THE simple life surrounds you as you explore the land of Pennsylvania Dutch. The famous town of Hershey hosts a myriad of attractions
FOCUS ON from roller coasters to chocolate, while history can be experienced throughout this region with various mansion tours or the viewing of a Civil
CENTRAL PA
War reenactment in
Gettysburg. The Valleys of Susquehanna bring you to large festivals and the best of land and stream and the heart of all the action! State College thrives with Penn State football games as the roar of“ We are Penn State” echoes the valleys on Saturday afternoons. Visitors will get lost in the beauty of summer yellow fields and crisp, autumn foliage as Fall settles in over the mountains and valleys. Fresh winter snow covers ski slopes and offers tranquility, while spring breathes life back into the area’ s celebrated gardens.
focus on central pa | valleys of the susquehanna | dutch country roads
VALLEYS OF THE SUSQUEHANNA
ATTRACTIONS
Art Thrives on 45, Central Pennsylvania Rout 45 is a scenic 100-mile stretch of highway through Central PA that is home to dozens of artisans and craftspeople. The trail connects travelers to galleries, shops, and museums, where they can discover the varied artistry that central PA offers. Info: 814.883.3968, www. artthriveson45. org
Bald Eagle State Forest, Laurelton Stretching from Susquehanna Valley to the Allegheny Mountains, this 200,000-acre forest offers visitors beautiful scenery and hundreds of miles of trails for every activity from hiking to snowmobiling. Info: 570.922.3344, www. dcnr. state. pa. us / forestry / stateforest / baldeagle
Clyde Peeling’ s Reptiland, Allenwood A specialized zoo featuring more than 40 different species of reptiles and amphibians from around the world. Info: 570.538.1869, www. reptiland. com
Covered Bridges of the Susquehanna River Valley, Central Pennsylvania Visit and learn the history of 17 covered bridges throughout Northumberland, Snyer, and Union counties. Info: 800.525.7320, www. visitcentralpa. org / page. asp? tid = 156 & name = Covered-Bridges
Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg
America’ s largest free admission amusement park with more than 50 rides, an 18-hole golf course, and a carousel museum. Info: 800.487.4386, www. knoebels. com
Weis Center for the Performing Arts at Bucknell University, Lewisburg Artist-focused, 1,200-seat performance space, presenting dance, theater, lectures, and music performances ranging from classical to rumba. Info: 570.577.1000, www. bucknell. edu / WeisCenter
MUSEUMS
The Children’ s Museum, Bloomsburg Interactive educational museum with more than 50 handson exhibits, including a recently renovated recreation of an early 20th century mine. Other highlights include the“ voice of the past” switchboard, an Egyptian tomb, and a butterfly garden. Info: 570.389.9206, www. the-childrensmuseum. org
Mifflinburg Buggy Museum, Mifflinburg A stunningly preserved buggy factory, originally in use from 1883 until 1931. Visitors can tour the old shop, as well as the founder William A. Heiss’ s house and repository( Open Apr-Oct). Info: 570.966.1355, www. buggymuseum. org
Packwood House Museum, Lewisburg Housed in one of the oldest buildings in Pennsylvania, the Packwood House Museum documents the rich history of the area. Rare maps, decorative art, and local memorabilia dating from as far back as the 1790s are among the many historical treasures displayed. Info: 570.524.0323, packwoodhousemuseum. com
Slifer House Museum, Lewisburg Victorian Museum in former home of Civil War-era Pennsylvania Secretary and businessman Eli Slifer. Victorian events scheduled throughout the year, including visits from Abraham Lincoln, and period-appropriate soirees. Info: 570.524.2245, www. sliferhouse. org
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Berwick Riverfest, Berwick Annual crafts and food festival, featuring rides, a logging competition, a car cruise-in, and free live entertainment( Oct). Info: 570.752.2723, www. berwickborough. org
Bloomsburg Fair, Bloomsburg Celebrating its 160th year in 2015, the Bloomsburg Fair is the largest agriculutral fair in Pennsylvania. Part circus, part amusement park, part music festival, this fair offers everything from rides and games to big name performers such as Three Days Grace and Scott McCreery( Sep). Info: 507.784.4949, www. bloomsburgfair. com
DUTCH COUNTRY ROADS
ATTRACTIONS
Adventure Sports, Hershey With go-carts, miniature golf, outdoor lazer tag, a driving range, batting cages, and more, this outdoor sports park is fun for all ages. Parking and admission are free( open Mar- Dec). Info: 717.533.7479, www. adventurehershey. com
The Amish Experience at Plain and Fancy Farm, Bird-in-Hand Discover the true Amish lifestyle and history by touring an Amish household, view the“ Jacob’ s Choice” film to get an inside look at what it means to be Amish, or just take in a family meal at the Plain and Fancy restaurant. Special tours include visits to the locations seen in the film Witness and an“ Amish Mafia tour” that dispels misconception surrounding the recent popular television show. Info: 717.768.8400, www. amishexperience. com
The Amish Village, Strasburg A 12-acre village where visitors can experience modern Amish living. Head to the Smokehouse Market for authentic homemade jams and whoopie pies, or see a working blacksmith’ s shop, where many of the tools that make Amish living possible are fabricated. Guided tours include a visit to the one-room schoolhouse for a conversation with an actual Amish schoolteacher. Info: 717.687.8511, www. theamishvillage. net
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, Ronks More than 50 family farm activities, from a hay chute slide to a mechanical bull. Visitors can also feed llamas, pigs, and other animals, or watch as chicks hatch in the hatchery. The farm is also home to the 5-acre Maize Maze. Info: 866.546.1799, www. cherrycrestfarm. com
Crystal Cave, Kutztown Named for the calcium crystals embedded in the rock( originally thought to be diamonds), Crystal Cave is one of Pennsylvania’ s most beautiful natural attractions. Take a tour of the cave, which was originally discoverd in 1871, and then visit the sluice, where you can forage for your own gems. Info: 610.683.6765, www. crystalcavepa. com
EXPLORE PA 2017 | 43.