Like a Local - Ryan Unger

From hidden gems to classic experiences, our local friends are sharing their favorite ways to spend time in the Hershey Harrisburg Region. Part 4 of our “Like a Local” series features Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC President & CEO Ryan Unger.  Ryan’s day job is all about promoting the region as an attractive place to live, work, and play. He chose to make Midtown Harrisburg his home because it had all the things that he talks about every day: access to outdoor activities, arts, culture, and cuisine.

Ryan’s Top Itinerary Picks 

Walk this Way: Ryan’s daily walks through Riverfront Park with his rescue pup, Harrison, are the highlight of his day.   

Best Bites: Rubicon’s stunning space and epicurean fare will impress guests looking for a world-class dining experience. 

Follow the Music: Ryan is first in line for tickets to shows in Riverfront Park, XL Live, Hersheypark Stadium, and Hollywood Casino.   

More About Ryan 

Leading the region’s business chamber and certified economic development organization, Ryan is relentless in his pursuit of opportunities to showcase the region’s many assets. He’s unapologetic in his passion for uplifting businesses and entrepreneurs. He makes his home in the city he loves, walking its streets and parks (with Harrison, of course) and enjoying the concerts, sports, and special events that he pitches to prospective investors as reasons they should call Harrisburg and the surrounding area home, too.   

More Itinerary Ideas 

Live music is at the top of Ryan’s list when it comes to finding ways to unwind on evenings and weekends. Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park is full of free music for large city events like Artsfest (Memorial Day Weekend) and Kipona (Labor Dat Weekend) and also buzzing when ticketed events come through for summer concert series. Bands like The Roots and The Head and the Heart have played sets under the stars with the Susquehanna River as a cool backdrop. Ryan beams, “It’s our Red Rocks,” drawing comparisons to the unique “only here" views you can get at a venue. The concert stage is walkable to Downtown Harrisburg, so it’s easy to make plans for dinner and a show or to spend time browsing museums and murals before the music starts.  

While Harrisburg venues are known for more intimate spaces, Hersheypark Stadium is the spot to catch the world’s hottest touring acts. The views there are pretty sweet too, with coaster lights adding a special backdrop as bands like Jonas Brothers, PiNK!, and Luke Bryan run through their greatest hits. 

Go Sens! Go Bears!  

Harrisburg has a long and storied history with professional sports. It’s the only U.S. city that boasts a minor league baseball stadium on an island. Harrisburg City Island is home to the Harrisburg Senators, the AA affiliate of the Washington Nationals. On any given night at the ballpark, you can catch rising stars working up to the big leagues. Bryce Harper, Stephen Strasburg, and Juan Soto all played at FNB Field as a launching point to their all-star careers. City Island is a popular starting point for 5Ks and the Harrisburg Marathon, which is a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon. The island is connected to downtown by a pedestrian bridge (and a separate road for cars to access as well!) which makes the connection to the Downtown easily accessible.  

Hockey fans know that Hershey is home to the Hershey Bears, a proud franchise with an AHL-leading 13 Calder Cups.  Check the promo schedule for special events and giveaways.  

Tip: move early on tickets for Hersheypark admission ticket promos – they go fast! 

Tip 2: The Teddy Bear Toss game in early January should be a bucket list item for any fan. When the Bears score their first goal, fans toss tens of thousands of stuffed animals onto the ice to be distributed to local charities. In the words of the Bears play-by-play announcers, the scene is “sweet, cuddly mayhem.” 

Pet Friendly Excursions 

Ryan’s Riverfront walks are his daily go-to, but weekends bring the time to venture out a little farther to take advantage of places like Detweiler Park, one of the region’s largest public spaces with miles of mostly flat trails and loops that are perfect for pups. Hungry after a hike? Ryan recommends Ever Grain Brewing or the Sturgis Speakeasy as places with pet-friendly courtyards and patios. Speaking of Brewing, Ryan is a big fan of local craft breweries. Yes, he enjoys sampling the pales and ales, but more than that he loves the sense of community that a local brewery offers. Often small, family-run business, Ryan says craft breweries are places where you can really feel a true local vibe.  

Can’t Miss 

Teddy Roosevelt called the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building “the handsomest” building he’d ever seen. Who is Ryan to disagree? He calls it the most beautiful capitol in the U.S. and says, “it’s not even a close competition.” (All due respect to our neighbors and fellow 50!) Free tours are offered daily where visitors can see the endless ornate décor and architecture.  

Finally, don’t leave town without visiting the Broad Street Market where vendors are serving up flavors that reflect cultures from around the world and local roots. It’s a Midtown hub of community with popup events and character that’s hard to match.