In the lead up to Pennsylvania's 336th birthday on March 12, here's the Pennsylvania bucket list as composed by Pennlive.
How many of the 28 have you done? What would you add to the list?
(Part 1 of 2. Continued in next post to fit on the board )
Pennsylvania Bucket List: 28 things to see or do before you die
Updated February 04, 2017
Posted July 29, 2015
Bucket lists – those slightly morbid indexes of things one "must do" before shuffling off this mortal coil – remain popular these days, perhaps as an illusionary method of staving off the grim reaper.
Not wanting to be left out of the fun, we decided we needed to put together a bucket list specific to Pennsylvania. After consulting with our staff and some travel experts and came up with the following list. If you're in the Keystone state and you haven't visited at least some of these places, well, you just haven't lived.
What's on your Pa. bucket list? What do you think we missed? What shouldn't be on the list? Let us know in the comments section.
Groundhog Day celebrations at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa. Feb. 2, 2015. Mark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com
Spend Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney
Location: Gobbler’s Knob. Note: You can’t park on Gobbler’s Knob on Groundhog Day, instead you’ll have to take shuttles from downtown Punxsutawney.
Information: On Groundhog Day, Gobbler’s Knob is open starting at 3 a.m. Attending the event is free, but you need to keep in mind there is no shelter at the knob, no place to sit (you have to leave your chairs at home) and no alcohol allowed. Punxsutawney Phil normally makes his prediction around 7:25 a.m. Tips for going from 2015
Why it’s on the list: Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators and Weather Prophet Extraordinary is the best known groundhog weather forecaster, courtesy of his starring turn in the Bill Murray film “Groundhog Day.” There’s something magical about being at Gobbler’s Knob for the ceremony — and while it may be cold, you’ll be kept dancing and moving courtesy of the Inner Circle of the Groundhog Club (a group devoted to all things Phil). Some even say Groundhog Day trumps Christmas.
While you’re in the neighborhood: Stick around Punxsutawney and check out the festivities, which go on all weekend long. You can also visit the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center (full of hands-on exhibits), scout out the Phantastic Phils sculptures and visit Phil at his burrow at the Punxsutawney Memorial Library.
Julia Hatmaker | jhatmaker@pennlive.com
An American flag flies at half-mast as people attend remembrance ceremonies at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pa. on Sept. 11, 2014. Mark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com
Pay your respects at the Flight 93 Memorial
Location: 6424 Lincoln Highway, Stoystown, outside the town of Shanksville. From central Pennnsylvania, travel west of the turnpike and exit at Bedford (No. 146). Take Route 30 W approximately 25 miles, following the signs along the way.
Information: There is no entry fee. Currently summer hours, through Oct. 31. Gates open at 9 a.m. and final entry is at 6:30 p.m. It closes at 7. There is minimal shade, so dress accordingly.
Why it’s on the list: Unlike New York’s Twin Towers and the Pentagon, the third spot where the horrific events of 9/11 played out is located in a field west of Bedford. The memorial is a permanent reminder of a flight that likely was bound for the White House or Capitol, only to be taken down by the courage of the 40 passengers and crew who confronted their captors and made sure no additional deaths besides theirs would occur.
While you’re in the neighborhood: Start with geologic attractions such Coral Caverns, a short ride from Bedford, and Penns Cave,located north toward Centre Hall. If trains are more your interest, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is located to the south and the Altoona Railroaders Museum and Horseshoe Curve is a trip north on Route 99. Dirt track fans can find Bedford Speedway and Hagerstown Speedway racing every weekend. Finally, there’s a blend of the past (Fort Bedford Museum and Old Bedford Village) and the present (Briar Valley Winery, one of the state’s best for dry wines).
Paul Vigna | pvigna@pennlive.com
Mid-Atlantic's Mo'ne Davis delivers a pitch during the Mid Atlantic's 4-0 win over Southeast in game 6 of the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa. Sean Simmers, PennLive.com. August 15, 2014
Attend a Little League World Series game
Location: South Williamsport, about an hour and 45-minute ride from Harrisburg. Routes 11/15 N to the baseball complex is the most direct route.
Information: Admission on to the complex is free, and there is limited General Public seating in Lamade Stadium (capacity if 3,300) and Volunteer Stadium (capacity is 3,000) for all of the games. The hillside terraces just beyond the outfield fence of Lamade stadium, which offers excellent viewing, can accommodate up to 30,000 more fans. For more, click here. The 2015 tournament will run from Aug. 20-30.
