Kendra Sommers, Student Writer
Summer is just around the corner and that means freedom, barbecues and the beach! But if you’re working on campus this summer, that excitement might be underwhelming since you’ll be surrounded by the campus limits that you usually reside. But nevertheless, you can still have a fantastic summer, even though you’re still on campus. Here are some ideas for summer plans in the area.
First major step: find a friend with a car. This will make everything easier.
1. Yellow Breeches
We’re honestly blessed to have such easy access to the Yellow Breeches, so take advantage of that opportunity! You don’t even need to leave campus for this one. Go swimming, inner tubing or kayaking down the river, or plan a picnic with some of your friends. Even consider utilizing the tennis courts or open fields for frisbee or soccer.
2. Museums
Being so close to the capital of the state, there’s lots of historical museums around the area, along with art and library museums. Here’s a few suggestions:
Susquehanna Art Museum
The Susquehanna Art Museum’s core values are education, collaboration, creativity, cultural leadership and human connectedness. On June 28 – July 1, 2019, they will be showcasing the exhibit: “Inspired, Contemporary Respones to a Legacy of Courage.”
Adult Admission: $8
National Civil War Museum
The National Civil War Museum goes through the timeline of the American Civil War. Incorporating “collections of artifacts, manuscripts, documents, photographs, and other printed matter that exceed 24,000 items,” the museum aims to tell an honest representation of the effects of the war not only on the nation, but also on the American people.
Adult Admission: $13
3. Art Shows
There’s plenty of art shows in the area. Here’s a few being held over the summer!
3rd in the Burg
Every third Friday of the month, there’s a host of celebration through roads of Harrisburg with “art, music and more.” Starting in the early evening, visit Broad Street Market, restaurants, Midtown Cinema, Susquehanna Art Museum and more! This is a good way to become more familiar with what’s available in the area and get involved in a nearby community, outside of Messiah College.
Artsfest of greater Harrisburg (May 25 – 27)
This festival features local artists as well as national artists, accompanied with lots of live music and food. Come during Memorial Weekend to enjoy the art of the area.
4. HBG Flea
(June 1st – reoccurring monthly on the 1st Saturday)
This event is also being held during the Artsfest on My 25-27 but continues the first Saturday of every month.
Get all your handmade and vintage goods, while also supporting local businesses. Their motto is “celebrat[ing] collaboration, creativity, and community.”
5. Taste of Independence Food Truck Festival and Fireworks
This has everything a good Fourth of July celebration needs: live music, food trucks and fireworks to end the night on the riverfront.
6. Shakespeare in the Park
(May 31 – June 15)
This year, the Gamut Theatre Group’s Harrisburg Shakespeare Company will be performing the classic comedy, Much Ado About Nothing. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy this FREE event in Reservoir Park in Harrisburg.
7. Hersheypark Stadium and GIANT Center
Here’s a list of some of the concerts and shows offered in the Hershey area at Hersheypark Stadium and the GIANT Center.
June 1: Trevor Noah at GIANT Center
June 6: Luke Bryan at Hersheypark Stadium
June 13: Carrie Underwood at GIANT CENTER
June 21: Josh Groban at GIANT Center
June 22: Adam Sandler at GIANT Center
Aug 17: Florida Georgia Line at Hersheypark Stadium
Aug 18: Backstreet Boys at Hersheypark Stadium
Aug 21: KISS at Hersheypark Stadium
Aug 31: Jonas Brothers at Hersheypark Stadium
