Celebrate history and art on the Mercer Mile
Comprised of three historical destinations, the Mercer Mile will have you celebrating and learning about the amazing life, work, and collections of archeologist, ceramicist, and industrialist, Henry Chapman Mercer. Tour his former home and National Historic Landmark at Fonthill Castle, stroll through six floors of history at the Mercer Museum, home to 50,000 artifacts representing 60 early American trades, and watch tiles and mosaics be created before your eyes at Tileworks. If you’re looking for a venue to hold a special event, Aldie Mansion where Henry’s younger brother, William Mercer, once lived with his wife, Martha, is a stunning choice.
Admire the artwork at the Brandywine Museum of Art
Located along the banks of the Brandywine River, the Brandywine Museum of Art is known around the world for its outstanding collection of Wyeth family illustrations, portraits, and oil paintings. Be sure to check out their calendar of current and upcoming exhibitions that feature the works of both well-known and lesser-known artists from a variety of artistic genres.
Bike the Pine Creek Rail Trail
Named one of the greatest places to take a bike tour in the world by USA Today Travel, spend a beautiful PA day on the Pine Creek Rail Trail. With its southern terminus located near Williamsport, the 62-mile converted railroad bed traverses Pine Creek Gorge at the floor of the canyon with a barely detectable, gradual grade that makes the rail trail an enjoyable bike ride and perfect for all skill levels. Bring your own wheels or check out the nearby local outfitters who are available for equipment rentals and excursion information.
Get a PA Dutch experience in Lancaster County
Home to the nation’s oldest and largest Amish settlement, a visit to Lancaster County makes for one of the best getaways in PA. Witness the “Amish way of life,” stepping back in time and enjoying a slower, more peaceful pace of daily activities. From personalized tours with Amish families to buggy rides through picturesque farmland to shopping hand-made products at local roadside stores and chowing down on authentic PA Dutch cooking, you’ll be sure to get the full Amish experience in Lancaster.
Pay your respects at the Flight 93 National Memorial
The Flight 93 National Memorial marks the final resting place of United Airlines Flight 93, one of the four aircraft hijacked during the September 11 attacks in 2001. The extraordinary bravery of the plane’s 40 passengers and crew is commemorated in a powerful tribute along the Memorial Plaza culminating at the Wall of Names, which features 40 polished and inscribed white marble stones. The Visitor’s Center provides an equally powerful rendition of the events on that fateful day. Listen for the sounds from the 40 wind chimes echoing from the 93-foot Tower of Voices, representing the voices of those whose lives were lost.
Catch a glimpse of the raptor migration at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Famously known as the world’s first refuge for birds of prey, Hawk Mountain is a 2,600-acre wildlife sanctuary in southeastern Pennsylvania. Each year, visitors from throughout the country flock to the mountain to take in the spectacular views from the scenic overlooks. However, the sanctuary’s main draw is up-close bald eagle sightings as they soar above, starting in mid-August and signaling the beginning of the Autumn Migration Hawkwatch that runs through December 15.
Tour a PA hot spot at Cornwall Iron Furnace
Designated as a National Historic Landmark District, Cornwall Iron Furnace is one of America’s only remaining charcoal-fueled ironmaking sites. Peter Grubb originally built the five-acre site in 1742, and many unique artifacts remain on display. Visitors can tour the complex on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday and explore the rambling Gothic Revival buildings where cannons, stoves, and pig irons were once cast and used across the country.
See where a legend was made at Fighter’s Heaven
Nestled on a wooded hillside along the Kittatinny Ridge of the Blue Mountains, Fighter’s Heaven is a refuge dedicated to the world-class athlete Muhammad Ali. The rural property, which covers six acres of land, used to be the training camp where the three-time heavyweight champion prepared for his biggest fights. The facilities have been restored and converted into a museum and retreat space celebrating the remarkable legacy of Muhammad Ali.
