Pennsylvania was called the Keystone State because of its geography. But its nickname can also apply to Pennsylvania's key role in the history and development of the U.S. Appropriately, history is what draws many travelers to the state today. However, with mountains that run across the state, Pennsylvania's scenic beauty also makes it a popular travel destination. Rural getaways like Bucks County and the Brandywine Valley mix scenic countryside with affluent living while Philadelphia and Pittsburgh provide big-city cultural and entertainment possibilities.
After Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Allentown is Pennsylvania's third most populous city. It is a city located on the Lehigh River, in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. Allentown is the largest of three adjacent cities that comprise an area of the Lehigh Valley, with the cities of Bethlehem and Easton surrounding. The city is known for a Billy Joel song, "Allentown". The song depicts the resolve of Allentonians, amidst the rough and hardened life that characterizes this East Coast industrial city. "Allentown" also references nearby Bethlehem, home of the then-declining Bethlehem Steel Corporation.
Allentown is the home of Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, a highly popular amusement park. Two four-year colleges, Muhlenberg College and Cedar Crest College, are based here as well. The city is served by Lehigh Valley International Airport. The city's famous landmarks also include: The Farmer's Market and Agricultural Hall, PPL Building, Old Zion Reformed Church, The Ritz, William F. Curtis Arboretum and Yocco's Hotdogs.
The central point of Pennsylvania's forty-mile slice of Lake Erie waterfront is the pleasant city of Erie. The city is entirely low-rise and extremely leafy. There are several places of cultural interest in the city including the Neoclassical Court House and several museums devoted to history, art and science, to name just a few of the many attractions.
The Erie Maritime Museum has a fascinating display on the geological and ecological development of the Great Lakes and also focuses on warships of different periods; the elegant US Brig Niagara is usually moored outside and is part of the museum.
Erie's top attraction, however, is the comma-shaped peninsula of Presque Isle State Park, which bends east from its narrow neck three miles west of downtown until it almost touches the city's northernmost tip.
The park is maintained as a breathtaking nature preserve and offers miles of beaches, hiking, biking and boating. The Park Office provides general information and a map. Those without a vehicle can hop on the Presque Isle Aquabus which leaves from Dobbins Landing on the Erie Bayfront.
Have fun at the brand new Splash Lagoon, an indoor water park open year-round. Don't forget the Erie Zoo too. And if you want to shop, Erie has tax -free shopping on clothes and shoes with so many stores to experience.
There is so much to do in Pennsylvania; you will find one vacation is just not enough to experience it all.