Welcome to Central Pennsylvania

Whether promoting details about its Vote with a Vet program or expanding outreach programs for active duty personnel and veterans, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a friend to the military community. Even Route 45 in Central Pennsylvania reflects this commitment—it is called the Purple Heart Highway. Visit the Web site at www.artthriveson45.org.

Clustered around the capitol city of Harrisburg and well within commuting distance of each other, the military installations of Central Pennsylvania are positioned in and around the Susquehanna River Valley, a scenic collection of interesting destinations, where the river connects to classic Pennsylvania history, heritage, and outdoor discovery. Visit the Web site at www.visithhc.com. Central Pennsylvania offers a variety of attractions for service personnel and their families. You might take the thrilling rollercoaster rides at Hersheypark, or relax on the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat cruise down the Susquehanna River. Go to a game at the Harrisburg Senators ballpark or enjoy an elegant night at the Harrisburg Symphony. For a little taste of history, you might take a tour on a 1920s railroad train, ride in the City Island Park carriage, or visit the Amish communities.

Military installations covered in this guide include Fort Indiantown Gap, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Mechanicsburg, Carlisle Army Barracks & War College, Letterkenny Army Depot, as well as the Veterans Administration Medical Center.

Climate
Central Pennsylvania enjoys four distinct seasons. The area is "prime" for beautiful fall foliage. Thirty minutes south of Harrisburg, Gifford Pinchot State Park has several hiking and biking trails along Pinchot Lake with colorful views descending from the hillsides, all the way down to the water's edge. North of Harrisburg, the foliage views along the banks of the Susquehanna River can be enjoyed from State Route 147. Spring and fall averages are mild (fifties and sixties) with hot summers (low to high eighties). Winter day time temperatures average in the mid-twenties and thirties—expect snow.

Local Area
Harrisburg
As the capital of the Commonwealth (and a major source of jobs), Harrisburg has a history and a character that reflects more than just the lives and achievements of its own citizens. Once called the nation's second most distressed city in 1981, Harrisburg has rebounded thanks to almost 30 years of rehabilitation, construction, and growth. The Harrisburg metro area now sports an estimated population of more than 650,000.

President George Washington passed through Harrisburg in 1794 on his way west to quell the Whiskey Rebellion. He spent the night at a hotel on the southeast corner of Market Square. Abraham Lincoln, as president- elect, went to the same site, but never got a chance to sleep. With rumors that he faced assassination, he was hustled out of Market Square and taken to a darkened train headed for Washington. That afternoon of Feb. 22, 1861, Lincoln had addressed the legislature. He returned to Harrisburg for the last time on April 21, 1865, to lie in state in the House of Representatives as the martyr of the Civil War.

Market Square is now the downtown transportation hub and commercial center for the city. For culture buffs, the Whitaker Center for the Science and Arts is the first of its kind with education, science and the performing arts taking place under one roof. www.whitakercenter.org.

The Forum, a 1,763-seat concert and lecture hall, is a state-owned and operated facility located within the State Capitol Complex, and is home to the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. Visit their Web site at www.harrisburgsymphony.org.

Each January hundreds of thousands visit the Pennsylvania Farm Show, a major agricultural exhibition held in Harrisburg. The Farm Show also includes special events for children. Visit their Web site at www.farmshow.state.pa.us. The city's extensive parks system makes this city an affordable destination for family picnics and outdoor recreation. City Island is the crown jewel; a dynamic, family-oriented, waterfront playland—also home to Harrisburg's own minor league baseball team (Senators), the Annual Armed Forces Day celebration, and much more. www.harrisburgevents.com/index.html

Philadelphia
Military personnel stationed in the Central Pennsylvania area also benefit from being in close proximity to the city of Philadelphia. It's only two hours away, and with all its historic attractions, the challenge will be what to do first.

The best place to start your first Philadelphia exploration journey is to visit the non-profit Philadelphia Convention and Visitor's Bureau Tourist Center at 16th and Kennedy. For information before you leave you might want to visit their Web site at www.philadelphiausa.travel or call (215) 568-1976 for free maps and brochures. You'll find that many area attractions and museums offer discounts or free admission to service people.

Area Attractions
Hersheypark
Did someone mention chocolate? Much more than the chocolate factory—it's thrilling attractions, luxurious accommodations, rides and variety shows, truly makes Hersheypark a vacation destination in itself. Your admission to the park also includes admission to the ZooAmerica Wildlife Park and the Boardwalk at Hersheypark with more attractions being added each year. And the town of Hershey is so close; the kids will want to go every weekend. Visit their Web site at, www.hersheypark.com.

Lancaster Country
Discover Amish communities where life moves at a slower pace and centers around time-honored traditions and values. You'll find great food, beautiful scenery dotted with one-room schoolhouses and wooden covered bridges, modern farm machinery being pulled behind four-and six-mule teams, homemade clothing and quilts gently blowing in the breeze, and where you'll hear the clip-clop of horses' hooves echoing down quiet country roads. www.padutch.com. In addition to active duty types, DoD personnel, reservists and civilian contractors, Central Pennsylvania is also host to many military retirees who appreciate Central Pennsylvania's proximity to Maryland and Washington, D.C. With its gorgeous scenery and patriotic spirit, whether you are coming for one tour or to stay, Central Pennsylvania's welcome will warm you.  read more...

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