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If you live somewhere in the northeast and find that you don't have much of a travel budget, try visiting some points of interest in Pennsylvania. From Philadelphia at one end of the state to Pittsburgh at the other end, there are fun and exciting things to see and do in the Commonwealth.

Philadelphia

The so-called City of Brotherly Love will play host to you if your interests include history because of all the museums and historical points of interest found here. Look up the Liberty Bell, the Franklin Institute, the Edgar Allen Poe Historical Site, Independence Hall, or any one of numerous historical places that the city has to offer. If Philadelphia is your destination choice in the state, plan at least two days here. Don't underestimate the amount of time you will want to spend at a place like the Franklin Institute.

Hershey

I am sitting here wondering what I really need to say about Hershey that anyone wouldn't have already thought of. Yes, there is a chocolate tour and a chocolate shop in the same building. And yes, they did indeed give out Hershey Kiss samples when I was there last. I am not sure if they currently continue that practice, but seeing how the chocolate is made is an interesting tour and you can buy as much chocolate as you want after the tour. If you'd like to do something not chocolate related, try Zoo America or Hershey Park, also found in the city.

Harrisburg

Pennsylvania's capital city offers much to do depending on the type of activity that interests you. If you spend your time near the banks of the Susquehanna River, you can jog, ride bike, take a carriage or steam train ride, or just enjoy the outdoors. Think about taking a picnic with you! There are also some great museums in the city including the National Civil War Museum and the Pennsylvania State Museum.

Lancaster

Lancaster County offers a very unique travel experience. Research a little bit about the Amish way of life before visiting here; it is fascinating. It will also tell you a few things you will need to know such as Amish people not wanting to have their photograph taken lest you get a little camera-happy when coming across some of the wonderfully friendly "Plain Folk." No trip to this part of the state would be complete without experiencing an entire "Pennsylvania Dutch" (actually German immigrants) meal. And if you leave the area without having tasted shoofly pie, it just may be something you grow to regret!

There is a large theme park in Lancaster called Dutch Wonderland and a number of museums, both living history and "regular." A few places offer horse and buggy rides and a couple Amish farms are open for tours. There are some fabulous factory outlets in Lancaster as well.

Gettysburg

Found just minutes from the Maryland state line and the Mason Dixon line, the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War offers a great vacation without having to travel outside of Pennsylvania. To make the most of your visit, I strongly suggest seeing the movie Gettysburg with Martin Sheen and Jeff Daniels if the scenes would not disturb any children who may be watching. For anyone old enough to understand what happened in this now delightful little town, the experience when they visit the area will certainly be enhanced. Plan at least two days here.

Places of special interest to see in Gettysburg include the site of Pickett's Charge, Devil's Den, Big and Little Round Top, the Peach Orchard, the Wheatfield, the National Cemetery, Culp's Hill and Spangler's Spring, Oak Ridge, McPherson's Ridge, East Cavalry Field, and many other points of interest on the battlefield. In addition to visiting the battle sites and seeing the countless monuments and markers, there are many museums in town, a visitor center, and a number of extraordinary shops and restaurants.

Other points of Interest

If you still have more time to spend in the state, try the many things to do that are found in Pittsburgh, spend some time in the Pocono Mountain region, or visit the Pennsylvania's own "Mini Grand Canyon" found close to Wellsboro. If you find yourself near State College and it's the right time of year, try to catch a home Penn State Nittany Lions game.