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Pennsylvania Vacation.

Middle Atlantic State.

Pensylvania is a state in the eastern part of the United States. One of the original Thirteen Colonies that founded the country. Also known as the Keystone State [ central location among the original colonies ] or the Quaker State.

Regions in Pennsylvania : Coal Region, Cumberland Valley, Delaware Valley, Lehigh Valley, Northern Tier, Northwest Region, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Laurel Highlands, The Poconos.

Metropolitan areas Pennsylvania : Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, Altoona, Erie, Harrisburg-Carlisle-Lebanon, Johnstown, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh [ Western Pennsylvania ], Reading, Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, State College, Williamsport and York-Hanover.


Capital City Pennsylvania : Harrisburg


car rental, hostels, hotels & motels, national parks, tour operators, travel guides, transportation / traveling to pennsylvania

links


Camping & Campgrounds

 Go Camping America
 Koa  -  Campgrounds of America
 National Park Service Campground and Tour Reservation Site
 Funroads  -  Get Outta Town!
At Funroads.com, you'll find everything you need to organize your next RV trip, so you can relax and enjoy the process. In Get Outta Town, we can help you: Plan your trip and count the days until you depart, Get a map and driving directions, Check on the weather forecast, Find easy-to-make recipes for meals and snacks en route.

Car Rental Pennsylvania

 Alamo  -  Luxury Discount Auto Rental Company
 Avis
 Budget Rent A Car

Lodgings Pennsylvania

Hostels

 Lebanon Valley Family YMCA

 Hostelbookers.com  -  Great Hostels, Free booking, Fast & Easy to use
Hostelbookers.com is one of the worlds largest online booking services for hostels. All hostels you see here are offering realtime prices and availability.
 IYHF  -  International Youth Hostel Federation

Lodgings / Hotels in Pennsylvania

 HotelCentraUSA
Search and compare rates at USA hotels. They offer hotels ideal for business and leisure travel. You're sure to find an ideal hotel room to match your budget and desired comfort level. 
 USA Lodging
With a list of over 60,000 accommodations establishments, this directory is an impressive list of motels and hotels on the web. Use the search tool to find what you're looking for in seconds, or navigate to your destination city from the list of states.
 Hotels.com

National Parks

 Pa. Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources
Established on July 1, 1995, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is charged with maintaining and preserving the 116 state parks; managing the 2.1 million acres of state forest land; providing information on the state's ecological and geologic resources; and establishing community conservation partnerships with grants and technical assistance to benefit rivers, trails, greenways, local parks and recreation, regional heritage parks, open space and natural areas.

 National Park Service  -  National Parks in the USA
The NPS works with communities to preserve and care for neighborhood treasures. They also work with teachers to create unique opportunities for students to learn about history at the real places where events unfolded.

Tour Operators / Travel Agents



 AAA
 East Coast Touring Company  -  Specialists in group travel
Tours : One Day Getaways, Multi-Day Tours, Cruises, Special Events/ Mystery Tours and Student Tours.
Destinations: Mid West and North East
 Philadelphia  -  Gophila.com  -  Official Visitor Site for Greater Philadelphila
Yyour gateway to Philadelphia and The Countryside™. The new design makes it easier than ever for you to plan your visit - restaurants, hotels, itineraries and much more are now at your fingertips.

Travel Guides Pennsylvania / Related books

Books about Pennsylvania 

Moon Handbooks Pennsylvania -  by Joanne Miller (Author)
Book Description : From the urban hubs of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and excursions through historic war battlefields to hiking through scenic river towns, Moon Handbooks Pennsylvania is the guide to the best the Keystone State has to offer, both on and off the beaten path. Practical information includes suggested travel strategies and lists of must-see sights, plus essentials on dining, transportation, and accommodations for a range of budgets. Complete with details for casual walks and driving tours in Lake Erie, the Poconos, Gettysburg, and Amish Country, Moon Handbooks Pennsylvania gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Paperback: 500 pages; Publisher: Avalon Travel Publishing; 3.00 edition (January 18, 2005); Language: English; ISBN-10: 1566915856; ISBN-13: 978-1566915854
Backroads of Pennsylvania -  by Marcus Schneck (Author)
Book Description : Have you driven along historic Route 6 or through the rolling farmlands of Pennsylvania Dutch country and the popular Amish Lancaster County? Have you explored the battlefields of Gettysburg or the disappearing wilderness of the Poconos and the Appalachian mountains? Have you truly experienced the Susquehanna River? A celebration of our state's beauty, Backroads of Pennsylvania--written and photographed by local experts--takes you on routes covering nearly all corners of the Keystone State: routes that lead you to the state's most secluded and overlooked natural areas and sites that capture Pennsylvania's colorful history. Whether you're planning a day trip, looking for unusual destinations, or simply want to learn more about the region, Backroads of Pennsylvania will lead you deep into the soul of the state—beyond the bustling cities and common tourist attractions. Glenn Davis's Davis Photographic Specialties focuses on natural history photography and commercial advertising. His photography has appeared in many national publications, including Audubon, National Geographic, and Natural History magazines, Sierra Club calendars, and Hallmark cards.
Paperback: 160 pages; Publisher: Voyageur Press (June 2003); Language: English; ISBN-10: 0896585506; ISBN-13: 978-0896585508

