Whether it’s your turn to plan date night, you’re tired of the same date night routine, or you’re trying to knock a first date out of FNB field, the city of Harrisburg has you covered.
While the city might have a multitude of dining options, I find it super easy to get into the same routine when living next door to my favorite restaurants. Why try anywhere else when tasty food and a rotating tap are a few short steps away? I guess the answer is pretty simple – because there’s so much to miss out on!!
In light of that, I’ve been in an experimental mood lately – wanting to try new workout classes, new breweries, new hiking trails, and of course, new date night spots!
Keep reading for a roundup of my five favorite Harrisburg date night ideas.
1. Not Your Average Dinner and a Movie
Midtown hosts plenty of quaint and romantic restaurants within a short walk from each other. So whether you’re looking to share platefuls of pasta from Alvero’s or try a new-to-town restaurant like Right on Reilly, you and your date will find a restaurant accommodating to both your likes – major couple win.
But it’s what happens after dinner that knocks this Harrisburg date night up a notch – crowler fills from Zeroday and a movie at Midtown Cinema, at the same time. Did you know you can purchase a crowler fill from Zeroday – located behind Midtown Cinema – and bring it into your movie with you? See what’s on their draftlist and don’t forget to check out their daily infusion!
Just don’t make the same mistake I did, and make sure to use the bathroom before the movie starts 😉
2. Sunset Picnic on City Island
You can’t beat a sunset over the Susquehanna when it comes to setting the mood for date night. One of my favorite date nights includes grabbing bikes from a Zagster bike rack and making our way across the walking bridge over to city island for a sunset picnic on the dock.
I like to pre-plan for this one and order pizza’s to-go from Bacco’s (only $6 for a Margharita pizza during their happy hour!) and take it with us. Alternatively, you could pack your own dinner, or grab food at Café Huey located on City Island. And don’t forget, Café Huey serves ice cream for that perfect after dinner treat!
You can bike around city island after dinner – maybe get in a round of mini golf or ski ball – or take the bikes back across the bridge and ride along the riverfront path for more sunset views!
3. Dinner With a Mission
It’s never a bad time to give back to our city, so why not give back together? Consider switching up your date night routine by serving at Bethesda mission before grabbing food yourselves. You can volunteer in their kitchen any night of the week!
Plus, if you sign up to serve the dinner shift from 4:30-6:30, you’ll still have ample time grab dinner at Café 1500 across the street, or anywhere else in the city really!
4. Can I Axe You Out On a Date?
No need to put a wrench in your date night plans, with this Harrisburg date night idea up your sleeve. Located a short drive from downtown Harrisburg, Joe K’s Brewhouse offers a date night idea sure to get the competitive juices going – axe throwing! If you and your date haven’t tried axe throwing before – or even if you have – add this one to your weekend plans.
You can arrive early and enjoy dinner and drinks on their back deck, or you can arrive during your scheduled throwing slot and have food delivered right to your throwing post! You don’t have to be an axe-pert to throw a date night both of you will enjoy.
5. Kayak Kruise and Dockside Drinks
Make it a day long excursion by taking your date from land to sea with a kayak cruise along the Susquehanna River. While some dates might include a nice view of the river, why not treat your date with a view of the city from the river. Susquehanna Outfitters, just across the river in Wormleysburg, offers kayak rentals Tuesdays through Sunday.
If you have the time, try their six-hour rental which shuttles you to Fort Hunter Park where your dropped off and able to enjoy panoramic views of the city the whole float back! Plus, you can pack a small cooler with snacks or lunch to enjoy along the way.
When you get back, you’re only steps from Duke’s or Dockside Willies where you can grab a drink by the river and recount on your day.
Which Date Night Will You Choose?
I guess the real question here is, why choose just one?!
This list is in no way expansive of all of the date night options available within a short distance of downtown Harrisburg. I’d encourage you to make each of these date nights your own and expand upon them as you wish!
Feel free so share your favorite Harrisburg date night ideas below!
Have fun couplin’ it up!
Cherishburg 