Thread by @RyanDeto

Back home from vacation and just want to thread some of my experiences because Pennsylvania is a wonderful state period and even more so to visit in fall. We should market ourselves as the best fall state in America. Look at these colors from the Allegheny National Forest. 1/

Look at these spectacles, world class and not crowded in the least bit. A joy to visit.

1. Elk Country viewing area
2. Pine Creek Gorge (PA Grand Canyon)
3. High mountain bog in Devil’s Elbow Nature Area
4. Boulder Field in Hickory Run State Park (biggest in Appalachia)

Towns in Western Pa. would be smart to model themselves after Jim Thorpe, become walkable tourists destinations for small town charm. It would probably take federal investment & bold thinking, but it is possible to make former coal towns a draw. Oil City could do this, imo.

Fave eats from trip. Pa has some weird & wonderful food in unexpected places

1. Hot sausage sandwich w/ grilled onions, Stanley’s in Ford City
2. Fluff Burger at M C Coney in Mt. Carmel
3. Cubano from Casa Latino in Allentown
4. Mamey ice cream from Michoacána in Kennett Square

Also, my favorite beverages

1. Straub’s Grape Escape (like a grape version of IC Light Mango)
2. Teaberry milkshake from May’s Drive In in Bloomsburg
3. A-Treat Black Cherry soda (which is amazing mixed with Old Olverholt rye whiskey)
4. Stickman Brews double IPA, Royersford, Pa

Go to Longwood Gardens in Chester County is you haven’t. Amazing.

Finally, gf and I were able to do all this while social distancing as much as possible thanks to our PA state parks. Stayed at relatively cheap cabins with heating and electricity. Cooked with camping gear. More on our state parks below. Go explore PA! pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/an-…