Explore history at Washington Crossing Historic Park
Get a glimpse of life during the Revolutionary War in the PA countryside at Washington Crossing Historic Park in Bucks County. The 500-acre park commemorates the night George Washington led the Continental Army across the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776. The park offers a gift shop, tours, and outdoor spaces for you to explore. In the heart of the park, you can also stumble across restored inns, stores, and houses in the 19th Century village of Taylorsville. In the fall, guides offer a narrated lantern tour in the evening around the time of the original Washington Crossing in 1776.
Meet characters from Sesame Street® in Bucks County
Sesame Place® Philadelphia in Bucks County brings everyone’s favorite furry friends from Sesame Street® to life. As the nation’s only theme park based on the award-winning children’s show, one of two Sesame Place parks is located right here in PA. Be greeted by the iconic characters from the show, from Elmo to Big Bird, as you enter the popular amusement park and fill your day with plenty of family-friendly rides and attractions. Plan your getaway year-round to Sesame Place and be sure to include one of their many holiday celebrations and other special park events in your itinerary.
Get up close and personal with Pennsylvania Wild Elk in Elk Country
For nature lovers, Pennsylvania’s “Wild Elk Country” is a must-see, offering visitors a unique glimpse of wild elk herds in the roaming countryside. Just beyond the vast Pennsylvania Wilds, the Elk Country Visitors Center in Benezette is one of the best elk-viewing locations in the U.S. Explore one of the park’s several trails to get your hiking fix and be sure to plan your trip in September or October to spot these majestic creatures in the wild.
Learn about the World of Little League in Williamsport
Step up to the plate and slide into the story of Little League Baseball at the World of Little League Museum. Located in Williamsport, embark on a self-guided journey that mimics a six-inning Little League game. Each exhibit is a grand slam, showcasing the rich heritage of Little League through artifacts, captivating images, and interactive displays. Experience the magic and history of baseball and softball, from their humble beginnings in Williamsport to their global impact today. Discover the passion, dedication, and joy that define Little League at the museum, and be sure to catch the action at the tournament happening every August in Williamsport.
Discover the early folklore of Centre Hall at Penn’s Cave
Visit the historic Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park to delve into the early folklore of Centre Hall. As America’s only all-water cavern and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, hop aboard a guided tour, participate in gemstone panning, and pay a visit to the connected Wildlife Park. Experience this gem of a destination when you are in the State College area.
Run the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Be sure to queue “Eye of the Tiger” before you conquer the steps to the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, just as the underdog boxer, Rocky, did in the film. Continue channeling your inner Rocky by striking a pose with the statue and taking home a keepsake from the Sly Stallone Shop, both at the base of the museum. Keep your legs moving and explore one of the largest art museums in the nation, with a collection that spans more than 2,000 years of art history.
Explore the life of a movie star at the Jimmy Stewart Museum
For film fans, the Jimmy Stewart Museum in Indiana is a must-see. The museum highlights the successful Hollywood career of the It’s a Wonderful Life movie star as it showcases collections of vintage movie posters, movie costumes, props, military uniforms, awards, personal items, and memorabilia of Stewart. Stop by the gift shop and or attend a film showing at the Reschini Group Movie Theater, a vintage 50-seat theater within the museum.
Visit a National Natural Landmark at Boulder Field in Hickory Run State Park
Boulder Field, located within Hickory Run State Park in the Poconos, is a remarkable natural wonder. The field is especially striking due to its expansive, flat landscape and the lack of vegetation across the 400-by-1,800-foot area. Some of the boulders mark impressive lengths, measuring as much as 26 feet long. As a National Natural Landmark, the park has remained virtually untouched for more than 20,000 years.
Appreciate the Reading Pagoda’s iconic views.
The city of Reading’s iconic and curious landmark, the Pagoda, should be on your list of places to visit on a great PA getaway. Built over a century ago in 1908, the Pagoda was originally intended to be a luxury hotel constructed by William Whitman to resemble the Pagoda of Nagoya Castle in Japan. While that never happened, built on the south end of Mount Penn and anchored to the mountainside with 16 tons of bolts, the Pagoda has belonged to Reading since 1911. Although currently closed for renovations, the Pagoda’s breathtaking 30-mile panoramic views of Reading and the surrounding countryside are not to be missed.
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