South Central Pennsylvania is full of interesting cities with unique attractions. Harrisburg is one of those cities and it is the ninth largest city in the state. When you are looking for area hotels Harrisburg has plenty from which to choose. You can enjoy comfortable accommodations in the hotels Harrisburg has to offer and easily explore the surrounding cities such as Hershey and Carlisle as well. Hotels Harrisburg has within its limits offer central locations to the attractions available in South Central Pennsylvania.
Harrisburg has been ranked the second best place in the nation to raise a family. It has many family-friendly attractions and, while it is a great place to live, it is also a wonderful place to visit.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show was first held in Harrisburg in 1917. It is a large, free indoor agricultural show. Visitors flock to the area early in January to enjoy the farm show and the culture of the city. Harrisburg also hosts an outdoor sports show, which is the largest of its type in the country. The local auto show features a large display of classic cars and is known worldwide.
Even if you do not visit during one of the special events, there are plenty of things to do in this city. Harrisburg sits along the banks of the Susquehanna River and it has grown from a modest ferry town to a beautiful capital city. The area has warmth and culture all in the same location.
Riverfront Park and City Island offers a host of activities and entertainment right on the banks of the river. Families can take walks or bike rides and enjoy the views. You can also sign up for a paddlewheel boat ride, rent a canoe, or enjoy a jet ski in the river. City Island also has some of the best places to eat including quaint shops selling candy and sidewalk cafes. Children especially love the carriage and train rides along with the restored carousel and the mini-golf courses. Towards the end of the summer, the riverfront hosts the Kipona Celebration, the oldest inland festival that features arts and crafts, a chili cook-off and a puppet theater.
For a look into the history of the area, visitors enjoy the John Harris Mansion. You can view three centuries of history along with folk art exhibits that feature esteemed past residents. Visitors can take tours of the Pennsylvania State Museum nearby, which contains three floors of history and art along with a heavenly planetarium. Just up the river, the Fort Hunter Mansion helps to bring the 1800s alive within its 35-acre park. The Fort Hunter Day festival is an especially thrilling treat in the middle of September. Of course, no visitor would want to miss a tour of the Capitol Building itself. You can take free guided tours of this architectural wonder and take a closer look at the state government as well.
When you take a day trip to nearby Hershey, Pennsylvania, you will notice that the city has a strange scent. This scent may remind you of chocolate and there is a very good reason for that. Hershey, Pennsylvania is well named because it is the city that holds the Hershey Chocolate Factory. Visitors can tour the factory and enjoy sweet deals and mouth-watering treats. Besides the chocolate, this town has many other adventures waiting for you. Over two million people visit Hersheypark each year to enjoy the world-famous roller coasters and entertainment. The park is even open in the winter when it is transformed into Christmas Candy Land with sparkling lights and a North Pole complete with Santa and unique gifts. Just up the street from the park, the 11-acre Zoo America is a North American wildlife park that holds over 200 different animals with seasonal events including the Creatures of the Night.
Carlisle is another area town and this city promotes slowing down and relaxing in a more rural setting. With small town displays and a historical charm, Carlisle is full of farmhouses, charming bed and breakfasts and unique stores. You can easily find antique shops and outdoor flea markets in this city where the perfect items are just waiting to be found. This city is also known for its natural beauty and seasonal festivities that include the Arts Festival and the Octubafest.
These South Central Pennsylvania communities are built on history and they have plenty of historical sites and attractions to enjoy. Combine that with chocolate, modern amenities and family-friendly activities and you have a wonderful region to visit anytime of the year.
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