Pennsylvania where America began: from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, great names from our nation's past appear around every corner - State of the Month

Travel America, May-June, 2002 by M.T. Schwartzman

The name means "Penn's Woods," but after more than three centuries, Pennsylvania has truly become a microcosm of America. Indeed this is a diverse state, spanning more than 300 miles from the Delaware Bay to the Great Lakes. It's a state rich in fine art and folk art, with museums that rival any from coast to coast. Its sports scene is second to none, and its historic sites are among the most significant in the nation.

The shopping, meanwhile, is in a league of its own--including the largest shoe store in the world (in Sharon), the biggest general store (in Lehighton), and the second-largest mall in the United States (in King of Prussia). Discount outlets are seemingly everywhere.

On the Eastern Seaboard, Philadelphia is the state's largest city and the fifth-largest urban center in the U.S. And yet Philadelphia is a surprisingly compact and civilized town, easy to navigate and explore thanks to William Penn's original grid plan.

Philadelphia's best-known museums surround the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which has been compared to the Champs-Elysees. In fact, the city has the largest collection of Impressionist paintings outside of Paris at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Also on display are collections from America, Asia, and the Middle East. Altogether, the museum covers 2,000 years of human creativity.

Another esteemed institution, the Academy of Natural Sciences, is the oldest museum of natural history in America. It was founded in 1812. The Franklin Institute Science Museum is always edifying, especially its walk through re-creation of the human heart.

Among the city's newer attractions is the recently opened Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Along with the historic Academy of Music, it presents an eclectic mix of ballet, opera, jazz, ice shows, and pop entertainment.

Also new is a $38-million visitors center in the heart of Independence National Historical Park--commonly referred to as "America's Most Historic Square Mile." The center, two blocks north of Independence Hall, provides orientation not just to the park and the city but to four surrounding counties.

The Poconos are still one of America's most popular resort destinations. The mountains provide ample opportunities for hiking, canoeing, and horseback riding, while Pocono Raceway is the site of two major NASCAR races every spring and summer. For winter excitement, there are 13 ski areas.

The Lehigh Valley north of Philadelphia is tops for kids. Fun is always in season at the Crayola Factory, while in summer, families flock to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. Another favorite is Sesame Place, where Big Bird, the Cookie Monster, and other Sesame Street characters make their home.

Bucks County is prime antiquing territory. It's no wonder, since travelers have been coming here since Pennsylvania was one of the original 13 colonies. The county's two main towns are Doylestown, site of the James A. Michener Art Museum, and New Hope, where many of the buildings date back to the pre-Revolutionary period. Some have been converted to restaurants and inns.

George Washington would still recognize Valley Forge, now a national park. In a real treat for visitors, from 2002 through 2003 the Montgomery County area will celebrate America's freedom. A living history festival kicks off the fun this June. Other special events are scheduled throughout the year.

The Brandywine Valley has long been renowned for its natural beauty. Botanical buffs will revel in Longwood Gardens, Pierre du Pont's 1,000-acre retreat in Kennett Square. Not far away is the Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford, devoted to the work of the Wyeth family, including the elder N.C. Wyeth and famous son Andrew Wyeth, who has become one of America's most celebrated painters.

Few regions are more colorful and distinctive than Pennsylvania's Dutch Country in Lancaster County. Concentrated here is the second-largest Amish population in America (the biggest is in Holmes County, Ohio). The county is famous for its smorgasbords, family-style restaurants, and farmers markets.

Railroad buffs will revel in the collection of old steam engines at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, located in Strasburg. Not to be believed is the National Watch & Clock Museum in Columbia, which exhibits more than 12,000 time-keeping devices.

Hershey, the town that chocolate built, is a treat for kids of all ages. Hershey-park has thrills galore, including the latest in screaming roller coasters. A small museum offers an intriguing look at the evolution of "The Great American Chocolate Bar," while Chocolate World is an automated ride through the chocolate-making process.

Across the Susquehanna River lies the county of York and the city of the same name. "Made in U.S.A." would be a good slogan for York: There's a wealth of factory tours including Pfaltzgraff (dinnerware) and over a dozen other manufacturers. Fans of American Iron can stop by the Harley Davidson factory to see the modern assembly line in action. Factory tours may require advance reservations, so call before you go.