While Pennsylvania is home to a range of popular tourist spots such as Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, it is also home to a range of not so familiar weekend getaways. There is a host of activities here to try out with your family including kayaking, backpacking and hot air rides during the day, and stargazing at night!
No matter which part of the state you visit, your weekend trip to Pennsylvania is bound to be a memorable one.
- Pocono Mountains
Pocono Mountains is one of the most scenic weekend getaways in Pennsylvania. Spread across four counties in the state, try your hands at adventure sports here anytime of the year. Hiking, trekking, whitewater rafting, bird watching, skydiving and horseback riding are some of the popular activities in summer.
With over 150 lakes in the area, water sports are a common sight here. Land-based activities include golf, bird watching and hiking. Camelback Mountain Adventures is a popular park that offers activities such as roller coaster rides ziplining, Segway and bicycle adventures.
In the winter, you can simply gather around a bonfire next to your comfortable cabin and enjoy the frequent snowfall. Winter activities here include dog sledding, snow tubing, skiing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
If you are looking for a quieter and more romantic getaway, opt for a spa or bed and breakfast options from the many that are neatly tucked away into the mountain. Both Kalahari Resort and Camelback Lodge offer accommodation and indoor waterparks round the year.
- Farmington and the Laurel Highlands
Spend your weekend in the picturesque Laurel Highlands in Farmington, that effortlessly captures the rustic yet elegant vibe of Pennsylvania. The Nemacolin Woodlands Resort offers the perfect romantic getaway for couples, and offers a range of activities including sledding during the winter months, safari tours with buffalo, bear and zebras, petting the 24 Alaskan huskies and a championship golf course.
The Seven Springs Resort is also an affordable accommodation that offers a range of activity options. In the summer you can try out paddle boating or the double-hydro bike and horse riding. During the winter you can sit by the fire, hit the slopes or enjoy the unique snowcat rides offered in the resort.
If you are into caving adventures, Laurel Caverns is the perfect place for you to spend some time. Explore the natural caves or rappel your way down through the mountains on the numerous guided tours.
Located barely 20-minutes away from Farmington is the mesmerizing Frank Lloyd Wright home of Fallingwater. Guided tours are available here and you might want to book tickets in advance.
- Presque Isle State Park
The only seashore of Pennsylvania, Presque Isle State Park has activities for tourists around the year. Apart from spending time at the tach, you can hike through the trails, try your hands at kayaking, rollerblading, biking, boating or bird watching. Take a stroll down the Presque Isle Lighthouse and the North Pier for some of the best views.
Winter activities are quite popular here too with tourists trying out ice fishing, wind skating, ice boating and enjoying winter walks along the inland trails.
- Lancaster County
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is best-known for its scenic drives. You can either spend your weekend at any one of the towns in Lancaster Country, or make your way down the Dutch Country Roads region and stay at different places along the route. Enjoy the taste of Amish Pennsylvania in the heart of the county.
One of the most authentic ways to enjoy the mountain range here is in a hot air balloon, rolling over the farmlands with the U.S Hot Air Balloon Team. Get a more hands-on experience with Amish culture by shopping for antiques, trying some of the authentic local cuisine and stopping at roadside stands for fresh vegetables.
The Lancaster Central Market is a must-visit on the route, as it is the world’s oldest continuously operating farmers market, and is the perfect place to pick up fresh meat and vegetables or try out some Dutch specialties such as whoopie pies and scrapple.
- Hershey
Hershey Pennsylvania is often penned the sweetest place on Earth, and that is because you can satisfy your sweet buds at every turn, as the city pays tribute to the chocolate conglomerate, right down to the Hershey’s-Kiss-shaped street lamps.
One of the top attractions of the town is Hersheypark, which has a whopping seventy rides alongs with live entertainment. Summer is the best time to visit when every attraction at the park is open to the public, including the Boardwalk.
Right next to Hersheypark is the iconic Hershey’s Chocolate World, which takes up several hours of your day, as you learn the history behind Hershey’s candy with rides and interactive exhibits. Take the free tours that inevitably end with chocolate samples, and make sure to click a picture with the larger than life Hershey’s candy bar, which is the center of attraction!
If the weather permits, take a ride in the Hershey’s Trolley Works and get a guided tour though Chocolate Town. This is a fun event, complete with entertaining conductors who are well-acquainted with the rich history of the place.
The star of the town is the Spa at the Hotel Hershey where you can easily spend several hours covered in chocolate wraps and scrub as you relax. The Spa is the best escape for couples looking for a romantic weekend retreat.
- Allegheny National Forest
Enjoy your weekend with some outdoor activity at the Pennsylvania Wilds region of the Allegheny National Forest. There are numerous forest trails to pick from, ranging from a few miles to a hundred miles.
The forest is the hub of a range of outdoor activities including cycling, ATV adventures, cross-county skiing, golf, horseback riding, snowmobiling, skydiving, fishing and boating, depending on the time of the year.
You could spend your time by the Allegheny River kayaking or canoeing. If you are new to river navigation, hiring a guide is recommended.
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