Local Luxe Guide: Best Places to Eat, Shop + Explore in Central Pennsylvania
If you live in or visit Central Pennsylvania and you appreciate the finer things, exceptional meals, beautiful shops and charming outings, this guide is for you. When I meet clients, I often ask where they like to dine, shop or unwind, asking these specific questions always helps to refine my designs to meet their specific tastes. Here are some of my favorite local spots that deliver unforgettable experiences, every time.
Where to Dine
For a special night out, you cannot go wrong with Progress Grill in Harrisburg. It has earned its reputation with perfectly grilled steaks, outstanding seafood and impeccable service. Whether celebrating a milestone or simply savoring a date night, it feels elevated without pretension.
Another go-to is Watershed Pub in Camp Hill. The incredible ambiance, delicious eats and refined cocktails make it ideal for those who appreciate sophisticated settings and top-tier culinary craftsmanship.
And for lovers of Italian with a twist, Rubicon in Harrisburg blends old-world flavors and inventive plating. Think house-made mozzarella, truffle pasta, and a wine list that matches the food in thoughtfulness. Perfect for a dinner with friends who expect excellence.
If you’re in Lancaster and want an experience beyond your typical fine dining, head to The Belvedere Inn. Since 1998 this gem offers fine dining, fine wine and cocktails in an environment where every detail feels storied and intentional. Recently voted one of the most romantic restaurants in the United States; the Belvedere Inn is the perfect date night destination.
Shops + Boutiques with Style
When you want your shopping to feel as luxurious as your home, these boutiques hit the mark. TLB Boutique (Three Little Birds Boutique) has curated collections in Mechanicsburg, Hershey and Lancaster with attention to craftsmanship, personal style and exclusive pieces you won’t find everywhere. You’re sure to find something exceptional.
Attention gentleman, the new J. Hilburn Stylist Studio on Market Street brings custom menswear to Camp Hill. From tailored shirts and suits to elevated casual pieces, every item is designed for fit and style. It is a polished, personal shopping experience for men who want wardrobe essentials done right.
Lancaster’s downtown is a must for those who love unique home décor, fashion and art. Boutique Shopping in Lancaster County shows off walkable streets full of independent stores that offer just the right mix of elevated style and local charm. Don’t miss one of my favorite home stores Ville & Rue, Gallery Grow for all your indoor plant needs and Seasons Taproom for the finest olive oils, vinegars and gourmet products you can find.
Places to Experience + Unwind
If you want a full luxury resort and golf experience, Heritage Hills Resort has a challenging 18-hole course paired with guest rooms, upscale restaurant dining and spa/salon services onsite. Great for a “play + stay” weekend.
The Spa At The Hotel Hershey (aka The Chocolate Spa) is the classic luxury spa in the region. Think, chocolate-inspired treatments (swanky names like Cocoa Facial, Chocolate Body Scrub), large treatment spaces, hydrotherapy, steam rooms, sauna, salon services and more. Excellent ambiance, high reviews, excellent service, plan your trip today.
Sometimes the best design inspiration comes from stepping away. A weekend at Omni Bedford Springs Resort feels like a reset in every sense. The historic property blends timeless architecture with five-star amenities, including mineral spring pools, a full-service spa and one of the most scenic golf courses in Pennsylvania. Whether you’re sipping wine on the veranda, exploring the hiking trails, or enjoying a spa day, Bedford Springs reminds you that luxury is as much about experience as it is about surroundings. It’s the kind of place that feeds your soul and sparks ideas for creating beauty at home.
Why These Spots Matter
What makes these local places stand out is not just quality but intention. Each restaurant, boutique and experience pays hommage to craftsmanship, ambiance and detail. These are places you choose when you want to feel special, when you want your evening or your shopping to be part of the memory. They align with how I approach full-service design: every choice intentional, every detail managed.