The Best of Pennsylvania (PA)

Things to Do and Places to See | UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Interesting and fun facts about Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is only one of the original thirteen USA colonies, which is landlocked.
Thankfully, Lake Erie and the Delaware River provide for 225 km (140 miles) of waterfront.

Paid Link: As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases.

Pennsylvania is known for…
Famous Pennsylvanians
Back in history

If you’re into American history, then Pennsylvania should be on your bucket list. For starters, this is where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Namely in Independence Hall. It is also here where the Constitution was written.

If you’re into sweet stuff, then look no further than Pennsylvania. It is the home of the famous candy brand, namely Hershey!

Furthermore, mushroom-lovers will enjoy visiting this rectangular-shaped state of the USA! They produce almost two-thirds of the white mushroom buttons Americans love to consume.

Famous Pennsylvanians USA travel and home

Founded by William Penn, in October 1682, he named the state after his admiral father Sir William Penn. The state was founded as a place to practice freedom of religion which Penn sought desperately. This is because Penn was persecuted in England for his Quaker religion. No wonder then that the state is also referred to as “the city of Brotherly Love”.

“Sylvania” means “woodlands” in Latin.

Also known as The Keystone State, Pennsylvania is centrally located along the arch of the original thirteen colonies.

Other name references are Quaker State, Oil State, or simply “PA”. “PA” is the postal abbreviation used by many people as a slang way of referring to the state of Pennsylvania.

Find incredible things to do worldwide. Book now!

First ever in Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh is home to the first complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton ever found. A visit to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History is one of Pittsburgh’s highlights.
Altoona is home to America’s very first gas station (1909) and is still in use.
Pennsylvania was the very first of the 50 states to have added the state’s official website’s URL (www.pa.gov) on vehicle license plates.
The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (1946) was the first computer on our planet. This time, an invention from the University of Pennsylvania.
The first building (1883) to be lit with Thomas Edison’s three-wire system was the City Hotel in Pennsylvania.
In February 1954, the first injections in America of the new polio vaccine were given to students at Arsenal Elementary School in Pittsburgh.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania shares many historical sites with other regions and is therefore a rich source of World Heritage. Additionally, there are some sites that are proudly only in Pennsylvania. Namely, Fallingwater and The Independence Hall.

The Crayola Factory
Lancaster

Crayola Factory Easton Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania

Experience the rich history and warm hospitality of America’s oldest Amish community.

LANCASTER in the USA Pennsylvania travel and home Amish farm and house

Punxsutawney

Punxsutawney is famous for the groundhog, Phil. Phil is a central figure in the annual Groundhog Day celebrations.

Traditionally, Groundhog’s Day, February 2, is a two-day celebration featuring art shows, crafts, music, and more. On the morning of Groundhog’s Day, Punxsutawney Phil gets pulled from his burrow. If Phil sees his shadow, according to legend, it means a further six weeks of winter.

Erie, known as the Gem City

Fantastic glittering sunsets over its sparkling waters!

Hershey's Chocolate World

Chocolates, sweets, souvenirs, and gifts… they have it all.

Hershey’s Chocolate World is one of the top-rated sightseeing activities in Pennsylvania. Their products are sold in more than 60 countries. Hershey is one of the world’s largest chocolate manufacturers.

You’ll find Hershey’s Chocolate Factory on 101 Chocolate World Way in Hershey, the chocolate capital of the USA.

Philadelphia

Harrisburg

See and do in Harrisburg

Where to stay in Harrisburg

Pittsburgh

Where to stay in Pittsburgh

Free Pittsburgh Self-Guided Tours

Don't Pay, Just Go

Bicycle Heaven is the largest bicycles museum in the world, founded by Craig Morrow. Despite Craig not being a keen rider, his collection is worth more than a whopping $50,000. You’ll find the museum open seven days a week at 1800 Preble Ave in Pittsburgh.
Allegheny Observatory, one of the major astronomical research institutions in the world, offers free tours upon reservations.
Embark on the 53 km (33 miles) Three Rivers Heritage Biking Trail, or do bits and pieces of it during your stay in Pittsburg. Get the free map here.
Take sunset selfies at Pittsburgh’s most scenic vistas. Like Mt. Washington, Point State Park or West End Overlook featuring an expansive view of the city skyline. Another amazing spot is with Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning in the background. The cathedral is the tallest building in the western hemisphere that is dedicated to university education.

- Free Downloads (2-page pdf's)

Find incredible things to do worldwide. Book now!

10 Best Quotes from William Penn

William Penn (1644 – 1718), an English writer, religious thinker, and founder of the Province of Pennsylvania.

“A true friend unbosoms freely, advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends courageously, and continues a friend unchangeably.”
“For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity.”
“In all debates, let truth be thy aim, not victory, or an unjust interest.”
“Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants.”
“No pain, no palm; no thorns, no throne; no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown.”

“Patience and Diligence, like faith, remove mountains.”
“Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it.”
“The jealous are troublesome to others, but a torment to themselves.”
“Time is what we want most, but… what we use worst.”
“True godliness does not turn men out of the world, but enables them to live better in it and excites their endeavors to mend it.”