I’m headed home to good old south central Pennsylvania for the holidays. I leave tomorrow and will spend five wonderful days visiting my family and friends.
I realized that I’ve never written much about where I’m from. I guess when you live in a place your entire life it’s hard to think of it as a tourist destination or a place anyone else in the world would want to visit. Honestly though, the area has a lot to offer.
I grew up in York, PA. I doubt most non-Yorkers know this, but it was the first capital of the United States. So, we have that. The city also features a ton of preserved historical sites, a pretty awesome central market, and one of my favorite bars/restaurants: First Capital Dispensing Company. Oh, and remember that band, Live? Yeah, they’re from York. (Big claim to fame, eh?)
Lancaster, where I went to university, is also a great smaller city (101th in the country, good on you, Lanc!) with a pretty awesome arts community. It’s also home to the Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch (which are actually Germans, so we’re clear). This is typically the biggest draw for tourism to the area.
Close by, you have the PA state capital, Harrisburg. I really like Harrisburg, and it’s where my dad lives, so I spend a decent amount of time there. The capitol building is really impressive and truly is a work of art featuring sculptures, stained glass windows, grand murals, etc. Last time I was there they were setting up for a wedding and I imagine it’s a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony with the grand staircase and the beautiful artwork.
And lastly, Gettysburg is also a short trek from where I grew up. I spent many a field trip on the battleground. As an adult, I’ve visited a few times, including doing a haunted tour. My dad’s also a huge Civil War fanatic, so I’ve learned my fair share about Gettysburg. It’s certainly worth checking out even if you’re not terribly interested in the history.
I always forget how beautiful Pennsylvania can be until I go back and see it again. Doesn’t really matter what season either–snow in winter; everything in bloom in the spring; lush and green in the summer; gorgeous colors in the fall. I went to school at Millersville University and I can honestly say, my favorite thing about the school was the grounds. You got the best of every season there.
Anyway, here are just a few photos I could dig up from when I lived there and since I’ve been back. I’ll be sure to take more photos this time around.
