LET TRAVELKATZ PLAN YOUR PENNSYLVANIA VACATION PACKAGE
Travelkatz will put together a Pennsylvania Vacation Package custom tailored just for you. We handle all aspects of your trip so you can sit back, relax and enjoy. We provide two options for every state in the USA consisting of the state capital and the Natural Wonder. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate in contacting us.
Alabama Military: Alabama is a southeastern U.S. state that’s home to significant military landmarks and events from the Civil War, World War I and World War II, all the way through history to space travel.
U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum: This Museum is operated by the Alabama Center of Military History and is dedicated to promoting and disseminating the accomplishments of American military men and women. The emphasis is on participants of World War I and subsequent conflicts. The survivors and families can use the Museum facilities to reminisce on their own experiences and those of parents, grandparents, and other close relatives. There are displays – more than 30 historical military vehicles from World War I to the present, as well as tableaus, artifacts, and other memorabilia dating back to the Revolutionary War. Supporting organizations include the 19th Alabama Infantry which sponsors exhibits from 18th and 19th Century conflicts, and the 8th Air Force Historical Society, which sponsors a Bomb Group briefing room. Both organizations support ‘living history’ presentations on many Saturdays. At the Museum is a reference library, in addition to published material such as the Seventh Army After Action Report from World War II. The library offers written and oral reminiscences of Alabama veterans. In this vein, veterans and their families are invited to send written material or audio cassette tapes to the Museum for inclusion in the library. A narrative by the veteran, or an interview by a relative, will provide a legacy of the contribution. The Museum welcomes the participation of military and veterans’ groups and individuals in making this a valued educational piece of history in Huntsville.
USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park: At this Battleship Memorial Park, you don’t have to look very far to find heroes. From the Battleship USS ALABAMA to the Submarine USS DRUM and over 25 aircraft, the spirit of military pride is alive and well. Aboard the battleship you will be able to explore 12 decks. Among those, you can climb inside gun turrets, get locked in the Brig, man a 12mm gun and much more. Also at the park, you will be able to go below and explore the oldest Submarine on display, the USS DRUM. In the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion as well as in the park, you will be able to view many rare and historic aircraft. A few in the collection include a A-12 Blackbird Spy Plane, OS2U Kingfisher, F-86L Sabre Jet, and B-52 Bomber, just to name a few. While in the pavilion, don’t forget to take a ride on the Flight Simulator and experience flight without ever leaving the ground. It’s an unforgettable experience for the entire family. All tours are self-guided. Allow approx. 2.5 hours to really see what it was like to be on this battleship when on active duty in Mobile.
United States Army Aviation Museum: The U.S. Army Aviation Museum maintains a collection of over 160 military aircraft, including one of the largest collections of military helicopters in the world. Approximately 50 beautifully restored, historic, and one-of-a-kind aircraft are proudly displayed both inside the Museum exhibit space and outside on the grounds. The collection includes many significant examples of early research efforts and developments in rotary wing technology and the evolution of the helicopter. Represented is the Army’s involvement in military aviation from the Wright brothers, the early combat aircraft of WW I, and today’s technological machines such as the AH-64 Apache and the UH-60 Blackhawk. You’ll find this in Ft Rucker.
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC): This is a Smithsonian Affiliate and the Official Visitor Center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. On Display, they have one of the largest collections of rockets and space memorabilia anywhere in the world. Guests journey through America’s Space Race and NASA’s plan to put man on the moon. Witness the development of the space shuttle program and the International Space Station, get a glimpse of the future in commercial space ventures, and the latest technological innovations. The Rocket Center regularly features traveling exhibits from around the world. Also, enjoy daily films on the 67-foot screen in Huntsville’s only full-dome IMAX® Theater or in the 52-foot, high-definition screen in the National Geographic Theater. Finally, plan a ride on the motorcoach tour of Redstone Arsenal, headquarters to the Army Material Command and home of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Travel to Huntsville to enjoy.
Crooked Creek Civil War Museum: This is a must see if you are a Civil War buff. It’s small but it makes this time in our history come alive in Vinemont.
