Destination attractions things to do in pennsylvania

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Pennsylvania has so many offerings its hard to know where to start and where to end. The state is rich in culture, heritage and modern attractions. You can choose to work through the alphabet if you want and start with the Amish in Lancaster and work to any of the zoos in the state. From Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a vacation wonderland just waiting to be discovered.

The journey starts in Philadelphia, Americas first capital. Here you will find Independence National Historical Park. The historic site encompasses Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Constitution written, and the Liberty Bell first rang; Congress Hall; Carpenters Hall, and Christ Church and Burial Ground, where Benjamin Franklin is buried. Aside from obvious history, Philadelphia is also home to fine cultural institutions, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rodin Museum. Additionally, Longwood Gardens and Valley Forge are also close to Philadelphia.

A little south from Philadelphia is Pennsylvania Dutch country. This area surrounds Lancaster and York counties where a population of Amish and Mennonites live. These members maintain their time-honored traditions by wearing plain-dress, driving horse-drawn carriages and refusing to use modern conveniences. Their farms are beautifully maintained and driving through the country side will bring a feeling of serenity unlike anything youve ever known.

North of Philadelphia is the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This gate way to the Pocono Mountains is a gorgeous drive year round. There in the mountains you can find a year-round flea market with more than 100 vendors, famous NASCAR racing, and several winter and summer resorts.

Moving west, you will find Gettysburg National Military Park. Civil War buffs know that this site commemorates the most decisive battle of the war. Hundreds of monuments were built to honor both the Union and Confederate forces that fought so bravely here. The park has a visitors center contains a museum and electric map that details the troop movements over the three-day battle. Visitors can also visit the National Cemetery where President Lincoln gave the Gettysburg address.

Hershey, near Harrisburg, is a chocolate lovers fantasy. Milton S. Hershey founded his town in 1903 and is the site of the worlds largest chocolate manufacturing plant. Here you will find three resorts, world class roller coasters and a water park. Hershey also has a zoo that is dedicated to preserving endangered wildlife and allows the children to participate in upkeep. A tour through Chocolate World brings to life how chocolate is made and processed into bars, kisses and even dinner.

Johnstown, Pennsylvania, situated in the central portion of the state is home to the worst flooding disaster in modern memory. Johnstown was flooded on May 31, 1889 when a wall of water nearly 40 feet high destroyed the city. More than two thousand people became the victims of one of Americas worst tragedies. Clara Barton and her American Red Cross arrived and spent six months helping survivors. The Johnstown Flood Museum north of the city details the path of destruction and shows graphic photos including a tree impaled through a house.

And finally at the far west border of Pennsylvania is Pittsburgh. The states second largest city is no longer the Smoky City it was in its youth. Pittsburgh is now home to a thriving arts and culture movement, is the hub of business, medicine and education. Pittsburgh is home to KDKA, the nations first commercial radio station. Near Pittsburgh, you will find Fallingwater. Fallingwater is a home completed in 1936 by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. This beautiful facility is built over a natural stream and waterfall and is considered a masterpiece.

Pennsylvania has so much to offer, that its hard to know where to start. Whether youre in the mood for chocolate in Hershey, history in Philadelphia or arts and culture in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has that and everything in between. You can go racing, or visit the Little League International Museum in Williamsport. Whatever you choose, you cant go wrong in the Keystone State.