Why it’s on the list: The Little League World Series is among the biggest attractions for sports fans worldwide, an annual summertime celebration that has had its profile increased in recent years by ESPN’s involvement. While teams from the region rarely make it, those who attend can find plenty to root for.
While you’re in the neighborhood: Start with the Little League Museum and all the history that has been assembled there. Beyond that, take some time to tour Williamsport’s Millionaires’ Row – built by the lumber barons during the Victorian era – or stop in an Bullfrog Brewery, a downtown micro-brewery. If none of that suits you, explore Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland and the many reptiles and amphibians that are part of the exhibits, live shows and hands-on animal encounters there.
Paul Vigna, pvigna@pennlive.com
Photo by Christine Baker
Tour the Capitol Rotunda
Location: North Third Street, Harrisburg
Information: Free. Rotunda is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Why it’s on the list: Pennsylvania's State Capitol, dedicated in 1906, is considered one of the most, if not the most, beautiful state capitol in the nation. That is mostly because of its breathtaking Rotunda with a grand marble staircase, Edwin Austin Abbey murals, gold-leafed accents and Mercer tile floor, and so much more.
While you’re in the neighborhood: Take a free half-hour guided tour of the Capitol (which start at 9 a.m. and run throughout the day) to see the just as grandiose House of Representatives and Senate chambers as well as if it's open, the historic courtroom where the state Supreme Court sits when in Harrisburg. Then, you can go next door to visit the State Museum of Pennsylvania at the corner of Third and Forster streets and across Commonwealth Avenue to visit the State Library. If you are lucky, perhaps Rare Collections will be open or holding a special exhibit.
Jan Murphy | jmurphy@pennlive.com
Have a lager at the Yuengling factory
Location: 501 Mahantongo St., Pottsville. From central Pa., take Route 81 N to Route 125 to Route 209 N and then head to Pottsville. Driving time should take around an hour.
Information: Tours run Mondays through Fridays throughout the year and Saturdays from April into December. Check the site for daily times. Tours last about an hour and 15 minutes. A valid ID is required to sample Yuengling products at the end of the tour, and soda is offered for those who can’t or won’t drink beer. You can find more guidelines at this link.
Why it’s on the list: In a state where brewing beer is considered one of the things we do very well, one could call the visit to the Yuengling plant in Pottsville a trip to beer’s Mecca. Established in 1829, Yuengling is promoted as America’s oldest operating brewery. The company produces about 2.5 million barrels annually, operating two Pennsylvania facilities and a brewery in Tampa, Fla.
While you’re in the neighborhood: The Majestic Theater is one of two reverse-screen theaters remaining in the state and the sole theater remaining in downtown Pottsville. Built in 1910, the theater is an eclectic style, two-and-a-half story building with a Beaux Arts-classical façade. For those choosing to stay outdoors, consider a trip to Crystal Cave or Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.
Paul Vigna | pvigna@pennlive.com
Photo courtesy of Visit Pittsburgh
A shot of the Duquesne Incline, open every day of the year, 5:30 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. Monday through Saturday, 8:45 a.m. to midnight Sundays and holidays.
Ride the Incline in Pittsburgh
Location: Pittsburgh, South Side, along the river, easily accessed from Station Square
Information: Open every day of the year, 5:30 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. Monday through Saturday, 8:45 a.m. to midnight Sundays and holidays. Costs $5 per adult round trip, $1.25 for kids under 12, free for kids under 5 and seniors.
Why it’s on the list: The Monongahela Incline is the oldest continuously operating transport of its kind in the United States. It’s a remnant of Pittsburgh’s industrial past, when about 15 such inclines transported material and people from the various factories along the rivers to neighborhoods atop Mt. Washington. The other survivor is the nearby Duquesne Incline, which has he same price and hours. Both offer views of downtown Pittsburgh landmarks, although the Duquesne is credited with a better view. But if you want the oldest — it began operating in 1870, about three years before the Duquesne — and easy access from Station Square, take the Monongahela. Both have equal access to a nice walk and scenic overlooks atop Mt. Washington, and various restaurants and shops. Each consists of a pair of cars — one always going up, one always going down — moving about 6 mph on steep tracks. Be aware that the Monongahela Incline will close Aug. 31 for about 12 weeks to begin a $3.5 million reconstruction project.
