In the Harrisburg of 20 years ago, you'd be more likely to find porn shops and boarded-up buildings than vibrant clubs, pubs and sidewalk cafes. That was then.

Today, visitors to Pennsylvania's capital find a city transformed into a much more hip and happening place.

Built on the east shore of the shallow Susquehanna River, Harrisburg was one of the first industrialized cities in the Northeast and played a critical role in American history as a stopping place on the Underground Railroad, a Civil War trading post and home to the 1839 Whig convention that nominated William Henry Harrison president.

In today's Harrisburg, you can take in a minor-league ball game, sample sushi, see an IMAX movie, take a painting class and dance the night away, all within walking distance of downtown.

Entertainment, recreation and history are only a few of the puzzle pieces put together over two decades to produce Harrisburg's revitalization.

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Sleepy old Harrisburg a happenin' place today

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Questions or comments on this presentation may be sent here. This slideshow was produced by Curt Chandler.