Pennsylvania means “Penn’s Woodland,” and if the suggestion of staying in a private Pennsylvania cabin rental in wooded hill country sounds interesting to you, then a trip in the Keystone State is meant for you. But there is a good deal more to this historic and scenic region than the abundant rural countryside.
In fact, the perfect destination to begin your tour of Pennsylvania might be to see Philadelphia, long considered the gateway of the state. At the Independence Visitor Center, you can get started scheduling your exploration of the city and by browsing their web page. Here, accommodating folks can advise you about Philadelphia’s many historical sites, cultural institutions, tours and activities throughout the year. You can furthermore get free or reduced passes to ride many of the city’s mass transportation facilities.
One of Pennsylvania’s great attractions is the Pennsylvania Dutch Country, which you encounter practically as soon as you start driving west out of Philadelphia. By the way, “Dutch” does not denote these folks are from the Netherlands. The word is a corruption of deutsche, denoting “German.” They are Old Order Amish and Mennonites whose ancestors came from Southern Germany and Switzerland more than 300 years ago and they have been amazingly successful at preserving their customary way of life.
From the bed breakfasts in Lancaster, you can tour their villages as well as purchase their wares and produce for sale and witness first hand how farms operated earlier than the 20th Century. While you are visiting Lancaster, you should check out the Mennonite Information Center to get familiarized. By the way, if a person states “You look plain, English,” smile and reply “Thank You,” as it is a compliment.
Moving west, you will come to Gettysburg, where the only battle of the American Civil War to be waged north of the Mason-Dixon was fought. Historic inns and recreations, including ghost tours, are popular events here. The certified complete manual to tours of Gettysburg, that include cabin rentals and other lodging facilities, is an Internet site known as “Gettysburg Address”.
One of the more out of the ordinary developments in travel these days is agritourism, where the public stay, learn and even help on an actual working farm. Butler County is not only one of the state’s most picturesque places, it is also the bread winner of the state and host to significant fairs and even wineries. Located in the magnificent Alleghenies, Butler County may be the high point of your Pennsylvania vacation.