While you’re in the neighborhood: There are destinations in every direction, including a group of restaurants within walking distance of the upper station, Molly’s Trolleys and other tour operations close by the lower station, and sites such as Rivers Casino Pittsburgh, PNC Park and the Carnegie Science Center/Highmark Sports Works that can be reached by walking across the West End Bridge from the lower station.
David Wenner | dwenner@pennlive.com
Photo by Caroly Kaster.
Tour Gettysburg Battlefield
Location: The museum and visitor center is located at 1195 Baltimore Pike.
Information: The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., April 1 to October 31, and 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 1 to March 31. There is an admission fee for the Gettysburg Museum Experience, but the park itself is free to tour.
Why it’s on the list: It’s an obvious choice, perhaps the most obvious one on this list. The location of the most decisive battle in what was arguably the most traumatic and devastating war in American history still casts a spell on visitors. While it can be hard to imagine the carnage and loss of live that occurred on that space, it’s hard to look over Pickett’s Charge and not be moved.
While you’re in the neighborhood: Swing by the David Willis House in downtown Gettysburg, where the clean-up process after the battle was centered, and where Lincoln put the finishing touches on his Gettysburg Address.
Chris Mautner | cmautner@pennlive.com
Photo by Dan Gleiter.
Get spooked in Centralia
Location: Columbia County
Information: Remember that there are a few people still living in Centralia. Respect their privacy and don’t disturb their private property.
Why it’s on the list: There’s a mythic quality to Centralia, a not quite-ghost town that has been all but abandoned due to a mine fire that has been burning beneath the borough since 1962. The least-populated municipality in Pa., to walk along its empty, graffiti-laden streets is to have a very physical reminder of the ability of nature (and eminent domain) to lay waste to our structures and dreams.
Chris Mautner | cmautner@pennlive.com
The Barnes Foundation Main Gallery. Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia.
The Barnes Foundation offers several tours, including the Premier Tour on Tuesdays when the building is closed, giving guests the collection to themselves. These tours are 90 minutes long and start at 4 p.m. Here's more info. The current exhibition runs through Aug. 3. It's called Mark Dion, Judy Pfaff, Fred Wilson: The Order of Things.
See the art galleries at the Barnes Foundation
Location: The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia is located at 20th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, accessible by car and public transportation. The original Barnes Foundation campus in Merion, in suburban Philly, is now a 12-acre arboretum open to the public for tours.
Information: The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with extended hours on Saturdays (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and Sundays (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) It’s also open First Fridays and other select Fridays. The foundation is closed Tuesdays. Tickets are in the $20 to $25 range, although cheaper for students and free for active duty military and their family. The cost of the arboretum is $5.
Why it’s on the list: Finally the word is out about the magnificent private art collection, one of the finest in the world of Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings. Named after Dr. Albert Barnes, who was born poor but became a patent-medicine millionaire with a keen eye for collecting art. Dr. Barnes dream-come-true was to “promote the advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts and horticulture” to all walks of life, hence the galleries downtown and the arboretum in Merion.
Upcoming exhibits (Sept. 19, 2015 - Jan. 4, 2016): Strength and Splendor: Wrought Iron from the Musee Le Secq des Tournelles, Rouen. Ellen Harvey: Metal Painting.
While you’re in the neighborhood: Well, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art or the Franklin Institute, two of Philly’s most popular attractions. If you still have some time left, stop at the ever-expanding King of Prussia Mall on your way out of town.
Sandra Fenton
Take in the view of the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania
Location: The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania runs from just south of Ansonia along Route 6 S about 47 miles. The most famous views into the canyon are from overlooks at Leonard Harrison State Park, which is accessed from Route 660 10 miles west of Wellsboro. Wilder, less crowded overlooks are waiting on the West Rim of the canyon. The West Rim is accessed from West Rim Road, which begins at Route 414 just west of Blackwell.
Information: Free.
Why it’s on the list: Slicing through a particularly wild and heavily forested area of Pennsylvania, it’s 1,450 feet deep at Waterville, 800 feet at its most dramatic views at Leonard Harrison and Colton Point state parks.
