Harrisburg continues its rebirth, expanding the long list of amenities for all occasions. These days you don’t have to leave the city to enjoy a world-class meal, culture and the lavish comforts of larger surrounding cities. Read on for our guide to how to eat, play and stay in style in Pennsylvania’s capital city.
Eat
Char’s at Tracy Mansion
Tracy Mansion was built in 1913 in what was later termed “Mansion Row” as a Tudor Revival home for David Tracy, an industrialist. The original mansion was one of three built in a row along Front Street; it was a 30-room mansion with hardwood floors (over poured concrete), mural paintings, fireplaces, an iron cage elevator and a coal bin “so large it was later used as a dining hall.”
Of the three original mansions, Tracy is the only survivor. The Tracy Mansion was converted into an osteopathic hospital, Community General, in 1951 and functioned for over 20 years when Goodwill Industries became the tenant and converted it into a mental health facility. The mansion was vacant when it was purchased in 2005 by Susquehanna Real Estate. In June 2012, it reopened as Char’s at Tracy Mansion.
Char’s offers top-notch cuisine for all occasions, whether a formal meal for a special celebration or a casual light bite. The atmosphere and welcoming service create a charming dining destination. 1829 N. Front St., (717) 213-4002
Table at Bricco
For a more intimate dining experience, consider the Table at Bricco. Hosted in the restaurant’s private tasting room and featuring its finest Tuscan and Mediterranean-inspired dishes with perfectly paired wine, the Table at Bricco offers one of Harrisburg’s most luxuriant dining experiences.
Celebrate with a world-class five-course meal that will excite your senses from every direction, and expect an exclusive, rustic feel. Table at Bricco is perfect for a night that calls for something a little extra. Reservations are required for the Table at Bricco experience. 31 S. 3rd St., (717) 724-0222
Rubicon
Rubicon is a playfully French-inspired, bar-centric restaurant offering honest epicurean fare. All meals are prepared with fresh, locally grown produce and farm-raised meats, as well as imported gourmet items. The menu features traditional French cuisine such as boeuf Bourguignon and escargot intertwined with the unexpected, like Le Haute Dog, a duck hot dog, and Faux Pho, which harkens back to French colonial times in Vietnam.
Rubicon’s decor and atmosphere are super-swanky, complete with chandeliers and a gorgeous pewter center bar. On the drink menu, next to fine French wines you’ll find hand-crafted, creative cocktails and local craft beer. 270 North St., (717) 317-9027
1700 Degrees Steakhouse Harrisburg Hilton
The stunning decor boasting large windows overlooking Market Square won’t be the only reason you’ll enjoy 1700 Degrees Steakhouse. With a menu featuring Midwestern prime beef, dry aged beef, certified Angus beef and the finest sustainable seafood, the restaurant succeeds in satisfying diners with high expectations and great taste.
Over 1,000 bottles of wine are available on the award-winning wine list, which is perfectly complemented by an extensive fine liquor collection. Cozy up with a glass of your favorite indulgence next to the warm and welcoming 12-foot long, two-sided fireplace.
1700 Steakhouse is a place to see and be seen and is every bit as comfortable as it is sophisticated. 1 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg, (717) 237-6400
Play
Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center
Located in the heart of Harrisburg’s historic Old Midtown district, The Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (H*MAC) is a 34,000-square-foot multi-venue arts and entertainment complex. Guided by an overarching vision to reclaim and repurpose many of Harrisburg’s elegant historic structures, the H*MAC project has become one of the cornerstones of the revitalization of Midtown Harrisburg. The H*MAC building currently houses three venues to provide visitors with a variety of options for dining, entertainment and enjoyment of the arts.
At the Stage on Herr you’ll find a nightclub and gallery space offering a diverse program of concerts, DJ events, theatrical productions and spoken word events. Stage on Herr is the only stage in the region to host four separate members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Adjacent is the Kitchen & Gallery Bar, which serves up Southern-inspired takes on familiar dishes. The fare is presented in a “fast casual” environment designed to service both serious diners and those coming to one of H*MAC’s numerous events. The Gallery Bar is furnished and decorated with many unique reclaimed materials and offers regularly rotating shows of both local and regional artists.