Travelkatz is waiting to hear from you so we can make the history of our country come alive. Call us at 352-277-7300.
GARDENS
Pennsylvania Gardens
Pennsylvania Gardens: Officially it is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and is a state spanning the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern, and Appalachian regions of the United States. A most beautiful state with impressive botanical gardens.
Hershey Gardens: Hershey Gardens is a 23-acre botanical garden and arboretum located in Hershey, near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. They are set atop a hill overlooking Hershey Park. It was built as a gift from chocolate magnate Milton S. Hershey for his community and to honor his wife, Catherine. This Park is beautiful! You will see gorgeous rose gardens, unique trees, and there is a Children’s Garden, which is cute as well. Another must see is the Butterfly Atrium, Butterflies are everywhere you need to be careful, as they do land on the ground, and it would be easy to step on them. Not only will you see exotic butterflies, where they feed, and where they land but along you will see some exotic reptiles. Check out the seasonal garden where you will now see changes with the seasons. There’s an herbal garden, a Japanese garden. the Native American garden and the rock garden. There’s even a garden dedicated the Milton Hershey himself! There is picnic garden and a trail as well. You will enjoy this special Park in Hershey.
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden: This is a botanical garden in Settler’s Cabin Park in the Pittsburgh suburbs. The garden spans across a total of 452 acres, making it among the top 10 largest American botanical gardens. A hidden gem in this area! Such a quiet beautiful place to enjoy a variety of paths and plants! Definitely recommend an all-terrain stroller if walking with one. Bug spray on the warmer days is also a good idea. There are beautiful places along the paths to sit and read. A fantastic sensory garden that kids of all ages can enjoy. The interior of the main building is stunningly modern and a beautiful backdrop with interesting portraits. The barn and reception area are fun and beautiful too. Pittsburgh Botanic Garden features more than three miles of woodland trails, a historic homestead and event center for corporate events, weddings, and other celebrations. Just 10 miles from Pittsburgh worth a visit.
Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens: A great little free non-profit arboretum with an awesome educational center. Their specialties are azalea and rhododendron, so to experience the full wonder, time your trip for the spring flower season where you may hit an incredible iris exhibit that will blow you away by its beauty. Yes, it’s small but worth the trip. Wonderful large trees. The pond is gorgeous. The director told us they are slowly restoring some native plants. Their pristine paved trails wind through shady groves of azaleas, rhododendrons, and native plants to reach a picturesque pond. There are multiple benches to sit and enjoy the views. Admission is pay-what-you-wish and there is a decent-sized parking lot. There are full restrooms in the welcome center/gift shop with native plants on sale. Young children can pick up an Explorers’ kit and go on a scavenger hunt. Drive to Devon to find this garden.
Longwood Gardens: This Botanical Garden has incredible flowers and plants and is an amazing experience. So many varieties of trees. and flowers that you may never see before. Fountain shows also are incredible that make for lots of good memories. So, if you like nature, flowers and plants come and have a wonderful visit! You could spend an entire day exploring the grounds or choose shorter loops. Most of the walking is very easy and can accommodate a stroller easily. Enjoy a great lunch in the cafe, have great interactions with staff, and explore the interior and exterior options! There is a large amount of shade available which is appreciated. Explore 400 acres of lush, formal gardens, open meadows, and winding paths to breathtaking Brandywine Valley vistas. Together, mesmerizing displays, feats of engineering, and science-based research and conservation work harmoniously toward the goal to unite and inspire guests in appreciation of beauty—as only Longwood can. You will find that this Garden is unique and beautiful in Kennett Square.
TravelKatz is looking forward to helping you discover the beautiful Botanical Gardens in Pennsylvania, Please call us at 352-277-7300 or go to our website at www.travelkatz.com.
STATE PARKS
Pennsylvania State Parks:
Pennsylvania State Parks: This state not only houses many of the historic sites, battlefields, and museums of the Revolutionary War and the beginnings of our great country but has some magnificent state parks. There is winter skiing in some of the more mountainous areas, hiking and camping in other areas. Pennsylvania boasts of having 112 State Parks and 19 State Forests.
