Things to do / Travel Guide
The eastern Pennsylvania region extends across over a dozen counties in the eastern part of the state of Pennsylvania and is home to about 75% of the state's population. The region is abundant in natural resources and rich in culture that is reflective of early U.S. history. Eastern Pennsylvania is known for having been a center of American history and politics, and for being particularly rich in American heroes, the most famous being Benjamin Franklin. Philadelphia, as a center for American colonial history, has become also a center of education, culture, science, literature, and the art since the formation of the U.S.
As part of one of the original 13 American Colonies and the home of the Liberty Bell and Constitution Hall, eastern Pennsylvania has retained a good mixture of ethnic and religious customs and a strong belief in personal and political freedoms. Any visitor seeking a closer understanding of what the United States is all about will find answers in modern-day Pennsylvania, a state that was founded by a variety of ethnic groups and cultures that is, today, home to people who came to the U.S. from all over the world.
Northeastern Pennsylvania is filled with mountains and boasts over 100 lakes and rivers, such as the Lehigh River, Delaware River, Lackawanna River, and Susquehanna River, as well as the Delaware Water Gap. This area also includes the Pocono Mountains famous for their scenic beauty, and a favorite vacation getaway for residents of the nearby metropolitan areas. The mountain trails and scenic heights of the Poconos offer year-round recreation, including skiing, hiking, climbing, and camping. Wild rivers and scenic streams attract rafters, hikers, birdwatchers, fishermen, and hunters as well as those looking for a scenic romantic getaway.
The central eastern area of the region, an area commonly known for heavy industry, is also a land of fertile farmlands, scenic parklands, and beautiful lakes and streams. The area around the Delaware River in eastern Pennsylvania is ideal for hiking, picnicking, hunting, road trips and other outdoor recreational activities.
The southern area of the region, between Philadelphia in the east and Harrisburg in the west, is a land of rolling countryside generally referred to as Pennsylvania Dutch Country. This area is home to a large population of Amish, Mennonite, Brethren, and other “Plain People” communities, whose traditional lifestyle gives this region a distinct ethnic flavor, and draws thousands of visitors every year.
The citizens of eastern Pennsylvania revere their region's historical American heritage and welcome millions of visitors every year to see well-preserved historical sites, museums, and cultural events.
Besides being a popular destination for nature lovers and sportsmen, the historical cities of eastern Pennsylvania are favored by tourists interested in learning more about the early years of the U.S., in particular its ethnic, religious, and cultural background. Revolutionary War and Civil War buffs, historians, and sociologists, whether professionals or just interested amateurs, will revel in the region's ability to immerse them in American history and culture.
Eastern Pennsylvania is on Eastern Time, three hours ahead of Pacific Time.
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