Pennsylvania's Not-So-Lonely Neighbors: A Field Guide for the Geographically Challenged
Ah, Pennsylvania. Home of cheesesteaks, Liberty Bell ringin', and...uh...well, a whole lot of other states! But have you ever gotten a bit tongue-tied trying to recall exactly who Pennsylvania's chums are on the map? Fear not, fellow explorers (or those who forgot eighth-grade geography), for this guide will be your trusty compass!
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| What State Is By Pennsylvania |
The Lineup: Who's Hangin' with Pennsy?
Pennsylvania's got a pretty diverse crew of neighbors. Let's meet the gang:
Tip: Reading with intent makes content stick.
To the North: We've got the ever-so-slightly-larger-than-a-lake state of New York (don't worry, Pennsylvania, you've got the better cheesesteaks). Lake Erie also crashes the party up there, giving Pennsylvania some serious Great Lakes cred.
East Coast Crew: New Jersey and Delaware are Pennsylvania's buddies on the Eastern Seaboard. New Jersey might try to steal the spotlight with its boardwalk and whatnot, but Pennsylvania's got Hershey's chocolate, so who's the real winner?
Southern Comfort: Down south, Pennsylvania shares a border with Maryland and West Virginia. Maryland brings the blue crab claws, while West Virginia offers stunning mountain views (perfect for escaping those pesky cheesesteak cravings for a bit).
Westward Expansion: And last but not least, we have Ohio chilling out on Pennsylvania's western border. Ohio's got its astronauts and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but Pennsylvania's got...well, Pennsylvania Dutch (which sounds pretty darn cool, don't you think?).
Bonus Round: Across the big blue Lake Erie, you'll also find the friendly folks of Ontario, Canada! So technically, Pennsylvania's got an international bestie too. How cool is that?
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Don't Be a State Stalker: Fun Facts to Remember
Now that you've met the Pennsylvania posse, here are some fun facts to impress your friends (or win that next pub trivia night):
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
Pennsylvania is nicknamed the "Keystone State". Some say it's because of its central location on the East Coast, holding everything together like a keystone in an arch. Others say it's because...well, it just sounds cool. You be the judge!
Pennsylvania played a starring role in the American Revolution. The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, and the Liberty Bell (which totally deserves its own rock band) is a symbol of freedom.
You can thank Pennsylvania for some of your favorite things, like chocolate (Hershey's, anyone?) and pepperoni rolls (a delightful savory treat).
Important Note: Knowing your state neighbors is a valuable life skill. It can help you on road trips, impress potential in-laws (if they're from neighboring states), and avoid accidentally driving to Canada for that cheesesteak fix (unless that's your thing, no judgment here).
Tip: Reading in short bursts can keep focus high.
FAQ: Pennsylvania Neighbor Edition (Because We Know You're Curious)
How to impress a Pennsylvanian? Easy! Learn to say "shoo-fly pie" without cracking a smile.
How to avoid an awkward border situation? Double-check your map before that weekend getaway. Nobody wants to accidentally end up in Maryland craving cheesesteaks.
How to tell the difference between Pennsylvania Dutch and actual Dutch? Pennsylvania Dutch is a dialect of German spoken by some Pennsylvanians. So, it's not the Netherlands kind of Dutch, but it's still pretty darn interesting.
How to celebrate Pennsylvania's neighborly spirit? Host a block party with dishes from all the surrounding states! Cheesesteaks from Pennsylvania, boardwalk fries from New Jersey, and crab cakes from Maryland. Yum!
How to remember all this? Just sing a catchy song about Pennsylvania's state borders to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." We won't judge (much).
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