Ricketts Glen State Park– Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the most scenic areas in Pennsylvania. This large park is comprised of 13,193 acres in Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia counties. Ricketts Glen harbors the Glens Natural Area — a National Natural Landmark. Hike the Falls Trail System to explore the glens, which boasts a series of wild, free-flowing waterfalls, each cascading through rock-strewn clefts in this ancient hillside. The 94-foot Ganoga Falls is the highest of 22 named waterfalls. The lower glen came to be called Ricketts Glen. Many of the magnificent trees in this area are more than 300 years old and 100 feet in height. The area is the meeting ground of the southern and northern hardwood types, creating an extensive variety of trees. Old growth timber and diverse wildlife add to the beauty. The Park is open daily, sunrise to sunset however day use areas close at sunset, the beach, overnight areas, and other areas are open specific seasons and hours, while the park office is only open during specific hours. Feel free to contact Travelkatz for more information. This Park is found in Benton.
Tyler State Park: This Park is a great place to enjoy nature. They have canoeing, kayaking, fishing, grills for cook outs, picnic areas, horseback riding, bike trails and many walking and hiking trails with plenty of trail options of varying difficulty, length with breathtaking views. The nature trail is one of the best trails so far and leads up to the creek. The two small waterfalls are a great location to catch some fish and few moments of calm. The playground is perfect for young children and there are open fields for playing sports. The historic covered bridge is a must visit. Its Frisbee golf course is challenging and fun. It’s both beautiful and large enough that people do not feel hemmed in. There are multiple entrances to this park in Newtown.
Nockamixon State Park: This 5,286-acre State Park is in the rolling hills of scenic Bucks County, close enough to Philadelphia for a day trip, but far enough away for a vacation. Tohickon Creek, Three Mile Run, and Haycock Run feed the 1,450-acre lake, which is a rest stop for migrating waterfowl and a destination for boaters and anglers. Visitors can stay the night in a cabin or enjoy the many activities of the park for the day. Popular activities are picnicking, swimming in the pool, hiking, biking, disc golf, hunting, fishing, and boating (permitted daily in designated areas). The Park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset however day use areas close at dusk. The Park office is open specific hours. Found near Quakertown.
Cherry Springs State Park: This Park is a certified dark skies park. You must cover all white lights including cell phones. Park rangers give an hour-long presentation of the constellations and stories and provide individual viewing through telescopes. Check your moon calendar and make sure you are there on a new moon night where you will see the most wonderful things in the night sky. You can look up and experience a feeling like you can reach the stars if you jump high enough! A lot of things need to be on point for it to be an amazing experience. So, plan to be there when the sky is clear; you can also track the moon phases through a link listed on the park’s website. Bring blankets because even in August it can get cold at night. Found in Coudersport.
Pine Grove Furnace State Park: This 696-acre state park has a historic charcoal iron furnace. It offers hiking, biking, camping, boating and two lakes. It’s the home to the Iron Master’s Mansion and the Appalachian Trail Museum. Museum volunteers do a great job focusing on history, hiking and the leaders and volunteers of the Appalachian Trail. The bottom floor has been renovated as a children’s area, encouraging hiking knowledge and motivation for families with youngsters. The Main floor has the visionaries and builders of the trail featured, along with important hiker memorabilia and stories. Found in Gardeners.
Please call TravelKatz at 352-277-7300 or chat on www.travelkatz.com – we can help plan your trip to Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas.
Pennsylvania Museums – Because Pennsylvania is one of the 13 Original Colonies, you can expect to see some very historic museums, architecture, and coast line.
Flight 93 National Memorial: Experience a piece of our history in a small town in PA! Dedicated to the lost on flight 93 on 9/11, you can walk the area, and see memorabilia from the flight… feel the sadness and explore the Memorial wall and crash site area. There is a gift shop with lots of souvenirs and displays to see inside the visitor’s center at the top about the flight and passengers. This is a very emotional place when you walk down to the wall of names and the actual crash site which is marked with a large boulder. Inside the Visitor’s Center, they have several different things including pieces of the plane, timelines of the events, photos, news playing from that day, and even an actual answering machine that one of the passengers left a voicemail on to their loved one moments before the crash. Do not miss this piece of history if you are in the area of Shanksville.
Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center: “A New Birth of Freedom,” narrated by Morgan Freeman, orients you to the battle; then see the sights and hear the sounds of the battle in the historic Cyclorama Painting Experience. Finally, tour the museum, packed with original artifacts and interactive exhibits. Tickets can be purchased and a shuttle bus will take you to the Eisenhower National Historic Site and seasonal programs at Spangler Farm Civil War Field Hospital from the Visitor Center. Purchase tickets prior to your arrival through TravelKatz and reserve a Battlefield Guide (licensed through the National Park Service) through the Gettysburg Foundation, non-profit partner to the National Park Service at Gettysburg. Entry to Visitor Center, Museum Bookstore and Refreshment Saloon is free. Found in Gettysburg.
Museum of the American Revolution: This is an informative and interactive chronological journey through the years before, during and after the American Revolution. A great mix of exhibits with historical information, artifacts, interactive exhibits and films gives a good timeline of the revolution. The journey begins with introductory film and end with the film and glass case viewing of the Washington’s tent. Worth a trip to Philadelphia to see the newest museum! The exhibits and great stories throughout the museum is enhanced with the staff retelling a more detailed information of some of the artifacts at various times during the day. They are friendly and open to answer any questions you may have. The exhibits are a combination of artifacts interspersed with excellent audio-visual presentations harnessing the latest technology. The basement is dedicated to mostly hands on activities for the kids of all ages. The scavenger hunt throughout the museum can be a fun game to play with the prize as being an old map of Philadelphia during those times. Definitely worth a trip to the historical city of Philadelphia.
Barnes: The Barnes Foundation houses one of the finest collections of nineteenth- and twentieth-century French painting in the world. An extraordinary number of masterpieces by Renoir, Cezanne and Matisse provide a depth of work by these artists that is unavailable elsewhere. Established as an educational institution, the Barnes carries out its mission teaching classes in its galleries and Arboretum. The Barnes is an art museum where even just a “regular person” can get a lot out of a couple of hours. Also in Philadelphia.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History: This is the place for kids to discover science and the wonders of the natural world. Dig for bones in Bonehunters Quarry, get hands-on with real and replica specimens in Discovery Basecamp, grind corn in a Hopi home, and more. Dinosaurs are just the beginning! Free family-activities, and touchables, are available each weekend and weekdays during the summer. The dinosaur exhibit alone makes this museum a must-see, but it is also attached to the art museum (same ticket). You could spend the entire afternoon there. The staff is friendly, and the museum is careful about safety. Parking was simple. Besides the dinosaurs, they had good displays on native cultures as well as insects. Visit this museum in Pittsburgh.
Please give TravelKatz a call 352-277-7300 or use our ‘chat’ so we can help you have a great vacation in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Festivals will welcome all who enjoy festival hopping in the 13 colonies. Call TravelKatz – we will assist you in planning your vacation to include these and other festivals. 352-277-7300
2nd Annual Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkins Festival:Join us as we turn the North Shore Riverwalk and Great Lawn into a Pumpkin Patch of Prodigious Proportions—with fruits weighing from 1,000 to over 2,000 pounds! We drop them, carve them, and in one of the most “pumpkin-sanity” activities ever…create the silliest seascape possible with “The Great Gourd Race”—humongous pumpkin boats paddling the Allegheny River competing in Pittsburgh’s fruitiest regatta! And, NEW this year…enter the LECOM “Costume Caper” 5K Run/Walk as you race along the river in your favorite Halloween garb; with special prizes for best costumes as well as top finishers.North Shore, Pittsburgh; Sat, Oct 19 – Sun, Oct 20
25th Annual Enchanted Halloween Trail and Festival: Shaver’s Creek comes alive in late October with this community festival that celebrates the fall harvest and includes pumpkin carving, face painting, music, entertainment, activities, natural history programs, and the Enchanted Halloween Trail! The tradition of the Shaver’s Creek Halloween Trail does not portray the typical scariness with which Halloween is normally associated. The Shaver’s Creek Trail is truly a family event! Children (and their families) are led by guides to different sites along the trail with costumed characters who help children understand the season and the cultural items we use to depict it. Children learn about natural history associated with Halloween, like why we use images of owls, spiders, corn stalks, and pumpkins during this time of year. The walk lasts about 45 minutes to one hour. The Halloween Trail stations are staffed by Penn State students, bringing outstanding energy and creativity to the festival. Each year they create new, exciting, and activity-filled stations that cover topics such as pumpkin and jack-o-lantern folklore, the non-scary truth behind bats and spiders, the origin of trick-or-treat, and more. Festivalgoers are invited to participate in the Children’s Costume Competition and the Pumpkin Carving Contest during the festival! Children are encouraged to attend the festival in a creative costume for entrance in the costume competition. Entry forms will be available on-site the day of the festival. We will be accepting entries for both contests Saturday and Sunday during regular festival hours. Judging will take place and winners will be notified on Oct. 31. Petersburg; Sat, Oct 26, and Sun, Oct 27.
