10 Destinations Everyone In Pennsylvania Needs to Visit This Summer
Pennsylvania makes it pretty hard to get bored, especially with all there is to do in all corners of the state. Get out there this summer and reconnect with our beautiful state. These 10 destinations that everyone in Pennsylvania needs to visit this summer are only the beginning of the magnificent places that crisscross our state.
Stroll along brick sidewalks through the quaint Colonial Peddler's Village, where your taste buds will be tempted by scrumptious restaurant menus at every turn, where you'll resist the urge to spend more money than you'd budgeted at the many specialty shops, and where you'll enjoy a perfect summer afternoon. Peddler's Village also hosts events throughout the year, including the upcoming Peach Festival (August 13 and 14) and Italy in the Village (August 25 – 28).
Summer just won't be complete without a trip to a popular farmer's market like Reading Terminal Market, a Philadelphia staple since the late 1800s. Take your appetite with you because the Reading Terminal Market, open daily, is dotted with restaurants ranging from the Down Home Diner to Pearl's Oyster Bar. You'll also find a large assortment of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and homemade baked goods.
Only one of four lighthouses in Pennsylvania, Turtle Rock Lighthouse was built in 1887 on the Schuykill River. Designed to look like a turtle's shell, thus earning it the name Turtle Rock Lighthouse, the electric lighthouse overlooks Boathouse Row, which is a must-visit after snapping photographs of the unique lighthouse.
Make new friends with the residents of Lapp Valley Farm – the peacocks, the cows, the cats, and the bulldogs – before you follow the New Holland tradition of indulging in the farm's delicious homemade ice cream, currently available in 16 flavors. Be sure to buy ice cream, milk, or butter – all made on the farm – to take home with you.
Explore some or all of the 650 acres of Tyler Arborteum where you'll find nature's perfection in the trees, the plants, and the gardens. Choose from one of six hiking trails, each of varying difficulties, to get an up close look at the many species of plants and birds that inhabit the area. The Chestnut Nursery, a must stop, gives visitors an inside look at the American chestnut trees that are growing in an attempt to replenish the species of tree that had been destroyed by fungus.
Meet the elderly residents of Ryerrs Farm, a comfortable retirement home for horses who have been injured or abused or who simply need a safe and a happy place to call home for the remainder of their lives. Before greeting the farm's residents, check out the names and photos of each in the farm's main office. Ryerss Farm welcomes visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is free but donations are accepted.
Soak up the summer sun with a visit to Tionesta Lake and Dam, where there's plenty to do on the water and off. Spend the afternoon boating – any size boat is welcome as long as the driver and passengers are wearing life jackets – or fishing. Hiking and camping are also favorite activities around the lake.
Raystown Lake proves you don't need to leave the state to enjoy the perfect getaway. The nearly 30,000 acre park features opportunities for a host of activities – picnicking, camping, boating, and hunting. Raystown Lake, arguably the centerpiece of the park run by the Army Corps. of Engineers, spans 8,000 acres, a haven for boaters, water lovers, and fishermen.
Ever been guilt tripped by a begging dog, who just wanted one more treat? Well, you ain't seen nothing until you've been begged by swarms of fish – so many fish the ducks can (and do!) walk on top of them – who just want a morsel of food. Then another. And another. Just head to the Spillway at Pymatuning State Park for the greatest guilt trip you'll ever go on. Pymatuning State Park promises tons of adventure for outdoor enthusiasts: Kayakiing and canoeing. Hiking. Camping out. Fishing. Hunting. Playing disc golf.
Embrace Pennsylvania's rich past at Valley Forge National Historic Park, the site of the Continental Army's camp during the winter of 1777-78. Today, visitors explore the expansive park that is home to more than 300 different species of animals, 730 types of plants, a visitor's center, Knox Estate, Washington Memorial Chapel, and countless monuments.
These are only 10 of the summer destinations in Pennsylvania you’ll want to check. Maybe you’re in the mood to get your adrenaline pumping at one of the state’s many amusement parks, to let the chills slide down your spine on this haunting road trip through Pennsylvania’s ghost towns, or to embark on a day trip to view Pennsylvania’s spectacular waterfalls.
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