While you’re in the neighborhood: Colton Point and Leonard Harrison state parks feature many prime examples of the rustic work with massive logs and tons of local stone done by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
Marcus Schneck | mschneck@pennlive.com
Overhead lights dim during the twice-hourly patriotic Night Pageant at Roadside America. Roadside America, billed as 'The World's Greatest Indoor Miniature Village,' located in Shartlesville, Berks County, gives a view of life in the United States from the early pioneer days to the mid-1900s. Roadside America creator Laurence Gieringer established the exhibit's current location in 1953 to house his 8,000 square-foot village and railway. Roadside America has remained unchanged since Gieringer died in 1963 and is still operated by family members. You can find more videos and a slideshow on Roadside America at this link. July 15, 2015 Dan Gleiter, PennLive.com
Watch day turn to night at Roadside America
Location: 109 Roadside Drive, P. O. Box 2, Shartlesville. Take Exit 23 off I-78.
Information: Adults $6.75, children ages 6-11 $3.75, children 5 and younger free; July-Labor Day, daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; September-June, weekdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Why it’s on the list: In its 80th year of depicting the Pennsylvania landscape at a scale of 3/8 of an inch to one foot, Roadside America is an 8,000-square-foot, fully landscaped display featuring more than 300 miniature buildings, 18 trains and trollies running throughout, more than 10,000 handmade trees, more than 4,000 miniature people, river and streams with running water, and everything from a circus parade to an entire town to an alpine village. The tour concludes with day turning to night and back today over the entire display, with dramatic music setting the scene.
While you’re in the neighborhood: Cabela’s 250,000-square-foot outdoor store, with an in-store restaurant that serves wild-game sandwiches, is only six miles east on I-78.
Marcus Schneck | mschneck@pennlive.com
Watch day turn to night at Roadside America
Roadside America, billed as 'The World's Greatest Indoor Miniature Village,' located in Shartlesville, Berks County, gives a view of life in the United States from the early pioneer days to the mid-1900s. Roadside America creator Laurence Gieringer established the exhibit's current location in 1953 to house his 8,000 square-foot village and railway. Roadside America has remained unchanged since Gieringer died in 1963 and is still operated by family members. You can find more videos and a slideshow on Roadside America at this link.
Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com
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Get lost inside Penn’s Cave
Location: 222 Penn’s Cave Road, Centre Hall. Off Rt. 192 or 45, east of Centre Hall.
Information: Admission ranges from $17.95 for adults and $9.75 for children 2-12 for just the cave to $35.95 for adults and $18.95 for children 2-12 for the cave, the wildlife tour and Prospector Pete’s Miners Maze. March, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; April, May, September and October, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; June-August, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; November, 10 a.m.-5p.m.; December, weekends only, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Why it’s on the list: You can’t really get lost in Penn’s Cave, but you do take the 45- to 50-minute tour entirely by boat. It’s the only public cave in Pennsylvania toured by boat and a rare experience across the entire country.
While you’re in the neighborhood: Penn’s Cave also operates the adjacent Step Up to the Wild farm, nature and wildlife tour, which covers 1,600 acres and includes North American wildlife such as black bears, wolves, bobcats, mountain lions, bison, mustangs, bighorn sheep, longhorn cattle and more.
Marcus Schneck | mschneck@pennlive.com
Walk along the beach at Presque Isle
Location: 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie. Route 832 west of Erie ends in Presque Isle State Park.
Information: Presque Isle State Park is a day-use park with beaches open daily Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. An ongoing beach nourishment program may close some beaches through Aug. 18. Call ahead.
Why it’s on the list: The 3,200-acre sandy peninsula curving into Lake Erie is the closet any spot in Pennsylvania comes to an oceanfront experience. Lake Erie, at nearly 10,000 square miles and often impacted by severe weather, is capable of generating nice wave action minus the sharks. Presque Isle includes 11 beaches, including a few open to dogs on leashes.
While you’re in the neighborhood: Waldameer and Water World, with the Ravine Flyer II Coaster, the sixth best wood coaster in the world, stands just outside the entrance to Presque Isle State Park.
Marcus Schneck | mschneck@pennlive.com
Take in the ozone at Bushkill Falls
Location: Along Bushkill Falls Road, off Route 209 at the village of Bushkill.
Information: $13.50 adult, $12.50 seniors age 62 and older, $8 children 4-10 and free for children age 3 and younger. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily July and August, and weekends May, June, September and October; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily May, June, September and October, and weekends in April; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays in April; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. November.
Why it’s on the list: The seven waterfalls, accessed via a series of trails and rustic bridge, have been nicknamed “The Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania.” Famed celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz brought Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron to Bushkill Falls for a shoot for the December 2011 issue of Vogue.
