The first thing you'll probably see when you arrive in town is The Pagoda. It's an exceptionally iconic landmark nestled 620 feet above the city at the top of Mt. Penn and visible from almost anywhere in the city. Grab lunch at the café, hit the gift shop, or take pictures of the breathtaking view from the balcony.
If Mr. T were from Reading, he would pity the fool who hasn't experienced the sheer, unadulterated bliss of a Pennsylvania soft pretzel. Home to Tom Sturgis Pretzels and numerous other pretzel bakeries such as The Bachman Company, Dieffenbach's, and Unique Pretzels, Reading is known as "The Pretzel City" for good reason.
You'll forget all about peanuts and cracker jacks at the Reading Fightin Phils FirstEnergy Field. The stadium of the Philadelphia's beloved Phillies minor league team boasts a hot tub that fans can relax in while watching future prospects for the majors or Chase Utley warm back up from injury.
The hidden artsy gem of the northeast, Goggleworks is a quirky, interactive community art studio and cultural resource center that offers everything from glass blowing seminars to dance classes and more. Go on the second Sunday of the month for the center's open house. Chances are you'll want to take a piece with you on the way out-and you can!
"The Today Show" billed Reading as one of the top up-and-coming cities in America in 2007, only for it to take a nose dive from the 2008 recession. But with the local government continuing to pour money into projects along the Waterfront, long lost talks of gentrification have resurfaced as it builds back up.
Head to the Genesius Theater to audition for the lead of Maria in West Side Story and steal the show. If the spotlight isn't your thing, buy some cheap tickets and stay for a good old community theater show.
When's the last time you won first place in a pie eating contest, saw a tractor pull race, rounded off by watch an Elvis impersonator shake his hips on stage? If the answer is never, that's because you've never been to the Reading Fair, a week-long annual event that only costs 10 bucks a day to get in! Pile the kids on your lap at the end of the night to watch the sky fill up with fireworks.
A large number of Pennsylvania Dutch live on the outskirts of Reading and all through the southeastern corridor, and make their living selling goods to the general population. You won't find this kind of impeccably crafted bookshelves or rocking chairs at Ikea, that's a guarantee.
The Santander Arena is the only place in Berks County you can find a Chickie's & Pete's restaurant, the long-time Philadelphia favorite. Get out for the night to see a show and get a bucket of famous crab fries. Your taste buds will never be the same.
It's difficult to think of a time without frequent flyer miles and Amazon two-day shipping. But once upon a time, the Reading Railroad was a big deal in transportation and it lent its name to the popular board game, memorializing itself in Parker Brothers history. You can check out the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum to learn all about its history.
Basically a loaf made from the leftover scraps of beef or pork, scrapple is a breakfast favorite and diner staple across the area. It doesn't come without opinions, though. Locals either love or hate the meaty delicacy. Take a taste and judge for yourself.
Nashville might try to take credit for the overly sweet pop-country singer, but Reading is where Taylor Swift was born and raised until the age of 14. The story goes that Swift wrote her first song, "Lucky You," in her Reading home after a computer repairman taught her how to play three chords on the guitar.
The Mid-Atlantic Air Museum showcases more than 60 different aircraft, both military and civilian, made between 1928 and 1982 and works diligently on aircraft restoration projects. Book yourself a ride in one during the museum's popular World War II Weekend every June at the Reading Airport, or just stay for the air show.
The city proper still has its struggles, but the immediate outskirts of Reading are alive and thriving, with low crime rates and some of the top school systems in the state. Most people with families flock to these surrounding communities like Wyomissing.
A largely anticipated annual event, The Berks Jazz Fest in Reading is a must for northeastern jazz lovers. This festival gathers musicians and enthusiasts from around the globe for ten whole days of grooves.
Small city museums don't always impress those who are accustom to metro art venues, but the Reading Public Museum packs a big punch for its small size. With a real Egyptian mummy exhibit, a steady rotation of exhibits on photography, sculpture and more, and even an updated planetarium, it's a must-see.
Just a few minutes from Reading rests Daniel Boone's homestead, where he lived for nearly 20 years. Visitors can try hands-on pioneer activities, go on historic tours, hike through the historic grounds, and enjoy lunch in the picnic area.
You can take your pick here: The Fairground Farmer's Market, PA Dutch Farmer's Market of Wyomissing, and West Reading Farmer's Market are all great local places to find the most natural produce and mouth-watering home-baked goods around.
It's not often that you find a place that intertwines city and country life so effortlessly. Five blocks in one direction and you're skipping rocks in the Schuylkill River, four blocks in the other direction and you're fine dining at Mom Chaffe's Cellarette and catching the latest art show. This city has it all.
If you're craving cupcakes while walking through West Reading, you're in serious luck. Kupcake Kouture caters to sweet tooth lovers with a menu overflowing with more than 90 delicious varieties. On a hot day, take advantage of one (or three) of their eight handmade ice cream flavors they keep ready to serve.
Hiking enthusiasts won't have to leave their furry friends at home on a trek through the 10 miles of trails at Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center. The 665-acre state park allows visitors to bring dogs with them on a leash, so Fido can get his exercise too.
This city takes their minor league sports seriously, and the Reading Royals hockey team is no exception. They offer family friendly fun at extremely reasonable prices. Pick up season tickets super cheap to keep busy through the cold winter months.
The Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine is an actual historic coal mine in nearby Ashland that visitors can explore. It's a unique experience for kids and adults, especially any Industrial Revolution buffs. Take a steam train ride through the tunnels and learn about the history of coal mining.
Reading and its surrounding communities are overflowing with mom and pop run antique shops, auctions, and estate sales all year long-most notably, The Antique Complex. But September brings the Arts & Antiques Fair to the Centre Park Historic District, where you can browse through antique furniture, jewelry, pottery, fine art and vintage glass from more than 70 artisans, craftsman, and dealers from around the mid-Atlantic region.
For more than 50 years, The Apple Dumpling Festival has brought families and sweet lovers from all over Pennsylvania to indulge in a day of food and festivities. And it doesn't just stop at the dumplings. Ride the Ferris Wheel, win your sweetheart an oversized stuffed panda bear, and round your day off with a watermelon seed spitting contest.
A quick drive into the countryside transports you to a magical winter wonderland in all directions. Christmas at Hersheypark is a must-do where visitors can go on rides, take in the nearly 600 animated displays and, of course, buy some chocolate. Koziar's Christmas Village is another popular destination where you can browse for gifts in Santa's Toy Shoppe, marvel at the light displays, and follow the impressive toy train through the miniature holiday town. Buddy the Elf, eat your heart out.
Feature Image Source: The Reading Fair Facebook
