions hit every nonprofit like a hole in the hull. In the first year of the pandemic, they had to operate at a 25-person limit instead of 110, complying with restrictions imposed upon bars and restaurants because they serve alcohol.

“We lost our shirt to cover the cost of the crew and fuel,” Kim stated frankly, noting the $300 per hour expense to operate the boat.

This year, she noted, the board already secured a gaming grant from the Dauphin County commissioners for $75,000. However, that is not nearly enough to help them swim long-term.

“This boat is 34 years old, and there are constantly things that need repair,” she said.

To help maintain the Pride, she is working with new board member Lorri Ribbans to utilize the skills of Dauphin County Technical School students.

This year, Kim and her board’s plans for the Riverboat include a first-ever 5K “Float the Boat” walk and run for the Riverboat on Sunday, May 15. Sponsors, runners and walkers are still needed.

A popular veterans’ cruise will be held on May 30, over Memorial Day weekend, and is free to veterans.

Public cruises will resume in May, only on the weekends, said Melissa Snyder of Daza Development, who is aiding in the daily operations of the nonprofit.

In June, the Riverboat is expected to start full week and weekend public cruises. Starting in June, they also will have:

“Princess” and “Superhero” cruises for kids
River School on Saturday mornings
Murder mystery dinners
“Dinner on the River”
Wine on Wednesday
Jazz and other music cruises.

Still in the works are “Bourbon on the Boat” (bourbon tasting cruise) and “Trivia Tuesday.”

Popular country singer Garrett Shultz is on tap for a major fundraiser, Boat-toberfest, in October. A tribute to late board member, attorney Bill Cornell, is also planned.

Kim said that a leader can’t be afraid to ask for help, so she is. The riverboat needs welders, sponsors and donors.

When Kim was cleaning out her parents’ things, she found a Nick Ruggieri print of the riverboat, signed by Captain Jack and two other captains as a thank you for her father’s service.

The riverboat may still be buffeted by rough waters. However, that print reminds her that rocking the boat can keep them sailing smoothly up the Susquehanna for years to come.

The Pride of the Susquehanna sails from City Island, Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.hbgriverboat.org.

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What you’ll find:

For your weekend planning

Top Weekend Recs

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Like this content?

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