Who Is Ready To Enjoy A Pennsylvania Summer?
The idea of a Pennsylvania summer vacation may seem absurd.
After all, isn’t Pennsylvania a winter destination? The answer may surprise you.
A Pennsylvania summer is actually very beautiful and, even, equally beautiful to a Pennsylvania winter. There is plenty to see and do.
The City of Brotherly Love
A Pennsylvania Summer (or Winter) trip should include a trip to the birthplace of our country. The Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, Independence Hall, Rocky Balboa’s infamous steps (Philadelphia Museum of Art) and a myriad of art and culture awaits. Other interesting visits include the Please Touch Museum because, you know, the name is awesome. The first and oldest zoo in the country is also located here. After all that culture you may be ready for a bite to eat. Check out Reading Terminal Market. Food from around the world waits for you beneath Reading Railroad‘s 1891 train shed.
Pennsylvania Wineries & Breweries
There are over 200 wineries in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Wine Association is a great resource for choosing the region that will most please your palate. Once that is chosen you can map out which wineries you want to visit. The 27th Annual Great Tastes of Pennsylvania Wine & Food Festival is a not to be missed event for the wine enthusiast. It is also a great place to visit 28 wineries under one”roof” plus there is a Beer Tent, entertainment, games, giveaways and more. The event takes place June 24th to the 25th. Find more information HERE.
If you are more of a beer enthusiast then check out America’s Beer Trail. You will not run out of places to visit with 100 breweries including the oldest brewery in the United States, Yuengling Brewery. This Pottsville, Pennsylvania Brewery was established by David Yuengling in 1829 and to this day continues to be a family owned operation.
Amusement Parks
Pennsylvania boasts several amusement parks.
- The eighth oldest amusement park, Lakemont Park. This is closed for renovations so it needs to be saved for another year.
- National and State Historical Landmark, Kennywood Park. There is something for everyone here including three wooden roller coasters.
- One of the world’s top five children’s amusement parks, Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park. You can camp here too but make reservations early.
- The 118-year-old, family-owned, free-admission Waldameer Park & Water World. They offer a new outdoor giant wave pool and other new facilities.
- World-renowned, Hersheypark. Rides, attractions, entertainment and ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park are all offered in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
- Sesame Place®, the nation’s only theme park based entirely on Sesame Street.® Say Hi to Elmo for me.
Ecotourism
- Valley Forge Historical Park. 3,600 acres to explore by foot or bicycle.
- Delaware Canal State Park. This 60-mile linear park was once trodden by mule teams pulling cargo boats.
- John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Ten miles of trails in 100 acres protecting the largest fresh marsh in Pennsylvania.
- Cook Forest State Park. June 10th to 11th journey back in time to the 18th century and witness life during the French & Indian war.
- Crystal Cave. Visiting the most popular natural attraction in Pennsylvania is an especially good way to escape the summer heat.
- Great Allegheny Passage (GAP). 150 miles of biking and hiking from Cumberland, MD to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Amish Country
- Amish Village. Self-exploration, an escorted Farmhouse tour, and other tours are the options here. I recommend the Farmhouse tour.
- Intercourse, Pennsylvania. Yes, it is a real place. It is also a very cute town with plenty of opportunities for fun pictures. If you find visiting signs with interesting names to be fun then I also recommend Fertility, Pennsylvania, and Virginville, Pennsylvania.
- Good ‘n Plenty Restaurant. AAA’s Top 10 Best “Down Home Dining” restaurants in North America. This restaurant has been offering traditional Amish family style dining since 1969. Keep in mind that traditional dining is not vegan or gluten-free.
Clearly, I was not able to cover everything there is to see and do in Pennsylvania but I sure do hope this has piqued your interest. Please share your thoughts in the comments. I would also love to hear about your favorite Pennsylvania summer choices.
See you soon for our next summer travel destination.
I will be linking this post up to the parties that are listed on my Party With Me page. If you are a blogger you should go link up too. If you are not then you still should go there are check out all of the greatness. Also, check out We Are Pinnable. (I am the guest host for July.) and my Tip Tuesday Link Party that runs every Tuesday through Friday.
21 thoughts on “Who Is Ready To Enjoy A Pennsylvania Summer?”
Great article, i am from spain and always travel around Europe. I never travel to Pennsylvania but i think about visiting your post , looking for to travel there.
Thank you for sharing
Well I want to get to visit Europe so maybe we are about even.
This seems like the perfect place for a summer vacation. So much to see and do.
I agree completely. Thank you for visiting.
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I have never been to Pennsylvania. I’m intrigued now! I had no idea of all the things to do there and no clue that so many fun parks were there.
Right? There is so much more there than people realize.
This is awesome Elise! I’ve actually been wanting to go back to Pennsylvania for years- went as a kid and loved it, but now as an adult I bet I would love it even more! Plus, and this is a biggie for me, I really want to visit “Mac’s Tavern”, which is owned by the creator of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia ” lol. I know that sounds lame, but we all have our things, right? Thanks for the extra ideas for when I DO get there!
It so does not sound lame. It is not my thing but like you said everyone has there thing 🙂 Send me a picture when you get there.
I am fascinated with Amish Country – I love their barns and farmhouses. what a fantastic Guide to Pennsylvania Elise.
Thank you very much. I have always loved Amish country. I agree that the structures are pretty amazing.
Hi Elise,
You have piqued my interest in visiting Pennsylvania. Being Canadian I didn’t really know alot about this state. Only of course that it is where America’s independence began. You have done a ton of work presenting all that there is to see
there. I had no idea that Pennsylvania is a usual winter destination. The wineries and breweries looked interesting! Tons of tourist places listed, even visiting the Amish. Great article! Wish I could visit!
Perhaps one day you will be able to visit. I believe that you will like it very much.
Pennsylvania in summer sounds like a lovely place to visit. I’d hoped to at least see a little bit when I had a week in DC but there wasn’t time. I’d give the fun parks a miss now my children have grown but I’d love the explore the history and old architecture.
I am quite sure that DC kept you very. very busy. There is much to do there.
Dr. Elise,
You have certainly made Pennsylvania seem quite inviting and fun to visit. I did go to Amish country many years ago. And isn’t the Andy Warhol museum in Pittsburgh? I visited that once and found it quite amazing. And all the parks and breweries, etc.
Warmly,
Dr. Erica
Yes, you are correct. It is in Pittsburgh. I have not visited the museum but it certainly would be enjoyable.
Gosh it sounds like a wonderful place to visit any time of the year! I have toured America twice for a few weeks each time but haven’t been there. I must put it on my list of places to go next time!
Enjoy the journey!
Pennsylvania is wonderful. I definitely recommend it.
Hello Elise! Pennsylvania is one place I have never been before but YES this post of yours has indeed piqued my interest. Thanks for sharing.. Chery :))
You are so welcome. Just wait until I talk about all that you can do there in the winter time. 🙂