Pennsylvania is a state in the Eastern United States and was one of the original Thirteen Colonies that revolted against British rule in the American Revolution.

Pennsylvania/Our Home State

Harrisburg

Harrisburg is the capital, the fifth largest city in the state and the home of your travel correspondents, Jim and Pat. It has undergone a dramatic economic change since the 1980s. Along the shores of the Susquehanna River, Harrisburg has grown from a modest ferry outpost to a picturesque capital city. An upcoming center for the region's arts and culture, it offers competitive pleasures of an urban metropolis.

Riverfront Park and City Island offer a host of family fun and activities along the banks of the Susquehanna. Stroll, bike ride…enjoy the view. Cruise the river on the Pride of the Susquehanna paddlewheeler. Or do a canoe, paddleboat or jet ski ride. City Island is home to good food, quaint shops, miniature golf, a restored carousel, train, carriage ride, and minor league baseball. And the riverfront Kipona Celebration at the end of summer boasts one of the oldest continuously operating inland festivals, including arts and crafts, a puppet theater and the infamous Pennsylvania Chili Cookoff.

Sites of interest:

• Broad Street Market one of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in the country
• Capital Area Greenbelt, a twenty mile greenway linking city neighborhoods and parks
• National Civil War Museum located at Reservoir Park
• PA State Farm Show Arena, one of the largest convention/exhibition centers on the east coast
• PA State Capital Complex
• Strawberry Square, across from the Capitol Complex, home of state offices and shopping center
• Whitaker Center for Science and Art, features an IMAX theatre

Parks and Recreation:

• City Island and Beach
• Riverfront Park
• Italian Lake
• Wildwood Lake Park
• Reservoir Park

HERSHEY

Hershey has been known as the sweetest place on earth. The community is home to the Hershey Company which makes the well-known Hershey bar and Hershey kisses. This chocolate candy community is a very popular family destination. The streets are lined with chocolate kisses-shaped street lights, and the smell of chocolate is strong. And Hershey Park is internationally known as one of USA’s favorite fun parks. With thrilling attractions, luxurious accommodations at theHershey Hotel, and chocolate treats, you will find plenty to do the whole year round. At HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD, you’ll be greeted by giant Hershey Product Characters as you enter the world of food, shops and entertainment devoted to all things chocolate. There is a special presentation in the chocolate factory and the sensational Hershey Really Big 3-D Show.

Milton S. Hershey, the founder of this community‘s chocolate palace went on to become not only one of America’s wetitlehiest individuals, but also a successful entrepreneur whose products are known the world over, and a philanthropist whose generosity continues to touch the lives of thousands. He became fascinated with the art of chocolate making at the Chicago Exposition in 1893 and began producing chocolate coatings for caramels. He soon started the Hershey Chocolate Company, discovering the right formula of milk, sugar and cocoa that enabled him to produce and distribute milk chocolate candy.

Points of interest:

• Giant Center, home of the Bears
• Hershey Park Stadium
• Hershey Gardens
• Hotel Hershey
• Milton Hershey School
• Hershey Theatre
• Antique Auto Museum

LANCASTER COUNTY

Lancaster County has more than 2,500 miles of winding country roads connecting small towns and villages with inviting main streets and charming boutiques and galleries. Lose yourself along these back roads as you're transported to another time, among breathtakingly scenic farmlands, romantic covered bridges and Amish life.

Tour the unique towns and villages lined with restaurants, shops, galleries and historic attractions. At over 200 bridges in existence, Pennsylvania has more covered bridges than anywhere else in the world, and at 29, Lancaster County has the largest share. Learn about the culture of the Amish via Amish homesteads and villages, buggy rides, quilt shops, PA Dutch dining, roadside stands and farmers' markets. The movie "Witness" with Harrison Ford (about an Amish family whose son witnesses a murder) was filmed in the Strasburg-Bird-in-Hand area.

Come aboard! Whether it's a ride in an Amish buggy, an authentic Strasburg Railroad steam locomotive or a speeding roller coaster at Dutchwonderland Park, it will be remembered. Or, get lost in a challenging corn maze or colorful outlet mall or peaceful, scenic countryside. Enjoy a slower paced vacation where you can unwind to the clip-clop of horses' hooves echoing down quiet country roads.