PA Bacon Fest: This fest has grown into one of the region’s most popular events. With 150+ vendors, 12+ musical acts, and several stages, the two-day festival is sure to leave an impression. PA Bacon Fest was named one of the Top 300 Festivals in the world by FEST300.com! Regionally, the event won a Townie Award from Pennsylvania Downtown Center. And locally, PA Bacon Fest was voted Best Culinary Event in Lehigh Valley Style magazine’s Best of the Lehigh Valley. Easton; Nov. 2, 2019 – Nov. 3, 2019.
Christmas Market Festival: The Harmony Museum’s annual WeihnachtsMarkt, a Christmas market in the German tradition that has become a major regional attraction, will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 9 to 10th in the heart of Harmony’s National Historic Landmark District. The festival has become the museum’s prime annual fundraiser while presenting seasonal gift-shopping in a family-fun atmosphere. The thousands of visitors who attend each year find handcrafted and German imports. Artisans and vendors are chosen to participate based on the quality of their offerings; no stereotypical “shopping mall festival” stuff here. Entertainment, food and refreshments also reflect Harmony’s German heritage. Almost 50 artisans and specialty vendors provide the market part of WeihnachtsMarkt. Museum quilters and weavers demonstrate their work. Harmony; Sat Nov 9 – Sun Nov 10.
LIGHT-UP FESTIVAL: Beaver, PA welcomes Santa during the annual holiday parade. Relish in our traditions of horse drawn carriage rides, live entertainment and fireworks.Nov. 29th, Parade at 6pm, Fireworks at 9pm.
Enlist TravelKatz to help you plan for this festival by scheduling your vacation around the Fall of 2020. Call us at 352-277-7300 to get started!
Harrisburg began as a ferry stop and trading post, run by John Harris Sr., and colloquially known as Harris Ferry. Briefly renamed Louisbourg after Louis XVI of France, the town’s founder (and son of John Harris Sr.) John Harris Jr. insisted the town be renamed after his father, the first white settler in the region—and so, Harrisburg was founded.
Pennsylvania State Capitol: Beautiful architecture throughout! Don’t miss this! Photos do not capture the reality! The details are incredible. The State Capitol Building is open for tours Monday thru Friday and it’s free of charge. There’s a nice restaurant on grounds. Lots of history inside that building. You can easily spend 3 hours there. The building itself is ornate and spectacular. The artwork and the architecture are breathtaking. The building was completed in 1906, designated U.S Historic Landmark 02/13/2013. Tours are given and it is family friendly.
State Museum of Pennsylvania: This museum has an interesting mix of science and history. The museum has an impressive collection of Indian artifacts. Everything from simple scrappers to ornate hand carved jewelry. The skill these people had with the use of stone is hard to believe sometimes, very impressive. There is something for everyone, from bugs to an “Old Town” display. Native Americans displays are superior. Archaeology provides a structure, so lessons about the importance of excavations and the way that sites encode and preserve information is excellent too.