While you’re in the neighborhood: Bushkill Falls lies right on the edge of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, 70,000 acres along the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Marcus Schneck | mschneck@pennlive.com
http://www.pennlive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2015/07/pennsylvania_bucket_list.html#0
How many of the 28 have you done? What would you add to the list?
(Part 1 of 2. Continued in next post to fit on the board )
Pennsylvania Bucket List: 28 things to see or do before you die
Updated February 04, 2017
Posted July 29, 2015
Bucket lists – those slightly morbid indexes of things one "must do" before shuffling off this mortal coil – remain popular these days, perhaps as an illusionary method of staving off the grim reaper.
Not wanting to be left out of the fun, we decided we needed to put together a bucket list specific to Pennsylvania. After consulting with our staff and some travel experts and came up with the following list. If you're in the Keystone state and you haven't visited at least some of these places, well, you just haven't lived.
What's on your Pa. bucket list? What do you think we missed? What shouldn't be on the list? Let us know in the comments section.
Groundhog Day celebrations at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa. Feb. 2, 2015. Mark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com
Spend Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney
Location: Gobbler’s Knob. Note: You can’t park on Gobbler’s Knob on Groundhog Day, instead you’ll have to take shuttles from downtown Punxsutawney.
Information: On Groundhog Day, Gobbler’s Knob is open starting at 3 a.m. Attending the event is free, but you need to keep in mind there is no shelter at the knob, no place to sit (you have to leave your chairs at home) and no alcohol allowed. Punxsutawney Phil normally makes his prediction around 7:25 a.m. Tips for going from 2015
Why it’s on the list: Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators and Weather Prophet Extraordinary is the best known groundhog weather forecaster, courtesy of his starring turn in the Bill Murray film “Groundhog Day.” There’s something magical about being at Gobbler’s Knob for the ceremony — and while it may be cold, you’ll be kept dancing and moving courtesy of the Inner Circle of the Groundhog Club (a group devoted to all things Phil). Some even say Groundhog Day trumps Christmas.
While you’re in the neighborhood: Stick around Punxsutawney and check out the festivities, which go on all weekend long. You can also visit the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center (full of hands-on exhibits), scout out the Phantastic Phils sculptures and visit Phil at his burrow at the Punxsutawney Memorial Library.
Julia Hatmaker | jhatmaker@pennlive.com
An American flag flies at half-mast as people attend remembrance ceremonies at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pa. on Sept. 11, 2014. Mark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com
Pay your respects at the Flight 93 Memorial
Location: 6424 Lincoln Highway, Stoystown, outside the town of Shanksville. From central Pennnsylvania, travel west of the turnpike and exit at Bedford (No. 146). Take Route 30 W approximately 25 miles, following the signs along the way.
Information: There is no entry fee. Currently summer hours, through Oct. 31. Gates open at 9 a.m. and final entry is at 6:30 p.m. It closes at 7. There is minimal shade, so dress accordingly.
Why it’s on the list: Unlike New York’s Twin Towers and the Pentagon, the third spot where the horrific events of 9/11 played out is located in a field west of Bedford. The memorial is a permanent reminder of a flight that likely was bound for the White House or Capitol, only to be taken down by the courage of the 40 passengers and crew who confronted their captors and made sure no additional deaths besides theirs would occur.
While you’re in the neighborhood: Start with geologic attractions such Coral Caverns, a short ride from Bedford, and Penns Cave,located north toward Centre Hall. If trains are more your interest, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is located to the south and the Altoona Railroaders Museum and Horseshoe Curve is a trip north on Route 99. Dirt track fans can find Bedford Speedway and Hagerstown Speedway racing every weekend. Finally, there’s a blend of the past (Fort Bedford Museum and Old Bedford Village) and the present (Briar Valley Winery, one of the state’s best for dry wines).
Paul Vigna | pvigna@pennlive.com
Mid-Atlantic's Mo'ne Davis delivers a pitch during the Mid Atlantic's 4-0 win over Southeast in game 6 of the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa. Sean Simmers, PennLive.com. August 15, 2014
Attend a Little League World Series game
Location: South Williamsport, about an hour and 45-minute ride from Harrisburg. Routes 11/15 N to the baseball complex is the most direct route.
Information: Admission on to the complex is free, and there is limited General Public seating in Lamade Stadium (capacity if 3,300) and Volunteer Stadium (capacity is 3,000) for all of the games. The hillside terraces just beyond the outfield fence of Lamade stadium, which offers excellent viewing, can accommodate up to 30,000 more fans. For more, click here. The 2015 tournament will run from Aug. 20-30.
