By Emily Beach
Tourism Sights to See in Pennsylvania
The state of Pennsylvania offers a wide selection of tourism sites for visitors. Some visit to take in the state's historical sites, including Civil War battlefields, while others are looking to pay a visit to one of Pennsylvania's family-friendly amusement parks. The state's varied landscape, from its rugged western forests to the many mountain towns in the east, draws travelers looking to get back to nature or ski and snowboard in the Poconos Mountains. Whatever your interests, you'll find activities in Pennsylvania that will make your vacation memorable.
Hersheypark
Situated in the central Pennsylvania farmlands, Hersheypark is a 100-acre amusement park featuring dozens of rides, shows and attractions. The park is home to nearly a dozen major roller coasters, including some of the biggest and fastest ones on the East Coast. On hot days, guests can enjoy the water slides, pools, and water play areas in The Boardwalk region. Animal lovers will like ZooAmerica, a full-sized zoo inside the park, where admission is included with your park ticket. Don't miss the famous Hershey's Chocolate World next door to the park. Admission is free, and guests can take a tour of the inner workings of the chocolate-making process. There are 3-D movies, free candy samples, and a large candy store selling every Hershey product available.
Hersheypark
100 W. Hersheypark Drive
Hershey, PA 17033
Tel: (800) HERSHEY
www.hersheys.com
Hershey's Chocolate World
251 Park Blvd.
Hershey, PA 17033
Tel: (717) 534-4900
www.hersheys.com/hcw
Gettysburg
The town of Gettysburg was the site of a key battle in the Civil War, as well as the spot where President Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address. Visitors can tour the battle grounds, visit one of ten local Civil War museums, or take a guided bus tour through area attractions. Gettysburg is also home to many battle re-enactments, which take place throughout the year. Many of the historic buildings here have been faithfully restored to their eighteenth century glory, including the Gettysburg Hotel and the Dobbin House Tavern. Tour guides, shopkeepers, and craftsmen often wear period clothing, and you may actually see more people dressed in costume then you'll see in modern clothing.
Gettysburg Hotel
1 Lincoln Square
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(800) 780-7234
www.hotelgettysburg.com
Dobbin House Tavern
89 Steinwehr Ave.
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-2100
www.dobbinhouse.com
The Poconos
Located in eastern Pennsylvania, the Poconos Mountains are one of the top tourist attractions in the state. They are home to dozens of ski resorts, which operate from November through April. The largest resort in the area is the Camelback Ski Resort, which offers visitors a year-round vacation opportunity. Winter visitors can ski, snowboard, ice skate and sled, while summer visitors can take scenic chairlift rides, hike mountain trails, or swim in the resort's pool. Summer visitors will also enjoy the many water sports available in the region, including fishing, white water rafting and tubing along the rivers. There are three golf courses in the area, as well as a paintball range and several small amusement/water parks.
Camelback Ski Resort
1 Camelback Road
Tannersville, PA 18372
(570) 629-1661
www.skicamelback.com
About the Author:
Emily Beach works in the commercial construction industry in Maryland. She received her LEED accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2008 and is in the process of working towards an Architectural Hardware Consultant certification from the Door and Hardware Institute. She received a bachelor's degree in economics and management from Goucher College in Towson, Maryland.
Photo Credits:
Wiki Commons
