Fun Friday
Good Morning we have made it through another week and now it's time to go on our weekly Friday adventure.
Can you guess where we are going this week? We are going to the beautiful state of Pennsylvania
1.) Gettysburg National Military Park hours of operation are 9-5pm The Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point in the Civil War, was the Union victory that ended General Robert E. Lee's second and most ambitious invasion of the North. Often referred to as the "High Water Mark of the Rebellion," Gettysburg was the Civil War's bloodiest battle and was also the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln's immortal "Gettysburg Address."
2.) Independence Hall located in Philadelphia hours of operation are 9-5pm Both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed in this historic building. While you're here check out the Liberty Bell Center Though it can no longer be rung, the bell remains a lasting American symbol of freedom.
3.) Reading Terminal Market located in Philadelphia hours of operation are 8-6pm Featuring over 80 concessions, this historic market has something for even the most eclectic of taste buds.
4.) Rocky Statue located in Philadelphia hours of operation are 10-5pm Famous fictional Heavyweight Champion "Rocky" is forever remembered in this bronze statue, which pays tribute to the underdog.
5.) Independence Visitor Center hours of operation are 9-7pm The Independence Visitor Center is the official visitor center of Greater Philadelphia, primary point of orientation for Independence National Historical Park. Our multilingual staff are fluent in twelve languages to help all visitors. Tickets for 100+ local tours, attractions, museums, are available for purchase. Free services and amenities offered here include: official Welcome Film of Philadelphia; maps and brochures; WiFi access; and public restrooms.
6.) United States Mint As close to the proverbial money-tree as you'll get. The U.S. Mint turns out 1.5 million coins per hour, and you can see how they do it.
7.) Knoebels Amusement Resort located in Elysburg hours of operation are 5:30-9pm We take great pride in being a place the whole family can enjoy! We are America's largest free-admission amusement park and offer free parking, free daily entertainment and free picnic facilities. While at the park, take a dip in our 900,000 gallon Crystal Pool filled with refreshing mountain stream water. The pool area includes waterslides, diving boards and a play area for young children. Stay overnight at one of two campgrounds that include cabins and over 800 campsites for tents and campers. In addition to nearly 60 rides, award winning food, swimming, games, and shopping, you can add a round of golf at Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course right next door to the park.
8.) Flight 93 National Memorial located in Stoystown hours of operation are 9-5pm The memorial site is dedicated to those who lost their lives on United Airlines Flight 93, September 11, 2001.
9.) Bicycle Heaven located in Pittsburg hours of operation are 10-5:30 pm Bicycle Heaven is the World's largest bicycle museum and bike shop.
10.) Randyland located in Pittsburg hours of operation are 10-7pm One of the country’s most colorful landmarks, Randyland is artist Randy Gilson's own home and backyard—created by himself using paints, plants, plastic animals, yard sale finds and discarded construction materials. Visitors are invited to explore the public art displays in and around this whimsical outdoor museum which is located in the Mexican War Streets neighborhood. The area is also brimming with community gardens and features must-sees like the Mattress Factory Museum, a modern art museum which pioneered site-specific installation art.
Randyland is open every day of the week and is free to visit, but donations are welcome.
11.) Lancaster Central Market- It is the oldest market in the US. There are over 60 local vendors offering everything from fresh meats, produce, cheeses as well as an array of food and snacks where you can grab a bite to eat. If you park in the parking lot - be sure to push the button for the ticket when you enter. You need it when you exit.
12.) Valley Forge National Historical Park hours of operation are 9-5pm Valley Forge National Historical Park, one of more than 400 national parks managed by the National Park Service, is a 3,452 acre national park located approximately 18 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Valley Forge National Historical Park is nationally significant as the location of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army under General George Washington. Few places evoke the spirit of patriotism and independence, represent individual and collective sacrifice, or demonstrate the resolve, tenacity and determination of the people of the United States to be free as does Valley Forge. The historic landscapes, structures, objects, and archeological and natural resources at Valley Forge are tangible links to one of the most defining events in our nation’s history. Here the Continental Army under Washington's leadership emerged as a cohesive and disciplined fighting force.
