We booked a vacation to Hershey PA and the area. We have reservations at a Marriott in Harrisburg PA because of the proximity to Hershey Park. Is Harrisburg a nice area?

I haven't spent time there in thirty years, but I was through there last year and it didn't seem to have changed much. It is the state capitol, so it is largely government workers there. It is in farm country with a lot of dairy farms surrounding it. It is on the edge of Amish Country, so you might want to check that out too. Hershey Park was always the highlight of my summer. I don't doubt that it has changed a lot in thirty years, but I believe the old wooden coaster and the lovely hand carved Merry Go Round are still there. They are worth the trip alone to me. My cousin and I once rode the Rocket six consecutive times, getting right back in line each time we got off, lol. I haven't been on a coaster since. Here is a good way to get a feel for what the area is like, as far as local events, crime, etc. http://www.pennlive.com/ http://lancasteronline.com/ http://www.visithhc.com/ http://www.padutchcountry.com/ Carlisle is right up the road from Harrisburg. I can remember going there to see Roadside America when I was a kid. That is a huge model train layout built by hand by one man over several decades. He started building lovely houses when he was in grade school with balsa wood and a jack knife and just kept going. It is worth seeing. It all depends on your interests. I grew up in Lancaster, and there was more than enough in that corner of the state to keep me busy for a lifetime. There is so much history in that corner of the state. The Strasburg Railroad is worth seeing. The Erie Canal ran down the Susquehanna. The Landis Valley Farm Museum is a fascinating look at early agriculture in PA. The Mercer Museum is fascinating too. Valley Forge isn't far away. If you are interested in a lot of areas and not just looking for thrill rides, there is enough in a two or three counties to keep you busy for years.