Cumberland County

Looking to think outside the box?  Check out the The Thought Lot.  The Thought Lot is a non profit contemporary arts center in downtown Shippensburg, that hosts a variety of artistic and cultural events.  At first glance it purports itself as a stark warehouse, but this rawness is just a backdrop for the art exhibits hosted there.  Unpretentiously furnished with old couches as seating for music events, the focus really is on the art.

The venue is a gathering site for creative types to show their artwork in a gallery setting.  Exhibits run for a few weeks at a time.  On the weekends, the venue brings modern bands of various genres.  In the past, The Thought Lot has hosted avant-garde theater and audio/visual installations.  Ongoing classes for Studio Z Zumba and yoga are held on a weekly basis.  Visit their calendar page to find out the times.  Various workshops take place as well, and in the past have included glassblowing demonstrations.  Open mic night is every Wednesday from 7-11pm.  The Thought Lot has a BYOB policy.

Anything creative goes at The Thought Lot.  If you are an artist looking to exhibit your own works, contact them for arrangements.  Studio spaces are also available to rent.  For a calendar of music shows, visit their Facebook page.

37 E. Garfield St., Shippensburg, PA  17257

Rain or shine there is always fun to be had at the Carlisle Sports Emporium which hosts a myriad of exciting indoor and outdoor games!

The Sports Emporium has one of the largest arcades in the area – 20,000 square feet – with over 100 games including video, racing, dancing, and simulation games.  The rock climbing wall is almost like the real thing, as it moves in three dimensions to simulate a true to life experience.  Pay as you go with reload-able play cards.  The more you play, the more discounts you can receive.

Lasertron is the ultimate 3D gaming experience.  With two floors of futuristic visuals and sound effects, this is laser tag at it’s best.  Go-kart racing is a hit with kids and adults alike, with three go cart tracks:  one indoor track, one outdoor “Grand Prix” track for adults, and one “Rookie” track for ages 16 and under.  Get a discount by buying a 6 or 10 pack.  

The Skate Zone Roller Rink is a hardwood-floor rink featuring ambient lighting and music.  Saturday and Sunday matinees are from 1-3:45pm, and Saturday’s evening skate is from 7-9:30pm.  The Sports Emporium also has two large outdoor miniature golf courses for those nice weather days, featuring extensive landscaping.

The Victory Lane Cafe will keep your hunger at bay offering pizza, chicken, fries, snacks, desserts and more.  Think of having a party at the Emporium for adults or kids.  Weekly specials and combination packages can save you a bit more money.  The Sports Emporium is open year round, but the hours change seasonally.  Check the website for more details.

29 South Middlesex Road, Carlisle, PA  17015:  717.258.4741

Image credit:  Thomas Ricker

If the winter weather is inspiring you, but it’s not quite cold enough to freeze your local pond, don your hat and scarf and try ice skating at Twin Ponds.

Twin Ponds East and West offers public ice skating Friday evenings 7:15-8:45pm, Saturday evenings 7:30-9pm, and Saturday and Sunday afternoons 2-4pm.  Twin Ponds East in the Mechanicsburg location offers Cheap-Skate days on Monday and Friday afternoons from 1-3pm.

For fans of ice hockey, Twin Ponds East offers open ice hockey Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from noon-1pm, and Saturday evenings 9:15-10:45pm.  If you’ve found your niche in ice skating, you can take “Learn to Skate” classes which last about six weeks long.  Twin Ponds has a cafe for purchase of snack foods, open from September until March, and free Wifi.

Twin Ponds East:  3904 Corey Road, Harrisburg, PA  17109:  717.558.7663

Twin Ponds West:  200 Lambs Gap Road, Mechanicsburg, PA  17050:  717.795.7663

As of March 2014, PaMidstate.com has been around for 15 years, can you believe it!  It’s time for a change.

We still have all your events, but now we are going to add profiles of places in the midstate that help you find that night out, on the town, at an exhibit, enjoying great food and drinks.

There is no charge to get your business listed if it falls inline with the idea.  Please contact me today and I’ll let you know what we need to get your listing here.