Top Experiences To Try in Hershey and the Central Pennsylvania Region

The Central Pennsylvania region hosts lots of hidden wonders to see, and of course, the nationally famous Hersheypark. Although I’m from California and Nevada, I spent a whole Summer there, made lot’s of friends and memories of a lifetime. So, let’s buckle up a take travel to some of the must-see destinations.

Now these are from personal experiences. If I’m saying it is worthwhile, you can rest assured, I did it myself, and this is a real review from a real travel blogger! During my summer in the area I did a lot of exploring. You’ll find it is a fun and easily explorable area. Like me, you can have the time of your life, so let’s see my top five Hershey and Central Pennsylvania experiences for visitors, or even residents.

5. Pennsylvania State Capitol

I have to say  the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg was the most surprising of all. Do this with your family. I did when my family came to visit.  In our society, you can say schools have failed in some ways by not teaching enough about how the government actually works. You can learn all that in Harrisburg. But the real surprise is how strikingly beautiful the capitol building is, from the architecture with soaring domes and atria to ornate frescos and marble grand staircases.

We were all super surprised at how pretty it was. It is actually considered to be one of the prettiest state capitol buildings. So coming in at #5 is the surprising Pennsylvania capitol complex in Harrisburg.

Address: 501 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17120

4. Turkey Hill Experience

I went to the Turkey Hill Experience with my friends Aiden and Hannah. Turkey Hill Experience is a museum in Lancaster that is themed around Turkey Hill products. Turkey hill is a company that specializes in making ice cream and tea. There were three different parts of the experience: The History of Turkey Hill, The Science of Ice Cream, and the task lab. My favorite parts were the free ice cream sample and the add to experience where we got to make our own ice cream.

Turkey Hill Experience, 301 Linden St, Columbia, PA 17512 

3.Tomato Pie

I went to a restaurant called Tomato Pie with my friend Lydia. It has a really good seasonal menu so the menu changes often. They specialize in Tomato Pies. Which is a quiche with tomatoes and cheese. We got one to share and loved it. Lydia loved this so much she took her mom.

Address: 3950 Tecport Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17111

2. Indian Echo Caverns 

I went to tour caverns that Indians used to live in with Aiden. These are limestone caverns with stalactites and stalagmites galore, some of which are pictured above. It was so interesting to see and it was so pretty. I was not expecting to love it as much as I did. Bring a jacket if you if you go because it can get cold there. 

Address: 368 Middletown Rd, Hummelstown, PA 17036

1.City Island

City Island is an island adjacent to Harrisburg in the middle of the the Susquehanna River. Go there at sunset and enjoy a casual dinner at one of the restaurants, or just stroll along the waterfront.  You also can play some miniature golf, or catch a baseball game. I went with Aiden we got dinner at an amazing Mexican Restaurant called Tequila Willies. It was some of the best Mexican food I have ever had. I want to go back already. We then saw the sunset on the patio of the restaurant and then went for some mini golfing. It was such a good night. 

Overall, I had such a great time in the Harrisburg – Hershey region of Central Pennsylvania. It was truly the best of one of the best summers imaginable. Most of all, thank you to all my friends who helped make some great memories and adventures!