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The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a state in the eastern part of the United States of America. One of the original Thirteen Colonies that founded the country, it is known as the Keystone State, which is appropriate given its central location among the original colonies, or the Quaker State. With industry making Conestoga wagons and rifles, and tobacco farms, it was a transitional area bearing characteristics of both the heavily industrialized North and the agrarian South.
Consequently, three Keystone State cities — Philadelphia, Lancaster, and York—served as capital of the new nation, with the Founding Fathers drawing up and signing the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia is known as the cradle of the American Nation.
Pennsylvania has two coastal areas: 63 miles (100 km) of coastline along Lake Erie and 57 miles (92 km) along the Delaware Estuary. Philadelphia is home to a major seaport and shipyards on the Delaware River.
Pennsylvania Region
''Pennsylvania's Great Lakes Region''
Driving through the PA Great Lakes Region, it's hard to believe such a remarkable land could remain so undisturbed. Lush forests stretch for miles and miles, their stunning beauty unchanged since thousands of years before the first settlers. Immense Victorian homes and old-fashioned storefronts dot the idyllic towns along the way and speak volumes about the oil boom, which resulted from the first-ever successful oil well in Titusville, now part of the Oil Heritage Region State Park. Turn onto Route 6 and head west to view the sprawling waters of Lake Erie, the uncluttered soft sand beaches and the treasures of Presque Isle State Park, a National Natural Landmark with seven miles of sandy surf beaches. It's as if the entire region was one big, beautiful gem just waiting to be discovered.
Pennsylvania Wilds
Outdoor thrills, incredible mountain scenery and charming villages rich in historic culture are just a few reasons to visit the PA Wilds. Its unsurpassed beauty and relaxed way of life make visitors feel at home. Here, you can wish upon a star in Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania's first dark sky preserve, take in the thrill of a lifetime in Pine Creek Gorge - Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon, get caught up in the excitement of a Little League World Series game, or shop for quality outdoor gear at The Original Woolrich Company Store. Keystone Mountain Country has unparalleled outdoor experiences, from extreme sports to thrilling shopping adventures.
Northeast Pennsylvania Mountains
This region has a reputation as the ultimate getaway, and for good reason. For skiers and snowboarders, it's a haven of white powder and groomed trails. For outdoor enthusiasts, it's a wonderland of state parks and mountain trails. And for NASCAR fans, it's the breathless exhilaration of the Pocono Raceway. Plus, there are countless unique bed and breakfasts and luxurious resorts for a romantic retreat or simply to catch up on a little rest and relaxation. But that's not all. The heritage of Pennsylvania is notable in this area, with numerous and varied museums and tours. These are merely the things that the area is most known for, but, as you'll soon see, the list goes on and on.
Pittsburgh & Its Countryside
Whether people are looking for the bright lights and big city feel of one of the world's top cultural destinations, or the quiet beauty of the surrounding countryside, Pittsburgh & Countryside has it. From the wooded hiking and biking trails, dramatic overlooks and rushing waters of Ohiopyle State Park, to the busy streets and exciting nightlife of Pittsburgh, to the quaint inns and antique shops of picturesque towns sprinkled throughout the region, this is an inviting, friendly place to explore and relax. Whether you choose to spend a long weekend or a week, Pittsburgh & Countryside will keep you entertained.
The Alleghenies and Her Valleys
Central Pennsylvania is a mosaic of all things classic Americana - small Victorian towns and close-knit communities, covered bridges that span tree-sheltered streams, loyal crowds that cheer on their teams after a home run or a touchdown on a Saturday afternoon, and the powerful roar of a train as it thunders through a tunnel. Interlaced between it all are state parks and forests that offer a beauty and tranquility that is unmatched.
Dutch Country Roads
Home to Harrisburg - the state capital of Pennsylvania, Hershey - the chocolate capital of the world and Lancaster County - the heart of Dutch Country Roads, offers a host of diverse attractions no traveler should miss. From railroads to coal mine tours, America's oldest brewery to amusement parks, and battlegrounds to incredible live theater, this region has more than enough sights and activities to enchant. Explore the simple beauty of Amish Country. And pack your fly rod to experience fantastic trout fishing. It's all right here in PA Dutch Country.
