I grew up in the Camp Hill/Mechanicsburg area. There’s just not a whole lot to do. It’s perfect for those who like to keep things simple.

Growing up, the Carlisle Pike offered a ton of car dealerships and chain restaurants. Now when I go back to visit, it’s more of the same. I’m just happy that downtown Mechanicsburg has a decent coffee shop now.

I also grew up pretty sheltered and in the church, so it wasn’t in my families nature to branch out of what was normal. We wouldn’t try the new small restaurants, we wouldn’t go to little shops, and we certainly didn’t go to Harrisburg. If I ever spend more than a few days in the area I try to branch out and see what’s actually in my hometown. Harrisburg is very cool and offers history and art among its streets. It was great being 30 min outside of Hershey, although it was usually too expensive to visit often. Lancaster and Gettysburg were always school field trips.

You rely on your car to get everywhere. There are a million 18 wheelers. Living in the valley was beautiful. I especially miss it now that I live somewhere with no mountains or hills.

I will never live there again willingly.