There are unmistakable signs that winter is quickly approaching in Pennsylvania: falling leaves, chilly temperatures, and the urge to embrace the upcoming season. If you're looking for a unique way to welcome winter, look no further than the North Pole Express offered by New Hope & Ivyland Railroad. The picturesque train will be decked out for the holidays and will keep you nice and warm as it winds its way through the wintery landscape. All aboard!
Hop on the North Pole Express Excursion for your round-trip ticket to the North Pole. On board with Santa and Mrs. Claus, you'll feel like you've stepped into your favorite Christmas story.
On this special holiday excursion, the train will wind its way through the picturesque terrain of Buck County. Who knows...you may even be lucky enough to glimpse some snow on the trip!
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Inside the train, passengers will stay cozy with hot cocoa, freshly baked cookies, and live music performed by the roaming musicians. This magical trip will last approximately one hour.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will also make their rounds, hearing each child's special Christmas wish while delivering a sleigh bell gift keepsake.
All participants, children and adults alike, are encouraged to wear a comfy set of pajamas for added festivity.
This spectacular holiday excursion will surely become a family tradition for years to come. Be sure to click here and reserve your seats now!
New Hope & Ivyland Railroad is located at 32 W Bridge St., New Hope, Pennsylvania.
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Have you embarked on a festive excursion with the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad? If so, we'd love to hear about your experiences! For tickets and additional information, be sure to visit the website here.
No matter how long we've lived in Pennsylvania, we've probably come to just take its natural beauty for granted. We don't do it on purpose, but we're so used to it that sometimes we forget to stop and appreciate just how beautiful the place in which we live is. Fall in love with our beautiful state all over again when you visit these scenic Pennsylvania road trip stops. They are some of the most beautiful spots in the state.
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Before you hit the road, there are a few things you'll want to do. You definitely want to make sure you pack everything you'll need during your journey; check out this Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide to make sure you don't forget anything.
Then tap or click on the Pennsylvania Road Trip map below for directions or navigation assistance in Google Maps for this Pennsylvania scenic drive. You can easily customize the road trip to your timeframe and interests. Ready? Let's go!
1. Ricketts Glen State Park – Benton
Let's kick off our road trip at Ricketts Glen State Park, a natural wonder that's brimming with beauty and waterfalls. That's right. If you're up for a challenge, follow the Falls Trail, which measures just over seven miles and gives you an up-close view of 21 waterfalls. Pretty impressive, right? The park also features a sandy beach, boating, and camping. It's picture-perfect in all four seasons. Find out why Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the most beautiful places in Pennsylvania.
Feel as though you've stepped into a fairy tale at Chanticleer Garden, our next stop. The seasonal gardens offer the perfect opportunity to stop and smell the flowers and to enjoy the fresh air. Explore such pretty gardens as the pond garden, Bell's Woodland, and the Asian Woods. Read more about this hidden gem in Pennsylvania in our previous article.
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Find days, hours, and more information on the official website of Chanticleer Garden.
3. White Cliffs of Conoy – Marietta
Our next stop takes us to a rare hidden gem. The White Cliffs of Conoy were formed from waste from nearby quarries over many years. Today, it's accessible (wait until you see the views!) via a picturesque hiking trail. If the name sounds familiar, that's because it's named after the White Cliffs of Dover in England. Read more about this unique Pennsylvania hidden gem and the trail that will take you there.
4. Penn’s Cave – Centre Hall
Did you know that Pennsylvania is home to America's only all-water cave? Yep, and it's the next stop on our road trip. Join a guided boat tour of the all-water cave for a one-of-a-kind adventure. When you're back above ground, do a little gemstone mining, find your way out of a maze, and join a Farm-Nature-Wildlife Tour. See why this Pennsylvania cave is worthy of a spot on your bucket list.
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Stop by the official website of Penn's Cave for days, hours, and more information.
5. Benezette
If you love seeing wildlife in their natural habitat, you will absolutely love the charming town of Benezette. You'll see elk just about everywhere you go. Start your visit at the Elk Country Visitor Center, where you can learn a bit about the elk and watch them from viewing areas. Even if you just want to drive through town, you're sure to see a whole lot of elk as you pass through. Discover why Benezette is a prime day trip destination in Pennsylvania by reading our previous article.
