The Surprising Pennsylvania Town That Makes An Excellent Weekend Getaway
By Beth Price-Williams|Published December 21, 2021
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
All eyes turn to the small Pennsylvania town of Punxsutawney every February when the town celebrates perhaps its most famous resident: Punxsutawney Phil. The lovable groundhog, undoubtedly the most famous in the world, wakes up from his winter slumber to give his prediction: six more weeks of winter or an early spring. February, and particularly Groundhog Day, is a prime time to visit. However, no matter when you visit, Punxsutawney makes an excellent weekend getaway.
With a population of just over 5,000, Punxsutawney oozes whimsical charm, making it an ideal destination any time of the year.
Even if you don’t visit during February for the hugely popular Groundhog Day festivities, you can still share in the town’s love for Phil – and enjoy its many Phil-centric destinations.
You can even get an up-close look at Phil and his beloved Phyllis, if you’re lucky and they’re awake at their burrow. The two adorable groundhogs live in a burrow at 301 East Mahoning Street.
Just look for the sign that says "Phil’s Burrow" and stand by the huge windows that look into his home.
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Whether you sneak a peek of Phil and Phyllis, you’ll run across quite a few Phantstic Phils in town: statues that all pay homage to Phil himself. See if you can find all 32 of the six-foot-tall statues.
If you’re up for more Phil fun, make your way to the Groundhog Club Headquarters to check out one-of-a-kind memorabilia and to learn more about the history of Groundhog Day (and Phil’s role in it).
Carve out some time, too, for a visit to Punxsutawney Historical & Genealogical Society. There, you can learn about the town’s rich Native American history.
Since Phil is the most famous weather groundhog in the world, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that Punxsutawney is also home to the Weather Discovery Center. The interactive museum teaches you all about the weather and even allows you to try your hand at forecasting the weather!
Don’t forget to pack your hiking shoes or at least a pair of comfortable shoes. Hike the short half-mile trek to Gobbler’s Knob, the site of the annual Groundhog Day festivities; there are educational placards all along the path.
Do you agree that Punxsutawney makes an excellent weekend getaway? Let us know in the comments! If you love chasing waterfalls and have a free weekend, hit the road on this weekend waterfalls getaway in Pennsylvania.
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