With the countdown to the last school bell of the year, it’s time to get busy planning the family summer vacation. This year, I am thinking so much about going to Pennsylvania. Fabgrandpa and I worked at a campground in Gettysburg for 11 months back in 2007. It was a beautiful location, drenched in the history of the United States Civil War. The barn on the grounds of the campground where we worked was used as a hospital during that war, and was said to be haunted! I’m not much of a fan of ghostly apparitions, so I didn’t go near that barn at night! I did, however, go on a tour of the battlegrounds in and around Gettysburg during the day. It was an awesome tour. It was also sad that so many men on both sides of the battle died.
Here are my picks for the Five Best Places to Visit In Pennsylvania:
Number one on my list is, of course, Gettysburg. There is so much to see and do there that it would seem impossible to see it all in just a one week vacation. In addition to the Battlefield Tours, there are ghost tours, museums, camping, and farm stands down every country road. We bought fruit in season all spring and summer. Apples, cherries, berries, apricots, and more were so fresh and juicy! Drive out to the Round Barn if you get a chance! It is a great look at a piece of unique architecture. The Land of Little Horses is fun and entertaining for the whole family.
Number two: Philadelphia, home of the Liberty Bell, and the Betsy Ross House. There is so much of American’s history that took place in Philadelphia. While I am not a huge huge history fan, seeing the places where our country was born gives me goosebumps. To know that George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, and countless others walked the streets of this town makes me want to go see it.
Number three: Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburg. These gardens are so beautiful!
Yes, I am a fan of flowers. These are gorgeous. There is so much to do here, not just look at the flowers. Take a class, see the Butterfly Forrest, take in a Flower Show, take in a concert. Just go. Their website is crammed with things to do.
Number four: Hersheypark. What could go wrong with visiting a place named after chocolate? There are tons of rides, a water park, arcade games, many places to eat from snack stands to full service dining, and even food trucks! Let’s go right now! Oh, and if you are disabled, like me, got to guest services to enroll in the Ride Accessibility Program. You’ll get a special wristband to help park employees recognize that you have enrolled, and may need extra assistance with rides. Check out all the gluten free places to eat there too!
Number five: Great Wolf Lodge, Pocono Mountains. Great Wolf lodge is a family resort, located in Scotrun, Pa. It has an indoor water park with activities for everyone. There are character appearances; morning activities; story time; pajama parties, and more. Older kids will love the putt putt golf, Howlers Peak Ropes course, and the Northern Lights Arcade. Mom and Dad can take advantage of the fitness center and the spa. There truly is something for everyone at Great Wolf Lodge.
If you are planning a driving vacation this summer, have your car checked out at your local dealer before you go. Get the oil changed, fill up the windshield wiper fluid, have the breaks checked, and tires rotated. Being safe should be the first thing on everyone’s vacation planning list. What places do you want to see on your vacation this year?
Leave a Reply