Mechanicsburg is a lovely borough in eastern Cumberland County, located just half an hour from both Harrisburg's downtown district and the tourist attractions of resort town Hershey. The borough, which was once the home of the Cumberland Valley Railroad, serves as a great jumping-off point for exploring nearby attractions like Hersheypark, home to high-thrill roller coasters and water rides. Visitors can catch dirt track car races at the prestigious Williams Grove Speedway, showcasing races each Friday since 1939, or explore the gorgeous preserved historic buildings of the Mechanicsburg Museum, which displays information about the region's railroading history.
1. Williams Grove Speedway
Williams Grove Speedway is one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious automobile dirt racing tracks, opened to the public on May 21, 1939. Throughout its three-quarter-century operations, the track has hosted some of the United States' most notable national touring racing series, including events connected to the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars, United States Auto Club, United Racing Club, and All-Star Circuit of Champions. Each year, the track hosts special racing events on Fridays between March and October, including the acclaimed National Open sprint car race, held as part of the World of Outlaws series. More than 350 sprint car divisions are showcased throughout the season, along with super sportsman events and limited late models. Season and individual tickets are available for all races, including discounted tickets for youth ages 13-20.
1 Speedway Dr, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, Phone: 717-697-5000
2. The Rolls-Royce Foundation
The Rolls-Royce Foundation honors the legacy of one of the world's greatest motorcar brands, operated as a subsidiary of BMW since the late 20th century. The foundation, which is operated as an independent nonprofit organization, operates the Rolls-Royce Foundation Museum, the largest museum and research facility in the United States dedicated to the Rolls-Royce and Bentley vehicle brands. Visitors can explore the museum each weekday during the afternoon hours and embark on guided tours led by experienced tour guides. A rolling stock of Rolls-Royce and Bentley motorcars are showcased within the 5,000-square-foot museum, along with rotating exhibits dedicated to the history, operations, and legacy of both brands. The museum's extensive research center showcases a collection of books, manuals, and historic documents connected to individual chassis.
191 Hempt Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050, Phone: 717-795-9400
3. Williams Grove Farmers Flea Market
Williams Grove Farmers Flea Market has operated each Sunday throughout the year since April of 2007, originated as a small community market connected to a nonprofit organization. Today, the market has grown to be one of Pennsylvania's largest, showcasing more than 600 vendors selling farm-direct goods and produce. Visitors can explore the market throughout its bustling summer months and peruse hundreds of produce, meat and cheese, bakery, pantry, and specialty food item vendors, who sell from sunrise to 2:00pm or sellout. Antiques and artisan wares are also sold, ranging from organic pet food and building supplies to homemade soy candles and collectible cards. Delicious food from local vendors ranges from gourmet Italian hot sausages to locally-crafted ice cream. During the winter months, a limited market event is offered, showcasing up to 50 vendors. More PA flea markets
1 Steam Engine Hill, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, Phone: 717-766-4001
4. The Mechanicsburg Museum
The Mechanicsburg Museum is a free-admission living history museum preserving five buildings from the region's 19th-century history, including four buildings connected to the operations of the Cumberland Valley Railroad, which operated between 1837 and 1919. Visitors can explore the museum's lovely preserved facilities throughout the week as part of guided tours, including its fully-furnished two-story Stationmaster's House, constructed in 1866 for stationmaster George Zacharias and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A two-story Freight Station constructed in 1866 is also on display, showcasing changing museum exhibits on the railroad's history. The 1801 Frankenberger Tavern, the only building not connected to the history of the railroad, preserves what is believed to be Mechanicsburg's oldest existing building.
2 W Strawberry Alley, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, Phone: 717-697-6088
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5. THEA
THEA is a delicious Mediterranean-style restaurant that was opened in 2016 by restaurateurs Sophia and AnnMaria Nelms. The restaurant, which is named after the Greek term for aunt, is located within Mechanicsburg's lovely Arcona development and is a reference to the family's long lineage of restaurant operation within the Harrisburg region, connected to favorites like Sophia's on Market and Sophia's at Walden. High-quality lunch and dinner favorites, including delicious classics like eggplant rollatini and chicken Milanese, are paired with a selection of delicious fountain drinks from Appalachian Brewing Company. Diners can also enjoy casual fare like jumbo lump crab cake sandwiches or select from a variety of artisanal pizza flavors, including house specialties like strawberry and goat cheese.
