Harrisburg is the capital and 4th-largest metropolitan area of Pennsylvania, with a metro population of 592,000 people in 2020. Harrisburg is known as the host city of the Pennsylvania Farm Show, the largest free indoor agriculture exposition in the United States, the largest annual outdoor sports show in North America, an auto show, which features a large static display of new and classic cars, and Motorama, a two-day event consisting of a car show, motocross racing, and remote control car racing.
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The Susquehanna River runs along the western edge of the city. It is the largest non-navigable river in the eastern USA, but has numerous small islands, and is an excellent recreational resource. The city began in 1710 when John Harris built a trading post and later his son started a ferry. Visit Hershey Harrisburg website
Parking - meter parking is enforced M-Sa 8AM-7PM. The typical cost is $3 per hour with 15 minutes increments. Parking garages charges around $4 for 30 minutes or less and then escalating beyond that. Garages and metered parking are run by the Harrisburg Parking Authority. Harrisburg is a very walkable city, especially the downtown, midtown and uptown sections which are laid out in a simple grid without much change in grade. There are many beautiful walking and biking trails that run along the Susquehanna River. You can also walk or ride your bike across the Walnut St.
Harrisburg has been an important location for statewide transportation since selected as the capital of Pennsylvania in 1812. The canal system and subsequent development of railroads, highways and airlines in the early century played a key role in transforming Harrisburg into a commercial and distribution center for Pennsylvania and the east. The city is 80 miles (130 km) north of Baltimore, 100 miles (160 km) west of Philadelphia, and 100 miles (160 km) north of Washington D.C. 1 State Capitol Building, toll-free: +1-800-868-7672.
1 The Gamut Classic Theatre. Located in Strawberry Square, has its own Shakespeare Festival that puts on a few plays each year for a few weeks at a time. Tickets are $25 ($17 for students and seniors), with buy-one-get-one-free discounts on Fridays and "Bring Your Own Price" discounts on Sundays. During the summer, the theatre also puts on a free production of a Shakspeare play in Reservoir Park. The Gamut is also the home of the Popcorn Hat Player's Children's Theatre. Tickets are $6. 2 Midtown Cinema, 250 Reily St, ☏ +1 717-628-3827. A small three screen theater in midtown Harrisburg. They have a great selection of independent films, along with good ice cream, coffee, and teas.
During the week, you should have no problem finding a place to eat without much wait, but the weekends (especially in the summer) may require a bit of a wait at the popular restaurants during their prime time dinner crowd. 1 Cragin's Brick Haus Restaurant, 229 N 2nd St, ☏ +1 717-233-4287. The Brick Haus offers authentic German and American cuisine including goulasch, sausages, seafood, and steaks. 2 Palumbo's Italian Eatery, 104 N 2nd St, ☏ +1 717-233 7700. Mon-Wed 10:30AM-8PM, Thu 10:30AM-9PM, Fri 10:30AM-midnight, Sat 1PM-midnight, closed Sun. Serves pizza, subs and other Italian dishes near the center of town for a reasonable price.
Harrisburg's downtown atmosphere dynamically changes throughout the day. During the day, you can explore the coffee shops and quickly prepared meals designed to accommodate the government and downtown workforce. Early evening you can hop between restaurants during their happy hour specials (typically 5-7PM). Harrisburg has a small, vibrant night life for those who enjoy good food, good company, and good drinks. 1 Appalachian Brewing Company, 50 N Cameron St, ☏ +1 717-221-1080. Wed-Sat Noon-10PM, Sun Noon-7PM. ABC serves fresh innovative cuisine to match their handcrafted ales and lagers. Brewery tours every Saturday at 1PM.
Keep in mind that Harrisburg's crime rate is higher than the national average. However, most areas that tourists and out-of-towners frequent are completely safe. Typical street smarts should keep most people out of trouble. Harrisburg is within range of Three Mile Island nuclear reactor. If you hear a siren, turn your radio on.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Oct, Harrisburg typically sees ~19°C daytime highs and 9 rainy days.
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