Pennsylvania might not be the largest state in the US, but it’s still packed full of great reasons to visit. It has some fascinating cities and smaller towns, as well as incredibly beautiful natural sites like the Pocono Mountains. Even though most people might be drawn to Pennsylvania’s neighboring state of New York, PA is an excellent option for several different types of traveler. Philadelphia is the best known city, as well as the largest in the state, but there are many other places to visit. If you’re not sure where to go, try these suggestions.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia, often called Philly, is the largest city in Pennsylvania, although it’s not the capital (which is Harrisburg). It’s where the Fresh Prince was born and raised, and it’s the setting for current TV drama How to Get Away with Murder. It also has a great deal of history (for an American city), going back to the mid-17th century. But if you’re not a history buff, there are plenty of ways to enjoy modern Philadelphia too. Take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, visit the zoo, check out Reading Terminal market, or catch a game at Citizens Bank Park.
Lewisburg
Maybe you’d like to try out somewhere a little different and enjoy a small town experience. Lewisburg is a borough in Union County and home to Bucknell University, a private liberal arts college. They host the Buckness Jazz series if you’re looking for some music, and you can stay close to the college at the Quality Inn New Columbia Pennsylvania. There are great places to eat, including upscale bistro Elizabeth’s, and farm-to-table eatery Ards Farm Restaurant. You might not think of Pennsylvania as a winemaking region, but you can visit Fero Vineyards and Winery if you want to check out the local craft wine.
Gettysburg
Gettysburg is a popular place for history lovers to visiting, having been the site of the famous Battle of Gettysburg, as well as Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, during the Civil War. A visit to Gettysburg will give you the opportunity to tour battlefields and visit museums so you can learn as much as you can about the town’s history. You can watch battle re-enactments too. You could also stay in one of the hotels that claim to be haunted or take a ghost tour if you feel like indulging your belief in the supernatural – or just having some silly fun.
The Poconos
If you want to enjoy nature and maybe have an adventure, the Pocono Mountains are just the place to be. You can explore rivers, waterfalls, and hundreds of lakes. You can hike during the spring and summer, and it’s also a very popular destination for skiing, snowboarding and other snow sports during the winter. If you prefer water sports, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a great place to go on the Delaware River where Pennsylvania meets New Jersey.
There are many interesting places to visit in Pennsylvania, so don’t neglect it in favor of other states.
