Pennsylvania is a wonderful place to visit in winter with its charming little towns blanketed in snow, scenic beauty and ski slopes. The hospitality is warm and you can snuggle up in a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa beside a roaring fire in the evenings. Whether you love winter sports, sightseeing, or Christmas events, Pennsylvania has plenty to offer.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia has many classic holiday shows and events you can enjoy in winter. It is also one of the most historic cities in the U.S., so take in some of the history while you’re there. The cobblestone streets of the Old City are delightful to stroll around in winter. There are many eateries in Philly, and you should taste the famous Philly cheese steak if you haven’t done so already. There are a great variety of accommodation options in Philly.
Parx Casino is situated only 20 minutes north of central Philadelphia. If you don’t feel like outdoor activities, it’s a great place to spend time playing some slot games or casino games. You can also play at its online casino using a mobile app on your phone if you don’t want to make the journey.
Hershey
Christmas Candyland is a highlight in Hershey during the winter. Enjoy rides for all ages, Christmas lights, and music. In the winter, Hershey Gardens is decorated with a Christmas tree and flower displays. On winter weekends, live music plays in the gardens. Take a tour of Hershey’s Chocolate World to learn more about chocolate. You can do a chocolate tasting and taste chocolate drinks from all over the world. Staying at Hershey Lodge or Hotel Hershey are good options for families.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh offers a variety of delights in winter. There are many museums you can pick from if you want to stay out of the cold. In winter, Phipps Conservatory has a magical Christmas display. At the National Aviary, you can walk through the habitats of many different kinds of birds. If you enjoy visiting micro-breweries, you will find many in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. There are many spots where you can do some arts and crafts. You can also go to a bowling alley or watch a movie. Pittsburgh is also full of affordable accommodation in the downtown area.
Pocono Mountains
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Pocono Mountains have it all. If you need to renew your passport to get there, don’t hesitate. It has six ski resorts, a large snow tubing park, and many state parks with miles of cross-country and snowmobile trails. Whether it’s hiking, skiing, fishing, or water sports, you will have some great winter activities to enjoy. Take the time to stroll through the streets of quaint towns like Jim Thorpe or Stroudsburg. The main street of Jim Thorpe is full of quaint cafes and shops. There are accommodation options to suit every budget in the Poconos, from lakeside cabins to large historic estates.
Laurel Highlands
Located only an hour from Pittsburgh, the Laurel Highlands draw many winter visitors. The ski resorts are a big attraction. Seven Springs Mountain Resort offers it all from skiing to snowboarding and tubing. The resort also offers casual and fine dining. It has a full-service spa, indoor miniature golf, and an indoor pool.
A stay at the luxury cabins of the family-owned and operated Oak Lodge is another option. Surrounding it are miles of rural farmlands where you can snowshoe, hike, or ski. There are also plenty of other options that will suit your budget for travel such as log cabins and self-catering accommodation.