Why it’s on the list: The Little League World Series is among the biggest attractions for sports fans worldwide, an annual summertime celebration that has had its profile increased in recent years by ESPN’s involvement. While teams from the region rarely make it, those who attend can find plenty to root for.
While you’re in the neighborhood: Start with the Little League Museum and all the history that has been assembled there. Beyond that, take some time to tour Williamsport’s Millionaires’ Row – built by the lumber barons during the Victorian era – or stop in an Bullfrog Brewery, a downtown micro-brewery. If none of that suits you, explore Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland and the many reptiles and amphibians that are part of the exhibits, live shows and hands-on animal encounters there.
Paul Vigna, pvigna@pennlive.com
Photo by Christine Baker
Tour the Capitol Rotunda
Location: North Third Street, Harrisburg
Information: Free. Rotunda is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Why it’s on the list: Pennsylvania's State Capitol, dedicated in 1906, is considered one of the most, if not the most, beautiful state capitol in the nation. That is mostly because of its breathtaking Rotunda with a grand marble staircase, Edwin Austin Abbey murals, gold-leafed accents and Mercer tile floor, and so much more.
While you’re in the neighborhood: Take a free half-hour guided tour of the Capitol (which start at 9 a.m. and run throughout the day) to see the just as grandiose House of Representatives and Senate chambers as well as if it's open, the historic courtroom where the state Supreme Court sits when in Harrisburg. Then, you can go next door to visit the State Museum of Pennsylvania at the corner of Third and Forster streets and across Commonwealth Avenue to visit the State Library. If you are lucky, perhaps Rare Collections will be open or holding a special exhibit.
Jan Murphy | jmurphy@pennlive.com
Have a lager at the Yuengling factory
Location: 501 Mahantongo St., Pottsville. From central Pa., take Route 81 N to Route 125 to Route 209 N and then head to Pottsville. Driving time should take around an hour.
Information: Tours run Mondays through Fridays throughout the year and Saturdays from April into December. Check the site for daily times. Tours last about an hour and 15 minutes. A valid ID is required to sample Yuengling products at the end of the tour, and soda is offered for those who can’t or won’t drink beer. You can find more guidelines at this link.
Why it’s on the list: In a state where brewing beer is considered one of the things we do very well, one could call the visit to the Yuengling plant in Pottsville a trip to beer’s Mecca. Established in 1829, Yuengling is promoted as America’s oldest operating brewery. The company produces about 2.5 million barrels annually, operating two Pennsylvania facilities and a brewery in Tampa, Fla.
While you’re in the neighborhood: The Majestic Theater is one of two reverse-screen theaters remaining in the state and the sole theater remaining in downtown Pottsville. Built in 1910, the theater is an eclectic style, two-and-a-half story building with a Beaux Arts-classical façade. For those choosing to stay outdoors, consider a trip to Crystal Cave or Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.
Paul Vigna | pvigna@pennlive.com
Photo courtesy of Visit Pittsburgh
A shot of the Duquesne Incline, open every day of the year, 5:30 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. Monday through Saturday, 8:45 a.m. to midnight Sundays and holidays.
Ride the Incline in Pittsburgh
Location: Pittsburgh, South Side, along the river, easily accessed from Station Square
Information: Open every day of the year, 5:30 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. Monday through Saturday, 8:45 a.m. to midnight Sundays and holidays. Costs $5 per adult round trip, $1.25 for kids under 12, free for kids under 5 and seniors.
Why it’s on the list: The Monongahela Incline is the oldest continuously operating transport of its kind in the United States. It’s a remnant of Pittsburgh’s industrial past, when about 15 such inclines transported material and people from the various factories along the rivers to neighborhoods atop Mt. Washington. The other survivor is the nearby Duquesne Incline, which has he same price and hours. Both offer views of downtown Pittsburgh landmarks, although the Duquesne is credited with a better view. But if you want the oldest — it began operating in 1870, about three years before the Duquesne — and easy access from Station Square, take the Monongahela. Both have equal access to a nice walk and scenic overlooks atop Mt. Washington, and various restaurants and shops. Each consists of a pair of cars — one always going up, one always going down — moving about 6 mph on steep tracks. Be aware that the Monongahela Incline will close Aug. 31 for about 12 weeks to begin a $3.5 million reconstruction project.
