Need suggestions from locals Pennsylvanians (Philadelphia, Lancaster: appointed, hotels, theatre)

[petshoptype]

Hi, this may seem a little silly, but my friend and I want to go somewhere this weekend and we have decided that that place is Pennsylvania. We're both from Virginia and we don't know a lot about the area, but we would just like to get away for the weekend and have fun. We were all set on going to Williamsport, but all the hotels are booked due to Bucknell's homecoming game. Do any of you have any other suggestions for neat cities to visit? We would like to go somewhere not TOO big with a good night life as far as restaurants and breweries go. We're also kind of limited to mid to southern PA due to driving distances. It would be so great if we got some help on here with this! Thank you so much for your time.
-Sarah

[judd2401]

Harrisburg would be a great visit, the downtown Hilton ALWAYS has rooms, it's a very nice hotel, you can walk to many downtown restaurants, there are several mini breweries, a lot of buzz, nightclubs, etc. You could walk the riverfront during the day, you could leave your car sit for the weekend if you want, visit the Pennsylvania Museum, tour around the capital buildings, or if you want to drive a little, visit Hershey Park, the Hershey Hotel up on the hill, Hershey Chocolate world, Harrisburg is within shooting distance to the Lancaster area, you could drive up 11/15 along the Susquehanna River, a beautiful ride to Weaver's Market [Amish] [about 35 miles], turn around and go back and get on 22/322 and get off at Front Street and visit Fort Hunter, and return to the Hilton. Good luck and have fun if you come up. You could go on line and see what's going on at the Whitaker Center next to the Hilton, they had the new Harry Potter movie in the IMAX theatre, there's always something playing. Giant Center at Hershey Park has concerts, you could go on line and see what's playing. Lots of shopping in Colonial Park, everything you can imagine if you like that. Let me know if you have any more questions but I would vote for Harrisburg, it's right off 81, a straight shot up from Virginia. Nothing against Williamsport but it's off the beaten track from VA and not nearly as much to do. Bucknell is in Lewisburg, is that where you were meaning instead of Williamsport?

[petshoptype]

Yeah, even though Lewisburg is where Bucknell is, it seems all the hotels in Williamsport are booked due to the event as well. Thank you so much for your reply though, it's quite helpful and I'll definitely look closer at Harrisburg now. Sounds like a good place to consider, definitely!

[danwxman]

I would definetely second the Harrisburg suggestion. Nice mid-size city with good nightlife. Plus close to Hershey and plenty of recreational activities.

[teachbeach]

Go to the tour at Troegs brewery, free samples. Right around the corner is Appalacian Brewing Company, great microbrewery with terrific menu. Both have websites you can google. H-burg is a fun city, enjoy!

[judd2401]

Just so you know, I accidently came across Bucknell's homecoming weekend, it appears that it was this past weekend.

[rainrock]

West Chester, Chester County. Quaint fun college town 25 miles west of Philadelphia. 15 minutes from King of Prussia the largest "shopping mall" in the usa. 45 minutes from 500 bars and restaurants in center city/university city Philadlephia.

Have fun wherever you end up.

[alliu23]

I'm afraid you would be disappointed by Williamsport, maybe it's just because i've lived 15 minutes away my whole life and work there, but it's pretty run down

however, i do agree that Harrisburg area is great

there is a lot to do and you can find so many different things

[toobusytoday]

Perhaps the Williamsport places were booked with a Lycoming College activity? I agree with the Harrisburg suggestion.

[Dawne]

Bucknell's homecoming was this past weekend and Lycoming College doesn't have any big events (their homecoming was two weekends ago) so not sure why the hotels are all booked up.

But, I agree that Harrisburg is a great place to visit. And don't forget City Island, where you can take a riverboat ride (if there's enough water in the river at this point!!) and perhaps see a baseball game, play miniature golf, and just have a nice walk around. You can drive to City Island and park, or there's a pedestrian bridge connecting it to the city.