Ride the Trails of Civil War Generals

Here’s a new way to take in the Gettysburg scenery: go horseback. Confederate Trails of Gettysburg premiered its first season in 2010.   Small groups of six guests are led along scenic equestrian trails behind the Virginia Monument to Spangler Farm where they can glimpse Peach Orchard and Little Round Top in the distance. A two-hour option continues along through Pitzer’s Woods to Longstreet Tower. Perhaps from there you can catch sight of the Eisenhower Farm.

The pace is comfortable for novice riders (only age 8 and above). The operators have accommodated individuals with a range of disabilities and they assure nervous prospects that, upon request, they’ll send a person to walk alongside the horse to ease their anxiety. This is not a historic tour, so riders seeking informative narratives might wish to get that background before setting out on this venture. However, when children are in the group, consider requesting in advance a living history re-enactor at no additional charge. Helmets (provided) are required for guests under age 18, and adults who decline must sign a waiver. Reservations go rain or shine. Military families receive a 10 percent discount. Check the website for additional details.

Confederate Trails of Gettysburg
www.confederatetrailsofgettysburg.com

Animal Kingdom Rules: ZooAmerica

ZooAmerica is just the right place for a short, sweet wildlife excursion. Accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, ZooAmerica’s origins date back to first decade of 1900, and is now part of Hershey Park—though it can be visited separately. Animals are organized according to their habitat—for instance, you’ll find alligators and crocodiles in the Southern Swamps and vampire bats, Gambel’s quail and Gila monsters as some of the representatives of the Great Southwest.

ZooAmerica has a number of conservation and breeding programs. The organization works with students and volunteers to create appropriate nesting boxes for American kestrels and peregrine falcons. These are then placed strategically in the wild where their natural nesting spots have been compromised or have disappeared. The zoo sponsors a variety of camp and educational outreach programs as well. After-hours events are exciting and informative. For more information, call (717) 534-3900, or visit: www.zooamerica.com.

Theatre Harrisburg: A Tried and True Local Theatre

Theatre Harrisburg was founded in 1926 during the height of the "Little Theatre Movement"—a nationwide surge in quality regional theater to meet local demands for passionate, detail-oriented productions. The company is still dominating the community's arts scene in its now decade-old home at the Whitaker Center for the Science and Arts, located on Market Street in downtown Harrisburg. For more than 80 years, Theatre Harrisburg is continuously dedicated to its patrons, which means every season offers more convenient times, family friendly productions, and diverse, high-quality performance opportunities. Yearly productions are performed either at the mainstage or in the Krevsky Center, both of which also play host to other unique performance and musical events. Check out the calendar or just stop by to get a taste of the artistic action.

Theatre Harrisburg
513 Hurlock St.
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 232-5501 ‎
www.theatreharrisburg.com

Animal Kingdom Rules: ZooAmerica

ZooAmerica is just the right place for a short, sweet wildlife excursion. Accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, ZooAmerica’s origins date back to first decade of 1900, and is now part of Hershey Park—though it can be visited separately. Animals are organized according to their habitat—for instance, you’ll find alligators and crocodiles in the Southern Swamps and vampire bats, Gambel’s quail and Gila monsters as some of the representatives of the Great Southwest.

ZooAmerica has a number of conservation and breeding programs. The organization works with students and volunteers to create appropriate nesting boxes for American kestrels and peregrine falcons. These are then placed strategically in the wild where their natural nesting spots have been compromised or have disappeared. The zoo sponsors a variety of camp and educational outreach programs as well. After-hours events are exciting and informative. For more information, call (717) 534-3900, or visit: www.zooamerica.com.

A Great Park In the Blue Mountains: Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area

The Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area is one of Pennsylvania's newest state parks. Straddling the Blue Mountains with 1,025 acres of pristine wilderness, the park is home to many species that are ordinarily hard to find on a quick outdoors trip. From unique large trees to deep forest birds, fields of wildflowers, and seasonal gatherings of butterflies, this is a haven for nature lovers as well as anyone who wants to get back and reconnect with the quiet simplicity of the natural world. Visitors are encouraged to explore on their own, but guided tours and special focus programs offer a more in depth experience for anyone looking to learn a little along the way.

Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area
Fishing Creek Valley Road
State Road 443
Harrisburg, PA 17112
(717) 567-9255
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/boydbigtree.aspx

Raise a Glass to Gettysburg at Hauser Estate Winery

Hauser Estate, a young winery with robust presence, is gathering a following. On what was once an apple orchard, Hauser Estate is committed to preserving agriculture in the Gettysburg area.  They’ve perched their tasting room and rental facilities to take advantage of a 360-degree view of the countryside, while the wine-making takes place underground. Besides arranging catering to your own special events, Hauser Estate offers happy hour on Thursday evenings and After Hours weekend parties with live entertainment. The Tasting Room is open seven days a week. You can taste Hauser’s products at two other sites—in Gettysburg and Chambersburg—as well.

Hauser produces a number of different choices for different tastes, including reserve wines and Jack’s Hard Cider. The winery gives the nod to local history with its Jenny Wade White, named for the only civilian known to be killed in the battle of Gettysburg; and Devil’s Den Red, named for the site where Union soldiers died from Confederate sniper fire.

Hauser Estate Winery: Tasting Room and Winery
410 Cashtown Rd
Biglerville, PA 17307
(717) 334-4888
www.hauserestate.com

Get Your Sports Fix at the SkyLine Sports Complex

You can always spot a good sports complex when there are numerous resident and visiting teams that come to use the facility. The SkyLine Sports Complex is just that, with a stadium and multiple fields that are home to the Harrisburg City Islanders soccer team and Central Penn Piranha football team. Whatever the shape of the ball or the length of the field, there's always something to see and plenty of teams to cheer for when you come down to SkyLine. The reasonably marked tickets make this a great destination for a group of friends and there's plenty of room for a quality tailgate pre-party, so stock up the car and roll out. The newly renovated venue is also in tip-top shape—from the stadium seats to the freshly planted grass—so there's no need to worry about getting stuck at a decaying relic of bygone sports glory.

SkyLine Sports Complex
City Island
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 255-3020
www.harrisburgevents.com/Common/City_Island.html

In the Mood for Art? Science? An IMAX Movie? The Whitaker Center Has it All!

There's no need to choose when you come to the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts. The unrivaled facility in downtown Harrisburg is home to several resident arts companies, science exhibitions, and plenty of educational and entertainment-oriented programs. Whether you're in the mood to see a recently released movie on IMAX, check out three-floors worth of interactive science displays (all hands-on, of course), or take in a top-notch dance or theater performance, the Whitaker center is the place to visit. True to its dedication as a resource for educational and expressive experience, the facility also offers 16 flexible spaces that can accommodate practice spaces, private viewing events (for up to 1,500 guests), and elegant lobbies for private functions or gatherings. The Whitaker Center is one of the pulsing centers of Harrisburg's cultural activity.

Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts
222 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 214-ARTS
www.whitakercenter.org

Level 2: Take Nightlife to Another Level

Level 2 is a lounge of the highest order. A swanky, nocturnal hangout, this is the go-to destination for nightlife lovers and late night revelers of all persuasions. With dramatic décor, high-brow cocktails, top-notch menu items, and swanky service to suit the ambiance, Level 2 is perfect for a night on the town with a group of friends or an impressive romantic date. There's an extensive beverage list that includes a variety of draught, bottled beer, and wine, but the specialty drinks are worth checking out too—the mojitos are crisp and fresh, whereas the caipirinha has a sweet Brazilian tang and the Love Potion #2 will have you swooning. Food is limited to small dining plates, but the well-prepared selections (including kobe beef sliders, chicken dumplings, and spicy tuna tartare) will please the palette without filling you up before dessert (chocolate banana chunk bread pudding, chocolate bento box, crème brulee).

Level 2
215 N 2nd St.
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 236-6600
www.level2.us

From the Latest Blockbusters to Cherished Classics, Midtown Cinema Has it All

The Midtown Cinema is the ideal destination for movie buffs and cinema-lovers of all inclinations. Founded in 2001, the theater gets back to the heart of film's glory days thanks to screenings of unique new and classic movies. Independent productions, foreign films, and beloved favorites all get equal footing at this open-minded playhouse. Putting a fresh spin on the classic concession stand, the Reel Café is yet another reason to stop by Midtown Cinema with its range of premium coffee beverages, weekly special drinks, and all the usual coffee house snacks. Whether you're in the mood to see a particular movie or just feel like being surprised, you'll always be glad you stopped by Midtown Cinema.

Reily Midtown Cinema
250 Reily St
Harrisburg, PA 17102
(717) 901-6218
www.midtowncinema.com

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