Our next stop takes us to the most remote spot in Pennsylvania, Hammersley Wild Area. The area is so remote you won't have cell service, and motorized vehicles are not allowed in the area. However, you can explore on one of the hiking trails, like the Twin Sisters Trail. Read more about this natural wonder in Pennsylvania.
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7. Susquehannock State Forest – Coudersport
Are you falling in love with Pennsylvania all over again? If you haven't yet, you surely will at our next stop. Susquehannock State Forest spans a quarter of a million acres. It's brimming with pure natural beauty and a ton to do for the whole family. Plan to spend at least a night - maybe even camp overnight - at this natural wonder that offers hiking, biking, ATV riding, picnicking, and horseback riding. Visit the official website of Susquehannock State Forest for more information.
What other Pennsylvania road trip stops would you add? Let us know in the comments! Up for another road trip? This family-friendly road trip in Pennsylvania will take you to whimsical attractions, themed restaurants, and more.
We all need a little bit of spontaneity in our lives, but actually being spontaneous? Well, that's a little harder sometimes, especially when it comes to getting away. We all lead such busy lives that taking off for a weekend road trip through Pennsylvania on a whim might be a bit difficult. Maybe this will help. Take a peek at the following road trip; customize it, and put it aside. Next time you've got some free time, hit the road for a spontaneous adventure.
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Map Out Your Road Trip
Easily customize the Google Maps road trip through Pennsylvania. Add or remove stops; start at another point, or follow the road trip as it is. Whatever you do, hit the road and have fun.
1. Eagles Mere
Let's start our road trip in the darling tiny village of Eagles Mere, home to around 151 year-round residents. Stroll around the adorable village, stopping to visit the quaint shops, the Eagles Mere Auto Museum, and the Eagles Mere Air Museum. In the winter, when the temperatures permit, zip down Lake Avenue on the toboggan slide, a village tradition for more than a century.
2. Street of Shops – Lewisburg
Our next stop brings us to Street of Shops, an old-fashioned shopping village that boasts more than 500 shops. Stroll through the indoor shopping center, where you'll find a little bit of everything, from home decor to candles. If you enjoy hunting for treasures, head to the flea market in the basement. Save time, too, to grab a homecooked meal from The Restaurant. If you're in a hurry, take it to go. You'll need plenty of energy for our next stop.
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3. The Works at Wyomissing – Wyomissing
Weekends are a time to relax and have fun. A ton of fun and activities await at The Works of Wyomissing. Play your favorite arcade games; zip down slides; try your hand at laser tag, and race around the go-kart track. The entertainment center also has several restaurants, making it easy to fuel up for your next adventure.
4. The Arboretum at Penn State – State College
Let's slow things down with a visit to The Arboretum at Penn State, an idyllic spot for a leisurely walk. The kid-friendly attraction is open all year and features gardens, fountains, and a lotus pool.
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5. Hyner View State Park – North Bend
We'll be treated to some of the best views in Pennsylvania at Hyner View State Park. At just six acres, the state park promises some high-flying fun if you're a bit of a daredevil. Hang gliding is a popular activity but, if you're not up for the adrenaline rush, enjoy a picnic and take time to admire those stunning views.
6. Big Mike’s Steaks & Hoagies – Forksville
Sink your teeth into one of Pennsylvania's best cheesesteak sandwiches at Forksville’s Big Mike’s Steaks & Hoagies. Pair your award-winning sandwich with a hearty helping of Dirty Jersey Fries. If you're visiting on a lovely day, claim one of the picnic tables on the front lawn and enjoy the fresh air and the views. The picnic area overlooks an enchanting covered bridge and Loyalsock Creek.
7. Worlds End State Park – Forksville
Our final stop brings us to Worlds End State Park, a nearly 800-acre state park that offers a full menu of activities. Marvel at a beautiful waterfall on the Double Run Nature Trail; swim in the cold water of Loyalsock Creek in the summer, and cast a line for a bit of fishing. If a day doesn't seem long enough, spend the night. Cabins are available for rent, or you can pitch a tent or park your RV.
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Where are your favorite places to visit on a weekend road trip through Pennsylvania? Were any included in this road trip in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! If this weekend journey hasn't cured your wanderlust, get out there and explore some more. Start with another of the best road trips in Pennsylvania. Before heading out on any road trip, check out the OIYS road trip essentials packing list.