National Civil War Museum: The is a great museum for Civil War fans. It puts the history of the war in chronological order. It also compares both north and south. (Not one sided). Also has videos and military firsts. Some great artifacts you don’t see at other Civil War battlefields. It does a thorough job of touching on major events, battles and people. They also have a lot of photographs and touch on the human side of the war as well. The series of facts about “firsts” in the civil war is interesting. You also get to see a good amount of equipment, guns, gloves, swords etc. that were used during the war. Exhibits are a mix of plaques, videos, dioramas and maps. Good place for a picnic outside if you want to bring lunch.
Fort Hunter Mansion and Park: Fort Hunter Park has a lot of inviting features for the entire family to enjoy! Mansion tours begin in May for a small fee. This is a beautiful riverfront property with gorgeous architecture making this location ideal for family photos! There’s comfy bench swings to cozy up with your Sweetheart and watch the sunset over The Susquehanna River! Solo picnic tables are perfect for romantic picnics on the water’s edge or a very nice pavilion with fireplace for family gatherings also overlooking the river! You can see the longest stone arched train bridge in the WORLD, that crosses over The Susquehanna River! There’s a dear little church for intimate waterfront weddings too! The park is on both sides of North Front St. There’s a restored stable that is very pretty, the old historical tavern to view and a lovely covered bridge that takes you to the canal front path! Both sides of the road offer a playground for children and picnic areas with plenty of free parking! The mansion is lovely, and has lots of history. The tour guides are well-informed, and makes for a great tour!
Pride of the Susquehanna: Like traveling on the water? Well, you just might like the idea of jumping aboard the Susquehanna river boat. There are daily tours in the summer, and the ride is very relaxing. You can see a great view of the city as you travel slowing up the river. There are also reservations you can make, if you’re hosting special festivities of any kind as well. Harrisburg is a part of history and it will be described to you onboard this trip. The City Island is an experience. It is a great way to spend your day. Take the boat ride and then the Train Ride around the Island. Let the kids play and just enjoy the River.
Pennsylvania National Fire Museum: The fire museum is interesting for all ages. A dedicated group of volunteers have preserved and displayed artifacts from years of fire-fighting. Besides the equipment, you can go upstairs to see where the firemen lived while on duty. The staff is super friendly and very knowledgeable. They explain the history of the building and exhibits. The place has some working pieces of equipment that kids (big and small) love. You learn about the history of the fire service and equipment. There is a very good scavenger hunt for children to really explore the displays.
Flights from Tampa are readily available. TravelKatz suggest renting a car and you may want to extend your vacation and go to Hersey, PA where the amusement park and Hersey chocolate is made. Just give us a call and we will make this vacation happen for you and yours.
**As a side trip, one could venture to Gettysburg, PA (south and west of Harrisburg) to visit The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitors Center – Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Adjacent to the battlefield of Gettysburg, this museum is one of the largest in the area, with twelve different galleries encompassing the five years of the American Civil War. Starting in 1860 and culminating with the Restoration, the museum offers different artifacts and videos describing various battles, highlighting the three days of battle at Gettysburg.
The Living History series kicks off June 9 (running through mid-August on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays). Visitors can take a shuttle bus to one of the best preserved and significant Union field hospitals from the Battle of Gettysburg. The George Spangler Farm Civil War Field Hospital site treated 1,800 Union soldiers and 100 Confederate soldiers. This summer, there will be doctors and soldier reenactments, historian lectures, and a Women’s Relief Association discussion about the importance of female contributions during the war, among other series at the farm.
Where to stay: The Federal Pointe Inn is a boutique hotel located in the heart of the Gettysburg historic district.
Where to eat: Fidler & Co. Craft Kitchen is located in Adams County and serves rustic, local cuisine from the surrounding farmland.
Another option for our Pennsylvania Vacation Package is the Natural Wonder. See our selection of choice below to see if it fancies your style. Please don’t hesitate in contacting us with any questions or concerns.
PENNSYLVANIA: Ricketts Glen
Ricketts Glen harbors 22 named waterfalls, each cascading through rock-strewn clefts in the hillside. The highest, Ganoga Falls, drops 94 feet.
