As has become our custom, and this being an odd-numbered year, the Laundry King and I will be celebrating Christmas in Pittsburgh with his family. We also propose to take a small side trip between Christmas and New Year. In the past, we have made an excursion to Pennsylvanian Dutch (Amish) Country which is picturesque, even in winter, and has a generous quilt shop to boutique brewery ratio. We’ve also taken sidetrips on our sidetrip such as the detour through Gettysburg National Military Park. We’ll probably head to Amish country again this year. However, we’re open to other suggestions. Our criteria include:
- the destination must be suitable for a comfortable 3 day/2night excursion – ie within 4-6 hours driving distance from Pittsburgh;
- the attractions must be suitable for all weather conditions for 2-4 active and curious adults; and
- quilt shops not essential but good food and refreshments are vital.
I’ll do some online research before I go but let me know if you have any ideas!
Kate says
When we lived in the US we had a couple of visits to Amish country and to Gettysburg. One time we stayed on a dairy farm in Paradise – that was a great experience (we did have 2 children) – the food was basic but interesting and the people were lovely. We also bought a tape which explored the “back forty” so we got off the main route and just followed the route on the tape, stopping when suggested. We also followed a taped guide through Gettysburg which was fabulous. No ideas about microbreweries though.
A book I loved to consult is Road Trip USA” by Jamie Jensen – lots of interesting unusual, quirky and kitschy ideas. One thing it mentions that may interest you is “Roadside America” 20 miles northwest of Reading http://www.roadsideamericainc.com/.
If you are interested in odd out of the ordinary things, see http://www.roadsideamerica.com/
Shasta says
I’ve always wanted to go to Hersey, Pennsylvania. They have a chocolate factory, a theme park, and some historical areas as well.