The Most Enchanting Getaways You Wouldn’t Expect to Find in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania may not be one of the top destinations on most people’s radar, but don’t rule out this scenic state just yet. There are gorgeous, relaxing rural areas that are ideal for anyone looking to escape a hot city summer, or just get a break from the daily grind. If you have not explored the options in Pennsylvania yet, start now by reading this post! We’ll introduce the top three destinations in Pennsylvania and review various activities, places to stay, and places to eat.
Presque Isle in Erie is 1st on our list of enchanting Pennsylvania getaways
What to Do: Plan to spend several days in the expansive Presque Isle State Park. There are over 10 gorgeous beaches in this park with pristine, smooth, yellow sands and gorgeous views of Lake Erie. After going for a dip in the refreshing, cool water, dry off on a bike ride through the wooded trails. There are also plenty of harbor areas and ponds throughout the park that are great for kayaking, paddleboarding, and peddle-boating.
Where to Stay:A historic bed and breakfast is the way to go when you’re vacationing in Presque Isle. Stay in a Victorian home at the Spencer House Bed and Breakfast or at the Victorian Inn Bed and Breakfast, where you’ll be served complimentary tea and biscuits.
What to Eat: Just outside Presque Isle State Park, you will find a smattering of adorable, cozy eateries including Smuggler’s Wharf for a mean plate of coconut shrimp, Bayfront Grille for upscale seafood dining, and La Bella for New American Fare. And if you feel like saving some money, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy your meal by the water! When you have a hankering for something sugary, pick up a donut at Jack Frost Donut Shop or a cone at Connie’s Ice Cream.
The Pocono Mountains is 2nd on our list of enchanting Pennsylvania getaways
What to Do: One of the unique attributes of the Pocono Mountains is that it’s a great destination every time of the year. Going during the winter? Great! Plenty of prime skiing and snowboarding slopes. Going in the summer? That’s great, too! There are thousands of acres to hike and bodies of water to boat or go fishing in. Don’t forget to check out the little villages surrounding the Poconos to grab some locally brewed coffee, browse the thrift shops, and check out the art galleries.
Where to Stay: Great Wolf Lodge is a great option for families traveling to the Poconos since every suite is decked out with various themes and there is an indoor water park on-site! If you are traveling with your significant other, opt for the couples-only Pocono Palace Resort, which sits right on the lake. For a bit more privacy, rent a vacation home through Wyndham Vacation Resorts in Shawnee Village.
What to Eat: The Frogtown Chophouse is the place to go for juicy steaks and fresh seafood. And if you’re craving breakfast at night, go to Moyer’s Country Kitchen, where breakfast dishes are served all day long. For those days when you feel like picnicking in the woods, stop off at Pass Me Not Green Market for lunch supplies.
Allegheny National Forest is 3rd on our list of enchanting Pennsylvania getaways
What to Do: There’s no denying that the Allegheny National Forest is certainly the most rugged of all the destinations on this list. If you’re willing to forego the plush hotel in favor of a rustic cabin, you’re in for a real treat. The Allegheny Forest is enchanting with its red maple trees, towering boulders, and little lakes. Within the forest are several state parks including Kinzua Bridge State Park and Clear Creek State Park. There are plenty of beautiful locations perfect for camping in a tent, RV, or cabin and trails for horse-back riding, hiking, and mountain biking.
Where to Stay: Although the Allegheny National Forest is the most obvious place to stay, if you don’t feel like camping out, there are a handful of hotels just outside the forest including a Holiday Inn and a Hampton Inn & Suites.
Where to Eat: Every restaurant you’re going to come across in and around the Allegheny National Forest gives off that good ole’ fashion country feel. For BBQ, go to Wells Hog Wild BBQ & Grill. For a light lunch, grab a bite at Clarendon Cafe. And to satisfy your craving for pasta, have dinner at Bettina’s Italian Restaurant in the southernmost part of the forest.
Ready to start exploring any one of these destinations in Pennsylvania? What are you waiting for? Purchase a bus ticket to Pennsylvania today on Bus Tickets.com!
References
https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/PresqueIsleStatePark/Pages/default.aspx
www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g52607-d734605-Reviews-Smuggler_s_Wharf-Erie_Pennsylvania.html
www.jackfrostdonutsusa.com
www.greatwolf.com
www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/KinzuaBridgeStatePark/Pages/default.aspx
