This post contains affiliate links.
Pennsylvania
When I was a teen, some friends went on vacation to Pennsylvania and I asked “Why?” Over the last 25 years I have realized the why. There is so much to do and see all over PA. I have driven through PA multiple times. Known as The Keystone State, some say the nickname came from its location among the 13 colonies – 6 above and 6 below – and that PA literally holds the 12 states together like a keystone holds an arch. I think that sounds spot on.
My personal favorite city in PA is Philadelphia because it is small and easy to navigate, has an incredible amount of history and each time I visit I learn more. The first thing you should do when you get to Philly is have a cheesesteak. They are no joke. I’ve had them elsewhere and they are just gross. But in Philadelphia, they are different. There are many famous places, but on my most recent visit I went to Woodrow’s. It is THE BEST (obviously IMO).
If you are a history buff and you don’t feel like there is much more to learn, perhaps you go on the Founding Footsteps BYOB Trolley Tour. It is hilarious and may make some connections that you are unaware of. The ironies that my guide pointed out were pretty funny. And if you like to drink, you can BYO!
One place that I enjoyed more than I expected was the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I’m not that into art. I never took art appreciation or art history. I visit museum with the hope I will get something out of it, but am often left feeling confused about what I saw or dumb as I hear people talking about things. This museum was different. IT EXPLAINS WHAT YOUR ARE SEEING!! It doesn’t explain individual pictures, but what the them of all of the pictures I the room or the general art of the time. I LOVED that. Perhaps when people talk about the progression of art or how things pushed limits, I might be able to join in the conversation. The museum has so many well known artists, whether you are art dumb or art smart, you might enjoy it. And it is’t so big that it is overwhelming!
Even outside of the museum is entertaining. There are people running up the steps of the museum, mimicking Rocky Balboa or posing by his famous statue.
I’ve also done a solo walking tour, using the app from WalknTours. The interface was a little rough because It paused frequently and I had to reload it multiple times. But it was incredibly informative and inexpensive. It took us from Elfreth’s Alley, known as the oldest, continually inhabited street in America, to the Betsey Ross House.
One of the most interesting things I learned on this walking tour was about a man named Haym Solomon. He was a Polish born Jew who moved to America at 35 years old. When the rebels were out of money during the Revolutionary War, it is said that Solomon was a heavy financier, contributing an amount that today is equal to about $10 billion, turning the tables and helping the rebels win the war. The debt to him was never repaid and he died penniless at the age of 44.
The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are two more places that have an important part in the history of the United States. The Liberty Bell is a well known sign of freedom, justice and independence. The inscription across the top says “Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof”. It was originally cast in 1751 and cracked on its first test ring. It was recast twice. The famous crack that is visible today came from its final ring on George Washington’s birthday in 1846 although some say the crack was made to “fix” a crack, but the repair job was a failure. There is a hairline crack that runs above the obvious crack, which is what ultimately silenced the bell. The bell hung in Independence Hall (across the street from where it is today) in the 1700s. Independence Hall is significant because it is where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where the Constitution was created. It is considered the birthplace of the USA. There is so much more history here, I would encourage anyone to visit.
If cities aren’t your thing, the Amish Country is quite intriguing and feels like a throwback in time.
Gettysburg, a major turning point in the Civil War and where Lincoln gave his famous address is also nearby and educational if you want a little history!
PA is also home to Hershey Park, a fun place if you have kids or if you are a kid at heart! At the height beginning of Covid I quickly booked an AirBnb with a pool for a place to stay later in the summer. The place is near Hershey. As Covid continued to wreak havoc, prices went up and my quick thinking saved quite a bit on the rental prices that just continued to rise.
You can get your own lounger or unicorn float if you want! Pennsylvania turned our to be our saving grace during Covid!
