Take This Quirky Road Trip To Visit Pennsylvania’s Most Unique Roadside Attractions
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
Oh, summer, how we love thee! Your golden sun, long days, and gentle warmth. Who’s ready to celebrate summer and all the beautiful days ahead? Well, there happens to be one way to enjoy every spectacular moment of the season and to create unforgettable memories. Carve out some time this summer and hit the road on this quirky, lighthearted road trip to some of the best roadside attractions in Pennsylvania.
PA boasts some pretty quirky and fun roadside attractions, and that's just what this road trip is all about. So, use it as a guide to create your own road trip. Follow it as is. Or, add and change destinations to fit your schedule and interests. Ready for the ride of your life? Let's go!
Remember the old lady who lived in a shoe? Well, get a bit of a taste of just how she lived when you visit the Haine's Shoe House. Embark on the 25-minute tour of the quirky home that also houses - area you ready for it? - an ice cream shop. After your tour, order an old-fashioned ice cream cone, an ice cream treat, a cake pop, or a shoe brownie. Souvenirs to commemorate your visit are also available.
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Stop number two takes us to Mister Ed's Elephant Museum (psst...it includes homemade fudge!). Start your visit by exploring the Elephant Museum that boasts thousands of elephant-themed memorabilia, including figurines, toys, and souvenirs from the circus. Stroll through the quirky gardens where you can say hi to the Seven Dwarfs and the fish in the pond. Of course, your visit wouldn't be complete without a stop at the Candy Emporium, brimming with all kinds of homemade fudge, roasted peanuts, and old-fashioned candy. (Remember wax bottles?)
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Did you know that PA has its very own miniature version of the Statue of Liberty? It sure does, and it's the next stop on our quirky road trip. The Dauphin Narrows Statue of Liberty was first placed in the middle of the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg by Gene Stlip, a local lawyer, a secret that didn't come out for a quarter of a century. Today, you can view the statue as you drive along Route 22. Or, head to nearby Second Mountain, so you can stop and admire the statue from above.
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Off we go to Clyde Peeling's Reptiland, a unique zoo that features a range of exotic reptiles and amphibians. Explore the more than century-old zoo that houses cobras, pythons, alligators, tortoises, and Komodo Dragons. Of course, you'll also want to stop by Parakeet Landing, where you'll visit with hundreds of parakeets.
Get ready for one of the most unique experiences in PA. Roadside America boasts a miniature village that spans more than 8,000 square feet and was first built in 1935. Today, visitors can explore the creative genius of Laurence Gieringer that features "handcrafted buildings" and running railroads.
Next stop: Reading Pagoda! Drink in spectacular, sweeping views of Reading from atop this century-old artistic masterpiece that draws visitors from around the country and the world. After snapping photos from atop the Pagoda, stop by the Gift Shop and the Cafe. The Pagoda Cafe offers such favorite foods as hot dogs, barbecue sandwiches, pretzels, and cold and hot drinks.
And, now we arrive at our final stop, the Choo Choo Barn, a massive model train display. The unique roadside attraction, which spans 1,700 square feet, boasts 22 running trains and more than 150 animated figures in its miniature village.
Who’s ready to hit the road? What are your favorite roadside attractions in Pennsylvania? Join the conversation in the comments. Then, click here to read about 11 of the very best inexpensive destinations that are also perfect for a road trip.
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Featured Addresses
226 Gap Rd., Strasburg, PA 17579
109 Roadside Dr., Shartlesville, PA 19554
18628 U.S. Hwy 15/501, Allenwood, PA 17810
6019 Chambersburg Rd., Orrtanna, PA 17353
197 Shoe House Rd., York, PA 17406
98 Duryea Dr., Reading, PA 19602