5 Ideas For Your Next Pennsylvania Vacation

Wonderful Places To Visit In Pennsylvania

Fun Facts About Pennsylvania

• Population in 2018: 12,807,060
• Size in Square Miles: 44,820
• State Animal: White-Tailed Deer
• Capital: Harrisburg
• State Dog: Great Dane
• Motto: "Virtue, Liberty, and Independence"
• Nickname: The Keystone State
• Founded by William Penn
• The polio vaccine was created in Pittsburgh
• The Big Mac was first served in Uniontown in 1967
• All Crayola crayons are made in Pennsylvania
• Was the second state to ratify the Constitution
• The word "Pennsylvania" is misspelled on the Liberty Bell

8 Great Movies Set in Pennsylvania

1. Groundhog Day (1993)
2. The Philadelphia Story (1940)
3. The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)
4. Pittsburgh (1942)
5. That Thing You Do! (1996)
6. Scotland, Pa. (2001)
7. The Town That Was (2007)
8. National Treasure (2004)

The Early History of Pennsylvania

In Depth

Pennsylvania is famous for major cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, but there's a lot more to discover in The Keystone State. This list, presented in no particular order, looks at five great places in Pennsylvania that are a little off the beaten path.

For #1, we've got Pennsylvania Wilds, an outdoor recreation destination that is home to some of the most spectacular wild lands east of the Mississippi. Largely rural and forested, the region has a rich history and culture. In addition to the natural wonders, visitors can explore the area's small towns and cities. There are also a number of opportunities for wildlife viewing, including a particularly impressive elk herd.

Among the region's vast expanses of public land, there are multiple state parks, forests, and game lands. The crown jewel of the area is the Allegheny National Forest, covering more than 500,000 acres of land northeast of Pittsburgh. One can participate in a variety of activities in all seasons. Pennsylvania Wilds houses more than 1,500 miles of hiking trails, a number of off-road motor courses, an array of outdoors outfitters, biking paths, and much more.

Among the region's vast expanses of public land, there are multiple state parks, forests, and game lands.

#2 on the list is Pennsylvania Wines. The state is home to a wealth of vintners, and the industry association boasts that there is no place within its borders that is more than a one-hour drive from a winery. These companies produce more than a million gallons of wine annually, including Pinot Noirs, Rieslings, and fruit wines, among other varieties.

With locations spanning the entire state, there are a number of different wine trails perfect for weekend getaways. Visitors to the Lake Erie area, for example, can experience the nation's largest grape-growing territory outside of California. These regions also play host to a large number of events and festivals, from casual karaoke evenings and specialized tastings to big annual gatherings like the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

Coming in at #3, Westwynd Farm is a luxury bed and breakfast in the Hershey, Pennsylvania area. Rooms are designed to accommodate a range of different needs. Those looking for a romantic getaway can choose one of five rooms with jetted spa tubs. Families and fun-seekers will have access to a large collection of board games, playing cards, DVDs, and puzzles. Quiet nooks and comfortable chairs abound for anyone who just wants rest and relaxation.

Quiet nooks and comfortable chairs abound for anyone who just wants rest and relaxation.

Breakfast is served at the guests' convenience, in a large dining room with window walls overlooking the rear gardens. The menu changes daily, offering either a sweet or savory main course, fruit, and breads. The inn's beloved recipes are collected in a cookbook available for purchase. Nearby activities include Hershey's Chocolate World, the legendary candy company's signature outlet, and Hersheypark, an amusement park featuring a variety of rides and attractions.

In the #4 spot, Monroeville is located in the rolling hills twelve miles east of Pittsburgh. Home to a variety of large and small businesses, as well as residential communities, bustling shopping districts, well-regarded health care providers, and schools, its population numbers some 30,000 residents.

The area's many attractions include the historic Old Stone Church, built in 1897. There is plentiful public park land, which in addition to green space features pools, skateboarding amenities, dog facilities, and libraries. Hockey players and ice skaters can enjoy the region's two winter sports arenas. There are also other sporting complexes nearby, for activities such as go-karting and golf.

There is plentiful public park land, which in addition to green space features pools, skateboarding amenities, dog facilities, and libraries.

Finishing up our list at #5, The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster provides theatrical productions and award-winning food to over 150,000 guests annually. Situated in the heart of Amish country, it is maintained by the Prather family, who have been in the business for more than fifty years and also run a theater in Fort Myers, Florida and a touring company.

Productions have included classic shows like Grease, The Wizard of Oz, and Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and newer scripts, such as Sister Act, Savannah Sipping Society, and Grumpy Old Men: The Musical. The theater is also home to a children's company, presenting family friendly events. Dutch Apple hosts concerts, often from tribute acts to major stars in country, pop, and rock and roll.