Tourist attractions include:

• The Sight and Sound Music Theatre
• Dutch Wonderland…great for the kids
• Ephrata Cloister
• Hans Herr House
• Landis Valley Museum
• Pennsylvanis Dutch Country
• Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
• Robert Fulton Birthplace
• Strasburg Railroad
• Sturgis Pretzel House

PHILADELPHIA…The City of Brotherly Love

Philadelphia (original capital of the state) is a history lover's paradise. It’s the birthplace of our country where a self-governing nation evolved. From the meeting rooms of Independence Hall to the surrounding countryside, Philadelphia set our course for freedom. The paths to understanding American history all converge in Philadelphia and its historic countryside. Even before William Penn founded the city and built his estate in Bucks County, Americans recognized the region as an attractive place for trade and settlement. Americans defended their liberty; they achieved technological success and forged the ideals of their dream. America's most sacred historic sites (the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall) stand side-by-side with the hustle and bustle of a 21st-century city. The greatest concentration of American history can be found at Independence National Historical Park, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

The area between Front to 7th Street and Spruce to Race Street covers three different neighborhoods, with restaurants, galleries, shops and attractions. They constitute historic Philadelphia. From bustling downtown avenues with four-star restaurants, critically acclaimed performances and museums to the countryside with charming towns and cozy inns, the Philadelphia area offers travelers many options.

Old City brims with shops, cafes, restaurants and bars while Society Hill welcomes visitors to stroll the cobblestone streets and take in the architecture of the centuries-old homes, churches and landmarks that make up the neighborhood.

The Reading Terminal Marketwas established in 1892 (12th and Arch Streets); it is the nation’s oldest continuously operating farmers’ market. It has become one of the greatest public markets in the country. You can eat every type of cuisine, from soul food, Asian and Middle Eastern dishes to authentic Philly Cheesesteaks and traditional Pennsylvania Dutch — all available from family-run stands. According to Oprah Winfrey in 2003, Delilah’s Southern Cuisine at the Reading Terminal is also home to the best macaroni and cheese in the country. Another Philadelphia landmark is the Italian Market on 9th Street between Wharton and Fitzwater. It is a street market with some of the best Italian cheeses and fresh fruit and vegetables.

Historic Battlefields

The military struggle to achieve America’s independence took place throughout this region with George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Eve 1776, and his dramatic victory over the British. The British counterattack and their occupation of Philadelphia is the subject of several historic sites. Many struggles and sacrifices were made at Brandywine Battlefield and Valley Forge. Washington’s retreat in 1777 saved the American army during a bitter winter. An alliance with France and Washington’s courageous leadership led to a later triumph at Yorktown. With more than 3,600 acres of rolling hills and well-worn trails, Valley Forge is a magnet for runners, bicyclists and picnickers as well as history buffs.

Other Places to visit:

Philadelphia Museum of Art (not only for viewing but for Rocky Balboa’s run up the steps). This museum features over 200 galleries with treasures spanning continents and cultures, drawn from a collection of over 400,000 art works. The huge stone edifice of the museum overlooks the Schuylkill River. Peace and quiet of Fairmount Park behind the museum make it easy to forget you're in a major metropolis.

Today, with a population of approximately 1.6 million, Philadelphia is the fifth-largest city in the United States. In recent years, Philadelphia has been named the "number one restaurant city," "America's friendliest city," and "the safest large city."

GETTYSBURG

GETTYSBURG (thirty miles south of Harrisburg) became famous in July 1863 for the tragic Civil War battle in which fifty thousand men died fighting for their beliefs…so many more casutitleies in three days than in any other American battle. The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War with the Union victory in summer of 1863, and General Robert E. Lee's ambitious invasion of the North. Lincoln delivered his famous two minute Gettysburg Address a few months later at the dedication of the National Cemetery. It is known as one of the most powerful orations in American history and is cosidered a masterpiice of the English language.

Gettysburg has become very touristy, reliving the most minute details of the battle. However, you can explore this national park and the rolling hills of the battlefield and the town streets with their historic houses at your leisure in your car. Begin your visit to Gettysburg National Military Park at the new Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center. The new facility opened its doors on April 14, 2008 and the museum has been created to tell the Civil War story. There are over 1,000 monuments and cannons along over 40 miles of scenic roads, a battlefield shrine to the Union and Confederate soldiers who fought here. Visit the scene of the Gettysburg Address, Picket's Charge, General Robert E. Lee's Headquarters, Little Round Top, and the Devil's Den. The Soldier's National Cemetery has become the final resting place for veterans of American wars dating from the Civil War through the Vietnam War. There is a re-enactment of the Gettysburg battles the first week of July.

In late September 2008, the newly restored Gettysburg Cyclorama painting was open to the public at the Visitors Center. This 377 foot painting in-the-round recreates Pickett's Charge and the peak of the fighting at the Gettysbug battle. It also includes a magnificent sound and light program to bring the painting to life. Gettysburg is worth the visit because of its history and its impact on America.

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