8 Pennsylvania Things We’ll Never Take For Granted Again

Life certainly has thrown us a curve ball in recent weeks, hasn’t it? Many of us are under stay at home orders and have to learn how to deal with our new reality. Lock down means we can’t really do any of the things we love – from going to the movies to meeting friends at our favorite restaurant. What do you miss the most? What Pennsylvania things will you never take for granted again? Here are just a few:

Flickr/vic15

Sure, this isn’t exclusive to Pennsylvanians, but it definitely belongs on the list of things we won’t take for granted. Who’s the first person you hope to see when life returns to normal?

Flickr/sk

Camping just takes us so far away from it all, allowing us to get closer to nature. You can’t find a better place to camp than at Pennsylvania’s state parks – from sleeping in a yurt at Tuscarora State Park to pitching at tent at Ohiopyle State Park. We’ll have to wait, however, until at least May for our getaway among nature.

Facebook/Shady Maple Smorgasbord

Nothing, of course, beats a homemade meal. However, we sometimes want to go out to dinner and who can resist an overflowing buffet like the 200-foot buffet at Shady Maple Smorgasbord or even a well-stocked buffet closer to home?

Flickr/Matthew and Heather

Online shopping’s definitely convenient, but how many of us will be happy to return to meandering through mud sales, treasure hunting at antique shops and flea markets, and even just shopping for groceries without having to worry?

Flickr/Joy

Craving an old-fashioned shoofly pie? How about a gob or two? Sometimes a visit to our favorite bakery is just what we need.

Flickr/Jared Rubinsky

Baseball’s just a part of spring, whether we’re fans or not and whether we root for the Phillies or the Pirates, or prefer Little League.

Flickr/Jason

While we can still hike in Pennsylvania’s state parks, many of the trails have gotten so busy that state park officials have advised hikers to find quieter spots to hike – a problem we normally might not have to worry about.

Flickr/Hope Media Stock Photography

Pennsylvanians share the common experience of calling PA home. We’re also some pretty friendly folk, aren’t we? How many times have you found yourself striking up a conversation with a random Pennsylvania at a bus stop, at the park, or at a restaurant?

What are some Pennsylvania things you’ll never take for granted again when things get back to normal? Join the conversation in the comments! If you’re looking for something to look forward to, start counting down the days until the return of the ruby-throated hummingbirds.

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