Wildwood Park: Become One With Nature (Without Having to Sleep Outside)

Get up close and personal with the beauty of the natural world at Wildwood Park (formerly known as the Wildwood Lake Sanctuary). Situated just outside Harrisburg, this is a great place to experience the great outdoors without the hassle of packing and camping. With local wildlife and vegetation as well as several endangered species, this is a stunning sanctuary for nature lovers of all persuasions—bring a camera, a walking stick, and a pair of binoculars to watch the birds for a full day of fun. The nearby Benjamin Olewine III Nature Center is also a great place to go for further learning opportunities.

Wildwood Park
100 Wildwood Way
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 221-0292
www.wildwoodlake.org

Susquehanna Outfitters: Your Ticket to the Great Outdoors

If you're planning a trip to the activity packed City Island Park or just want to explore Harrisburg at large, be sure to visit Susquehanna Outfitters. This fully equipped sports center offers equipment for all outdoors needs—the hard part is deciding what you want to do first. Water lovers can kayak or canoe on the placid river or enjoy swimming, fishing, and a lazy picnic at any of the river's secluded island spots. Bicycle fiends, meanwhile, can rent a pair of wheels to explore Riverfront Park and the Capital Area Greenbelt. And if you're geared up for a more elaborate expedition, sign on for one of the company's eco and heritage tours. If you’re on your own, this is a great way to meet new people or you can arrange to have a big outing with a group of friends—either way you're bound to have a blast.

Susquehanna Outfitters
City Island
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 503-0066
www.susquehannaoutfitters.com

A Happy July 4th Celebration 2010!

July 4th, otherwise known as Independence Day, is a national holiday honoring America’s adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Since then, this grand celebration has included celebrations all over the country that include parades, parties, and of course, the time honored tradition of watching fireworks light up the sky.

For a great celebration nearby, the Harrisburg Jazz & Multicultural Festival at Riverfront Park & City Island is sure to be a blast! Formerly called American MusicFest, this great event runs from July 3-5, 2010 and will include lots of live entertainment—from jazz performers to rock bands, a fantastic fireworks display, and more! 

Or else, make your way to the big city for Philadelphia’s Wawa Welcome America! Festival 2010! This 10-day celebration includes festivities like Wawa Hoagie Day, a citywide picnic, live performances by the Goo Goo Dolls and The Roots, and THREE Fireworks celebrations. Now that’s a celebration! For more information, click here! 

And if you’re planning on celebrating the holiday with close friends, family, and of course, food; make sure to concoct a few patriotic cocktails, whip up a July 4th-themed dessert, and get grilling!

Metro Bank Park: A Harrisburg Baseball Destination

Home to the Harrisburg Senators minor league baseball team, Metro Bank Park is a perfect destination for baseball fans and outdoors Americana seekers alike. With a seating capacity of more than 6,000, the well-sized venue is undergoing a non-disruptive $32 million renovation that will propel it to a new level of sports standards. Though the current park was built in 1987, it is located over the same plot that has served as Harrisburg's baseball destination since 1907.  With this much history as well as reasonably priced tickets for its loyal visitors, Metro Bank Park is a great destination to while away an afternoon rooting for your favorite team or just enjoying all the classic baseball amenities.

Metro Bank Park
City Island
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717-231-4444
www.senatorsbaseball.com

West Hanover Winery: 38 Varieties of Wine Right Around the Corner

The award-winning West Hanover Winery is the place to go for a sampling of Pennsylvania's best homemade wines. Though Pennsylvania doesn't have the same renown as California Wine Country, this selection of American wines is equally aromatic and savory—plus you don't have to deal with the crowds and outlandish prices of the West Coast's destinations. From 38 top-quality varieties of wine to summer concerts and tasting tours, this long-running establishment is perfect for an impromptu outing or a special celebratory event (including weddings, anniversaries, or private parties). Come to West Hanover Winery with an open palette or pack a picnic to enjoy the stunning surroundings and welcoming customer service.

West Hanover Winery
7646 Jonestown Rd.
Harrisburg, PA 17112
(717) 652-3711
www.westhanoverwinery.net

Ring the Alarm, Get on Your Gear, and Visit the National Fire Museum

Honor America’s unsung heroes at the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum, where the history of firefighting is celebrated to its fullest potential. Located in a beautiful 1899 Victorian firehouse, the museum represents a long chronology of firefighting history and artifacts—from classic hand-drawn equipment to contemporary tools to save lives. Wander throughout the venue to catch a glimpse of unique old fire engines, a fully restored Gamewell alarm headquarters, an 1867 parade carriage, video presentations, and hundred of other unique items that will illustrate the history of this life-saving activity. Once you've had your fill, be sure to stop off at the gift shop where a bevy of souvenirs—from kitschy to collectable—will round out your memorable experience.

Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
1820 North 4th St.
Harrisburg, PA 17102
(717) 232-8915
www.pnfm.org

Catch Your Favorite Musical Acts Touring the Country

Are you a music lover? Do you get a kick out of seeing your favorite acts in person? If so, you are in for a real treat this year. Dozens of well-known national acts are criss-crossing the country on tour. No matter which style of music you prefer, there’s sure to be a concert you'll like.

Dave Matthews Band. Noodly jam-band tunes meet driving, jangly pop for this intercontinental crew that got their start as a college-town favorite in Charlottesville, Virginia. DMB will be swinging through the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region this summer.

Michael Bublé. This suave Sinatra-inspired crooner updates the American standards for the twenty-first century. Catch him on his swing through the South and Midwest this spring.

U2. To fully appreciate the sweeping grandeur of Bono & Co.’s anthems, you have to catch U2 live in concert. The band’s elaborate “360” stage show will swing through North America in June and July.

Rihanna. Can’t get enough of this R&B/pop diva's up-tempo dance jams? Rihanna is making her way across the country this summer  with special guest Ke$ha joining her on tour.

You can find dates at venues near you or track your favorite band’s tour activity on websites like Ticketmaster or Pollstar.

Spring is in the Air . . . Get Out There and Volunteer in Harrisburg!

A new season is upon us, bringing warm weather, longer days, and sunny skies. With cheer in the air, why not spread it around and give back to your community! Using Volunteermatch, it’s easy to volunteer at a charity nearby, and find opportunities by location and interest!

For example, join the fight against MS and volunteer to help out at Walk MS in Scranton on Saturday May 22! Click here to volunteer to distribute brochures, set up the event, check people in, and more! Want to be an active participant? You can also sign up to walk, here!

Other nearby opportunities include lending a helping hand at the PA area Special Olympic Games on Thursday, April 15; or if you’re into being green and helping the environment, volunteer for the 4-H Youth Water Project and educate others about conservation and water quality. The possibilities nearby are endless, so search now for how you can help out this spring!

Ready to Try Yoga? Find Out Which Type is For You

 

Looking for a great way to relax, get fit, and tap into your inner bliss? If so, yoga may be just what the doctor ordered. But what some newcomers to this ancient wellness regimen are surprised to find out is that there are dozens of different ways to approach the practice of yoga. What are the most popular types of yoga, and which one is right for you?

Hatha yoga. In the United States and other Western countries, hatha yoga is the most popular type of yoga practice. This exercise consists of moving slowly and deliberately through a series of gentle stretches and poses.  Hatha yoga is ideal for beginners, for those seeking to relax, and for those with injuries or fitness limitations.

Bikram yoga. Also known as “hot yoga,” bikram yoga is a somewhat challenging practice that involves engaging in a series of advanced poses in a room that has been heated to over 100 degrees. This practice is best for experienced yogis, and for hardcore exercisers who are looking for a serious challenge.

Kundalini yoga.  Although somewhat similar to hatha yoga, kundalini yoga emphasizes more rapid movements and also places a premium on meditation and breathing exercises. Because of the coordination issues that are involved, Kundalini yoga is best for intermediate yoga practitioners who already have a firm grasp of the basic hatha yoga poses.

Ashtanga yoga. Sometimes referred to as “power yoga,” ashtanga yoga is more vigorous and challenging than other types of yoga. If you’re looking for a way to build your strength, flexibility, and endurance, and you don’t mind a workout challenge, give ashtanga yoga a try.

 

Gamut Classic Theatre: A Classic Act in Harrisburg, PA

Gamut Classic Theatre combines the talents of the Harrisburg Shakespeare Festival and the Popcorn Hat Players Children's Theatre into one production company. The former focuses on a yearly celebration of the British playwright, featuring a sampling of the bard's most popular works along with free performances, comedy send-ups, and even a symbolic birthday party. The latter component of the company is dedicated to entertaining children and their families in a unique setting, bringing folk tales, fairytales, and fables to life in creative—and at times improvisational—ways. Gamut is committed to bringing the power of theater to Harrisburg, but the popularity and high quality of each production means that the players are often on the road to perform for other communities. But with frequent performances throughout the year and an educational outreach program that includes a theater school, educational residencies, and resources for local teachers, this is a true hub for Harrisburg's thespians and theater appreciators.

Gamut Classic Theatre
605 Strawberry St.
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 238-4111 ‎
www.gamutplays.org

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