Transportation / How do I travel in Pennsylvania

 Erie Airport  -  Erie International Airport 
 Harrisburg Airport  -  Harrisburg International Airport [ HIA ] 
 Lehigh Valley International Airport [ LNAA ]
 Philadelphia Airport  -  Philadelphia International Airport
 Pittsburgh Airport  -  Pittsburgh International Airport

 Airline Tickets / Bargain Flights   -  Flight tickets to Pennsylvania

 Continental Airlines
 Delta Airlines
 JetBlue Airways
 US Airways

 Greyhound Lines  -  Coach Line
 Peter Pan Bus Lines 
Peter Pan Bus Lines is a full-service motorcoach operator affiliated with the Trailways national network of motorcoach companies.
 Shortline
Scheduled bus service to New York City from Upstate New York, Northern New Jersey, and Eastern Pennsylvania, along with exciting tours and professional charter service.

 Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

 Maps of Pennsylvania [ Uni Texas  -  Perry-Castañeda Library  -  Map Collection ]
 Mapblast! Driving Directions  -  streetmaps etc.
Provides interactive maps and driving directions, as well as extensive information on services and products near a user's address or travel route.
 Mc Nally  -  Route Planner Pennsylvania / USA
 Multimap.com


Links 

 Travel Insurance 

 Pennsylvania Office of Tourism

 State of Pennsylvania [ Government ]  -  Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

 City of Harrisburg  -  State Capital Pennsylvania

 Coal Region
Area of Northeastern Pennsylvania in the central Appalachian Mountains comprised of Lackawanna, Luzerne, Columbia, Carbon, Schuylkill, and Northumberland County.
The region is home to the largest known deposits of anthracite coal found in the Americas. See Coalregion.com
 Cumberland Valley
Region between South Mountain and the Blue Ridge Mountains of central Pennsylvania and western Maryland . Principal cities in Cumberland Valley : Harrisburg, Carlisle, Mechanicsburg, Shippensburg, Chambersburg.
 Delaware Valley
The Delaware Valley is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the United States, and is located in the middle of the BosWash megalopolis, the name given for a group of metropolitan areas in the northeastern United States, extending from Boston, Massachusetts to Washington, D.C. See e.g. The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.
 Lehigh Valley  -  Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau
Region located along the Lehigh River in the eastern part of the state. The Lehigh Valley's principal cities are Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton.
The Lehigh Valley is part of the Great Valley, a region largely made up of limestone that stretches along the eastern edge of the Appalachian Mountains.
 Northern Tier - region consisting of five rural counties in north-central Pennsylvania
Counties and important towns in the Northern Tier are : Bradford [ Athens, Sayre, Towanda ], Sullivan [ Laporte ], Susquehanna [ Montrose, New Milford ], Tioga [ Mansfield, Wellsboro ], Wyoming [ Tunkhannock ].
 Northwest Region Pennsylvania 
Area of Pennsylvania containing Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties. It is also the location of Allegheny National Forest. Within the forest is the Kinzua Dam, which created the Allegheny Reservoir.
 Pennsylvania Dutch Country  -  southeastern Pennsylvania
Refers to an area of southeastern Pennsylvania that has a high percentage of Amish, Mennonite and "Fancy Dutch" inhabitants. See Lancaster County Pennsylvania Dutch Country Official Visitors Center.
 Laurel Highlands  -  southwestern part of the state of Pennsylvania
Southeast of Pittsburgh, it is at region full of wildlife and natural attractions such as the Loyalhanna Gorge, located east of Latrobe on U.S. Route 30, to an adventurous afternoon whitewater rafting, canoeing, or kayaking on the raging waters of the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle State Park in Fayette County, plus the 2 .3 miles of passages at Laurel Caverns, Pennsylvania's largest cave and miles of scenic woodlands, breathtaking views and beautiful countryside.
Other natural attractions in the area include: Laurel Hill, Laurel Ridge, Kooser, Keystone, Linn Run, Laurel Mountain, and Laurel Summit state parks; Forbes State Forest, including the Roaring Run and Mount Davis natural areas; the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail; and several county parks.
In winter it is a skiing area with resorts like Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Hidden Valley Four Seasons Resort, and Laurel Mountain Ski Resort, which are some of the most popular resorts in the Northeast.
Laurel Highlands encompasses Fayette County, Somerset County and Westmoreland County.
 The Poconos  -  located in northeastern Pennsylvania, appr. 30 miles north of Allentown
The Poconos are a well known outdoor recreation destination for visitors around the northeast, especially from New York City and Philadelphia.
There are extensive opportunities for watersports, with many of the lakes and rivers stocked for fishing.
The region is also a popular winter destination. Ski resorts : Camelback Ski Area, the largest, Jack Frost Mountain and Big Boulder, Shawnee Mountain, Ski Big Bear, Tanglwood, Blue Mountain, and Alpine Mountain. Many resorts cater to both winter and summer visitors. See Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau, Inc

