Despite the fact that the first day of spring saw snow for much of the state, summer is just around the corner. Now that the weather is beckoning us outdoors and our workloads are (maybe) slightly lighter, it’s time to venture out for some adventures. Here is your bucket list for summer 2016 in Pennsylvania.
- Go to the drive-in.
Shankweiler’s Drive In Theatre The oldest drive-in in America is Shankweiler’s, located in Orefield.
- Go kayaking at Ohiopyle State Park.
Dan Reid/ Flickr This is for the more adventurous at heart, but something that everyone should try at least once. Ohiopyle is also a beautiful area for hiking or camping.
- Go see an architectural masterpiece.
Kevin T. Quinn/ Flickr Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater is a marvelous structure, located in Mill Run.
- Go to the beach.
Wikimedia Commons Pennsylvania may be landlocked from the ocean, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the sun, the sand, and the surf. Here is a list of beaches in Pennsylvania.
- Go to one of the best music festivals in the country.
Musikfest/ Facebook Musikfest takes place in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania each August and includes international musicians, food, drinks, and fun for everynoe.
- Take a hike.
Cyndy Yates/ Flickr Hawk mountain is just one of Pennsylvania’s numerous state parks that offer amazing hiking trails.
- Visit a unique aquapark.
Dutch Springs/ Facebook Dutch Springs Aquapark in Bethlehem not only has an aquapark full of gigantic, inflatable structures for you to climb up and jump off of, but an extensive underwater scuba diving course.
- Explore one of our state’s best-kept secrets.
J Brew/ Flickr Check out Columcille Megalith Park in Bangor, which is inspired by the Celtic Isle of Iona. The stone structures and peaceful forest environment encourage visitors to meditate or quietly appreciate their surroundings.
- Visit some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state.
Brook Ward/ Flickr Rickett’s Glenn State Park is one of the most popular destinations in Pennsylvania to hike and see waterfalls.
- Or, go on an entire waterfalls road trip.
Colin Gallagher/ Flickr Either in Eastern Pennsylvania or Western Pennsylvania.
- See the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania.
steve eng/ Flickr Pine Creek Gorge is a truly unique and striking vista.
- Go stargazing under the darkest skies on this side of the country.
Nicholas A. Tonelli/ Flickr Cherry Springs State Park is a haven for astronomers and for anyone who loves pointing out constellations in the night sky. Of course, summer is the best time of year to lay underneath the stars.
- Visit an historical, thrilling amusement park.
withvengeance86/ Flickr Knoebels is a bit smaller than Hershey Park or Dorney Park, but for many Pennsylvanians, it is the only amusement park to visit. It is unique in that admission is free; you simply pay per ride or attraction.
What else would you add? Share your ideas in the comments.
Shankweiler’s Drive In Theatre
The oldest drive-in in America is Shankweiler’s, located in Orefield.
Dan Reid/ Flickr
This is for the more adventurous at heart, but something that everyone should try at least once. Ohiopyle is also a beautiful area for hiking or camping.
Kevin T. Quinn/ Flickr
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater is a marvelous structure, located in Mill Run.
Wikimedia Commons
Pennsylvania may be landlocked from the ocean, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the sun, the sand, and the surf. Here is a list of beaches in Pennsylvania.
Musikfest/ Facebook
Musikfest takes place in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania each August and includes international musicians, food, drinks, and fun for everynoe.
Cyndy Yates/ Flickr
Hawk mountain is just one of Pennsylvania’s numerous state parks that offer amazing hiking trails.
Dutch Springs/ Facebook
Dutch Springs Aquapark in Bethlehem not only has an aquapark full of gigantic, inflatable structures for you to climb up and jump off of, but an extensive underwater scuba diving course.
J Brew/ Flickr
Check out Columcille Megalith Park in Bangor, which is inspired by the Celtic Isle of Iona. The stone structures and peaceful forest environment encourage visitors to meditate or quietly appreciate their surroundings.
Brook Ward/ Flickr
Rickett’s Glenn State Park is one of the most popular destinations in Pennsylvania to hike and see waterfalls.
Colin Gallagher/ Flickr
Either in Eastern Pennsylvania or Western Pennsylvania.
steve eng/ Flickr
Pine Creek Gorge is a truly unique and striking vista.
Nicholas A. Tonelli/ Flickr
Cherry Springs State Park is a haven for astronomers and for anyone who loves pointing out constellations in the night sky. Of course, summer is the best time of year to lay underneath the stars.
withvengeance86/ Flickr
Knoebels is a bit smaller than Hershey Park or Dorney Park, but for many Pennsylvanians, it is the only amusement park to visit. It is unique in that admission is free; you simply pay per ride or attraction.
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