The Rat Race Retreat
by KATHY BARNA
My brother, Matthew, has always been the workaholic in the family��Mr. MBA�� former New York stock broker. He finally moved to Pennsylvania to ��get out of the rat race�� and spend time with his family. Yes, he��s really slowing down��pulling a mere 80-hours a week at a brokerage firm in Philly. So you can imagine my surprise when he asked if he and his family could head to Harrisburg to relax with us for the weekend. His wife��s been giving him a hard time about not spending quality time with the kids so��he decided a family getaway, albeit a quick one, was in store.
But what to do in Harrisburg with a family who has no idea how to enjoy suburbia? I decided it was our job to set a good example. While we��re not exactly the Cleavers, my husband and I manage to keep our work weeks to about 40 hours each, so we have time to spend with our twin 11-year old girls. And since we just bought a new GMC Envoy Denali, it would be the perfect opportunity to pack up the kids and show everyone the sights and sounds of Harrisburg.
Friday afternoon, Matthew and his family arrived. After a night spent talking, having a quiet dinner at home and renting a few movies for the kids, we called it a night and got ready for our little adventure the next day. Luckily, my Envoy Denali easily fit my husband and I, plus all five kids, and my brother and sister-in-law. The destination would be Riverfront Park and City Island along the beautiful banks of the Susquehanna.
On the ride over in the Envoy, we decided to cruise the river on the Pride of the Susquehanna paddlewheeler, but after seeing the jet skis, the kids wanted a little wetter, wilder perspective��so jet skis it would be. My brother and his wife were a mildly intimidated by the thought so, they decided some quiet canoeing was more their thing.
After spending some time in the water, we decided to explore City Island. There��s no shortage of little caf��s, sweets, and quaint shops to peruse. So after a little shopping (OK, a lot of shopping) we all grabbed a bite at one of the charming outdoor eating areas, then the kids decided to track down some ice cream.
Having wooed more than a client or two on the golf course, my brother wasn��t expecting the butt-kicking he experienced at the hands of my 11-year-old girls on the goofy golf greens in Harrisburg. Unaware of the ego blow they just delivered, the kids ran off to take a ride on the restored carousel, while Matthew and his wife opted for a romantic carriage ride. The sun was going down and it was time to load everyone back into to the GMC Envoy and head home for the night. Matthew was already starting to look more relaxed.
On Sunday, we all decided to check out the Pennsylvania State Museum. After a short ride in the Envoy Denali, we arrived at this very cool attraction��which is home to three floors of archaeology, history and art. But the kids�� favorite part was the great planetarium��a heavenly sight for stargazers! We spent several hours there before catching a movie and heading home. Since this would be their last night in Harrisburg before returning to Philly, I suggested the kids stay home with our babysitter, while the adults got in some much-needed ��us time.�� Being a huge jazz fan, I figured an outdoor summer concert would be just what the doctor ordered. We cranked up the XM jazz station in the GMC Envoy to set the mood as we made our way to the concert. The Riverfront made for the perfect backdrop as we took in the sounds of some of the best jazz musicians in the state.
While there were plenty more sights to see in Harrisburg, I figured keeping it simple was the way to go this weekend. My brother was so relaxed, he actually called in to work the next day so he wouldn��t have to rush back home.
Maybe we rubbed off on him a little after all.
*** About the Author: Kathy Barna is a high school English teacher and freelance writer who contributes to local Pennsylvania travel sites. She lives in Harrisburg with her husband, Scott, twin daughters Bree and Tatum, and their two dogs. For more information about the GMC Envoy Denali, visit gmchotbuys.com.