 Brandywine Valley & Beyond [ Chester County ]
Enjoy the hundreds of breathtaking acres at Longwood Gardens, tour behind-the-scenes at QVC Studio Park or fly over the Brandywine Valley in a hot air balloon with the U.S. Hot Air Balloon Team. See the countryside, walk around our towns, and shop our retail malls and smaller boutique shops.
The Brandywine Valley's fertile land has become known for its wineries, producing wines by the case, such as the Chaddsford Winery, which offers tours and tastings. Of course, fine and casual dining options are available throughout Chester County, like Simon Pearce on the Brandywine, which also sells the glassware and flatware visitors eat from in their gift shop (you can see them make the glass, too!).
 Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau 
 Lehigh Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau 
 Metro Harrisburg-Carlisle-Lebanon
Bigggest Cities in Metro : Harrisburg, Lebanon, Swatara Townsh, Hershey, Middletown, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, New Cumberland, Steeltonand and Wormleysburg
 Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau
 Pennsylvania Dutch Country - Lancaster County [ Welcome Center ]
Most comprehensive source of information on the culture and the attractions of Lancaster County, PA
and the Pennsylvania Dutch Country! Many, many links!
 Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau
 Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau 
 York County Convention & Visitors Bureau

 Allentown  -  Allentown City  -  Tourism  -  Visit Allentown
Located on the Lehigh River. Allentown is the largest of three adjacent cities that comprise an area of Pennsylvania known as the Lehigh Valley, with the cities of Bethlehem and Easton surrounding.
 Altoona, Blair County -  City of Altoona
A major railroad town, Altoona was founded by the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1849 as the site for a shop complex. Altoona is served by several Amtrak trains daily. On an average day, 60 to 80 trains pass though Altoona. The historical importance to the railroad industry and the current high level of railroad activity has made Altoona a mecca for Railfans for over 60 years.
 Bethlehem - City of Bethlehem - Christmas City U.S.A.
Bethlehem is a unique combination of old and new. Almost every corner of the city exudes its own sense of history. Tall, straight buildings of factory-made steel, glass, and brick mingle with structures that illustrate the exacting patience necessary to connect hand-hewn logs and limestone block.
 Carlisle -  Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce - Visit Carlisle & Cumberland County
Carlisle and Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Located only minutes from Harrisburg, Hershey, Gettysburg, and Lancaster, and just two hours from Philadelphia and Washington D.C, it's a short drive away, but a world apart. Cumberland County's got it all - small town charm and big city sophistication. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or a sports fan, whether you want to sightsee, shop, dine, be entertained or pampered, you'll find all kinds of interesting places to see and fun things to do. Just click on one of the categories and you're on your way to a great trip!
 Erie - City of Erie - Tourism Erie - Visit Erie 
 Gettysburg - Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau 
 Harrisburg - City of Harrisburg - Visitors Harrisburg 
The City of Harrisburg is host to many world-class and unique attractions. From the National Civil War Museum , the only one of its kind in the United States, to the Select Medical IMAX Theater at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts.
 Johnstown - City of Johnstown - Tourism - Johnstown and Cambria County
Located in the rural mountains of Pennsylvania, the City of Johnstown is a center of history, family and economic activity.
 Lancaster - City of Lancaster - Red Rose City
The oldest inland city in the United States of America, snuggled along the north and west by the mighty Susquehanna River, was originally settled in 1718. The Honorable James Hamilton laid it out in building lots and out lots, and in 1730, it became the county seat.
 Lebanon - City of Lebanon - Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce 
The City of Lebanon is strategically located almost equidistant from Harrisburg, Lancaster, and Reading.
 Philadelphia - Gophila.com - Official Visitor Site for Greater Philadelphila
Yyour gateway to Philadelphia and The Countryside™. The new design makes it easier than ever for you to plan your visit — restaurants, hotels, itineraries and much more are now at your fingertips.
 Philadelphia - Philadelphia - Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
Philadelphia, a dynamic place where big city excitement meets hometown charm, awaits your arrival. Famous as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, the cradle of liberty offers much more than cobblestone streets and historical landmarks. Cultural, culinary, artistic and ethnic treasures abound in this city and its surrounding countryside. The fifth-largest city in the country, Philadelphia is a welcoming place, a city based on freedom of expression.
 Philadelphia  -  City of Philadelphia - known as the cradle of the American Nation
Philadelphia is home to a major seaport and shipyards on the Delaware River.
 Pittsburgh  -  City of Pittsburgh - Tourism - Greater Pittsburgh Convention & Visitors Bureau
 Reading  -  City of Reading
 Williamsport  -  see Lycoming County Visitors Bureau
 York-Hanover  -  York

