Where and what in Pennsylvania should I see on a road trip around the state?

Question

I'm planning a month long road trip around all of Pennsylvania. I'm doing this for a book, weblog, and possible tv show in the future.

My question is, where and what should I make a point to go see. I'm looking for all types of places. Touristy, non-touristy, haunted, myths, nature, beauty, unique, quirky, fun, everything. State parks, odd things, natural wonders, man made wonders, family restaurants, famous/infamous places, local neat things. I also would like to know of beautiful roads to take that aren't just interstates, unless those interstates are beautiful. Remember, we're going to be driving so it might as well be a nice drive. This isn't just for places that you can drive right up to. Walking, hiking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, etc.. all included too. Also weird and strange road side attractions. Everything in PA, inch by inch.

The concept of the book is to group the states into regions and be as in depth as possible with what there is to do in those regions. I want to give anyone wanting to take a road trip in a particular part of the country the guide to not miss great things that might be right around the corner or right off of the interstates.

I'm also looking for interesting people. If you or someone you know in the area is a really special person let me know. I will also be in need of a place to stay sometimes and to interview and "feature" special families and people across the state. If you live in PA and would like to be featured in the book, email me at [e-mail] I will also be looking for guides and/or specialists on certain areas. So if you are particularly interested and knowledgeable about your area that you live or something in PA, I'd love to talk to you and you will get credit in the books, and maybe face time on camera. For businesses I'm also looking for sponsorship. You would get to put your name on my vehicle and have advertising.

If this goes well and is a success I'm planning on doing other states too. If you are from another state, please don't list things other than PA, you can email me [e-mail]

Answer 1

Here are some of the things that I would recommend outside of the Philadelphia/eastern Pennsylvania attractions that are well known.



However, I would add that you should do a segment on the Delaware River and the Delaware Water Gap. This is arguably where the Appalachians and Pennsylvania begins! And you should tell the story of Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, where arguably the United States realized one of its great birthing moments.



Pennsylvania has many small towns in the mountains. My most memorable one is Hyndman, north of Cumberland, Maryland. It sits in a valley surrounded by mountains, which are dotted with hunting camps. It's a remnant of smalltown Pennsylvania and America. Go there during deer-hunting season.



Hyndman used to be a significant railroad center. You could feature the remaining "helper" operations.



http://www.trainweb.org/eastpenn/csxt-key.html



Hyndman also has experienced major floods. The people there are fantastic "salt of the earth" individuals, dedicated to their community.



Pennsylvania is one of the great trainspotting states. You certainly have to visit Horseshoe Curve at Altoona.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horseshoe_Curve_(Altoona,_Pennsylvania)



In western Pennsylvania, you must visit Pennsylvania's "only seashore" at Presque Isle, certainly one of the natural wonders of Pennsylvania. In August, when Lake Erie warms to above 75 degrees, it's a different place than when it's enclosed in ice in February. Some believe that the Ravine Flyer II at Presque Isle's Waldameer Park is the best in the nation.



http://onetanktrips.wordpress.com/2009/06/13/best-amusement-park-ride-in-the-world/



http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/Parks/presqueisle.aspx



Also, do segments on duckpin bowling and Kennywood!



If you're serious about your project, you also should make contact with Neil Zurcher for some additional ideas in western Pennsylvania!



http://onetanktrips.wordpress.com/2009/07/03/to-pittsburgh-to-ride-a-duck/



http://onetanktrips.wordpress.com/2010/01/01/the-great-zippo-mystery/



Pennsylvania is one of my favorite states, so,if you complete a video, establish a website, etc., put me on your e-mail list for notification.



BOL!

Answer 2

Philly: City Hall, Franklin Institute, Art Museum, historic district, Comcast tower lobby massive LCD screen (trust me), zoo, Ben Franklin Bridge, Manayunk, the stadiums, the airport, 30th Street station, the bank of communications towers on the Schuylkill (best at night, from a distance).



Hershey: Chocolate, Hersheypark

Harrisburg: Capitol building

Bethlehem: Moravian district, old parts of the steel mill

Poconos: ski resorts

Amish country: Intercourse, driving along 340, 322



Valley Forge Park

King of Prussia Mall

Gettysburg (town and park)

Strasburg train museum and railroad

Longwood Gardens

Yuengling brewery



Drive the turnpike (I-76) through the mountains. Take US 30 for countless small towns, many well over 200 years old. US 322 for some beautiful scenery. There's an awful lot in PA, and most of these are larger/better known attractions, but just in case you're starting from scratch, hope this helps.

