I don’t think anyone loves Pennsylvania more than me – ok, well maybe people who actually live in PA, but besides that no one loves it as much as I do.
Whether it’s for a short weekend getaway or a vacation during the holidays, I think it is safe to say that I’ve been to PA more times than I can count. (I low-key think my boyfriend is sick of me suggesting PA for our trips to be honest haha!)
Usually when I’m back in Pennsylvania I tend to hit up some favorite spots of mine, but I always try to incorporate something new as well. Pennsylvania is my safe space, it’s my thing, and I’ve done it all – from walking through gorgeous gardens, to eating my weight in candy at Hershey Park, and even finding the best homemade ice cream in the Northeast.
Here is a short list of places you don’t want to miss on your next trip to the beautiful state of Pennsylvania:
If you’re looking for something fun to do while in PA then of course you should check out Hersheypark. Rollercoasters, candy characters, and more food than you can dream of – oh my!
The last time I was in Hershey was during the summer of 2016. (Fun fact: It’s actually the first trip I ever went on with my boyfriend). If you go in the summer then make sure to wear a LOT of sunscreen because I have no doubt you’ll burn while standing on the hour long lines. [Tip: get to the park early so that you can beat the crowds, dress light, and stay hydrated.]
If you’ve never been to Hershey Park before then I suggest going on the following rides: the Fahrenheit, Great Bear, and Laff Trakk! Fahrenheit and Great Bear will have your adrenaline going through the roof and your heart beating out of your chest! The Laff Trakk coaster is 70 seconds of pure fun, and the name doesn’t lie…you will laugh your butt off the entire time through this fun house coaster.
Going during Summer months? Get. The. Lemonade. I cannot stress this enough. It is amazingly refreshing and you’ll thank me for it later.
If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing afternoon then this next place is for you! Located in Kennett Square is the breath-taking Longwood Gardens. Depending on the season you visit they’ll have different kinds of flowers in bloom. I’m not even kidding…so. many. flowers. They have different trees, orchids, herbs, roses, and flowers of every color! Again…so. many. flowers.
Go by yourself or go with a date, either way I guarantee you’ll love it.
I do recommend going during the Holiday Season! All of their pathways and trees are lit up with hundreds of Christmas lights. Have you ever been through one of those holiday drive-thru light shows? That’s exactly what this is, but instead of driving you’re walking through a gorgeous garden. The lobby is filled with decorated Christmas Trees and Poinsettias as well! They have Christmas caroling that visitors can take part in with the music played on an Organ, which is so cool to hear!
They have colorful light shows in sync to music over the glistening lakes too.
[Tip: get there before the sun sets to enjoy the inside displays. Once the sun goes down, go outside to enjoy all of the lights. Be prepared to be there for a few hours.]
I promise you’ll enjoy your time here no matter the season, so go check it out the next time you’re in PA.
This place was recommended to us by my boyfriend’s friend, and Oh. My. Gosh. I literally scream for the ice cream sold here. It’s owned and operated by a Mennonite family, and the ice cream is made fresh daily. It’s the creamiest, tastiest, most luscious ice cream I have ever had in my entire life. They use real ingredients and no artificial food coloring. As soon as you walk into the shop a whiff of homemade waffle cones will hit you right in the face. They also make milkshakes, cakes, juices, coffees, and the list goes on.
They have a wide array of animals on the property: dogs, cats, of course cows, and even the occasional chicken; if you’re not a huge animal person then I wouldn’t suggest going to this location. Instead, you can head over to their Kitchen Kettle location in Intercourse (yes, that’s the name of the town), or to their Green Dragon Market location in Ephrata.
To make the ice cream they use milk from the dairy cows they have on location. The cows are free range and every time I’ve been to Lapp’s the cows are either out grazing the land or in the barn area eating. The calves are also kept on the land in their pens, but are let out to graze as well. Visitors are able to watch the cows be milked – the men on the farm milk the cows once a day in the afternoon.
Lapp Valley Farm offers many flavors of ice cream, and I highly recommend getting Mint Chip! It’ll be white, not green like the mint ice cream you’re probably familiar with, and this is because like I stated before they don’t use artificial food coloring.
So the next time you’re in Pennsylvania make sure to take a quiet trip on the backroads to this delicious ice cream shop. You’ll love it! Also, check out the drive-thru when you’re there (yep, that’s right…a drive-thru!!). The Amish ride their horse and buggies through it!
Let me know in the comments below if you’re going to check out any of these places the next time you visit PA. Or, leave suggestions of spots I should go to during one of my many trips there.
With love,
Karina xx
Visiting Tennessee anytime soon? Read my post about Nashville here!
