Pennsylvania has a total area of 45,308 milesē (72,916kmē) and is bordered
by the states of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia,
and Ohio. The state, with a population of approximately 12,100,000, has its
capital in Harrisburg, while its major cities are historic Philadelphia and
the steel city, Pittsburgh.
Pennsylvania is also famous as the home of the Pennsylvania Dutch, such as
the Amish and Mennonite sects, whose lifestyles have changed little since
they settled in the fertile rural areas in the 18th century.
For the visitor, Pennsylvania's landscape is one of hills, plateaus, ridges,
valleys, rivers and lakes, which makes for glorious natural attractions,
such as the vast Allegheny National Forest and the Pocono Mountains.
In western Pennsylvania about an hour's drive from Pittsburg in the Laurel
Highlands are located two of Frank Lloyd Wright's houses, Fallingwater (his
masterpiece) and Kentuck Knob (a stunning mid-1950's Usonian home). These
two homes are only 7 miles apart. Allow a day to view these buildings but
make reservations beforehand as the tours book up quickly.
______Sights
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There are many areas in Pennsylvania that are worth while visiting that are
not mention in most travel brochures. This places are mostly in the central
part of the state.
My home state has many State Parks. The ones that I go to all the time are
Cowans Gap State Park which is off of Rt 75 outside of Ft Loudon. The other
State Park is Trough Creek State Park which is off Rt 26. Trough Creek State
Park is in the ridges off of Lake Raystown which is a boaters paradise. This
is just east of Altoona, which is also a town worth while visiting.
Altoona's claim to fame is the Horseshoe Curve which is a major Rail Road
line heading from the East to the West.
Huntingdon County in South Central Pennsylvania is a motorcyclist paradise.
There are many back roads to explore on a motorcycle or car. In the southern
park of Huntingdon County off RT 522 is the East Broad Top R/R. This is a
narrow guage Steam R/R at Orbisonia and Rock Hill.
Another route to travel that is scenic is route 6 which runs across the top
of Pennsylvania. It parallels the Susquehanna River through beautiful
mountains and valleys, passing through various ports and points of historic
interest. |