Answer 3

Coming from an outdoorsperson and 42 year resident...here are the things I enjoyed most:



Centralia - a town on fire

Cabela's - near Centralia

Tioga Forest - Grand Canyon of PA (canoe Pine Creek or hike the West Rim Trail)

Philadelphia - Independence Hall,Betsy Ross House, and the Liberty Bell, Old City

Jim Thorpe

Bethlehem - Hotel Bethlehem



Interesting People...Maybe a college town...U Penn, etc.

Answer 4

In 1984, as a young woman, I decided to take a trip from Philadelphia to just east of Pittsburgh, making a circle back to Philly. I took 13 days. I only drove in the mornings. I explored in the afternoons. I kept a journal.



I started on the Pa. turnpike, and my first stop was the Reading-Lancaster exit. My hotel's TV had a documentary of the area. I walked a number of miles on country roads and looked at Amish farms.

I spoke to some people, and had a harrowing experience when a dog almost attacked me. His owner saved me. In the evening I went to a place called Zinn's Park, a beautiful place to walk thru. There were also many antique markets and auctions in the area.



My next stop was Carlisle, where I noted that there was not too much of interest to see.



I then drove thru the Blue Mountains. I again took a number of walks in the countryside, saw many buggies, talked to a number of people. The ride from here to Breezewood, I noted was absolutely beautiful- going thru tunnels in the mountains. In Breezewood, there were many wooden bridges to see. Many farms.



I then went to Bedford, which is along the Juniata River. The Fort Bedford Museum was interesting. The information center has a self guided walking tour. The Bedford Springs Hotel is a very old, large resort, which is interesting to visit. They had a surrey ride around the grounds. There is an Old Bedford Village- a replica of an old village, and in the evening I saw a show there- which I considered excellent.



I then went on to route 31. What I wrote was "this is an absolutely gorgeous, soul inspiring drive. The scenery keeps changing. You climb and dip- see mountains, valleys, plains, farm animals. No signs, no industry."



Next stop was Somerset. Nothing different there. Went on to Johstown. Took route 219. Saw Incline Plane, but it was under construction. I got very lost in the area, and went round and round.



Went to Altoona. Stopped at Portage railway. Saw a free show in an outdoor amph-theater. It was called "Picnic on the Portage" Went to a zoo in Summit. Then went to Horseshoe curve. Climbed the steps to the top.



Then went to Altoona. Nothing of too much interest. Then drove to State College, which I note was a scenic ride. I stayed overnight with friends. The next day we went to Huntingdon, and Raystown Lake. The lake is great for swimming and boating, and has all kinds of facilities. There is a boat ride that you can take around the lake. It is part of Raystown Resavoir, which has many hiking trails, lookout points, and secluded swimming areas. A bad experience was coming across what I thought was an inner tube on a trail, and finding out it was a snake. Did I run! Stayed in the area a couple of days before going on to Hershy. Couldn't find a room in Harrisburg due to a convention. Since I had been to Hershy many times (and there are many things to do and see there), I relaxed most of the day. I did go to Hershy Gardens and the Hershy Chocolate Factory.



I then drove to Downingtown (where I met my husband). We did a lot of walking, and went to the Downingtown market. The next day we went home- 2 cars.

The next year we went to Pittsburgh. We also stopped at Frank Lloyd Wrights home- which I can't remembe it's name- something like Fallingwater???

Of course, there's the whole Pocono area, which covers a lot of territory. There's Gettysburg. There's New Hope and Peddler's Village, and the whole area along the Delaware. That's a great place for tubing.

I might also mention that there are some sights around where I live in Montgomery county, that many people don't know of. Look into the Bryn Athyn Cathedral, their grounds, museum, etc. It is really worth seeing. And at Arcadia college, there's a building that looks like a castle. You can take a free audio tour of this old building with a very interesting history. And in Philadelphia, another missed treasure- the Masonic Hall across from City Hall. It's magnificent.



Hope you can find something that is helpful.

Answer 5

The Amish country side is beautiful and extremely interesting. It's a little like traveling back in time. They don't use electricity and travel by horse and buggy. Mmm the food is incredible.

Answer 6

I suggest you not go there.......... All you will see is fainting goats and a bunch of dead trees. Boring.