Every Friday in 2013, the Let’s Fly Away Across the USA series will feature a different state, documenting the things we love about each sate and what you should do or see when you visit. Want to submit your photos or travel tips? Visit the Across the USA page.
While I would love to see the historical sites of Pennsylvania, it is definitely a state I’d love to drive through, in the fall of course, despite all of the tunnels. Obviously I have not had enough mountains in my life, can you tell? (Just wait until we get to the Rockies!)
Cassie says
I’m Cassie from Sisters from Different Misters, and I live in Pittsburgh, PA. I moved here in 1991, left briefly to go back to my home state of MN and but have been here since 1996.
CASSIE LOVES // I love its diversity. The fact that there’s mountains, plains, national forests and cities. It’s got it all here. Plus four seasons!
CASSIE RECOMMENDS //
1. Clarion County in the fall. They boast to be the Autumn Leaf Capital of the World. Every year there’s a festival celebrating that and it’s full of carnie food and rides. Not to mention amazing views. And while you’re there check out the train trestles that are slightly illegal to go back to. Sure you have to go through a creepy falling apart train tunnel,but it’s so worth it on the other side. See?
2. Pittsburgh in the spring. When everything’s coming back alive, the rivers have an extra special glistening to them and the trees surrounding the city are starting to bud. The inclines don’t look as industrious and the views from Mount Washington are always breathtaking. Take a walk along the North Shore and take in the views of down town, and keep going past the casino, down the Ohio river and you’ll find immediate calm with only slight city sounds behind you.
3. Cook Forest in the winter. It’s a little part of the Allegheny National Forest and it has tons of tiny little cabins nestled along the Clarion river. It’s the definition of quiet and calm. The views are amazing, the solitude is even better. And if you’re looking for Walden moment, you’ll find it there.
FOR BONUS POINTS // Growing up in Clarion County and then having moved to the city, I’ve really lived the best of both worlds. Pittsburgh’s a community city, where everyone knows everyone and they’re all kind, but it still has everything you’d want out of a city. But sometimes, when driving along obscure back roads, you’ll find the most quaint towns mostly nestled along the rivers or old steel mills.
If you’re afraid of driving through tunnels, then it’s probably best to avoid this state, being as Pittsburgh alone boasts 50+ tunnels alone. There’s a lot of mountain to go through here! Even when driving along the turnpike from Pittsburgh to Philly, you’ll encounter 3 very long tunnels through the Appalachians. So try not to hold your breath!
If you plan on visiting Pennsylvania, ask an insider. Sure there’s always Philly and the Liberty Bell and Pittsburgh and Mt. Washington, and Erie and Presque Isle and Happy Valley and Penn State, but there are so many more things to see than just that.
see more recommendations on page 2
Pages: 1 2
Autumn leaf capital of the world?! Now, that’s cool.
It really is the most amazing festival. The parade is awesome, the food is great and greasy and the craft day takes up all of downtown Clarion.
This post is so great! That pumpkin pudding filled cupcake from Oakmont Bakery was one of the highlights of my last great adventure there. I definitely want to see more of PA sometime!
Okay, MUST visit Autumn Leaf capital of the world. That sounds like my personal heaven.
Blogger road trip!!!
50 tunnels?! Why, that’s my kind of city. Going through a mountain in a tunnel seems like such a marvel of science to me. Forget going through a river in the subway.
See, going through rivers is a marvel of science to me! Not that cutting rock out of a mountain isn’t impressive, I just can’t wrap my mind around how you build a tunnel (or anything for that matter) underwater.
Me, neither! I actually watched a documentary on the building of the Brooklyn Bridge where they fully explained how the underwater portion was built, and I’m still like, “Naw.”
I need to see this! I find that kind of stuff totally fascinating.
I’ll have to remember to check out the Autumn Leaf Capital of the World in the fall! It sounds amazing!