While you’re in the neighborhood: There are destinations in every direction, including a group of restaurants within walking distance of the upper station, Molly’s Trolleys and other tour operations close by the lower station, and sites such as Rivers Casino Pittsburgh, PNC Park and the Carnegie Science Center/Highmark Sports Works that can be reached by walking across the West End Bridge from the lower station.
David Wenner | dwenner@pennlive.com
Photo by Caroly Kaster.
Tour Gettysburg Battlefield
Location: The museum and visitor center is located at 1195 Baltimore Pike.
Information: The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., April 1 to October 31, and 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 1 to March 31. There is an admission fee for the Gettysburg Museum Experience, but the park itself is free to tour.
Why it’s on the list: It’s an obvious choice, perhaps the most obvious one on this list. The location of the most decisive battle in what was arguably the most traumatic and devastating war in American history still casts a spell on visitors. While it can be hard to imagine the carnage and loss of live that occurred on that space, it’s hard to look over Pickett’s Charge and not be moved.
While you’re in the neighborhood: Swing by the David Willis House in downtown Gettysburg, where the clean-up process after the battle was centered, and where Lincoln put the finishing touches on his Gettysburg Address.
Chris Mautner | cmautner@pennlive.com
Photo by Dan Gleiter.
Get spooked in Centralia
Location: Columbia County
Information: Remember that there are a few people still living in Centralia. Respect their privacy and don’t disturb their private property.
Why it’s on the list: There’s a mythic quality to Centralia, a not quite-ghost town that has been all but abandoned due to a mine fire that has been burning beneath the borough since 1962. The least-populated municipality in Pa., to walk along its empty, graffiti-laden streets is to have a very physical reminder of the ability of nature (and eminent domain) to lay waste to our structures and dreams.
Chris Mautner | cmautner@pennlive.com
The Barnes Foundation Main Gallery. Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia.
The Barnes Foundation offers several tours, including the Premier Tour on Tuesdays when the building is closed, giving guests the collection to themselves. These tours are 90 minutes long and start at 4 p.m. Here's more info. The current exhibition runs through Aug. 3. It's called Mark Dion, Judy Pfaff, Fred Wilson: The Order of Things.
See the art galleries at the Barnes Foundation
Location: The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia is located at 20th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, accessible by car and public transportation. The original Barnes Foundation campus in Merion, in suburban Philly, is now a 12-acre arboretum open to the public for tours.
Information: The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with extended hours on Saturdays (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and Sundays (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) It’s also open First Fridays and other select Fridays. The foundation is closed Tuesdays. Tickets are in the $20 to $25 range, although cheaper for students and free for active duty military and their family. The cost of the arboretum is $5.
Why it’s on the list: Finally the word is out about the magnificent private art collection, one of the finest in the world of Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings. Named after Dr. Albert Barnes, who was born poor but became a patent-medicine millionaire with a keen eye for collecting art. Dr. Barnes dream-come-true was to “promote the advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts and horticulture” to all walks of life, hence the galleries downtown and the arboretum in Merion.
Upcoming exhibits (Sept. 19, 2015 - Jan. 4, 2016): Strength and Splendor: Wrought Iron from the Musee Le Secq des Tournelles, Rouen. Ellen Harvey: Metal Painting.
While you’re in the neighborhood: Well, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art or the Franklin Institute, two of Philly’s most popular attractions. If you still have some time left, stop at the ever-expanding King of Prussia Mall on your way out of town.
Sandra Fenton
Take in the view of the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania
Location: The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania runs from just south of Ansonia along Route 6 S about 47 miles. The most famous views into the canyon are from overlooks at Leonard Harrison State Park, which is accessed from Route 660 10 miles west of Wellsboro. Wilder, less crowded overlooks are waiting on the West Rim of the canyon. The West Rim is accessed from West Rim Road, which begins at Route 414 just west of Blackwell.
Information: Free.
Why it’s on the list: Slicing through a particularly wild and heavily forested area of Pennsylvania, it’s 1,450 feet deep at Waterville, 800 feet at its most dramatic views at Leonard Harrison and Colton Point state parks.