 Lebanon County
Step in to the past, where quaint little towns offer down-home hospitality, comfort, and family atmosphere, while meeting the future with modern amenities, beautiful recreactional areas, and superb Shopping resources. Lebanon County is a beautiful collection of communities heaped in Americana. Visit Lebanon County; we're Not Just Country!
 Lycoming County
Lycoming County is rich in history, tradition and diversity. Here you can enjoy all the amenities of twenty-first century culture and technology and still never be away form the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains or the Susquehanna River.

 Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom [ Allentown ] 
One of the largest water parks in the country, with over a dozen water rides and pools. A major summer attraction and is especially popular with residents from the local Lehigh Valley, as well as Allentown's two closest major cities, New York City and Philadelphia.
 Horseshoe Curve [ City of Altoona ]
A famous curved section of track owned by the Pennsylvania Railroad, now a tourist attraction and National Historic Landmark, and its funicular. The Curve was used to raise trains to a sufficient altitude to cross the Allegheny Ridge to the west, beyond which was the steel town of Pittsburgh and the rest of the western United States. The Horseshoe Curve, because of it being the industrial link to the western U.S., was a primary target of eight Nazi saboteurs who infiltrated the United States in the early years of World War II (1942) by being dropped off by Kriegsmarine U-Boats. See Horseshoe Curve Map - NE Rails
 News - Erie Times
 News - Lancaster Online
 News - Lebanon Daily News
 News - The Patriot News
 News - The Sentinel [ Carlisle ]
 Radio - Web Radio Pennsylvania
 TV - Pennsylvania Public Television Network
 University Pennsylvania - Penn University of Pennsylvania
 Waldameer Park & Waterworld [ Erie ]

Cuisine - Pennsylvania Foods / Recipes

 Coalregion.com - see 'Recipes' [ Straight outta da Coal Region kitchen! ]
Food from the Coal Region is something missed the most by ex-Coal Crackers. The multi-ethnic heritage of the region makes it home to wonderful recipes from all over the world. From boilo to halupkies, city chicken to mozhee, many a Coal Cracker's mouth waters at the mere mention of these culinary delights.

