Weekly roundup
A strong start to November across the 717
Halloween is wrapped up, and the weekend is in full swing. Here’s what’s happening as November begins:
Hersheypark Halloween and “Dark Nights” run through November 2, including rides, haunted houses and trick-or-treat trails. stories.hersheypa.com
Downtown Harrisburg’s Small Business Saturday Preview kicks off today, encouraging shoppers to visit local stores and markets ahead of the national event later this month. (theburgnews.com)
Lancaster Central Market is open 6 a.m.–3 p.m. with local fall produce, baked goods, and live music for the first Saturday of November. (centralmarketlancaster.com)
Upcoming events
What to do this weekend
Here are two ways to enjoy your Saturday and Sunday:
Sat Nov 1 – Harrisburg Flea at Strawberry Square | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Local artisans, vintage finds, and food vendors fill downtown. (harrisburgflea.com)
Sun Nov 2 – Final Day of Hersheypark In The Dark | Hersheypark Drive | Your last chance for fall rides, family photos, and spooky snacks before the park flips to its Christmas setup. (hersheypark.com)
🩵 Neighbor Spotlight
“After the candy — comes community.”
Hey Hey neighbor, let’s catch up.
Now that trick-or-treat night has passed, the region settles into a calmer but equally vibrant weekend. Markets are open, small shops are running early sales, and local coffee spots are full of post-Halloween chatter.
If you’re in Harrisburg, stop by Elementary Coffee downtown for a cozy roast and good conversation. Over in Lancaster, Mean Cup is serving limited-time caramel apple lattes, and in Carlisle, Denim Coffee just rolled out its winter blend. Small places like these keep the community heartbeat strong long after the costumes are packed away.
November is the “reset” month, a time to reconnect, restock, and recharge. Whether it’s a morning at the market or a lazy afternoon walk along the riverfront, there’s still plenty of hometown warmth to soak up before the holidays arrive.
🟩 Good to Know
Local tip: Support early, shop smart
Many 717 businesses are starting Small Business Saturday specials early. If you shop this weekend, ask about local loyalty programs — several stores in Harrisburg and Lancaster are offering “buy-local cards” that give discounts through December.
🟧 Weekend Preview
Cozy, colorful, and close to home
The foliage along the Susquehanna River is still holding strong, perfect for a Saturday drive between Mechanicsburg and Duncannon. End the trip with coffee or brunch at a local favorite.
📸 Tag @ourlocal717 on Instagram to share your view, and we might feature it next week.
Get involved
Your Turn: Community Question of the Week
As November begins, which local spot best captures “fall in the 717”?
🍂 A. Lancaster Central Market: cider, crafts, and chatter
☕ B. A neighborhood café: cozy, quiet, and familiar
👉 Hit “reply” and tell us which one you’d pick, and why. We’ll share the most popular choice next week.
That’s it for today’s issue.
Keep showing up for each other, and for your local favorites.
We’ll see you around the neighborhood!
The Our Local 717 Team
P.S.
New here? Check out our Welcome Guide for the best local cafés and spots to explore this fall.
