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Top 10 Things to See and Do in Pennsylvania


Pennsylvania is a beautiful state with

mountains, farmlands, unique attractions and other scenic landscapes. Here are ten musts to add to your see and do list when planning your visit to Pennsylvania.

1: Hershey Park – Hershey, Pa

With the slogan of “the sweetest place on earth” Hershey Park can show you a great time. Family friendly, this Amusement Park is home to famous Hershey’s chocolate attraction rides. You will have so many options to do and see here. The park itself has fun rides for all ages. It’s also connected to Hershey’s Chocolate World where you can go on a virtual tour ride to learn all about how Hershey’s chocolate is made. You’ll even get a free piece of candy at the end of the ride. Whether you’re a thrill rider or simply a chocolate lover, this park is a great place to visit in Pennsylvania.

2: Pennsylvania Grand Canyon – Watson Township, Pa

Did you know that Pennsylvania has its own Grand Canyon? This spot in Pa is perfect for adventure seekers, and those who just love a great view. An observation tower will give you a panoramic view of the PA Grand Canyon and surrounding land. Hike through a trail that leads to an overlook of the grand canyon, or relax on a leisurely wagon ride through the canyon. Feel the adrenaline as you go white water rafting. Sip on wine from local wineries. Visit this part of Pa for a great experience, and an amazing view.

3: Amish Country – Lancaster County, Pa

 The Amish religion is widely located throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. In Pennsylvania, most of the Amish population is located in Lancaster County. If you’re looking for an old fashion experience this is the place to visit. One of the most unique motels, The Red Caboose Motel welcomes visitors to stay in one of 38 caboose rooms. Old train cars have been turned into motel rooms, which gives people an interesting experience inside a train.

4: Longwood Gardens – Kennett Square, Pa

Pennsylvania is home to a gorgeous botanical estate, where the word stunning doesn’t begin to describe. The Longwood Garden’s property features gorgeous gardens full of plants and flowers, both outside as well as indoors. The 2017 Orchid Extravaganza displays over 4,500 orchids alone inside of a warm conservatory. Longwood also has a solar field where they get sustainable energy to run the estate. An open-air theater showcases Longwood Garden’s holds musicals and has a water fountain display. Certain performances provide guests with dinner during the show. There are 4 fountains, 21 indoor gardens and/or displays, and 27 outdoor gardens and/or displays.

5: Fallingwater – Mill Run, Pa

The greatest American architect, Frank Lloyd Write’s most famous work happens to be in Pennsylvania. Fallingwater is a house built over a waterfall, open to the public for tours of the property. The nature-inspired design has been featured on the cover of Time Magazine and has had over 4 million visitors since 1964, when it opened. Visitors cannot believe their eyes when they see this gorgeous home over the waterfall. This home is a must-see if you’re ever near the PA Laurel Highlands. Become one with nature just as this home has.

6: Pocono Mountains – Poconos, Pa

The Pocono Mountains provide fun for visitors all year round. In the summer there’s plenty of adventures on lakes with boating, water skiing, kayaking and more. The winter brings in snow lovers at various ski resorts to enjoy the big mountain trails. Hiking trails are perfect to engage with nature, with some trails even leading to gorgeous waterfalls. You won’t have trouble finding something enjoyable to do during your visit to the Poconos.

7: Steamtown National Historic Site – Scranton, Pa

See the heritage of America’s Industrial Revolution right before your eyes at the Steamtown National Historic Site. This attraction belongs to downtown Scranton in north east Pennsylvania. It’s conveniently located close to shops and restaurants in town. Visitors can enjoy seeing live-action locomotive trains in the yard shuttle while the theater previews an interesting documentary of early steam trains. A historic museum features various trains as well as other historic artifacts for a fun, yet educational experience. There are also opportunities to take a ride as a passenger on a train. This historic place in Pennsylvania shares not only the history of the state, but the country as well.

6: Gettysburg Museum of History – Gettysburg, Pa

Gettysburg is a wonderful place to visit in Pennsylvania if you appreciate the violent history of the Civil War. The city of Gettysburg has tours of the battle fields, homes and restaurants took on bullets and canyons during the war, and a museum of history where you can learn about Gettysburg’s famous battles. This is a great place to visit for tours and unique restaurants.

9: Ricketts Glen State Park – Rickets Glenn, Pa

Home to some 24  gorgeous waterfalls and old-growth forest hiking trails, the 94-foot, Gangoa Falls is the centerpiece and largest waterfall in the 13,050 acre state park. If you’d like to stay for longer than a day’s visit, you can camp right in the park in cabins or on the campground on a peninsula overlooking Lake Jean. Chosen by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as one of “25 Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks”,  you’ll fall in love with the breathtaking views of Ricketts Glen State Park.

10: The Horseshoe Curve – Altoona, Pa

Instead of blasting through the mountain to build a tunnel, a railroad track was built around the complete curve of a mountain. You can stand right in the middle of the curve to see the Engine car and the Caboose at the same time. The curve has had the privilege of famous people to visit it, from Abraham Lincoln to Dwight Eisenhower.

Check out the official tourism site of the state of Pennsylvania and start planning your winter (or summer) getaway!

#TravelWell in Pennsylvania, my friends!

Kacey Bradley is a lifestyle blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us and a frequent contributor to followsummer.  You can follow Kacey on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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