Pennsylvania: Philly and Fallingwater
- Kaitlen Daigle
- Jun 15, 2024
- 3 min read
I've been to Pennsylvania a few times but no trip stands out quite like when I visited my friend Chris. I took the train from DC because I was visiting my brother, who lives there. I would go to D.C. almost every spring break when I was in college. So, Chris picks me up from the train station and we walk around downtown Philadelphia. We saw a museum that looked interesting, so we decided to check it out. This ended up being the Mütter Museum.
The Mütter Museum is a medical museum, renowned for its vast collection of medical oddities, anatomical specimens, and historical medical instruments. It was founded in 1858 by Dr. Thomas Dent Mütter, a 19th-century surgeon, to educate medical professionals and the public about anatomy and medical history. I think it's important to note that I hate medical things and in no life was I meant to be a doctor but here we were, looking upon jars of random organs preserved for education. If this is your cup of tea, definitely check it out. I do not need to visit it again.
After that, we got out of the city into a more suburban town where Chris lived. He took me to this beautiful spot where we walked along a river. I can't remember the name of it but to be honest there are a lot of beautiful nature spots when you get outside of the cities in Pennsylvania. An important thing to note is that at some point we went and got Philly cheesesteaks because when in Philly, you must try a cheesesteak. We walked to Pat's and Geno's. Chris preferred Pat's so we chose to go there but I heard Geno's is good as well. I want to go back to Pennsylvania to see Fallingwater and also, explore more of the state beyond the cities.
If you want to visit Pennsylvania, here's a list of possible things to see and do:
Independence National Historical Park: Located in Philadelphia, this park is home to iconic landmarks such as Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed, and the Liberty Bell.
Gettysburg National Military Park: Visit the site of the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. The park features battlefield tours, monuments, and a visitor center with interactive exhibits.
Hershey's Chocolate World: Experience the sweet side of Pennsylvania with a visit to Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey. Take a tour to learn about chocolate making, enjoy fun attractions, and indulge in delicious treats.
Amish Country: Explore the picturesque countryside of Lancaster County, home to Amish communities known for their simple lifestyle, farms, and traditional crafts. Take a buggy ride, visit farmers' markets, and learn about Amish culture.
Pittsburgh's Cultural District: Discover the vibrant arts and culture scene in Pittsburgh's Cultural District, which features theaters, galleries, and performance venues. Don't miss the Andy Warhol Museum and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.
Philadelphia Museum of Art: Explore one of the largest art museums in the United States, known for its impressive collection of European and American art, including works by renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso, and Duchamp.
Ride the Rails: Experience the scenic beauty of Pennsylvania by riding one of its historic railroads, such as the Strasburg Rail Road or the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway.
Philadelphia's Reading Terminal Market: Indulge in a culinary adventure at this historic market, where you can sample a wide variety of delicious foods from local vendors, including Pennsylvania Dutch specialties.
Presque Isle State Park: Escape to nature at this peninsula on Lake Erie, near Erie. Enjoy swimming, boating, hiking, and birdwatching in a beautiful natural setting.
Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater: Marvel at this architectural masterpiece located in Mill Run, which is considered one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous works. Take a guided tour to explore the unique design of the house built over a waterfall.
If you want more suggestions on what to do in Pennsylvania, I suggest you check out their tourism website.
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