 Pennsylvania Dutch Cooking : A Mennonite Community Cookbook (Hardcover)
by Mary E. Showalter
Over 1,100 mouth-watering recipes are in this fabulous collection of favorites contributed by Mennonite families from all over the United States and Canada. All the recipes have been brought up-to-date for directions and measurements so whether it's oyster chowder or apple fritters, or the many main dishes and desserts that make Mennonite cooking so delicious, all of them can be enjoyed by the modern cook.
Hardcover: 512 pages; Publisher: Gramercy (April 4, 2000); ISBN: 051716213X.
 New Recipes from Quilt Country : More Food & Folkways from the Amish & Mennonites (Hardcover)
by Marcia Adams.
Stories and simple recipes from Amish and conservative Mennonite communities across the country.
Hardcover: 304 pages; Publisher: Clarkson Potter; 1st ed edition (September 16, 1997); ISBN: 0517705621

History of Pennsylvania

 Pennsylvania's History - Wikipedia
 Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
 Black Diamonds - Discover why anthracite coal is Pennsylvania's "Black Diamonds".
Experience Northeast Pennsylvania's anthracite mining heritage through unique and varied attractions, historic sites and special events that provide a revealing look at the industry and people that fueled America's Industrial Revolution.

 Amish
The Amish are a religious group who live in settlements in 22 states and Ontario, Canada. The oldest group of Old Order Amish, about 16-18,000 people live in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The Amish stress humility, family and community, and separation from the world. Although Lancaster Amish are Pennsylvania Dutch, all Pennsylvania Dutch are not Amish.
 Pennsylvania Dutch
The Pennsylvania Dutch are natives of Central Pennsylvania, particularly Lancaster and its surrounding counties. Unlike the Amish, they are not all one religion. Instead, their common bond is a mainly German background [ Pennsylvania Dutch is actually Pennsylvania Deutsch, or German ].

 National Park Service - Links to the past
Explore America's cultural resources - buildings, landscapes, archeological sites, ethnographic resources, objects and documents, structures and districts.

Music, Art & Culture, Events & Entertainment

 Pennsylvania Arts And Music - Visitor's Guide To The Arts and Culture of Pennsylvania and NYC

 French and Indian War 250th Celebration, Erie [ 2007 ]
See French and Indian War Commemoration
 Mummers Parade, Philadelphia
Mummers tradition dates back to 400 BC and the Roman Festival of Saturnalias where Latin laborers marched in masks throughout the day of satire and gift exchange. This included Celtic variations of "trick-or-treat" and Druidic noise-making to drive away demons for the new year. Reports of rowdy groups "parading" on New Years day in Philadelphia date back before the revolution. Prizes were offered by merchants in the late 1800's. January 1, 1901 was the first "official" parade offered about $1,725 in prize money from the city.
The parade is related to the Mummers Play tradition from Ireland. See Wikipedia.
 Philadelphia Flower Show, Philadelphia

 PhillyFunGuide
PhillyFunGuide.com is the Philadelphia region's comprehensive, up-to-date consumer website featuring entertainment events.
 Ticketmaster.com  -  Concerts, Sports, Theater

Web Portals / Search Engines / Pennsylvania Directories

 Altoona.net
 Coalregion.com  -  see 'Links to Coal Region sites'
Newpapers & Magazines, Radio Stations, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania Sites, Weather, Coal Mining, Molly Maguires, Miscellaneous.
 Harrisburg Websites
Harrisburg's Community website and internet directory. Featuring Harrisburg info., community information, and links to businesses & organizations in the Greater Harrisburg, PA area. This area includes Harrisburg, Hershey, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Middletown, Cumberland County, Dauphin County, Perry County, and all the Central Pennsylvania communities in between!
 Lehigh Valley Online
 LibertyNet
 Philly.com 
 Poconoski.com 
Each winter, Pocono Mountains ski areas become the place to be for fun filled days on the snow. Imagine making carved turns on groomed surfaces under the beautiful Pocono Mountains sky. Take advantage of all of our Pocono ski areas and their dozens of slopes for all abilities...from gentle beginner slopes to expert mogul runs and snowboarding in awesome half pipes. Whether you are into downhill skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing, you will feel the exhilaration of the Pocono Mountains.
 Pocono Vacations - Comprehensive Guide to the Poconos Mountains
Poconos Guide to Resorts, Hotels, Skiing, Romantic Getaways and Honeymoon, Family Resorts Real Estate, Vacation Rentals, Caesars Poconos Resorts, Camping, White Water Rafting, Golf and more...
 Towanda Online  -  Your Local Guide to Towanda, Pennsylvania
 Williamsportonline.com  -  North Central Pennsylvania Portal - Williamsport and Surrounding Areas
 York Countytrails
The York County Rail Trail Authority is a volunteer, ten-member Authority formed in 1990. Mission
is to enrich York County communities and countryside through the development of a network of public trails.

 Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
TrailLink is a Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) initiative dedicated to providing detailed, up-to-date information on trail access, services and activities.

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