Vacation Ideas in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a beautiful and vast Eastern state that offers visitors a lot of things to do and see. From historical landmarks, outdoor recreation and natural scenery, to amusement parks, zoos, breweries and wineries, there is a diverse range of vacation ideas for people wishing to spend time in Pennsylvania. Before you embark on a trip to Pennsylvania, it's a smart idea to research your many diverse options beforehand.
Hershey's Chocolate World

Hershey's Chocolate World, located in Hershey (where the world-famous chocolate empire originated), is a vacation option for those interested in the chocolate-making process, traditional theme-park thrill rides and chocolate-related nostalgia and memorabilia. There are various guided tours available of the chocolate factories, so if you happen to be a chocoholic, this is a truly one-of-a-kind vacation idea to consider.

Gettysburg National Military Park

The Gettysburg National Military Park, located in Gettysburg, is one of Pennsylvania's most prominent historical landmarks and tourist attractions. Visitors can walk along memorial stones and monuments on their way to the legendary battlefield from the Civil War's Battle of Gettysburg. Be sure to check out the park's Visitor Center to take an up-close look at authentic weapons and uniforms that were worn and used. There is also a farmhouse that visitors can enter, located on the outskirts of the park. President Eisenhower and his wife used to reside in the house. The town of Gettysburg is full of museums and historical heritage sites that are perfect for vacationers.

Valley Forge National Historical Park

The Valley Forge National Historical Park, located in Valley Forge, is a very important landmark for the American Revolutionary War. This historical landmark is home to several guided tours and exhibitions, and there is even a documentary film about the park's history that tourists can watch. The beautiful park is also full of natural scenery and is a suitable place to engage in outdoor activities including hiking, horseback riding, flying kites, boating, fishing, cross-country skiing, birding, cycling and much more.

Carnegie Museum of Art

One of Pennsylvania's largest cities, Pittsburgh, is home to the Carnegie Museum of Art. Any art lovers on vacation will enjoy browsing through this museum, which hosts thorough collections of both Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artworks. There is also a vast array of decorative art, sculpture and architecture among the many paintings up for display at this museum. This museum concentrates primarily on European and American paintings of the last two centuries.

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Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.