13.) Gettysburg Museum of History hours of operation are 11-5pm The Museum that was featured on History's "American Pickers" The Gettysburg Museum Of History has over 4,000 artifacts on display. The Museum is FREE TO THE PUBLIC! The Museum covers all areas of American History. Military and Political History are the focus with some pop culture covered. Some highlights include: A lock of George and Martha Washington's hair, Abraham Lincoln's wallet and opera glasses,John Wilkes Booth's splint relic, the largest collection of Gettysburg battlefield relics on display in Gettysburg, an autograph or manuscript from each president, Harry Truman's hat, Dwight D. Eisenhower's golf clubs, JFK's rocking chair, suit, and bloodstained limousine upholstery from the assassination, the flag that flew during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Shell casing from Ruby's gun that Killed Oswald, Hitler's silver that was captured by U.S. forces at his home. The Fredrick G. Pfeffer collection of relics from Pickett's Charge. The Robert L. White collection of JFK, The Captain Good collection (wounded in action at Gettysburg) includes the items he used during the battle and the bullet that wounded him! Uniforms,flags, accoutrements, weapons, documents, photos, much much more!The Gettysburg Museum Of History also buys artifacts as well as sells them. Please stop by and see the most amazing collection in Gettysburg at no charge!
14.) Kinzua Bridge State Park located in Mt Jewett hours of operation are 8-4pm The 339-acre Kinzua Bridge State Park, is the home of the reinvented Kinzua Viaduct. The Viaduct, once the longest and tallest railroad structure at 2,053 feet long and 301 feet high, was partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003. Reinvented as a pedestrian walkway during 2011, visitors can stroll 624 feet out on the remaining support towers, peer miles out into the Kinzua Gorge, and gaze down through the partial glass platform at the end of the walkway. The Kinzua Bridge State Park Visitor Center and Park Office features great views, self-guiding exhibits, and information about the surrounding area.
15.) Peddler's Village located in Lahaska hours of operation are 10-6pm Peddler's Village is a 42-acre attraction in Bucks County that offers year-round shopping, dining, lodging and entertainment. Located just minutes away from New Hope, PA, Peddler's Village comprises 65 specialty shops and boutiques, seven restaurants, a 66-room luxury hotel called the Golden Plough Inn, and the Giggleberry Fair indoor family fun center, which includes a 1920s carousel, a six-level climbing mountain/maze with berry blasters, and an arcade.
16.) Devils Den Devils Den is a rock formation that can be explored by the whole family. Located in the middle of Gettysburg National Military Park below Little Round Top. The rock formation is interesting enough to warrant a 2 hour excursion and is a great place for children to get some energy out.
17.) United States Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC) located in Carlisle hours of operation are 10-5pm Premier facility for historical research on U.S. Army history & is dedicated to telling the Army story...one Soldier at a time. Open to the public, key features of the USAHEC include interpretive & interactive exhibits, the research library & archive, & multifunction facilities. Visit the USAHEC special exhibits, "Soldier Experience" interpretive gallery, art gallery, museum store, Army Heritage Trail (AHT), or attend an event, lecture, or workshop. The mile-long outdoor AHT allows visitors to experience history in a new way, through interactive and full-scale military exhibits. The U.S. Army War College Library is a component of the USAHEC and features one library system in 2 locations. In Ridgway Hall, the library & archives collection encompasses over 14 million historical items. The Root Hall collection covers subjects such as military strategy & operations, leadership & management, international relations, foreign policy, strategic studies, & economics.
18.) Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area This 70,000-acre park is named for the point at which the Delaware River cuts through Kittatinny Mountain.
19.) Zippo / Case Museum & Flagship Store located in Bradford hours of operation are 9-5pm EFFECTIVE WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021: Visitors who are fully vaccinated (2 weeks after the final vaccination dose) against COVID-19 may enter the Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store without wearing a face mask. All other visitors must wear a face mask during their visit. We ask that anyone experiencing COVID-related symptoms to please not visit. Store staff will continue wearing face masks for the comfort and safety of our visitors and employees. Customers may notice additional barriers and no contact procedures also in-place. As a courtesy, social distancing is also appreciated while visiting. A maximum of 75 guests will be allowed in the building at a time. The first hour of operation remains for senior citizens and those with underlying health conditions that put them more at risk for COVID-19 infection. The Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store is counting on the honesty and integrity of our visitors and community to follow this guidance based on their vaccination status.
20.) Elk Country Visitor Center located in Benezette The Elk Country Visitor Center is a premier location for viewing elk and other wildlife in Pennsylvania. The center offers interactive exhibits and displays and encourages a 'hands on' experience. Our 4D story theater immerses guests in the history of Pennsylvania elk and the Pennsylvania Wilds. Our gift shop sells Made in the USA products, many of those by local artisans and product makers. The best time to view is early in the morning or in the hours before dark. Elk are wild animals and you can't be promised you will see them.
21.) Tom Ridge Environmental Center hours of operation are 8-4pm The Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) is an educational center dedicated to teaching visitors about the unique 3,200 acres of Presque Isle and the many different forms of life that inhabit the peninsula. TREC also serves as a center for research -- contributing to conservation efforts and promoting environmental awareness, helping to preserve the unparalleled beauty of Presque Isle, the site of Pennsylvania’s only seashore. While some facilities along the Great Lakes offer environmental education and others do research, none offer research, education, and visitor services in one place, making TREC a unique destination for learning, wonder, and fun. TREC is open year-round and offers free admission to its changing interactive exhibits, glass-enclosed tower, and orientation movie. Learn about the history of Presque Isle and how you can contribute to keeping it pristine and beautiful.
