Cheap Getaways in Pennsylvania
Taking a relaxing vacation in Pennsylvania doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. From the state's big cities to its quaint small towns and rolling countryside, you can find opportunities to get away from it all that are as affordable as they are memorable. By knowing where to look, you can easily sample a bit of Pennsylvania's rich history and simple pleasures while escaping the rigors of everyday life.
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Venango and Clarion County Getaway
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About two hours northeast of Pittsburgh, the area widely known as the "oil region" is home to both historical and modern attractions. Rent a cottage in Cook Forest for a weekend of hiking, canoeing and quiet relaxation in 8,500 acres of dense forest along the Allegheny River. If you prefer a little history, visit Oil City in Venango County, once a booming oil town. Here you can visit museums and landmarks like the Drake Well Museum, at the site of the world's first commercial oil well. The region is a popular site for festivals, particularly in the fall. Applefest in Franklin and the Autumn Leaf Festival in Clarion are both town-wide celebrations of the changing leaves and the comforts of fall. Though winters in the area can be formidable, visitors have the opportunity to partake in other events, like the Oil Country Bluegrass Festival in Oil City.
Pittsburgh Getaway
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Visiting the historic and picturesque city of Pittsburgh is an opportunity for a cheap, urban getaway. Choose one of the city's less expensive hotels, or even one just outside the city. Some suburban hotels offer free shuttle service into the city. Many of Pittsburgh's attractions are either free or cheap. A trip up the incline, for example, gives you a mountaintop view of the city and its three rivers for only a few dollars. Explore downtown and the cultural district for a view of Pittsburgh's classic architecture, or take a stroll over one of the city's many bridges. For a break from the urban atmosphere, Pittsburgh also offers parks and trails for leisurely walks or bike rides.
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Erie Getaway
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Home to a mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, Erie is a versatile destination for a weekend getaway. Visitors can indulge in entertainment and gambling at the Presque Isle Downs & Casino. Just be sure to set a budget if you want the casino to be a cheap getaway. The area features both indoor and outdoor water parks, Lake Erie beaches, and lakeside restaurants for a low-key night on the town. Visit town on Independence Day for the annual "Boom Over the Bay," a city-wide festival of food, live music and fireworks launched over Presque Isle Bay.
Lancaster Getaway
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A trip out to Amish country could be just what you need to unwind from city stresses. Lancaster County is home to theaters, vineyards, breweries, farmers markets and other ways to take it easy. For couples needing some private romantic time, Lancaster is a hotspot for bed and breakfasts and cozy inns, many of which offer special getaway packages. Keeping to a tight budget isn't hard, as much of the area's appeal is in its simple pleasures. A leisurely drive through wide-open country roads, for example, can be just as relaxing as a night at the theater. Spend an afternoon at Central Market, a year-round farmer's market, to stock up on locally made fudge, deli meats, preserves and produce. Not only will they make great souvenirs, but it will save on your grocery bill when your getaway is over.
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- Photo Credit forest image by DOLPHIN from Fotolia.com
