I had family in town recently and, since it was their first time in Harrisburg, I was excited to show them around. My husband Jamar and I took them to several of our favorite spots—Riverfront Park for a stroll, the Broad Street Market for Friday lunch and the Capitol building for the view at the top of the steps.
While I played tour guide, I felt like I was seeing my city through fresh eyes. When my mother- and sister-in-law’s eyes lit up over the buffet of steaming Jamaican food at the Porter’s House market stand or when my nephews giggled while picking dandelions in the park or when everyone said they loved the view of the sparkling river, I thought, “Wow, me too!”
I’ve lived in the city for five years now, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of taking Harrisburg’s gems for granted. For those who have lived here 10 years, 20 or their whole lives, I’m sure it’s even easier. So, I set out to round up some of my favorite ways to romanticize everyday life in our city with some hidden gem ideas.
Peaceful Park
This may be at the top of my list of Harrisburg’s most underrated places that’s literally right under your nose. The Capitol! I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve gone to eat lunch on a bench in Capitol Park and thought, “It’s so nice and peaceful up here. Where is everyone?” I love taking a break from the office to relax in the park and watch the squirrels.
I also highly recommend coming back to the Capitol complex in the evening to walk around the stately building with a view of the fountain and Soldier’s Grove Park. Last summer, we got takeout from Tacos Mi Tierra in Allison Hill, drove across the bridge to the east side of the Capitol and ate our dinner with friends at one of the picnic tables overlooking the fountain. There was no one else in sight. I joked that it felt like we were having dinner on our own private mansion patio.
Taco Tour
Speaking of tacos…Every time I’m in Allison Hill, I take a mental inventory of all of the restaurants I’m still dying to try. There are so many food trucks and restaurants selling Latin cuisine. So, I decided—why not try a bunch at once with a “Taco hop” through the neighborhood? Jamar happily tagged along, and we made it through three places, each with its own unique flair. First stop was for yummy steak tacos at Rice & Beans Restaurant on S. 17th Street—a place I’ve been before but never for tacos. Conveniently right next door is El Verdadero Sabor de Mexico, where we popped in for round two, birria tacos smothered in guac. Then we hooked a right on Derry Street and stopped at El Carrizal to finish the night with an assortment of chicken, chorizo and carnitas tacos. Also nearby are several other places, like Tacos Mi Tierra, as well as a few Dominican food trucks and a Guatemalan spot. But for this trip, we decided to stick to tacos, so we weren’t in a food coma by sunset.
We had our favorites but enjoyed each restaurant. We had so much fun and will be planning more themed food tours this summer.
If you aren’t too stuffed by the time you’re done with tacos, maybe grab a dessert and head to Reservoir Park to relax or walk off all the tacos. Reservoir is another beautiful, yet underutilized city park.
Read and Roam
I live on the border of Midtown and Uptown, and recently I’ve enjoyed walking to the Madeline L. Olewine Memorial Library, which I just call “my library” because we share a name. I think it’s the cutest little spot with a pretty oak tree out front. If you don’t live nearby to walk, you can drive and park in their lot and head inside. The library is snug, but I’ve borrowed several books from them that I’ve loved. This time, I checked out a novel and a cookbook, which we’ll use for a later activity. Make sure you have a Dauphin County Library card!
Take your finds and walk 10 minutes to Italian Lake Park to either find a shaded bench to sit and read on or stroll around the quaint lake. The park is such a beautiful hidden oasis in the city that more people should take advantage of. When you’ve hit a good stopping point in your book, walk back to your car at the library. And if you need to cool down after the walk, take a short drive down 3rd Street to Midtown Juice Lab for a smoothie or, my favorite, an acai bowl with fresh fruit.
Market Meal & Movie
If you picked up a cookbook at the library like I did, or you have another recipe in mind, it’s time to do a little shopping. I must admit, I’m not a big fan of cooking, but I stepped outside my comfort zone to make something with all local ingredients. I decided on citrus salmon with brown butter asparagus. I grabbed fresh produce and ingredients at the Broad Street Market and Radish & Rye Food Hub and then hit Alvaro Bread and Pastry Shoppe on Green Street for a loaf of bread (try to get there somewhat early for the best options). My meal turned out delicious!
Bonus idea: catch a movie at Midtown Cinema after dinner and make it a date night. The cinema has a chalkboard outside with their daily movies and times, which I like to check when I walk by. I love having a theater in my neighborhood that’s so much cleaner, cozier and has better concessions—coffee drinks, ice cream, Zeroday brews—than the big theaters.
Take Me Out
I recently attended a Senators baseball game on City Island and was reminded of how much I enjoy attending games with friends. I’ve got to tell you, I’m not a big sports person. However, I love a good live sporting event, even if it’s 50% because of the snacks (try the hot candied pecans and thank me later). There’s nothing like a warm summer night at the baseball field, chatting, I mean, watching the game with friends. FNB Field is such a nice stadium that’s just a walk across the Walnut Street Bridge away.
If you’re looking for some ways to spice up a Saturday or summer weeknight in the city, be a tourist—even if you’re not one. Try a restaurant you’ve never been to, buy cheap seats for a baseball game, or find a tree to sit under and read or enjoy a picnic with friends.
I’m a huge “Gilmore Girls” fan and, if you know the show, Stars Hollow is the ultimate small town, with places to eat within walking distance, a movie theater, bookstore and cast of quirky characters. Well, Harrisburg’s got all that!
Every time I’ve hosted visitors in Harrisburg, they’ve enjoyed our town. Some loved the nature, others the food and some the history, like my Jersey grandmom who was excited to visit as an avid Burg reader. Invite your friends and family too! And maybe, you’ll get a fresh glimpse at the city and, like me, think, “Oh wow, Harrisburg is really nice.”
If you try any of these ideas or come up with your own, share your photos and tag @theburgnews!
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