Philadelphia, PA - Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania. With a population of over 1.5 million, the city is a bustling metropolitan hub and is a hotbed of business and culture.
However, many city-dwellers often find they need to get away from the hustle and bustle sometimes. Living in a city can be fantastic, with all the social and professional opportunities you could dream of, but sometimes a little escape is needed to clear the head and recharge the batteries. Thankfully, there are some incredible weekend getaway spots that are easily accessible from Philly. We’ve listed a few below.
Pine Creek Gorge
Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, Pine Creek Gorge is a 47-mile-long canyon in the north of the state. Surrounded by 165,000 acres of the lush Tioga State Forest, Pine Creek Gorge is a truly stunning spectacle that needs to be seen to be believed. Pine Creek Gorge is just a three and half hour drive from the center of Philadelphia, making it perfect for a weekend getaway. Spending time in this jaw-dropping nature spot will blow away the cobwebs and leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
Pennsylvania Dutch Country
Traveling just an hour and a half from Philly will give you a chance to meet perhaps Pennsylvania’s most famous residents – the Amish. This group is known around the world for their simple way of life and total rejection of modern convenience and technology.
The Amish are localized in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, a region that surrounds the city of Lancaster, west of Philadelphia. Pay this iconic location a visit, and you’ll get the chance to experience a completely different life, which can give you a whole new perspective before you return to Philly.
The Poconos
The Pocono mountain range is located in the northeast region of Pennsylvania. They can be reached by car from Philadelphia in under two hours, with the chance to drive through some truly incredible scenery on the way.
Once you arrive at the Poconos, you’ll have a huge variety of options for things to see and do. You could go hiking and explore the mountainous terrain, watch out for some of the native wildlife, or, if it’s winter, enjoy some of the fantastic ski resorts and slopes.
However, mountain activities can be dangerous, and there is always a risk of injury. The Poconos is a remote region; accessing medical services might be difficult and could be expensive. It might be worth getting insurance if you are traveling to the States, especially so if you are doing strenuous activities like trekking in mountainous regions. It’s only an example that may be more relevant to UK visitors landing in Philadelphia, but you can get a good idea of the type of policy you can take out by having a look at the Staysure website.
Gettysburg
In November 1863, President Abraham Lincoln gave a speech that was to go down in history. Delivered at the height of the American Civil War, the Gettysburg Address was to commemorate lives lost at the site of one of the war’s bloodiest battles, where over 51,000 people lost their lives.
If you want to visit one of the most historic sites in the US, thankfully, Gettysburg is just a two-hour drive from Philly. Much of the region has been preserved and still looks as it did on the day Lincoln gave his famous speech. There is also a museum and a visitor center, and guests are encouraged to go out and explore the battlefield themselves.
This can be an incredibly poignant experience; you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time to one of the most significant moments in the history of America.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to get a quick break away from life in Philly, thankfully, there are some truly fantastic weekend getaway spots, all easily accessible from the city. Use this guide to help you plan the perfect weekend trip.
