With fall break and the holiday season coming up in the not too distant future, a trip north sounds like a great idea, right? As a native Pennsylvanian, I was blessed to have spent 18 years in one of the most historical states in America. There is so much to see and do and each time you visit one of these sites, there is always something more to learn. So if you’re looking for a place to spend your next break from school, take a road trip through Pennsylvania viewing these sites-- you will not be disappointed!
1. Gettysburg National Battlefield
From the personal tours of the battlefields to the museums and historic downtown, Gettysburg has so much history to offer you, you may never want to leave.
2. The City of Brotherly Love
Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell, National Convention Center, Betsy Ross House, The Franklin Institute and all of the other historical homes and places, there is so much to do that one day is just not enough. And don't forget to stop by Geno's Steaks for a one of kind Philly Cheesesteak, yum!
3. National Canal Museum
Take an easy ride down Pennsylvania's Lehigh River in a mule-drawn canal boat and learn about some of the history behind it as well as the beautiful Lehigh Valley, the place I have called home for many years.
4. Hershey Park
Roller coasters, water rides, the legacy of Milton Hershey and chocolate all in one place. What more could you need?
5. Eastern State Penitentiary
Visit the place that was designed to create true penitence and regret in a criminal's heart, a design that was radical and set international standards for prisons across America and Europe. And if you're into the more scary side of things, visit the penitentiary at night for a haunted tour!
6. Valley Forge
Commemorating the winter encampment site during the Revolutionary War, Valley Forge honors the Continental Army soldiers who fought for their lives and the freedom of our country overcoming adversity during the beginning stages of this amazing country we get to call home.
7. Mutter Museum
Learn about the evolution of medical treatments and how they are diagnosed at the finest medical museum in America.
8. Bushkill Falls
"The Niagara of Pennsylvania"
9. Strasburg
Climb aboard one of the oldest running steam engines, visit the Sight and Sound theaters and learn about the history of the railroad system.
10. The Amish Village
Leave your smartphones at home and take a step back in time to learn about the incredible lives the Amish community has sustained throughout the years and specifically during this technology savvy era.
11. Martin Guitar Museum
Learn and explore how a company more than a century and a half old is still up and running and producing some of the best guitars to have ever been brought into the music industry.
12. Harrisburg
Visit the State Capitol of Pennsylvania, Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, have a picnic along the Susquehanna River and more, the history behind the city of Harrisburg is a remarkable one.
13. Pittsburgh
As the beginning to the "Gateway to the West," Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has played an important role in the history of America. From the beginning days of the French and Indian War in 1758 to the Homestead Steel Strike and to the current beauty and bustling of the city, Pittsburgh, PA has a lot to offer to those who want to begin or end their tour of Pennsylvania on a high note.
