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  Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is one
of the most beautiful and historic states in our country.
If the entire region embodies American liberty, Pennsylvania is its
historic center. Pittsburgh began
as a small city and became our nations first capital. 1.6 million people now
reside in the city where Franklin, Washington, Jefferson, and many other notable
figures lived, worked, and founded our nation.
Independence National Historic Park comprises most of the city’s famous
sights. These include Independence
Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Constitution was
drafted, Congress Hall, where the first U.S. Congress met, and the Liberty Bell,
which is housed in a glass pavilion by Independence Hall.
Another interesting town is Hershey, made famous for its chocolate world
exhibit, eccentric streetlight posts (they’re shaped like Hershey Kisses!) and
a fascinating theme park.
Only two hours north
of Philadelphia is the Pocono Mountains. This
mountain resort area is popular during the summer months and is fabulous for
skiing in the winter. A few of the
ski resorts in this area are Big Boulder, Camel Back, and Jack Frost Mountain.
 Pittsburgh
is a city of 500,000 people and is located at the juncture of three rivers.
It was once chosen as America’s most “livable” city.
Some of the attractions in Pittsburgh are a fabulous symphony orchestra,
the Allegheny Observatory, the Frick Museum, which is world renowned in
renaissance art, and the Carnegie Institute. The Pittsburgh Zoo's Tropical
Forest Complex is identical to a real rain forest, right down to the fog and
mist that cloaks the habitat. It is designed for eight different primate
species. Phipps Conservatory, located in Schenley Park, is worth visiting
for its huge glassed-in garden and boasts thirteen different botanical displays.
Point State Park, home to the country's largest fountain, sits at the gateway to
Pittsburgh. This park is home to the Fort Pitt Blockhouse and Museum which
dates back to the French and Indian War.
The Pennsylvania
Dutch Country is home to the Amish and Mennonites, descendants of a strict
German religious sect. This
beautiful farmland area is located fifty miles west of Philadelphia and features
several farmers’ markets with banquets of renowned homemade food.
Some of the other famous
Pennsylvania attractions include Betsy Ross’s house, Christ Church (the house
of worship for Benjamin Franklin and George Washington), and Franklin Court (the
grounds of Franklin’s home). Also
be sure to visit the U.S. Mint, the Philadelphia Zoo, and Valley Forge State
Park, which is the famous site of George Washington and his troop’s
encampment.
 The traditional in
Philadelphia is to throw a penny on Benjamin Franklin's grave located in the
Christ Church Graveyard.
During the
Christmas season, a visit to Wanamaker's Department Store is a must. Its
tradition of booming organ music and brilliant light show beneath its famous
bronze eagle is legendary.
Though some of the
Pennsylvania Dutch are friendly to strangers, many are wary of outsiders and
refuse to be photographed.
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