European visitors to Pennsylvania can enjoy beautiful natural landscapes, historical sites, and foodie delights. Europeans will discover cities that mirror their cultures, as the state is a rich blend of European influences. They will also receive exposure to some unique experiences they won’t find anywhere else.
Bustling cities
Pennsylvania has some bustling cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Not far from Philadelphia is Parx Casino, where visitors can gamble, enjoy a variety of restaurants, and take in some live shows. Europeans may be interested to learn that Pennsylvania online gambling is regulated and thriving. If they don’t want to visit the casino, they can spend the days doing other activities and do some online gambling in the evenings.
Natural attractions
Pennsylvania has rural farmlands in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, where the pace of life is slow. It also has landscapes like the Poconos Mountains, which are great for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
The scenic state parks in Pennsylvania are definitely worth visiting. Presque Isle State Park is a scenic lakeside park on Lake Erie. The Colton Point State Park and Leonard Harrison State Park have spectacular views of the Grand Canyon.
Pennsylvania also has many impressive waterfalls. Raymondskill Falls is the tallest waterfall at 178 feet, followed by Dingmans Falls at 130 feet.
Weather
The weather in Pennsylvania can be unpredictable, so it’s best to pack for all conditions. Spring weather is mild, and there can be some rain. The summers are hot and humid. The autumn months are known for the beautiful foliage and cooler weather. Winters are cold and snowy, especially in the north. Activities like skiing and snowboarding are popular in the winter.
Historical sites
Pennsylvania was one of the 13 original colonies. A visit to Independence Hall in Philadelphia is a must. This is where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were drafted. Experiencing some of this history can help European visitors to be more empathetic and put themselves in the shoes of early Americans.
Gettysburg is rich in Civil War history. At the Gettysburg National Military Park, visitors can walk on the ground where the Battle of Gettysburg took place. Lincoln delivered the famous Gettysburg Address at the Gettysburg National Cemetery.
The Eisenhower National Historic Site is the farm of General Eisenhower. It was a weekend retreat, and world leaders used to meet there. Jennie Wade was the only civilian killed in Gettysburg during the Civil War. The Jennie Wade House Museum is dedicated to her life and the impact of the battle on the civilian population.
Culture
Pennsylvania is home to many cultures, some with a strong European heritage. Visitors may compare European vs. American culture. They may notice that while Pennsylvanians are friendly and polite, they are generally not as direct as Europeans.
The state has a mix of urban and rural cultures. Getting a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Amish can be fascinating. When visiting Lancaster County (Amish Country), Europeans will get an authentic look at what it’s like to live a religious lifestyle free of any technology.
German visitors may want to visit Stoudtburg Village in Lancaster County. The residential hamlet will remind them of a village in Germany due to its German architecture.
College football and professional football are a big deal in Pennsylvania. It has two professional football teams, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers. European visitors may want to catch a game and experience the excitement of the fans.
Culinary delights
From Philly cheesesteaks to Pierogies, Pennsylvania’s food scene is diverse and full of flavor. Pierogies, Eastern European dumplings, are popular in Pittsburgh. Amish baked goods to try include fresh pretzels, shoofly pie, and whoopie pie.
Pennsylvania is famous for some of its drinks, such as its craft beers and apple cider. Its sweet treats like Hershey’s chocolate and the fudge on Mackinac Island are world famous. Hershey in Pennsylvania is the chocolate capital of the US.