1303 Saxton Way, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, Phone: 717-759-4654
6. Dukes Bar and Grille
Dukes Bar and Grille has been a central Pennsylvania favorite since 1992, offering several locations throughout the greater Harrisburg region, including a location in resort town Hershey and a newly-opened restaurant in Mechanicsburg. The award-winning grill has been family owned and operated since its inception, known for its casual dining atmosphere delicious entrees prepared with the best Lancaster County ingredients. A decadent selection of creative bar fare is showcased at lunch and dinner, including unique Duke Stax platters, which top baskets of waffle fries with ingredients ranging from hand-breaded chicken tenders and pulled pork barbecue to Thai chili sauce and crispy wonton pieces. A variety of savory pasta options are also served up, along with steak and seafood fare and sizzling fajita platters. Impressive beer and wine menus pair with a selection of fun house cocktails to get the lively conversation flowing.
5302 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050, Phone: 717-478-3853
7. Zahra Restaurant
Zahra Restaurant brings the flavors of Pakistan and the Middle East to Mechanicsburg, opened in 2011 by restaurateur Khalid Jilani. The restaurant serves only Halal food, respecting the cultural traditions of its culinary sources and crafting entrees according to time-tested traditional recipes. Diners can choose from a wide variety of delicious house specialties, including authentic chicken and lamb biryani platters and high-quality favorites like paneer karahi, chicken korma, and butter lamb gravy. All entrees are available as one or two portions, perfect for sharing with the table. Creative paneer wraps are also served up during lunch hours, along with traditional appetizers like alu samosas and chaat. For less adventurous eaters, a limited selection of American-style fare is also served, including chicken ranchero hoagies.
4830 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050, Phone: 717-412-0750
8. ABC West Lanes
ABC West Lanes is a popular destination in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania for family entertainment and fun, a place where friends and family of all ages can have a good time. The fun-filled entertainment center is also known for having affordable prices that won’t break the bank for families. There are bumper bowling lanes available for children, as well as special events like the COOL Cosmic bowling night. This unique bowling event features special effect lighting, great music, and fun for everyone. ABC West Lanes is a smoke-free bowling destination, and with nearly fifty lanes, is the Harrisburg region’s largest bowling alley.
6454 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050, 717-766-7601
9. Armitage Golf Club
Measuring six thousand yards from its back tees, Armitage Golf Club is located in the Mechanicsburg area in the Hampden Township community. The golf course has a par of 70 and combines narrow sculpted fairways, strategic new bunkers, and challenging greens into an exciting challenge for golfers of any skill level. Armitage Golf Club has been called “Simply the Best” for public golf courses by Harrisburg Magazine and has received this recognition eighteen out of the last twenty-one years. Golfers can relax, unwind and have a meal at the Caddy Shack Restaurant after their round of golf.
800 Orrs Bridge Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050, 717-737-5344
10. Art Center School and Galleries
The Art Center School and Galleries in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania is a nonprofit organization that provides a nurturing and supportive environment for the local arts community. The center offers a fairly comprehensive art program of exhibits, lectures, workshops, art instruction, a kids summer camp, and various other activities related to the visual arts. Located right outside of the downtown district, the Art Center School and Galleries can be found inside of a red barn and is open year-round to both member artists and the local Mechansburg community. Classes offered include woodworking, jewelry, glassblowing, photography, pottery, mixed media, drawing, painting, and more.
18 Artcraft Dr, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050, 717-697-2072
11. Ashcombe Farm and Greenhouses
Ashcombe Farm and Greenhouses is a constantly changing operation in Mechanicsburg, offering quality services and products in all its departments. While primarily a garden center, Ashcombe adds much more to the guest shopping experience. Upon entering the gift shop, visitors are greeted by seasonal decor and the aroma of freshly baked cookies from the bakery. Ashcombe Farm also includes The Children’s Garden, workshops for both adults and kids, resident animals, their own beehive, and the country cafe. Special events are held here throughout the year as well, such as Country Christmas, Fall Harvest Days, Butterfly Day, and Backyard BBQ.
