Pennsylvania: Not Just Cheesesteaks and Chocolate (Although Those Are Pretty Great Too)
Pennsylvania: the Keystone State, home to Liberty Bells and scrappy underdogs (both the sports teams and the delicious scrapple breakfast meat). But beyond the well-known, there's a treasure trove of quirky and interesting facts that make Pennsylvania a truly unique place. So, buckle up (or should we say, pretzel up?) for a whirlwind tour of Pennsylvania's fascinating side!
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What Are Interesting Facts About Pennsylvania |
Founding Father Fun
The Birthplace of Freedom (and Surprisingly Good Beer): Philadelphia may not be on the coast, but it played a pivotal role in American history. It's where the Declaration of Independence was signed, the Liberty Bell resides (looking a little worse for wear after cracking for freedom), and Benjamin Franklin invented...well, pretty much everything awesome. Fun fact: Philly also boasts a thriving craft beer scene, so you can raise a glass to the Founding Fathers while enjoying an IPA brewed with locally sourced hops.
Not Your Average Capital: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's capital city, has a rather grand capitol building with a dome inspired by St. Peter's Basilica. But beyond the architectural grandeur, Harrisburg holds a unique political tidbit: Pennsylvania is the only state referred to as a "Commonwealth" in all official legal documents. So, while other states argue about who has the better state bird (looking at you, Wisconsin with your cheese-loving robins), Pennsylvania gets to feel fancy with its Commonwealth title.
From Chocolates to Groundhogs: Pennsylvania's Quirky Claims to Fame
Chocolate Heaven: Hershey, PA is the undisputed Chocolate Capital of the U.S. Home to Hershey's Park (cocoa-fueled fun for all ages!), the Hershey Company, and enough chocolate kisses to make Willy Wonka jealous, Hershey is a must-visit for any chocoholic.
Punxsutawney Phil: The Prognosticating Prognosticator: Every February 2nd, the world turns its attention to Punxsutawney, PA, for the age-old tradition of Groundhog Day. Punxsutawney Phil, a weather-predicting groundhog (with a surprisingly accurate track record, some might say), emerges from his burrow to determine whether there will be six more weeks of winter.
Amish Country Charm: Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is home to a large Amish population. Here, you can experience a simpler way of life, with horse-drawn buggies, traditional crafts, and delicious Amish cooking (think shoofly pie and scrapple – maybe not together, though).
How to Pennsylvania: Your Crash Course in Keystone Cool
How to Talk Like a Pennsylvanian:
- Master the art of pronouncing Schuylkill (it's SKOO-kill, by the way).
- Understand the difference between hoagies, heroes, and subs (it's a regional thing, and we don't want to start a fight).
- Learn to appreciate the finer points of scrapple (seriously, it's an acquired taste).
How to Celebrate Like a Pennsylvanian:
- Cheer on the underdog (whether it's the Eagles, the Steelers, or your local high school football team).
- Attend a local festival – Pennsylvania has festivals for everything, from hot air balloons to maple syrup.
- Eat your weight in funnel cake at a county fair.
How to Experience Pennsylvania Like a Local:
- Hike through the stunning scenery of the Appalachian Mountains.
- Explore the historic streets of Philadelphia or Pittsburgh.
- Take a scenic drive along the Pennsylvania Turnpike (but maybe avoid rush hour traffic).