From the region’s early Amish inhabitants, to its role in the Underground Railroad and Civil War, to its vast farmland, the history of Harrisburg, Hershey, Lancaster and York is on display today through restored structures, revitalized neighborhoods and a strong arts community.
Groups can easily access all the region has to offer with its central location, which is even more enhanced with the extension of airline service to Pittsburgh this fall from Harrisburg International Airport.
“Convenience, location and affordability are key,” said Rick Dunlap, public relations director for the Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau. “We offer affordable options just two hours to Philadelphia and three and half to New York City.”
Harrisburg’s New Hood
In downtown Harrisburg, adjacent to the state capitol is the Midtown Harrisburg Historic District, currently in the midst of a renaissance. The neighborhood is home to the Broad Street Market, which began in the 1860s, as well as a collection of boutiques, restaurants, cafes and galleries that occupy refurbished buildings from the late 1800s to early 1900s.
One venue is the Millworks, a space filled with artist studios, galleries, a restaurant, and as of August, a brewery and rooftop biergarten. The 24,000-square-foot mixed-use space opened in 2015 in the former Stokes Millworks building using reclaimed lumber salvaged from the site, and some of the lighting fixtures are from the original Broad Street Market. For the wood-fired oven, bricks from an 1830s farmhouse were used and the side of a Pennsylvania railroad car is displayed in the 160-seat restaurant.
And it is not just the building materials and decor that have local ties. Many ingredients used at the restaurant and spirits poured at the bar are locally sourced.
“About 90 percent of our menu is from local Pennsylvania farms and purveyors,” explained Patrick Garrity, operations manager for the property. “We have a hyper-local approach and take that seriously.”
Groups can use the Millworks private events room as well as work with the in-house artists for workshops, demonstrations or classes.
The Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (HMAC), is a multivenue arts and entertainment complex in the heart of the Midtown district. The structure was built in the early 1900s as the city’s first Jewish community center. Today the center includes the Stage on Herr, a black box theater space often used for concerts, theatrical productions and presentations; the Kitchen and Gallery Bar, a restaurant and bar on the first level that features rotating exhibits from local and regional artists; and the Capitol Room, the building’s original Art Deco ballroom.
According to John Traynor, HMAC’s president, the Capitol Room is the last original ballroom in Harrisburg and features the 1920s stage, weathered-glass windows and vaulted ceilings.
In 2015, the Susquehanna Art Museum (SAM) moved from downtown Harrisburg to the transformed and expanded Keystone Trust Building in the Midtown neighborhood. The museum’s exhibits showcase the region’s cultural heritage and community as well as works from nationally and internationally known artists.
“Our event guests are oftentimes surprised and elated by their visit to the museum—surprised that their city has a new gorgeous art museum and elated that they were able to enjoy its creative atmosphere and art exhibitions alongside with their rental,” said Ross Tyger, the museum’s special events manager.
Groups can take over the original Historic Bank Building, which acts as the museum’s lobby and features a restored vault from 1923, a 27-foot-high ceiling and marble floors. The circular front desk can be transformed into a bar for receptions and dinners. Events can be held in the Main Art Gallery, which houses SAM’s largest exhibits.
For workshops, meetings, luncheons and other programs, SAM’s Education Center is available for up to 50 people.
PageBreak
Hershey Happenings
Size doesn’t matter when it comes to group options in Hershey.
“A small town on steroids” is one way Dunlap describes Hershey. “In other towns the same size, you won’t find the level of activities and venues we have.”
Hershey’s popularity can be credited to the Hershey Chocolate Company and the brand recognition that goes along with it. Developed by Milton Hershey, the community started with the Hershey Chocolate Factory and now has grown to include an amusement park, museum, stadium, arena, resorts and more.
The Hotel Hershey, built in 1933 and a landmark in the community, sits on Pat’s Hill overlooking the original factory. This year, the Woodside Cottages, the larger accommodations at the 276-room hotel, were renovated.
The Hershey Lodge, the larger of the Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company’s properties, is the largest convention resort between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, with 100,000 square feet of meeting space and nearly 700 guest rooms. This past summer saw the opening of Hershey’s Water Works, a new indoor pool complex at the resort, including a restaurant, bar and space for meetings and events.
Lancaster Rejuvenated
Many know Lancaster as Pennsylvania Dutch Country, or Amish Country, but a new wave of restaurants, bars and venues opening in the city is putting downtown on the radar for other reasons as well.
“The hip dining and drinks scene keeps growing in downtown Lancaster,” noted Joel Cliff, director of communications & advocacy for Discover Lancaster. “Lancaster offers a wonderful blend of urban style and rural splendor.”
One of these new venues is Excelsior, which opened in February. The 35,000-square-foot complex is comprised of several buildings built in the mid- to late-1800s by brewer and businessman John A. Sprenger. The property includes the Excelsior building, Sprenger building and a connecting terrace. The foundation of Sprenger’s original home is now a garden courtyard.
One of the first projects to revive downtown was the Lancaster County Convention Center. The center is connected to the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square and mixes the historic structures with modern architecture and amenities.
Art and Agriculture in York
When in downtown York, you can’t miss the public art that makes the ordinary benches, trash cans and street lights into a string of artworks that tell a story and the history of the area. In addition to a dozen sculptures, the most recognizable being the introspective Tin Man, there are 18 murals portraying key people and events in the city’s history, from paying homage to Harley-Davidson to William C. Goodridge, a slave who received his freedom and was active in the Underground Railroad.
“When it comes to meeting and convention facilities, York County offers exceptional small-town value with big-city amenities,” said Anne Druck, president of the York County CVB. “York is home to a diverse slate of venues and lodging that will fit the needs of any group. We have the traditional golf resorts and expo spaces that meeting planners have come to expect, plus several unique venues that are as great for relaxing and adventure as they are for working.”
York has also transformed many old buildings into modern spaces. Shank’s Mare Outfitters is along the Susquehanna River in an old cigar factory building. Groups can use the 1,100-square-foot space for meetings and then take one of their paddleboards or kayaks out on the water.
The York County History Center’s Agricultural & Industrial Museum, housed in a complex of renovated factory buildings dating to the late 1800s, offers groups versatile space with an industrial feel. There is an outside courtyard, reception area and large lobby that can be used together for an event or as separate venues.
Just 10 miles outside downtown in the hills of York County is Wyndridge Farm. The once-working farm has been transformed into a working brewery, producing craft beer and hard cider. On-site are event venues, accommodations and a restaurant. The meeting space includes the Pub Room & Brewery, ideal for smaller meetings and corporate retreats, and The Barn, often used for tradeshows, seminars, receptions and banquets.