906 W Grantham Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA 1705, 717-766-7611
12. Brittle Bark
In October of 2003, Dian Krulac started Brittle Bark by selling her perfected peanut brittle at craft shows. She went on eventually to sell her candy at stores throughout the country. Brittle Bark today is still made by hand using high quality ingredients, one batch at a time. After being featured on Rachel Ray’s show as the “Snack of the Day,” Brittle Bark opened its downtown Mechanicsburg store in 2008. There are now more than fifteen varieties of Brittle Bark offered throughout the year, as well as many collections such as Americana, Truffles, Spirited Truffle, and Bon Bon.
50 W Main St, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, 717-697-6950
13. Changes Salon and Day Spa
Changes Salon and Day Spa promotes wellness of the spirit, body, and mind in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. The facility has a goal to give each individual quality service by providing discriminate attention to their needs, as well as has a commitment to go beyond clients’ expectations. Changes Salon and Day Spa offers a variety of services and treatments, such as hair color and design, nail therapies, body treatments, makeup, skin care, facials, and massage. All of the Spa Coordinators, Spa Technicians, and Hair Designers are talented professionals and highly qualified. Clients can also enjoy complimentary wine, herbal tea, coffee, and juice.
5121 E Trindle Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050, 717-697-2600
14. Climbnasium
Climbnasium in Mechanicsburg is a premier facility for indoor rock climbing featuring climbs reaching up to forty feet and extensive bouldering areas. Toprope climbing, or climbing on the roped climbing walls, requires two people. One person has to hold the ropes, or belay, as the other person climbs. New toprope climbers at Climbnasium must pass the belay test or take the belay lesson. Bouldering is also available for unroped climbing up to fourteen feet in height. There are “crash pads” and padded floors at Climbnasium to prevent injuries and cushion falls. No lessons are required for bouldering.
339 N Locust Point Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050, 717-795-9580
15. Frankenberger Tavern
Situated in the downtown area of Mechanicsburg, Frankenberger Tavern is a historic building that has been preserved and maintained by the Mechanicsburg Museum Association. The log tavern was built by George Frankenberger in 1801 in the woods next to the road traveling from Carlisle to Harrisburg, before the town of Mechanicsburg existed. Frankenberger Tavern served as a stop for travelers, a place where both they and their animals could sleep and eat. Believed to be the town’s oldest building, the tavern is typically open with free admission from the beginning of May through the beginning of October on Saturdays.
217 E Main St, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, 717-697-6088
16. Josie's German Cafe and Market
Josie's German Cafe and Market is a family owned and operated unique dining and shopping spot in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. This German delicatessen and food market has been providing the local community with a great selection of quality German grocery and food products, as well as excellent service and atmosphere since 1986. The selection of German grocery items at Josie's German Cafe and Market includes sweet treats, condiments, German bread, deli meats, and much more. The cafe serves a menu featuring homemade, authentic German dishes like bratwurst, schnitzel, and Jagerschnitzel. Customers can also enjoy coffee and traditional German baked goods.
5238 E Trindle Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, 717-697-6462
17. Adventure Park
Adventure Park in Mechanicsburg is a portion of a much larger 53-acre community park, which also includes the Adventure Fitness Trail, picnic tables and pavilions, soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, a nine-hole disc golf course, and a playground. Originally started as a children’s accessible playground, Adventure Park has transformed into a place for people of all ages to have fun outdoors. The Adventure Zone Playground features sliding poles, monkey bars, swings, a climbing area, slides, and more, and is still very much an accessible playground. It’s also the first playground of its kind anywhere within Cumberland Valley.
1775 Lambs Gap Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050, 717-732-1882
18. Oakes Museum of Natural History
A unique museum experience in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, the Oakes Museum of Natural History is a place where visitors can view over 40,000 specimens. The museum consists of approximately 10,000 square feet of space that’s home to a large collection of Smithsonian-quality North American and African fossils, insects, minerals, seashells, fish, eggs, birds, and mammals. The Oakes Museum of Natural History also provides educational programs for homeschool groups, interactive guided tours, school field trips, Saturday science programs for elementary school students, scout badge programs, and more. The museum can also be rented for business functions, rehearsal dinners, and birthday parties.
1 College Avenue Messiah College, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, 717-691-6082
