10 Best Things to Do in Pennsylvania
What is Pennsylvania Most Famous For?
The best things to do in Pennsylvania feature amazing history, natural wonders, and cultural treasures. Located in America’s northeast, it boasts 4 seasons, the Appalachian Mountains, and thousands of miles of rivers. It’s the country’s hardworking labor force from the small Pennsylvanian towns that made America great, with their steelmaking, oil production, nuclear power, and farming.
This Colonial state is where the Civil War was ignited, the Declaration of Independence was written, and the United States Constitution was drafted, and it’s the home of the famous Liberty Bell. From Abraham Lincoln to Andy Warhol, Pennsylvania is a region with so many things to see and do for history buffs, nature lovers, and art enthusiasts.
What are the best things to do in Pennsylvania?
1. Reading Terminal Market
A great start to your day at Philadelphia’s grub hub
Categoría: Gastronomía, Opciones económicas
Reading Terminal Market is one of America’s oldest markets. It was originally built along with the subway system in the 1890s. As part of the city’s sustainability plans, this market is a mix of farmer’s produce and ready-made cuisines with very affordable prices. There are more than 70 stores offering an overwhelming variety of eats, from meatballs to vindaloo, and from whoopee pies to pear tartes.
Pearl’s Oyster Bar is known to be the area’s long-time legacy for their fish tacos and oysters, brought straight from the Chesapeake Bay. While you’re in the city center, walk around and explore the nearby attractions like the Masonic Temple and City Hall.
Ubicación: 1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
Horario: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
Teléfono: +1 215-922-2317
Reading Terminal Market
2. Philly cheesesteak
America’s favorite cheesy sandwich
Categoría: Familias, Gastronomía
While in Philadelphia, don’t miss out on the famous Philly cheesesteak sandwich that’s been around since 1930. Locals can find these subs shops by just following the enticing, savory whiff from blocks away. This sizzling grilled sandwich is made of a crusty bread roll, sliced ribeye beef, sautéed onions and mushrooms, and the crowning glory of sharp, melted cheese.
Woodrow’s Sandwich Shop has been a long-time champion of the famous sandwich, while Ishkabibble’s is always crowded, but it’s worth the wait with their special Cheese Whiz and marinara sauce. Donkey’s Place serves their steak on poppy seed rolls with their secret caramelized onion sauce, and Tony Luke’s has been featured on many TV shows for its award-winning cheesesteaks.
Philly cheesesteak
3. Dutch-Amish Country
Unplugging with a horse and buggy ride
Categoría: Gastronomía, Viajes diferentes
Dutch-Amish Country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania is a region frozen in time. This town welcomed the first Amish community in the 1600s who were European Mennonites fleeing persecution for their religious beliefs. About 50,000 Amish live here now, and they’re known for their simple rural lifestyle.
The Amish avoid modern technology, using horse and buggies instead of cars. Walk around the neighborhood to see the traditional blacksmiths and farms where you can feed the animals. The Amish are known for their baking skills, so look out for their maple and bacon donuts and their chocolate molasses cookies. Also note that the locals are not big fans of selfies or photographs, so be respectful when using your cameras.
Dutch-Amish Country
4. Longwood Gardens
Garden strolls among fountains and flowers
Categoría: Parejas, Fotos
Longwood Gardens is a horticultural delight of winter blooms. It boasts Ginkgo tree, the tulip tree, rare orchids, peonies, pineapple flowers, ferns, giant lily pads, bonsais, and “outdoor rooms” full of woodland plants. All in all, it takes about 3-4 hours to complete the whole walk. Stroll through the European gardens and see the crowd-favorite, the illuminated fountain show that dances to music.
Aside from exotic plants, this place is home to the enormous Longwood organ. The 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ was custom ordered by Pierre Du Pont, and can be found in the conservatory. The Longwood Gardens are not just for warm weather visits, as this place is known for its creative winter exhibits and amazing Christmas displays.
Ubicación: 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA
Horario: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +1 610-388-1000
Longwood Gardens
5. Henry Mercer’s Fonthill Castle
America’s pioneer of arts and crafts
Categoría: Historia, Fotos, Viajes diferentes
Henry Mercer’s Fonthill Castle was the ambitious homebuilding project started by archaeologist and tile maker Henry Chapman Mercer in 1912, with the help of a few unskilled laborers. The space and shapes of the rooms don’t quite flow in unison, and the unusual framework of the interior is adorned with his original hand-made tiles and trinkets. Stairs are hard to walk on because of the inconsistency, with asymmetrical features that look like a scene from a children’s fairy tale.
