1. The Poconos Are A Way Of Life
Winter, spring, summer, or fall, everyone in Pennsylvania comes to the Pocono Mountains for the serenity, the scenery, and most of all for the fun.
From skiing to zip lining and family vacations to honeymoon getaways, the Poconos have something for everyone to enjoy.
2. If You’re East, Get Used To Wearing A Lot Of Red
With two major MLB teams in the state of Pennsylvania, residents have to take their pick. Since the Phillies are Philadelphia’s team, and most people who live in eastern Pennsylvania usually say they’re from “around Philly” while traveling out of state, these folks are proud to call the 2008 World Champions their own.
3. If You’re West, You’ll Be Wearing Yellow
It’s a different story once you cross through central Pennsylvania. There’s no exact line of where the state switches over from “Philly” to “Not Philly.” But once you’re past York, suddenly the Pittsburgh Pirates fans take over the state.
With a strong team and one of the coolest looking ballparks in the league, you’ll be proud to sport the yellow and black. Even the bridges here are painted to match.
4. You Will Love To Hate That Stupid Groundhog
Every year on Groundhog Day at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, locals and travelers from all over gather to ask a groundhog to predict the weather. But winters can get pretty rough in Pennsylvania and by February, everyone is just done with it.
And Punxsutawney Phil almost always sees his shadow, signaling a late-arriving spring and driving Pennsylvanians to wonder why they even keep the tradition with such a liar of a groundhog.
5. Soft Pretzels Are The Food Of The Gods
Sure, Philly might be known for cheesesteaks, but Pennsylvania is known for the soft pretzels where you can’t get anywhere else in the country. Hands down.
6. Pennsylvania Is Basically "National Treasure" In One State
Philadelphia is overflowing with history you’ve only heard of in school and maybe “National Treasure.” The Liberty Bell? Philly. The American Flag? Philly. That little document you may have heard of called the Constitution? That’s all Philly. Go see it all for real at Philly’s many museums, historic sites and tours.
7. You'll See Scrapple Everywhere
If you don’t know what scrapple is, you probably don’t want to. But no one in Pennsylvania seems to mind, as it’s a popular breakfast menu item everywhere you go. It got popular as a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, and is thought to be the very first pork food invented in America.
8. But Sorry, You’ll Never Cook Anything As Good As The Amish
But don’t take it personally because none of us can.
Pennsylvania has the second largest Amish population in the country, mainly focused around the Lancaster area, and their food is outrageously good. They travel throughout the state to different markets to sell their homemade goods to those who aren’t lucky enough to live close by.
9. The Mummers Strut Is So Much Better Than The Harlem Shake
If you don’t know what a Mummer is, you’ll find out pretty soon after arriving in PA. Decked out in feathers, sequins, and as much makeup as a human face can possibly hold, the Mummers parade down Broad Street in Philly every January 1st with string bands to celebrate New Year’s Day.
Way more fun than all that Time Square insanity.
10. The Whole Place Is Farmer Fresh
Roadside stands and indoor and outdoor farmer’s markets are a common sight throughout every county in Pennsylvania. Fill your plates with the freshest fruits and vegetables and know that you’re supporting local farms by shopping throughout the many market choices.
11. There’s Always A New Way To Take In The View
Sightseeing in Pennsylvania is endless. Mountains, skyscrapers, museums, vintage railroads, coal mines and even the view Rocky saw from the Philadelphia Art Museum steps—and you’ll still have so much more to experience.
12. Black And Tan Aren’t Just Colors in Pennsylvania
D. G. Yueningling & Son is America’s oldest running brewery, and beer lovers in Pennsylvania are really proud of this hearty lager. Headquartered in Pottsville since 1829, Yuengling produces 2.5 million barrels annually, and you’ll find it at almost every bar and party across the state.
But it’s not all about the beer here...
13. You’ll Never Run Out Of Wine
Bring a corkscrew because you’ll have plenty of chances to use it. Pennsylvania is home to hundreds of wineries that offer everything from tours to weekend getaways, festivals, and more.
14. Knoebels Is Where Family Memories Are Made
This family owned and operated amusement resort is the stuff that childhood dreams are made of. Families flock here for camping, picnicking, and the impressive collection of rides, including an old school wooden roller coaster.
15. Autumn Makes Your Commute So Much Nicer
Pennsylvania residents enjoy all four seasons, but fall is the best. The changing leaves paint the landscape colors an artist could only dream and the crisp air is usually filled with the mouth-watering smells of apple cider and nutmeg.
It’s not uncommon for residents to hop in the car and just go for a long, Sunday drive off the beaten path to take it all in.
16. You’ll Want To Get Your Hunting Permits
Pennsylvania has turned blue in the past few presidential elections due to the dense population in and around the two major cities. But the heartland of Pennsylvania is still very conservative, with residents who love fishing and hunting in the countless acres of land, rivers, and lakes.
17. And You Basically Have To Know How To Swim
Kayaking, canoeing, rafting, boating, and swimming are all favorite pastimes in the Keystone State. From the beautiful beaches along the Great Lakes in the west to the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers out east, Pennsylvania is full of water friendly activities—so you’d better always be ready for swimsuit season.
18. Everyone Goes To Peddler’s Village At Christmas
Peddler’s Village is a highlight of Bucks County with its 18th century style and numerous shops and restaurants. Scarecrow contests, the Apple Festival, and craft fairs are held year-round, but Christmastime is when Peddler’s Village really comes to life with holiday ambiance and some epic shopping.
19. You Can Make Your Movie Night Old School At The Drive In
Pennsylvania has the most drive-in movie theaters of any state in the country. Just one of the must-visit spots is Becky’s Drive-In in Lehigh Valley, going strong since 1946 and one of the New York Times' “10 Drive-Ins Worth a Detour.”
20. Everyone Hates The Crowds At Dorney Park, But Still Goes Anyway
The fact that Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is easily the most popular amusement destination in the state can make the crowds a bit of a bummer, but the rides more than make up for it. With eight roller coasters, rides for all ages, a waterpark, and events like Halloween Haunt, people might complain about the lines, but they keep coming back for more.
21. New Hope Is Wonderfully Weird
If you’re looking to spend the day getting the true Northeast small-town experience (complete with antique shops, friendly but kooky residents, and quaint festivals happening what seems like every day), look no farther than New Hope. Located in Bucks County among rolling hills and sprawling farmlands, New Hope is something out of a romantic comedy.
Feature Image Source: Facebook user Punxsutawney Phil 