The Capitol Room, a turn-of-the-century art deco ballroom, is home to concerts, parties, theatrical events, fundraisers and weddings. With its vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and VIP mezzanine, the Capitol Room is the only venue of its kind in the region. 1110 3rd St., (717) 412-4342
Open Stage of Harrisburg
The capital’s oldest professional regional theatre, Open Stage of Harrisburg is a regional professional theatre and educational program dedicated to supporting a company of artists to present thought-provoking theatre and educational activities.
With a deep commitment to artistic freedom, Open Stage presents plays that appeal to audiences that enjoy challenges beyond mainstream theatre offerings. Open Stage has made a commitment to supporting the cultural education of the community, building informed theatre audiences and artists.
In the coming months, visit the theatre for classic performances of A Christmas Carol and The Diary of Anne Frank as well as nontraditional shows including The Santaland Diaries and Court Street Cabaret. 25 N. Court St., (717) 232-6736
The Gamut Theatre
The mission of Gamut Theatre—the combined company of Popcorn Hat Players Children’s Theatre and Harrisburg Shakespeare Company—is to tell classic stories in new and exciting ways for the entertainment and enlightenment of both children and adults.
Classics such as Death of a Salesman and Romeo and Juliet are currently on the schedule in the 2016–17 season. Alongside Shakespearean productions, theatre-goers can also enjoy the TMI Improv Troupe, which proves that not all at the Gamut is serious. 15 N. 4th St., (717) 238-4111
Whitaker Center for Science & Arts
More than just a museum, Whitaker Center offers cinema, science and shows all under one roof. Whitaker Center is home to Central PA’s biggest screen, with both 2D and 3D films showcasing everything from educational subjects to Hollywood blockbusters.
Whitaker Center also hosts nationally touring acts, local resident companies, jazz, classical, folk, opera, ballet and musical comedy. From month to month and year to year, you never know who will be gracing the intimate Broadway-style stage. (This time of year, you’ll definitely want to see the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker!) 222 Market St., (717) 214-2787
The Governor’s Mansion
Tours of the Governor’s Mansion are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. during the months of April, May, June, September and October. Tours are conducted by docents at no charge; reservations are required. To schedule a tour, call the tour line at (717) 772-9130.
The Governor’s Residence also participates in the citywide 3rd in the Burg event. Head to the mansion from 5–8 p.m. every third Friday in April, May, June, September and October to view art exhibitions, take self-guided tours and stroll the gardens, weather permitting. Docents are available during this time to answer questions and provide information. There is no fee during 3rd in the Burg, and reservations are not required. 2035 N. Front St., (717) 772-9130
Stay
The Manor on Front
Explore another divine B&B in an early twentieth-century mansion with views of the beautiful Susquehanna River. The Manor on Front is further north on Front Street, nestled among the historic row of mansions that line the scenic river view.
With multiple shared common areas—including the library, parlor, courtyard and expanse of mature trees known as “The Greens”—and a prime location within walking distance to shopping, entertainment and Italian Lake, The Manor on Front Street offers a luxurious night’s rest without having to leave the city. 2917 N. Front St., (717) 884-9596
City House B&B
Built in 1925 and located along the banks of the picturesque Susquehanna River, this beautiful and charming urban retreat features gorgeous fireplaces, stained glass, hardwood floors and arched entryways.
City House B&B is designed for your relaxation and comfort. Enjoy the coziness of a crackling fire while resting in a spacious living room with lovely river views. Unwind from your day and relax with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book, or tend to business details in a quiet, tranquil setting.
The architecture of 915 Front Street was inspired by Spanish prototypes that were being architecturally explored during the era. The home has endured much over the years, including being divided into two homes in the 1940s and serving as a group home in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Current owners Chris and Erica Bryce have restored the building to a one-family dwelling, noting, “The original structure of the house was built for entertaining. Returning it to a single-family home re-created that ease of movement and wonderful flow.” 915 N. Front St., (717) 903-2489
- Char's at Tracy Mansion & Rubicon photos: Alexandra Whitney Photography
- H*MAC photo: H*MAC
- The Gamut Theatre photo: Kelly Ann Shuler
- The Manor on Front photo: The Manor on Front
- 1700 Degrees photo: Ken Bruggeman/Hilton Harrisburg
- Table at Bricco photo: Table at Bricco
- Open Stage photo: Haley Harned
- City House photo: Teresa Lanza
