Travel Log: Pennsylvania

Welcome back. That's what the Pennsylvania state sign should say for NASCAR fans, considering the Cup Series made a swing through the Pocono Mountains just more than a month ago.

For that first trip, outdoor destinations and attractions were highlighted for a weekend stay, or a short drive from Long Pond (read more).

But this trip is a little different.

This time the trip highlights the major attractions Pennsylvania has to offer. Some are within a day's drive of the racetrack. Others are all-nighters, or a simple detour along the way. Visitors to the state can enjoy a variety of attractions highlighting history. Of course, there's also crayons and candy bars.

Amish Country -- Forget the new car and tire problems. Step back in time where horse and buggy populated the dirt roads and windmills created power. It's Amish Country. Lancaster County has the nation's oldest Amish settlement, where visitors can participate in and educate themselves on this way of living.
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Kaseysgirly9 -- I would say go to downtown Pittsburgh on your way through and check out the Gateway Clipper. Fun.

kyles45 -- Well, you have to stop down in Philly and have the Cheesesteaks! There is so much to do in Philadelphia. You can visit Independence Mall, the Liberty Bell and up the parkway to the Art Museum (which was made famous by Rocky running up the steps). Now we have Penn's Landing and the Delaware River. Take a boat ride or even have dinner on the river.

Some real good clubs right on the River, too. Some of the best nightclubs / restaurants, too. Le Bec Fin is one of the top restaurants, but for some great fun and to catch some professional players, visit Chickie's and Pete's or even Finnigans Wake. Catch a Phillies game or in the winter see the Flyers, Eagles, Sixers, Kixx, Phantoms and Wings Lacrosse for all the sports nuts! You can stroll along the Italian Market, buy your food out on the street, or go indoors to the Reading Terminal Market. We are also less than an hour from Dover, Del., too!

bloombabe22 -- Hershey Park (Hershey, Penn.), Knobels Grove (Elysburg, Penn.), Yuengling Brewery (Pottsville, Penn.). Want a little Pennsylvania Dutch feel, try Lancaster, Penn. You can visit the Little Grand Canyon. Pittsburgh, Penn., has tons of stuff to do. State College, Penn., one of my favorite spots in Pennsylvania. You can go check out Beaver Stadium and get your picture taken with JoePa and the Nittany Lion. Those are just some. There are tons more places you can check out.

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Thursday: Thundershowers with a high of 83 degrees, low of 59
Friday: Mostly sunny with a high of 79 degrees, low of 56
Saturday: Partly sunny with a high of 77 degrees, low of 58
Sunday: Partly sunny with a high of 85 degrees, low of 56
Complete Forecast

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• Let NASCAR.COM help book your last-minute travel.
• Directions and aerial map of Long Pond, Pa.

Next week's trip takes us to New York's version of wine country. But what else is there to do? Share your personal favorites here.