From the exterior, the mansion looks like an upscale manor in the British countryside, but inside is a motley mix of Mercer’s eclectic inspirations condensed into one space. A guided tour is highly recommended, lasting about an hour.
Ubicación: 525 E Court St, Doylestown, PA 18901, USA
Horario: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +1 215-348-9461
Henry Mercer's Fonthill Castle
6. Cook Forest State Park
Walking through babbling brooks
Categoría: Fotos, Opciones económicas, Aventura
Located in north-western part of Pennsylvania, Cook Forest State Park has inclusive amenities that include dining, lodging, canoeing, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, ice-skating, and even performance arts. Stay the night at the park’s cabins and visit the Forest Cathedral, a meadow of white pines and hemlock trees that’s been around for more than 3 centuries. The most walked area is along the Clarion River stretching 13 miles (21 km), where you can spot bald eagles, porcupines, and river otters.
For a panoramic view of the mountains and river, climb 80 steps up the Historic Fire Tower 9. One thing to strictly remember is to not feed the animals or leave food out, as this may encourage animals to become aggressive.
Ubicación: Leeper, PA 16233, USA
Horario: Daily from sunrise to sunset
Teléfono: +1 814-744-8407
Cook Forest State Park
7. Gettysburg
Ciders and Civil War
Categoría: Historia, Fotos
Gettysburg, where 51,000 soldiers died in 3 days in 1863, marks the largest battle on US soil. The Gettysburg Battle is a true story of the nation’s hard-fought battle to claim more than just territories. It was to reclaim equality for people of all colors, creeds, and religions. This historic battle underscores the essence of Abraham Lincoln’s famous quote that “all men are created equal.”
See the authentic weaponry, uniforms, and letters, and learn about the Gettysburg Address at Gettysburg National Military Park Museum. Visit the Jennie Wade house and see the original bullet marks, the site of the only known civilian killed in the battle. Her burial plot was relocated 3 times, thus sparking rumors of paranormal activities.
Gettysburg
8. Hersheypark
Sweet thrills in America’s chocolate city
Categoría: Familias, Gastronomía
Hersheypark is America’s own version of the Willy Wonka chocolate factory. The creation of the late Milton S. Hershey, Hersheypark has developed into a theme park with its own hotels, restaurants, and more than 10 roller coasters. Popular rides include Sky Rush, a hyper-wing rollercoaster with loops and steep drops that you’ll either love or hate, and Fahrenheit, a ride resembling a giant orange pretzel with a high vertical lift and drop.
Take a break with King Size Shakes, a chocolate frappe topped with mint cream, S’mores, brownies, peanut butter mousse, and more, dipped in chocolate and stacked up in a giant cup. For the more sophisticated palate, try their chocolate martini, the Guinness Float, or the dark chocolate milkshake.
Ubicación: 100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
Horario: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +1 717-534-3900
Hersheypark
9. Philadelphia Museum of Art
World history from Byzantine bullions to Bauhaus blocks
Categoría: Parejas, Historia
The Philadelphia Museum of Art holds a huge collection of classics with more than 240,000 pieces from around the world. This museum space is one of the biggest in the US, so you’re likely to get overwhelmed without a map. From a total of 80 period rooms, each room’s interior is designed to complement the exhibition, from the Japanese pavilion, Buddha temple halls, Chinese wood panels, to the medieval cloisters.
Masterpieces include one of Van Gogh’s sunflowers, Monet’s lily gardens, and Picasso’s “Old Woman.” Despite its impressive size, the museum has continued to grow, with its newest modern art gallery renovation designed by the world-renowned architect Frank Gehry.
Ubicación: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA
Horario: Saturday–Monday and Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm, Friday from 10 am to 8.45 pm (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Teléfono: +1 215-763-8100
Philadelphia Museum of Art
10. SteelStacks
The legacy of the old-town steelmakers
Categoría: Vida nocturna, Viajes diferentes
For a funky night scene, visit Bethlehem’s SteelStacks, an arts-and-culture homage to the local steel industry. The area integrates a collection of cool and colossal art pieces that were part of the original steel plant. Many of Pennsylvania’s towns were dedicated to steel manufacturing since the 1850s and the state has helped build America’s railroads, skyscrapers, navy ships, and even the Golden Gate Bridge.
See the Bridge sculpture with fire running on top, and the enormous Bethlehem Steel Blast Furnaces that looks like a scene from the film Mad Max, especially at night with the trippy LED lighting. The area has many surrounding bars and night venues like the Levitt Pavilion and the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas.
Ubicación: 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
Teléfono: +1 610-297-7100
SteelStacks
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