DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — Dauphin County has no shortage of unique experiences people can enjoy this winter to escape the cold. With the new year in full swing, there's something new for everyone.
"Winter’s a great time to explore because it is that changing of the year," said Allison Rohrbaugh, the director of communications and content with Visit Hershey & Harrisburg. "It’s a cold time but you can still go out and a lot of places have new exhibits out so it's fresh and new for everyone."
From hidden gems to well-known spots, there are many fun destinations waiting for you to leave the frigid temperatures behind.
The AACA Museum in South Hanover Township is at the top of the list for automobile enthusiasts in the area.
"If you love cars or if you’re interested in automotive history in any shape or form, this is a place you really want to visit," said Rohrbaugh.
Through April 20, the museum is showcasing muscle cars from both present and past eras in its rotation of changing exhibits. The museum also has permanent visitor favorites that include its Cammack Tucker Gallery, home to three of 51 Tucker vehicles ever to be made, a bus used in the iconic "Forest Gump" movie, and an award-winning model train display.
"There’s all kinds of things from real small artifacts and items to full-size buses and everything in between," said Jeffrey Bliemeister, executive director of the ACAA Museum. "If you’re local and you want to stay warm come visit us in Hershey, we’ll be happy to have you here.”
You can also stay warm while learning all about Pennsylvania's prehistoric ages to its recent history at the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg. Exhibits include a planetarium, Civil War artifacts, dinosaur fossils and much more.
"When you go to the State Museum, you’re learning in a really fun way that shows you what made and makes Pennsylvania," said Rohrbaugh. "It’s highlighting everything that’s making Pennsylvania special."
There is also no better pair than a hot beverage while digging into a new book. Midtown Scholar Bookstore in Harrisburg, one of the largest independent bookstores on the East Coast, has the newest titles to rare pieces of literature on its shelves with a café to complement it all.
"Midtown Scholar is one of those places where it’s a bookstore but it’s a destination. It’s an experience," said Rohrbaugh. "Grab your coffee get yourself a nice little table and go ahead and dig in, make yourself cozy on a cold afternoon."
Wherever in Dauphin County you visit to escape the winter weather, you’ll be sure to experience a warm welcome.
"There’s just a welcoming environment when you walk into experiences and attractions and restaurants here," said Rohrbaugh. "You’re treated very much like you’re one of the family. There’s this welcoming and warm environment."
A full list of Dauphin County destinations to explore this winter season can be found on Visit Hershey & Harrisburg's website and in their 2024 official travel guide.