Recreational Holidays

Pennsylvania The Beautiful

Pennsylvania means “Penn’s Woodland,” and if the thought of staying in a secluded Pennsylvania cabin rental in forested hill country appears romantic to you, then a vacation in the Keystone State is for you. But there is much more to this historic and scenic region than the abundant rural countryside.

In fact, the best city to commence your tour of Pennsylvania may be to see Philadelphia, long known as the gateway of the state. At the Independence Visitor Center, you can get started planning your exploration of the city and by browsing their web page. Here, helpful folks can tell you about Philadelphia’s numerous historical sites, cultural institutions, tours and activities throughout the year. You can additionally get complimentary or reduced passes to ride a lot of the city’s mass transportation facilities.

One of Pennsylvania’s great attractions is the Pennsylvania Dutch Country, which you encounter almost as soon as you start traveling west out of Philadelphia. By the way, “Dutch” does not mean these folks are from the Netherlands. The word is a corruption of deutsche, meaning “German.” They are Old Order Amish and Mennonites whose ancestors came from Southern Germany and Switzerland over 300 years ago and they have been remarkably successful at maintaining their traditional 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 prior to the 20th Century. While you are visiting Lancaster, you might check out the Mennonite Information Center to get familiarized. By the way, if a person says “You look plain, English,” smile and answer “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 fought north of the Mason-Dixon was fought. Historic inns and recreations, including ghost tours, are popular activities here. The official comprehensive guide to tours of Gettysburg, including cabin rental accommodations and other lodging facilities, is an Internet site known as “Gettysburg Address”.

One of the more interesting trends in travel these days is agritourism, where people stay, learn and even participate on an actual working farm. Butler County is not only one of the state’s most beautiful areas, it is also the breadbasket of the state and home to large fairs and even wineries. Located in the scenic Alleghenies, Butler County could be the high point of your Pennsylvania vacation.

James Harden is part of the travel team at FindVacationRentals.com and FindBedandBreakfast.com. These directories provide detailed information on beach vacations and things to do.