While you’re in the neighborhood: Colton Point and Leonard Harrison state parks feature many prime examples of the rustic work with massive logs and tons of local stone done by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
Marcus Schneck | mschneck@pennlive.com
Overhead lights dim during the twice-hourly patriotic Night Pageant at Roadside America. Roadside America, billed as 'The World's Greatest Indoor Miniature Village,' located in Shartlesville, Berks County, gives a view of life in the United States from the early pioneer days to the mid-1900s. Roadside America creator Laurence Gieringer established the exhibit's current location in 1953 to house his 8,000 square-foot village and railway. Roadside America has remained unchanged since Gieringer died in 1963 and is still operated by family members. You can find more videos and a slideshow on Roadside America at this link. July 15, 2015 Dan Gleiter, PennLive.com
Watch day turn to night at Roadside America
Location: 109 Roadside Drive, P. O. Box 2, Shartlesville. Take Exit 23 off I-78.
Information: Adults $6.75, children ages 6-11 $3.75, children 5 and younger free; July-Labor Day, daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; September-June, weekdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Why it’s on the list: In its 80th year of depicting the Pennsylvania landscape at a scale of 3/8 of an inch to one foot, Roadside America is an 8,000-square-foot, fully landscaped display featuring more than 300 miniature buildings, 18 trains and trollies running throughout, more than 10,000 handmade trees, more than 4,000 miniature people, river and streams with running water, and everything from a circus parade to an entire town to an alpine village. The tour concludes with day turning to night and back today over the entire display, with dramatic music setting the scene.
While you’re in the neighborhood: Cabela’s 250,000-square-foot outdoor store, with an in-store restaurant that serves wild-game sandwiches, is only six miles east on I-78.
Marcus Schneck | mschneck@pennlive.com
Watch day turn to night at Roadside America
Roadside America, billed as 'The World's Greatest Indoor Miniature Village,' located in Shartlesville, Berks County, gives a view of life in the United States from the early pioneer days to the mid-1900s. Roadside America creator Laurence Gieringer established the exhibit's current location in 1953 to house his 8,000 square-foot village and railway. Roadside America has remained unchanged since Gieringer died in 1963 and is still operated by family members. You can find more videos and a slideshow on Roadside America at this link.
Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com
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Get lost inside Penn’s Cave
Location: 222 Penn’s Cave Road, Centre Hall. Off Rt. 192 or 45, east of Centre Hall.
Information: Admission ranges from $17.95 for adults and $9.75 for children 2-12 for just the cave to $35.95 for adults and $18.95 for children 2-12 for the cave, the wildlife tour and Prospector Pete’s Miners Maze. March, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; April, May, September and October, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; June-August, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; November, 10 a.m.-5p.m.; December, weekends only, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Why it’s on the list: You can’t really get lost in Penn’s Cave, but you do take the 45- to 50-minute tour entirely by boat. It’s the only public cave in Pennsylvania toured by boat and a rare experience across the entire country.
While you’re in the neighborhood: Penn’s Cave also operates the adjacent Step Up to the Wild farm, nature and wildlife tour, which covers 1,600 acres and includes North American wildlife such as black bears, wolves, bobcats, mountain lions, bison, mustangs, bighorn sheep, longhorn cattle and more.
Marcus Schneck | mschneck@pennlive.com
Walk along the beach at Presque Isle
Location: 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie. Route 832 west of Erie ends in Presque Isle State Park.
Information: Presque Isle State Park is a day-use park with beaches open daily Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. An ongoing beach nourishment program may close some beaches through Aug. 18. Call ahead.
Why it’s on the list: The 3,200-acre sandy peninsula curving into Lake Erie is the closet any spot in Pennsylvania comes to an oceanfront experience. Lake Erie, at nearly 10,000 square miles and often impacted by severe weather, is capable of generating nice wave action minus the sharks. Presque Isle includes 11 beaches, including a few open to dogs on leashes.
While you’re in the neighborhood: Waldameer and Water World, with the Ravine Flyer II Coaster, the sixth best wood coaster in the world, stands just outside the entrance to Presque Isle State Park.
Marcus Schneck | mschneck@pennlive.com
Take in the ozone at Bushkill Falls
Location: Along Bushkill Falls Road, off Route 209 at the village of Bushkill.
Information: $13.50 adult, $12.50 seniors age 62 and older, $8 children 4-10 and free for children age 3 and younger. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily July and August, and weekends May, June, September and October; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily May, June, September and October, and weekends in April; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays in April; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. November.
Why it’s on the list: The seven waterfalls, accessed via a series of trails and rustic bridge, have been nicknamed “The Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania.” Famed celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz brought Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron to Bushkill Falls for a shoot for the December 2011 issue of Vogue.
While you’re in the neighborhood: Bushkill Falls lies right on the edge of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, 70,000 acres along the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Marcus Schneck | mschneck@pennlive.com
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