Do NOT Do These 6 Touristy Things In Pennsylvania. Here’s What To Do Instead.
When visiting a new place, sometimes you want to avoid tourist traps and seek out something a little bit… different. Something to make you feel local to your destination, rather than just a visitor standing in line, waiting for a ticket to be pushed through an attraction that you’ve already heard all about. Fear no more! Here are some lesser-known alternatives to major tourist attractions in Pennsylvania.
(It goes without saying that the tourist attractions are all pretty cool… and worth checking out at some point. Maybe on a Monday morning in December, when most people are busy consuming their 18th cup of coffee on their way to the office, rather than checking out museums.) Anyway, without any further ado, here are some alternatives to PA’s biggest tourist attractions.
Sure, the Philadelphia Art Museum has an incredible collection. For a different experience, though, check out the Barnes Foundation in Logan Square, Philadelphia. The 2,500 artworks were once the private collection of Albert C. Barnes, who made his fortune in 1912 after co-developing an anti-gonorrhea drug. Ten years after his death, in 1961, the public was granted access to view the collection and today it is one of the most impressive collections of art in the state.
People flock to Eastern State Penitentiary because it's spooky. Yes, it is also a major historical monument, but let's be real; the spook really draws people in. You know what else is spooky? The Carbon County Jail, which holds a great mystery: on one of its cell walls, a handprint remains from a prisoner who was unjustly hanged in 1877.
Yes, Longwood Gardens' gorgeous manicured lawns and plants are breathtaking, but for a cost-free and equally beautiful way to experience the outdoors, check out Fairmount Park. Did you know that the largest sculpture garden in the world is located here? That's not to mention its miles of trails and secret spots.
Knoebels has been the country's largest free-admission amusement park since it opened in 1926. That means that grandma can accompany the family without having to worry about paying an admission fee, which is pretty nifty in my book. Instead, you pay by ride. With more than 60 rides, you won't even remember Hershey Park...although you might miss out on the chocolate.
Wow! Check out that amazing view from the Duquesne Incline. You know where else you can get that amazing view? From the cozy window table of Monterey Bay Fish Grotto, with a nice margarita and/or a plate of nachos. Ahh...
The Andy Warhol Museum is undoubtedly amazing, if you happen to LOVE Andy Warhol. As much as I love the guy, I know that not everyone is totally fascinated by twenty recurring images of soup cans. Instead, check out The Mattress Factory, which is located not that far from the Warhol Museum. It specializes in art installations, and rather than featuring the work of only one artist, it has constantly rotating exhibitions in addition to permanent collections from a variety of artists. These works will turn your head and also allow you to escape if you're not too impressed with one artist's work.
You might have noticed I decided not to include Independence Hall. I was about to, because it’s the most popular attraction in the state… but then I realized that I like America. Everyone go there, now!
What suggestions would you add to this list? Share in the comments below.
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