Philadelphia & the Countryside
The Philadelphia & Countryside Region of the Keystone State is a place of incredible beauty, friendly charm and rich history. A place where people first dared to dream of a self-governing nation in the meeting rooms of Independence Hall, and men took the fight for freedom to the surrounding countryside. The memory of their struggles and sacrifices endures at places like Brandywine Battlefield and Valley Forge. From bustling downtown avenues where people dine at four-star restaurants, applaud critically acclaimed theater performances and visit museums of art and history, to the winding roads of the countryside and Lehigh Valley that roll past wineries, inviting towns, cozy inns and quaint bed and breakfasts, Philadelphia & Countryside is a land of endless possibilities for travelers.
Culture
Food
Author Sharon Hernes Silverman calls Pennsylvania the snack food capital of the world. It leads all other states in the manufacture of pretzels and potato chips. The Sturgis Pretzel House introduced the pretzel to America, and companies like Anderson Bakery Company, Intercourse Pretzel Factory, and Snyder's of Hanover are leading manufacturers in the state. The three companies that define the U.S. potato chip industry are Utz Quality Foods which started making chips in Hanover, Pennsylvania in 1921, Wise Snack Foods which started making chips in Berwick in 1921, and Lay's Potato Chips, a Tennessee company. Other companies such as Herr Foods, Martin's Potato Chips, and Troyer Farms Potato Products are popular chip manufacturers. The U.S. chocolate industry is centered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, with Mars and Wilbur Chocolate Company nearby, and many smaller manufacturers such as Asher's.
Among the regional foods associated with Pennsylvania are the Philadelphia cheesesteak and the hoagie, the soft pretzel, Italian water ice, scrapple, Tastykake, and the stromboli. Tomato ketchup was invented by Henry John Heinz of Pittsburgh in 1876. Pittsburgh also embraces its locally famous Primanti Brothers sandwiches. Pittsburgh is also famous for its Polish food.
Ethnic cuisine is common, especially in the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia areas. Many restauranteurs offer Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Turkish, Pakistani, Russian and Amish dining.
Entertainment
Pennsylvania has several notable amusement parks, including Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown, Waldameer Park in Erie, Hershey Park in Hershey, Knoebels in Elysburg, Sesame Place in Middletown Township (Bucks County), Kennywood in West Mifflin (one of the oldest amusement parks in the country, completed in 1898), and Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster.
Sorry, no tips were foundConsequently, three Keystone State cities — Philadelphia, Lancaster, and York—served as capital of the new nation, with the Founding Fathers drawing up and signing the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia is known as the cradle of the American Nation.
Pennsylvania has two coastal areas: 63 miles (100 km) of coastline along Lake Erie and 57 miles (92 km) along the Delaware Estuary. Philadelphia is home to a major seaport and shipyards on the Delaware River.
Pennsylvania Region
''Pennsylvania's Great Lakes Region''
Driving through the PA Great Lakes Region, it's hard to believe such a remarkable land could remain so undisturbed. Lush forests stretch for miles and miles, their stunning beauty unchanged since thousands of years before the first settlers. Immense Victorian homes and old-fashioned storefronts dot the idyllic towns along the way and speak volumes about the oil boom, which resulted from the first-ever successful oil well in Titusville, now part of the Oil Heritage Region State Park. Turn onto Route 6 and head west to view the sprawling waters of Lake Erie, the uncluttered soft sand beaches and the treasures of Presque Isle State Park, a National Natural Landmark with seven miles of sandy surf beaches. It's as if the entire region was one big, beautiful gem just waiting to be discovered.
Pennsylvania Wilds
Outdoor thrills, incredible mountain scenery and charming villages rich in historic culture are just a few reasons to visit the PA Wilds. Its unsurpassed beauty and relaxed way of life make visitors feel at home. Here, you can wish upon a star in Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania's first dark sky preserve, take in the thrill of a lifetime in Pine Creek Gorge - Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon, get caught up in the excitement of a Little League World Series game, or shop for quality outdoor gear at The Original Woolrich Company Store. Keystone Mountain Country has unparalleled outdoor experiences, from extreme sports to thrilling shopping adventures.
