We all love our little city, but it doesn’t hurt to get out there and explore other people’s stomping grounds during a day or weekend trip. I hear a lot of people say they love Harrisburg’s central proximity to many surrounding cities.
So take advantage of these nearby cities – all it takes is booking one of the following round-trip train tickets and the rest basically works itself out for you:
1. Lancaster, PA – $22
For $22 you can catch a 30-minute train ride from Harrisburg to Lancaster and back. Here you can spend a Saturday morning at Lancaster Central Market amidst a quaint downtown city scene. You can also find yourself in one of Lancaster’s unique restaurant settings– who knew you could peruse more than 400 craft beer varieties on display at one restaurant?
Whether just for the day, or an overnight trip, this little city is the closest destination from the Harrisburg train station, but don’t make the mistake of overlooking it.
2. Philadelphia, PA – $64
Snag $64 from your last paycheck and pick a time to take in Philly for a few hours or a few days. This less than two-hour train ride will provide you with a memory-packed experience. Not only is a run up the Rocky steps a must, but the view from the top of the Art Museum steps makes the trek up worth it.
Splurge on a Philly cheesesteak for lunch or find another food option at one the Reading Terminal Market’s food vendors. Before you go, make sure you check out Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens while taking in a little history of the artist who inspired this mosaic garden (not sure what you’re trying to say here). Speaking of artists, don’t forget to check out the music scene while you’re in town.
3. Pittsburgh, PA – $106
A $106 ticket and six to seven-hour train ride each way might constitute an overnight trip, so good thing there’s a lot of ground to conquer during your stay in this growing millennial city. Looking to boost your insta-game? Consider a visit to the Mattress Factory or Randyland.
Or maybe kick up the competition with a bowl-off at one of Arsenal Bowl’s discounted theme times. Afterward, you can settle down for dinner and drinks at one of Pittsburgh’s breweries, including – Grist House, Dancing Gnome or East End Brewing Company.
4. New York City, NY – $120
Stash away $120 and you could find yourself seated on a three-and-a-half-hour train ride to the city that never sleeps. New York City will offer you a weekend of fun no matter what season you go. Many sought out tourist destinations include a walk or carriage ride through central park, an elevator ride to the top of the Empire State Building and shopping along Fifth Avenue.
Don’t forget to seek out some not-so-common places to try for yourself! Okay, mostly this refers to the limitless food options. But, whatever you do, you’ll likely want to stop at one of these locations for a milkshakeyou won’t soon forget.
5. Washington, D.C. – $156
Two hours, and too much fun later, a $156 train ticket will practically drop you at the President’s front door. Whether you explore the National Mall, admire animals at the National Zoo or take pictures of the Botanic Gardens, you’re likely to have not spent a penny! There are many free tours and exhibitsspread throughout the D.C. area.
Take the time to check out a few spots favored by locals while you’re in town. If the historic parts of the city weren’t enough for you, this old church turned arts club will definitely give you something to amaze over. And finish off your day by discussing your favorite parts over food from one of D.C.’s top-rated restaurants – most within walking distance from wherever the last stop of your tour takes you.
Start saving or start spending, because I think one of these trips is in your near future! But before you go, take the time to research more local favorites and seasonal specialties in that particular city so you don’t miss out on unique aspects most tourists overlook.
Cherishburg 