Pennsylvania Vacations

Great Pennsylvania vacations: Roadside America Indoor Miniature Village, in Shartlesville, is a huge 8,000 square foot slice of America that is the result of the life's work of one man. This massive miniature display is complete with everything from planes, trains, and automobiles to a waterfall and working cable car. When simulated night comes the room goes dark except for the glitter of streetlamps and house lights. It's a true wonder.

Visit the Amish Pennsylvania Dutch Country in towns like Paradise, Intercourse, and Bird-in-Hand. Enjoy a ride on an authentic Amish family carriage. Learn about the Old Order Amish of Lancaster County on a guided house tour. Sample the goods at a real Amish Farmer's Market. There's the Amish Experience F/X Theater, The Quilt Museum and lots more.

Hershey, the Sweetest Place on Earth, home to Hershey Park, Zoo America, Hershey's Chocolate World, Hershey Museum, Hershey Gardens, Hershey Theater, Hershey Trolley Tours, Hershey Golf Club, and The Spa at Hotel Hershey. The Park has over 60 rides and attractions, including 10 thrilling roller coasters, 6 drenching water rides, and over two dozen kiddie rides.

Gettysburg National Military Park is the site of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War and the turning point of the war for the North. There are two must see exhibits at the Visitor Center. The giant Electric Map uses lights to walk you through the whole three day battle. The Cyclorama is a dramatic 360 degree painting depicting Picket's ill-fated charge across the wheat field. Take a bus tour or a self-guided auto tour of the 26 miles of park roads.

Longwood Gardens, located in Kennett Square just west of Philadelphia, is another excellent Pennsylvania vacations idea. Enjoy all 1,050 acres of landscaped flowers, gardens and woods. The 4 acre heated greenhouse has 20 gardens inside with another 20 outside. There are some 800 horticultural and performing arts events throughout the year. The Christmas season is especially delightful.

Philadelphia, birthplace of the nation, has numerous historical sites all within walking distance in an area now designated as Independence National Historical Park. Independence Hall where delegates from the 13 Colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Liberty Bell was rung for the public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 1776 .

Ride the world's oldest standing roller coaster, Leap-the-Dips at Lakemont Park in Altoona. This historic wooden roller coaster was built in 1902, named a National Historic Landmark in 1996, and then restored in 1999. The park has over 30 rides and attractions including The Island Waterpark. It's great family fun for your Pennsylvania vacations.

Bring the kids to Two Rivers Landing, in Easton, and see a live demonstration of how Crayola Crayons are made at The Crayola Factory. This discovery center also has over a dozen hands-on art activities to get the kids involved. The National Canal Museum has a model train exhibit, replicas of small villages, and a canal to learn how locks work. At nearby Hugh Moore Park you can ride on an authentic mule-drawn replica canal boat.

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, in Elverson, was an operating rural iron plantation until 1883. Situated in the middle of beautiful wooded French Creek State Park, the site now has 14 restored buildings including a rebuilt furnace complex with a functioning water wheel. Take a self-guided tour and attend the summer demonstrations of iron making techniques, blacksmithing, charcoal making, baking, farming, spinning, weaving, and other historic trades.

Children's Museum of Pittsburgh is a fun place to take the kids if your vacation plans take you to western Pennsyvania. They have lots of high quality exhibits and programs that are designed specifically to appeal to kids. There's a Garage/Workshop where they can build things and tear them apart. The kids can get rowdy and wet and learn some science in The Backyard. In The Studio they can paint, sculpt and learn papermaking. In The Theater they practice role playing, self expression and working as a team. These are just a few examples of the many fun things for kids at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.

The Quest for Freedom Trail, in Pennsylvania, is an Underground Railroad tourism program that can guide you to some 20 different historic sites involved in the famous Underground Railroad. The full trip will take you from Philadelphia and Valley Forge then west through Lancaster and York and then to Gettysburg. Pennsylvania was very active in the anti-slavery movement and this tour will bring to life the stories and places where ordinary people with extraordinary determination changed our nation’s history.

Since 1796 Bedford Springs, in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, has been attracting visitors with the healing and restorative water of its' eight mineral springs. You can enjoy these natural wonders during a stay at the Springs Eternal Spa. This 30,000-square-foot destination spa uses the natural spring water in all of its treatments. It is one of only a few spas in the country that can boast of this unique amenity. This vacation idea will have you partaking in a relaxing curative treatment that has been used by native Americans for centuries.

A bicycle tour in Pennsylvania might be just the vacation idea you are looking for. Laurel Highlands Cycling Tours has a 4 day, 3 night bicycle tour of historic Ligonier in Southwest Pennsylvania. Ligonier has a turn-of-the-century atmosphere with loads of quaint shops.

You will be bicycling in and around Laurel Mountain and Chestnut Ridge Mountain and through the beautiful and historic areas of Fort Ligonier, Linn Run State Park, Idlewild Park, and Compass Inn. This cycling vacation with a distinct historic flavor is a great Pennsylvania vacation idea.

The Pocono Mountains, in north central Pa, is the perfect Pennsylvania vacations idea for a winter vacation. You will find over 146 ski slopes and trails representing all levels of difficulty.

There is also plenty of opportunities for downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. Try Lake Wallenpaupack for some excellent ice fishing and ice skating. The Poconos is also a very popular romantic getaway spot.