Northeast Pennsylvania Mountains
This region has a reputation as the ultimate getaway, and for good reason. For skiers and snowboarders, it's a haven of white powder and groomed trails. For outdoor enthusiasts, it's a wonderland of state parks and mountain trails. And for NASCAR fans, it's the breathless exhilaration of the Pocono Raceway. Plus, there are countless unique bed and breakfasts and luxurious resorts for a romantic retreat or simply to catch up on a little rest and relaxation. But that's not all. The heritage of Pennsylvania is notable in this area, with numerous and varied museums and tours. These are merely the things that the area is most known for, but, as you'll soon see, the list goes on and on.
Pittsburgh & Its Countryside
Whether people are looking for the bright lights and big city feel of one of the world's top cultural destinations, or the quiet beauty of the surrounding countryside, Pittsburgh & Countryside has it. From the wooded hiking and biking trails, dramatic overlooks and rushing waters of Ohiopyle State Park, to the busy streets and exciting nightlife of Pittsburgh, to the quaint inns and antique shops of picturesque towns sprinkled throughout the region, this is an inviting, friendly place to explore and relax. Whether you choose to spend a long weekend or a week, Pittsburgh & Countryside will keep you entertained.
The Alleghenies and Her Valleys
Central Pennsylvania is a mosaic of all things classic Americana - small Victorian towns and close-knit communities, covered bridges that span tree-sheltered streams, loyal crowds that cheer on their teams after a home run or a touchdown on a Saturday afternoon, and the powerful roar of a train as it thunders through a tunnel. Interlaced between it all are state parks and forests that offer a beauty and tranquility that is unmatched.
Dutch Country Roads
Home to Harrisburg - the state capital of Pennsylvania, Hershey - the chocolate capital of the world and Lancaster County - the heart of Dutch Country Roads, offers a host of diverse attractions no traveler should miss. From railroads to coal mine tours, America's oldest brewery to amusement parks, and battlegrounds to incredible live theater, this region has more than enough sights and activities to enchant. Explore the simple beauty of Amish Country. And pack your fly rod to experience fantastic trout fishing. It's all right here in PA Dutch Country.
Philadelphia & the Countryside
The Philadelphia & Countryside Region of the Keystone State is a place of incredible beauty, friendly charm and rich history. A place where people first dared to dream of a self-governing nation in the meeting rooms of Independence Hall, and men took the fight for freedom to the surrounding countryside. The memory of their struggles and sacrifices endures at places like Brandywine Battlefield and Valley Forge. From bustling downtown avenues where people dine at four-star restaurants, applaud critically acclaimed theater performances and visit museums of art and history, to the winding roads of the countryside and Lehigh Valley that roll past wineries, inviting towns, cozy inns and quaint bed and breakfasts, Philadelphia & Countryside is a land of endless possibilities for travelers.
Culture
Food
Author Sharon Hernes Silverman calls Pennsylvania the snack food capital of the world. It leads all other states in the manufacture of pretzels and potato chips. The Sturgis Pretzel House introduced the pretzel to America, and companies like Anderson Bakery Company, Intercourse Pretzel Factory, and Snyder's of Hanover are leading manufacturers in the state. The three companies that define the U.S. potato chip industry are Utz Quality Foods which started making chips in Hanover, Pennsylvania in 1921, Wise Snack Foods which started making chips in Berwick in 1921, and Lay's Potato Chips, a Tennessee company. Other companies such as Herr Foods, Martin's Potato Chips, and Troyer Farms Potato Products are popular chip manufacturers. The U.S. chocolate industry is centered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, with Mars and Wilbur Chocolate Company nearby, and many smaller manufacturers such as Asher's.
Among the regional foods associated with Pennsylvania are the Philadelphia cheesesteak and the hoagie, the soft pretzel, Italian water ice, scrapple, Tastykake, and the stromboli. Tomato ketchup was invented by Henry John Heinz of Pittsburgh in 1876. Pittsburgh also embraces its locally famous Primanti Brothers sandwiches. Pittsburgh is also famous for its Polish food.
Ethnic cuisine is common, especially in the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia areas. Many restauranteurs offer Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Turkish, Pakistani, Russian and Amish dining.
Entertainment
Pennsylvania has several notable amusement parks, including Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown, Waldameer Park in Erie, Hershey Park in Hershey, Knoebels in Elysburg, Sesame Place in Middletown Township (Bucks County), Kennywood in West Mifflin (one of the oldest amusement parks in the country, completed in 1898), and Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster.
Last edited by Anna (6:20, 15 August 2006)
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