The 25 Places You Should Go In Pennsylvania In 2017
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
Goodbye 2016! We’re ready to head into the new year. That means dusting off the treasured bucket list and adding some of the following 25 must visit places in Pennsylvania in 2017.
Enjoy spectacular views of Kinzua Bridge State Park as you walk the 600 foot skywalk, the remains of the Kinzua Bridge. The once 2,053 foot long bridge was partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003 but reopened as a skywalk that includes a glass floor, 300 feet above the ground, that provides stunning views of the forest floor.
Explore the stunning Grey Towers, set on 102 pristine acres of forest land, that once belonged to Gifford Pinchot, the first chief of the U.S. Forest Service and a former Pennsylvania governor. Tour the mansion and the grounds for an eye-opening look at the history of environmental conversation in Pennsylvania.
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Journey to the enchanting small town of Jim Thorpe, known as "The Switzerland of America," any time of the year for a picture perfect experience. Shop in the quaint stores. Dine in the eclectic restaurants. Take an old-fashioned train ride and hike to see nearby Glen Onoko Falls.
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Plan to hike part or all of 2016's best hiking trail in the new year. The Standing Stone Trail, which spans 80 breathtaking miles, passes through several small towns and features the Thousand Steps, Monument Rock, and spectacular views from the various vistas.
Spend an awe-inspiring day at Bushkill Falls, commonly known as Pennsylvania's Niagara Falls. The privately owned park stretches across 300 acres, requires an admission charge, and features trails that will take you past eight jaw-dropping waterfalls and along footbridges.
Witness the natural phenomenon that is the Coudersport Ice Mine, a small cave (10 feet long, eight feet wide, and 40 feet deep) that develops ice and icicles during the steaming days of summer then, during the winter, the ice melts.
Cool down during the steaming summer months at Seven Tubs Natural Area, a slice of paradise that allows visitors to take a dip in the cool natural tubs, zip down natural water slides, and pass picturesque waterfalls.
Hike 1,300 feet above the river at Hyner View State Park to the main overlook for breathtaking views of the landscape that surrounds you. Plan a picnic lunch at the overlook or, if you're adventurous, take off on your hang glider.
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If you live in PA, you're probably highly skilled at dodging potholes. But, you've never seen a pothole like the pothole at Archbald Pothole State Park. That's because this pothole, the world's largest, is 38 feet deep and 42 feet by 24 feet at its widest point. The park also offers scenic hiking.
Escape reality for a few days or more at Lake In Wood Camping Resort, a sprawling resort that features unique accommodations (a tree house, Noah's Ark, and a covered wagon, to name a few), a pristine lake with activities like paddle boating, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and plenty of outdoor activities.
Erie Bluffs State Park, Pennsylvania's newest state park, spans across 587 acres, of which 540 of those acres are undeveloped. Enjoy unspoiled views of Lake Erie, take a dip in the water, view native wildlife, and or visit Elk Creek, the developed area that features picnic tables, fishing spots, and boat launches.
Embrace a unique dining experience – that includes eating in a former bank vault at Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse in Philadelphia. The former bank turned steakhouse serves both lunch and dinner daily.
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Discover just how PA's Turkey Hill Ice Cream is made at the Turkey Hill Experience, an interactive tour that provides visitors with the opportunity to create their own ice cream flavors, to watch how ice cream is made, and to star in their own Turkey Hill Ice Cream television commercial.
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Toast the state's oldest restaurant, which dates back to 1860, at McGillin's Olde Ale House in Philadelphia. The historic restaurant offers 30 beers on draft with a menu that includes such favorites as pizza, buffalo wings, and salads.
The Boxcar Rocks, also commonly known as the High Rocks and the Chinese Wall – stuns visitors with its natural beauty. The natural geological formation stretches .6 of a mile and is 60 feet high. Hike to this magnificent spot that dates back 300 million years.
Stay cool during the summer of '17 with a trip to Meadow Run Natural Waterslide in Ohiopyle State Park. Zip down the natural water slide then head back to the top to slide down again – and again.
Journey back to yesteryear with a summer trip to Shankweiler's Drive-In, Pennsylvania's oldest drive-in. Enjoy a double-feature as you munch on such favorite snack bar treats as hot dogs, burgers, funnel cakes, and popcorn.
Get a unique view of Pine Creek Gorge, the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, from the canyon floor aboard an old-fashioned horse drawn covered wagon. Ole Covered Wagon Tours takes visitors on a two to four hour journey along Pine Creek trail and past native wildlife and perhaps even a waterfall.
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Go ahead. Dare to be bold in 2017 by taking the 911 Wingers Challenge at Cluck U Chicken in East Stroudsburg. The wings are so hot you'll have to sign a waiver first - but you can down those 10 hot and spicy wings in five minutes or less, can't you?
All aboard! Spend the night in a real, former train car or simply stop by for a peek and a delicious meal at the on site Casey Jones Restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day.
Travel 1,800 feet into the side of a mountain when you tour the former Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine aboard an authentic battery-operated open mine car. An experienced tour guide will show you the reality of life in the coal mines.
Walk behind Cucumber Falls waterfall at Ohiopyle State Park. Feel the cool mist of the falls spray down on you as you enjoy spectacular views of the waterfall.
Journey way back to prehistoric times at Dinosaurs Alive in Dorney Park. You'll meet more than 40 different dinosaurs during your time in the interactive exhibit that features consoles that allow visitors to control some of the dinosaurs' movements.
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Wolf Sanctuary, which provides lifelong housing and care for abandoned, abused, and neglected wolves, welcomes guests to learn more about the wolves. Watch the wolves as they are hand fed and tour the gift shop after your public tour. (Private tours are also available.)
Embrace the tranquil beauty of nature at Beer Creek Preserve. Hike along more than 31 miles of unpaved trails that travel across the 3,400 acre nature preserve. The picturesque nature preserve features rushing waterfalls, footbridges, native wildlife such as porcupines, and streams.
Three cheers to a new year! Make every moment of the new year count by checking out some of the 25 must visit places in Pennsylvania in 2017.
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Featured Addresses
312 Paradise Lane, Ronks, PA 17572
138 Bushkill Falls Trail, Bushkill, PA 18324
1538 Marsh Creek Road, Wellsboro, PA 16901
47 Rabbit Run Lane, Bear Creek Village, PA 18702
465 Speedwell Forge Road, Lititz, PA 17543
11100 West Lake Road, Lake City, PA 16423
86 Hyner Park Road, North Bend, PA 17760
296 Viaduct Road, Mt Jewett, PA 16740
900 Bear Creek Boulevard, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
1310 Drury Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
107 Brown St, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
1426 Chestnut Street Suite 28, Philadelphia, PA 19102
176 Ice Mine Rd, Coudersport, PA 16915
122 Old Owego Turnpike, Milford, PA 18337
960 Scranton Carbondale Highway, Archbald, PA 18403
301 Linden Street, Columbia, PA 17512
576 Yellow Hill Road, Narvon, PA 17555
3830 Dorney Park Road, Allentown, PA 18104
4540 Shankweiler Road, Orefield, PA 18069