If you’ve been here before, you know I love discovering small towns and areas like Lebanon Valley, Pennsylvania. But I also like to deliver my thoughts with a healthy dose of honesty. So here goes. The good folks at Visit Lebanon Valley invited me for an overnight stay in this region of Pennsylvania – just … Read more
It’s time for all things fall – corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and apple harvest! If you regularly shop at the grocery store, you’ll notice there’s never a shortage of apples but in the fall, you can buy local if you’re on the east coast. Living in Maryland, I’m surrounded by horse farms and remnants of … Read more
This trip was hosted by Visit Potter-Tioga, the two-county region that plays host to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and so much more. Known as the PA Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon of the East, or just the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, the Pine Creek Gorge is one of the most beautiful sites east of the Mississippi. And … Read more
This trip was hosted by Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, located in northwest Pennsylvania. Visiting Allegheny National Forest (ANF) isn’t just about putting on your hiking boots and heading into the wilderness. It’s about visiting a beautifully rural region with plenty of outdoor activities, for light adventurers and hardcore enthusiasts alike. But it’s also full … Read more
My family likes easygoing vacations (like Disney) or unusual vacations (like Finland). So they were a little surprised when I suggested a road trip through New York and Pennsylvania for our family vacation this summer. But I’ll be honest, there’s a reason. My son is 16 (and a half!) and I would be lying if … Read more
When you think architecture, you might not think of Pennsylvania but the Laurel Highlands region showcases two stunning examples of Frank Lloyd Wright’s works. Before we dive into taking a trip to see both Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob, I offer you a quick primer on Frank Lloyd Wright and why his designs are so sought … Read more
If you’re looking for a Laurel Highlands getaway, you’ve come to the right place for your itinerary. But I can’t take full credit. One of the great advantages of being a travel writer is that I work with great organizations like GO Laurel Highlands that not only sponsor a trip but help plan itineraries to … Read more
If the idea of touring a long abandoned prison like Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, PA appeals to you, then you totally get me. And you’ll love everything I have to say about this historic prison. For those of you that said or thought, “Why would you want to go to a prison?” read on. … Read more
Woodloch Resort is a family hideaway tucked in the Pocono Mountains in the northeastern corner of Pennsylvania. In fact, it’s tucked away so well that I had never heard of it before recommending them as a Mother’s Day getaway. When they offered me a complimentary two night stay for my own little getaway, I thought … Read more
I was hosted for this entire stay by the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau to experience the Winter Fireplace Getaways. The Raystown Lake region in central Pennsylvania offers new Winter Fireplace Getaways and they’re perfect for people exactly like me. And if you’re like me, they might be perfect for you too. When it comes to … Read more
It was almost a year ago that I visited the Flight 93 National Memorial as part of a travel conference I attended in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania (just southeast of Pittsburgh). We had our choice of day trips and while there is so much to do in that area, I knew that this memorial … Read more
My first visit to Hershey’s Chocolate World would have been sometime in the 1970s. I don’t remember much about it but it my fuzzy memory, it was much like Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Not only was it full of candy wonder but it was FREE! “You mean, I could come here and ride it over … Read more
If you’re wondering about weekend activities in Harrisburg and Hershey, there’s no shortage of things to do. And if you want to make a weekend getaway out of it, you’re in luck. I love weekend adventures, especially when they’re just a short car ride away. You don’t have to worry about packing everything into 3 … Read more
This trip was hosted by Visit Hershey & Harrisburg who helped us plan a fantastic itinerary and covered most of the cost of this trip. When you’re thinking about a wine trip with your partner or girlfriends, you might be surprised to find that there are plenty of wineries in Harrisburg and Hershey! In fact, … Read more
When you think of some of the finest restaurants you’ve dined at, you probably remember exactly where and when and what you ate. And more than likely, it’s in an expected location – the big city, a tourist mecca, an international destination. That’s why it’s always so exciting to uncover hidden gems in smaller cities and … Read more
What if I told you that not all caverns are created equal? If you’re the kind of person that thinks once you’ve seen one cavern, you’ve seen it all then it might not matter to you. But if you’re like me – an amateur rock nerd and mega cavern gawker – you’ll care. I’m fortunate enough … Read more