22.) Hershey's Chocolate World The tour is a great ride and provides background of the park, company, and school. Not to mention, how the chocolate is made! The ride is about 3 minutes, but the SMELL during the ride is crazy! It smells like fresh chocolate and my mouth waters every time. The store itself has almost every chocolate/candy product along with milkshakes, fresh baked goods, etc. build your own candy bar, the 4D movie, the chocolate tour, and of course sampled some of the fantastic food in the gift shop and restaurant. You can easily spend 2 hours here, and the best part is that there is no entrance fee. This is a completely separate attraction from the park.
23.) Gobbler's Knob located in Punxsutawney This is the place to go to visit Phil and find out whether he sees his shadow come February 2nd.
24.) Hoover Mason Trestle located in Bethlehem The elevation so you can see all around is exceptional. The view of the steel plant brings you back in history. The plants around the walkway must look beautiful in the spring. An icon of American industry, Bethlehem Steel, is on display at their manufacturing location. Imagine yourself working in this place and say a virtual "thank you" to those that have gone before us and provided the basis for many buildings and transportation structures. Think about the economy of this town and the impact of closing this plant had on it. So glad to see that this is preserved for future generations to see and hopefully continued economic development blended with historic preservation will bring further respect and glory to this place.
25.) Washington Crossing Historic Park hours of operation are 10-4pm The 500-acre Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA) hosts thousands of visitors every year, from local schoolchildren to visitors from around the world, who come to see the point from which a battered and dispirited American army launched a counterattack that reversed its long losing streak, preserving its will to fight and maintaining the revolutionary spirit that would lead to independence for the United States. But Washington Crossing Historic Park represents much more than a single event. Restored Colonial buildings in the park, such as the Thompson-Neely House and McConkey Ferry Inn, give many clues about living conditions during the Revolutionary era. Later, homes and shops reveal how 19th-century rural Pennsylvanians lived and worked. Among them are the home of a prosperous merchant, a village general store, and homes for skilled artisans. The park also contains Bowman's Hill Tower, Revolutionary War soldiers' graves, stone memorials, picnic pavilions and historic collections.
26.) Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site located in Elverson hours of operation are 9-5pm Impressive display of structures and artifacts that highlight the importance of this area during the Industrial Revolution. Wonderful way to spend a couple hours and enjoy the beautiful grounds, the animals, and the buildings, while learning about an important part of our American history.
27.) Kitchen Kettle Village located in Intercourse Kitchen Kettle Village showcases all that Lancaster County has to offer — homemade baked goods, jams and relishes, good food with unexpected touches and charming one-of-a-kind overnight lodging in a picturesque countryside. We're also famous for our unique shopping experience, featuring 40 distinct merchants offering everything from locally-made art, pottery and PA Dutch quilts to name-brand favorites like Brighton, PANDORA Jewelry, UGG and Minnetonka moccasins. Visit us today and spend the day or spend the night. With plenty of things to do in the Village and around PA Dutch County, we make it easy to plan a great trip to Lancaster, PA.
28.)National Memorial Arch located in Valley Forge Stately arch built in 1917 to commemorate George Washington's army who fought here from 1777-78.
29.) The Historic Round Barn & Farm Market located in Biglerville The Historic Round Barn & Farm Market is a family owned and operated farm market just 8 miles west of the Civil War town Gettysburg. Built in 1914, it is one of only a handful of truly round barns surviving today. Set in a scene of picturesque Pennsylvania foothills, you'll love its beautiful architecture against the rolling, orchard-covered hills. Whether you're here for an event, our fresh fruit, or just exploring, we think you'll find it's a truly well rounded experience. Treat yourself to our very own seasonal specialties cultivated with the farming wisdom of four generations, or try out some (literally) hand-picked features from our friendly family farming neighbors.
30.) Fred Rogers Exhibit located in Latrobe This small exhibit is in a conference center on a college campus. It is very well done and I enjoyed reading all about some of the lesser known aspects of Mr. Rogers. It is also interactive which kids and adults both can enjoy.
There are so many state parks and so many other amazing places to see and with so many different things to do and see in the state you will surely find something for everyone and around every corner.
I hope that you have enjoyed this week's tour and come back next week for another amazing adventure. Remember to always be kind as it costs nothing and if you see someone without a smile stop and give them yours a smile is contagious.
Written by: BeautifulChaos318
