I once lived in New Jersey for nine months. YES, I admit it. New Jersey isn’t inherently awful, despite what many Pennsylvanians might tell you. They have lots of deer and pretty woodlands, just like us, and the people there are nice enough. It just was no Pennsylvania… And I can tell you, I really missed living in my home state. Here are some things that you’ll undeniably miss once you leave PA.
- Pretzels
Doug Kerr/ Flickr Pennsylvania produces more pretzels than any other state in the country. This delicious snack is certainly such a beloved tradition that anyone who leaves would sorely miss them.
- Our incredible state history
Jim D/ Flickr Pennsylvania has been a vital part of American history, from being the country’s first capitol to being home to the battle of Gettysburg, the bloodiest battle of the Civil War.
- Our state parks
Nicholas A. Tonelli/ Flickr Pennsylvania has over 130 state parks, all of which display the most beautiful natural wonders that you could imagine.
- Cheesesteaks!
Wally Gobetz/ Flickr Whether you’re a fan of Geno’s, Jim’s, Pat’s, or another cheesesteak place, it’s undeniable that the decadent sandwich is an important Pennsylvania tradition.
- A-Treat
Harriet Schwartz/ Flickr Everyone loves supporting local business, and A-Treat is one of the most beloved businesses that calls PA home. Located in Allentown, it provides the cream and grape sodas you grew up with.
- All of the strange things that happen here…
Selbe Lynn/ Flickr From the Kecksburg UFO, to Centralia, which has been on fire for over 50 years, Pennsylvania never leaves you bored.
- Our cultural diversity
Noe Alfaro/ Flickr Pennsylvania isn’t called the Keystone State for nothing; it is located in a vital location that bridges the Northeast/east coast of the country with the midwest. On the east side of the state, we have super urban and diverse cities such as Philadelphia, and on the west side of the state, we enjoy a more laid-back, midwestern feel. Basically, PA sees the intersection of a few different regions, which is nifty.
- Our amazing rivalry between the two halves of the state
Matthew Paulson/ Flickr Though we enjoy our diversity, we also enjoy a rivalry between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, the two biggest cities in Pennsylvania. Whether it be sports or restaurants, competition always makes things more fun.
- Yuengling
Bob ~ Barley Time/ Flickr Pennsylvania is home to the country’s oldest brewery, Yuengling in Pottsville. We just love celebrating our state heritage by raising our glasses.
- Tastykakes
Todd Lappin/ Flickr Yum! Tastykakes are simply the best.
- The four seasons
Russ Matthews/ Flickr There’s nothing quite like having your year separated into four equally beautiful but strikingly different parts.
- Wawa
Lauren Siegert/ Flickr What would, to many people, be an incomprehensible sound, is to us the signal of delicious late-night snacks or a wholesome, affordable lunch. There’s nothing quite like your friendly neighborhood convenience store, and for much of Pennsylvania, Wawa is just that.
- We lay claim to Hershey’s chocolate, among other amazing products.
Andy Melton/ Flickr Not only can we brag about providing the country with delicious chocolate and other treats, but we get to enjoy touring the factory and the attached amusement park ourselves. We also have Peeps and Crayola.
- Amish country
Forsaken Fotos/ Flickr Pennsylvania has the highest Amish population in the entire country, so its not surprising that it is a huge part of our culture. A trip to Lancaster is always a great way to learn about another way of life. Not to mention, Amish baked goods and cooking is pretty amazing.
- What’s not to miss?
InSapphoWeTrust/ Flickr Home is where the heart is… And my heart will always be in Pennsylvania. The memories and home we have here can never be replaced.
What would you add to this list? Share in the comments below.
Doug Kerr/ Flickr
Pennsylvania produces more pretzels than any other state in the country. This delicious snack is certainly such a beloved tradition that anyone who leaves would sorely miss them.
Jim D/ Flickr
Pennsylvania has been a vital part of American history, from being the country’s first capitol to being home to the battle of Gettysburg, the bloodiest battle of the Civil War.
Nicholas A. Tonelli/ Flickr
Pennsylvania has over 130 state parks, all of which display the most beautiful natural wonders that you could imagine.
Wally Gobetz/ Flickr
Whether you’re a fan of Geno’s, Jim’s, Pat’s, or another cheesesteak place, it’s undeniable that the decadent sandwich is an important Pennsylvania tradition.
Harriet Schwartz/ Flickr
Everyone loves supporting local business, and A-Treat is one of the most beloved businesses that calls PA home. Located in Allentown, it provides the cream and grape sodas you grew up with.
Selbe Lynn/ Flickr
From the Kecksburg UFO, to Centralia, which has been on fire for over 50 years, Pennsylvania never leaves you bored.
Noe Alfaro/ Flickr
Pennsylvania isn’t called the Keystone State for nothing; it is located in a vital location that bridges the Northeast/east coast of the country with the midwest. On the east side of the state, we have super urban and diverse cities such as Philadelphia, and on the west side of the state, we enjoy a more laid-back, midwestern feel. Basically, PA sees the intersection of a few different regions, which is nifty.
Matthew Paulson/ Flickr
Though we enjoy our diversity, we also enjoy a rivalry between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, the two biggest cities in Pennsylvania. Whether it be sports or restaurants, competition always makes things more fun.
Bob ~ Barley Time/ Flickr
Pennsylvania is home to the country’s oldest brewery, Yuengling in Pottsville. We just love celebrating our state heritage by raising our glasses.
Todd Lappin/ Flickr
Yum! Tastykakes are simply the best.
Russ Matthews/ Flickr
There’s nothing quite like having your year separated into four equally beautiful but strikingly different parts.
Lauren Siegert/ Flickr
What would, to many people, be an incomprehensible sound, is to us the signal of delicious late-night snacks or a wholesome, affordable lunch. There’s nothing quite like your friendly neighborhood convenience store, and for much of Pennsylvania, Wawa is just that.
Andy Melton/ Flickr
Not only can we brag about providing the country with delicious chocolate and other treats, but we get to enjoy touring the factory and the attached amusement park ourselves. We also have Peeps and Crayola.
Forsaken Fotos/ Flickr
Pennsylvania has the highest Amish population in the entire country, so its not surprising that it is a huge part of our culture. A trip to Lancaster is always a great way to learn about another way of life. Not to mention, Amish baked goods and cooking is pretty amazing.
InSapphoWeTrust/ Flickr
Home is where the heart is… And my heart will always be in Pennsylvania. The memories and home we have here can never be replaced.
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