If you live in Central Pennsylvania, at times you feel like there's nothing to do. But, thankfully, that's not actually true. There are so many cool places to visit, including big cities, all within a drive of a couple hours. Make this summer your best one yet, by trying to cross off a day trip every weekend! Get out, see new things, and explore.
1. Mt. Gretna.
Go to Mt. Gretna Lake for the day and jump off the (really high) high dive, and be sure to finish it off with a stop at the Jigger Shop with a shrimp basket and a sundae. Or visit during Gretna Arts Fest in August to see an assortment of artist vendors from all over the country.
2. Six Flags, N.J.
If you live near Hershey and have always thought Hershey Park has the biggest roller coasters around, you've thought wrong. Drive to Jersey and wait in line for the famous Kingda Ka to see what you've been missing.
3. The Jersey (or Maryland) shore.
This trip is a definite. Head to the beach (New Jersey, Maryland, or Delaware) for the day, and have just enough time to dive in the waves, get tan (or sunburnt), grab some pizza and ice cream, and make your way home.
4. Chocolate Town, USA.
It's close by, and it's seemingly a place just for tourists, but why not take a day (probably not a weekend because those are the busiest) to see what all the fuss is about. Take a day at the park, or go downtown and find the new crepe restaurant, an ice cream shop, or spend a night picnicking on the Hershey hill to get the best view of Hershey Park from afar.
5. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.
Hawk Mountain is a famous hiking destination because of its breathtaking view at the top (a 200-degree lookout). The trail is relatively short, but for a day of hiking, there are other longer trails at the sanctuary, too. If you want to cool off (and be a dare-devil), cliff-jump off of Peace Rock, right nearby.
6. Washington, D.C.
Drive down to Washington, D.C. for the day and see the White House and the National Mall, or check out Georgetown for a day of high-end shopping in the beautiful historic district.
7. Philadelphia.
Take the train to Philly and visit the Art Museum (and run up the stairs!), get a picture with the "Love" sign, and follow the newest trend of getting your picture alongside Isaiah Zagar's beautiful mosaic Magic Gardens.
8. Pittsburgh.
Hit another one of PA's big cities, Pittsburgh, and see a small venue concert, go to a Pirates game, and see this fabulous view of the city (along with the rivers) from Mt. Washington at the Upper platform of the Duquesne Incline.
9. NYC.
10. Lititz.
Visit Lititz for a day of small town shopping and eating. Complete with lots of restaurants with outdoor seating, Sturgis Pretzel bakery, and the Wilbur Chocolate Company, how could you go wrong?
11. Lancaster.
On the first Friday of every month, Lancaster City has a celebration of its downtown from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Walk around the square and Gallery Row to check out all the fun galleries, get some free refreshments, do some shopping, and have dinner, too!
12. Harrisburg.
Discover a hip part of Harrisburg you never knew about -- visit the Midtown Scholar Bookstore, Broad Street Market (for a big assortment of food, veggie, and bakery vendors!), Little Amps Coffee Roasters, and walk across the Walnut Street Bridge to City Island for a round of Water Golf.
13. Jim Thorpe.
Jim Thorpe is a town just northeast of Central Pennsylvania, complete with a wonderful hiking trail, Glen Onoko falls, great biking areas, and an interesting old mountain town with little places to stop in for a bite to eat after your hike.
14. Haar's Drive-in.
Everyone is dying to have that "tumblr" night of seeing a drive-in movie in the back of pick-up truck filled with pillows. Make it happen this summer!
15. Knoebel's Amusement Park, Penn.
Another great option of a park to visit instead of Hershey Park, like usual. Knoebel's has lots of fun rides, a small water park, and a campground, making it the perfect place for a relaxing day in the mountains.
16. Rickets Glen State Park.
Another great hiking area, just northeast of Central Pennsylvania. If you want to see the falls in high swing go toward early summer, or if you're hoping to take a dip while hiking, head there in August when the water will be warm and the days will surely be steamy and hot.
17. King of Prussia.
If you don't want to drive all the way to Philly's Rittenhouse Square for great shopping, go to King of Prussia to shop at one of the biggest malls in the country.
18. Niagara Falls.
OK, this one might be hard to do as a day trip, but it's worth the trip! You can see the huge falls, and get out of the country for a night, too.
19. Gettysburg.
Gettysburg National Military Park is a short drive away with a huge history. Visit the battlefields of the Civil War, and go over Fourth of July weekend if you want to see a reenactment. Also, check out the great outlets right nearby!
20. State College.
Sure, it may not be football season, but State College is a pretty town, especially when it's summer and you can walk downtown, or around campus and snap a pic in front of Old Main. Or go in July during Arts Fest for an extra fun weekend!
Happy summer travels!
