10 Privileges Pennsylvanians Have That The Rest Of The U.S. Doesn’t

Hey there, PA! Let’s all give ourselves a pat on the back and maybe take a moment to reflect on just how lucky we are to live in such a great state. We have so much privileges that we probably don’t even realize or maybe even take for granted, wouldn’t you agree? Here are 10 privileges Pennsylvanians have that the rest of the U.S. doesn’t.

1. We’ve got our very own Grand Canyon and…

No need to travel to Arizona to see the Grand Canyon. We’ve got our own – Pine Creek Gorge – right here in Pennsylvania. View the breathtaking natural wonder from above at Colton Point State Park or Leonard Harrison State Park. Or hike the Pine Creek Rail Trail for spectacular views from the base.

2. America’s Switzerland is right here in PA.

PA’s countryside is dotted with picture-perfect towns and villages. Quaint spots will remind you of yesteryear and towns that look like they’ve belong on a European postcard. Journey to the "Switzerland of America" when you travel to Jim Thorpe. Stroll along picturesque streets. Dine at charming restaurants. And, climb aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway.

3. We’re the inventors of the Philly cheesesteak…

Sure, other states can claim they make the "best" cheesesteaks in the U.S. But we know better. No one does the Philly cheesesteak better than its birthplace: Philly. The only question that really remains is: What sandwich spot serves the very best cheesesteak?

4. Hold the title of Snack Capital of the World and…

No other state can even begin to compete with PA when it comes to snack foods. Hands down, we’ve got the best. When we crave chocolate, we’ve got Hershey’s. Feel like munching on chips? Utz, Herr’s, and Middleswarth have got you covered. We’d better move on before we all get a craving and head to the kitchen.

5. One town is the Mushroom Capital of the U.S.

PA sure does know a thing or two about standing apart from the rest of the country. Take Kennett Square, known for producing more mushrooms than anywhere else in the U.S. In fact, Kennett Square produces 50 percent of all of the United States’ mushrooms. And a trip to the charming town has to include a stop at The Mushroom Cap, the perfect spot to stock up on mushroom products and souvenirs.

6. PA boasts the world’s first weather-predicting groundhog…

Sure, the rest of the U.S. threatens our adorable little Punxy Phil when he calls for six more weeks of winter. But that little groundhog is so popular that other states have begun to introduce their own weather-predicting groundhogs. Phil’s the original, so we all know he still does it best.

7. The oldest drive-in and…

Ah, the good ol' days. We sure know how to appreciate those special treasures from the past – like the drive-in. Shankweiler’s Drive-In, the nation’s oldest, celebrates its 85th season in 2018. That’s eight decades of double features under the moon and the stars and scrumptious snacks from the snack bar.

8. The oldest continuously operating book shop in the world.

Ah…the really old days, huh? None of us were around when the Moravian Book Shop first opened its doors in 1745. But plenty of us have visited since, browsing the shelves for hidden treasures and unique gifts.

9. We’re surrounded by pure natural beauty and…

How lucky are we to live in a state that is just brimming with natural beauty? Waterfalls. Mountain ranges. Lakes, streams, and rivers.

10. Some of the best people anywhere in the world.

Virtual high five! PA has something that nowhere else in the world has: The people! Pennsylvanians are some of the kindest, most genuine, funny, and amazing people in America – and definitely the world.

Your turn! Add other privileges Pennsylvanians have to the comments below. Then, click here to read about the 15 reasons Pennsylvanians are the best kind of people you’ll ever meet.