Kensignton Way

               When entering Forest Hills on Colonial Road, heading closer and closer to the mountain, trees colors of pink and white, similar to Japanese cherry blossom trees, give a very nice welcoming as they grow on the left and right sides of the road. Driving further into the neighborhood, houses belonging to middle class families come into view. Continuing to drive into this neighborhood residents will typically be walking their dogs, maybe even stopping to talk to other neighbors also walking their dogs,

other residents may be mowing or cleaning their lawn, or taking trash cans back into the house, or even getting mail from their mailbox, basically the routines of everyday people. Heading deeper into

the neighborhood a stop sign appears, turn left onto Continental Drive. After turning left, houses are larger than before, four bedroom, three bath, etc., usually belonging to middle-upper class families. Shortly after turning left, a turn on the right appears, this is Kensignton Way. Houses going up the mountain are the in the neighborhood. Crafted with stone and brick, constructed by gifted masons making them flawless. Giant glass windows built into the front, giving a glimpse of the beautiful interior within them. Theses house resemble smaller versions of celebrity houses with all the accessories, concrete drive ways with light going from beginning to end, back yards holds hot tubs, pools, with gorgeous patios. The houses may be amazing, but what is coming is better. Continuing to drive up the road until it ends. Finally, the Top of Forest Hills, the end of Kensignton Way. A place that is known to all locals.

             
              Chris, a man 32 years of age about 6'0 usually wears graphic tees, with shorts, has been going to the top of Forest Hills ever since he was a kid. Says he can remember when he would have to walk through a small wooded area in order to reach the top. He says, “When I was a kid there were no houses up her. In fact, there wasn't a Kensignton way. Forest Hills was still in the process of being built. This area was surrounded with trees and open grass areas. We had to walk ten minutes to get up here and enjoy the scenery. And now its as though we aren't allowed to come up here anymore because of all these new houses. The top of this mountain is losing its meaning and value.”

             
              Kenneth Jean-Louis, a black male about 5'7, usually wears a drugrug with a beanie, skinny jeans, and vans, has lived in Forest Hills since he can remember. He has been going to the to the to of Forest Hills for four years now. He says, “It's a good place to see stars and the night sky from up here, and you can see Harrisburg up here, it looks beautiful all lit up at night. It's a pretty good view.” He also explains what he likes to do with his friends up here, saying “Usually when we're up here, we have our cars and like to vibe out to music, get some food, eat, and talk.” Kenneth then goes into saying “this place gives away a peaceful feeling, being surrounded by nature looking up in the sky and at the horizon it kind of makes you feel small. We're only looking at a small part of the planet when there is just so much more out there that we haven't seen.” He then goes into describing how its a short get away in the world and helps yourself to think clearly.
           
              Technically you can go up to the top of Forest Hills at any time, but the ideal time is to go at night. The view of stars and city at night is breath taking. Looking up to the night sky standing at the top of the mountain, every star visible to this area can be seen. If you're lucky and look hard enough, you will be able to find a shooting star soaring across the night sky. When standing looking out, to the right lye's the city of Harrisburg lit up by the lights. To the upper left of Harrisburg is a mountain, and on the mountain forty five minutes away is Ski Round Top. A place to go to snowboard and ski. Looking straight and down, between the trees, is the whole neighborhood of Forest hills lit by the lights of the neighborhood and houses. Occasionally, a car's headlights can be spotted. To the left there will be many lights that represents many different places. Central Dauphin High School can be found looking towards the lower left, the parking lot is lit up by many orange lights. Beyond that are truck stops, where truckers come to refuel and sleep for the night, to only be back on the road in the morning. Looking straight ahead, lights within the distance are from a shopping complex that has many stores like Weis, Target, Gamestop, a book store called Bam, and restaurants like Panera Bread.

              Beside the 'Top of Forest Hills' there is a new house in the process of being built.

Construction workers are there during the day to finish the project. I interviewed Dan, a construction worker, asking how is the traffic is up here. His response was, “There isn't too much traffic up here during the day, we may see one or two cars while we are taking our brake, but the cars don't stop and hang out up here. The people that drive up here are usually lost and figure out that the road is a dead end then turn around to head back down. Also the folks driving past in cars looking to be an old age, so I don't think they are going to come up here to hang out.”

              Even though the Top of Forest Hills isn't a torist attraction, many locals, mostly kids, come here to get a break from reality. The relaxing sounds of nature, view of Harrisburg area, and beautiful stars creating wonderful constellations keeps this place thriving with locals.