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Northeastern Pennsylvania has the Poconos Mountains and several cities, including Carbondale, Scranton, Pittston and Wilkes-Barre. Visitors to this region of the state will find activities ranging from horseback riding to coal mine tours. Your children will have the opportunity to experience an array of local kid-friendly activities.
The Daniel Boone Homestead is a state-operated historical home and park in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania. The grounds offer hiking, horseback riding, camping, picnics and fishing, while the historical home has living history demonstrations about daily life in the Oley Valley in the 18th century as it might have been experienced by Daniel Boone, the American frontiersman and explorer who grew up here. The park is a popular destination for history buffs and nature-lovers alike.
When Pennsylvanians say they are going to the shore, they usually mean Jersey. But the Commonwealth has a stunning coastline of its own. Just seven miles long, Presque Isle State Park is a spit of land that juts into Lake Erie. The 3,200-acre park boasts a 19th-century lighthouse, more than a dozen beaches, licensed fishing spots, hiking trails, bicycle paths and picnic pavilions, and its location along a migratory flyway provides a nature lover's dream. If you long to feel sea breezes under star-studded skies, then four campgrounds within 10 miles of the park should be on your radar.
Strasburg, Pennsylvania, about 1 1/2 hours west of Philadelphia, is a historic town in Lancaster County nestled right in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Founded in 1693 by French trader, Pierre Bezaillion, Strasburg began prospering during the mid-1700s when it was a center of regional trade and an important stagecoach stop between Lancaster and Philadelphia. It offers many attractions for visitors of all ages.
Sesame Place (sesameplace.com) in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, is the only theme park in America where families can hobnob with the Honkers, Big Bird, Cookie Monster and Elmo. The 14-acre park thrills the tiny tots and toddler crowd with attractions including The Count's Splash Castle and Big Bird's Rambling River. Potential mountaineers can climb Cookie Mountain, and aspiring astronauts can moonwalk on Ernie's Bed Bounce. While the camping pickings are few in this neck of the woods, if you want to sleep under the stars before awaking to tackle Sesame Place, a number of campgrounds are within 40 miles of the theme…
If you're looking for fishing, hiking, horseback riding, rafting, canoeing, covered wagon rides, skiing and snowmobiling all in one area, then Tioga County in north-central Pennsylvania is calling your name. Home to Pine Creek Gorge, the Pennsylvania version of the Grand Canyon, this neck of the woods is called the "Wilds" and lures outdoor enthusiasts for scenery, solitude and an abundance of recreational adventures. To get the full flavor of this scenic wonderland, pack up your gear for a stay in nature's cradle at one of a number of campgrounds in Tioga County.
If you're a car lover, you'll love Carlisle, Pennsylvania, a historic borough about 20 miles from Harrisburg. Locals emphasize the second syllable of the berg's name, but it's the "car" in Carlisle that gets center stage as the city's main attraction. Auto aficionados visit in droves almost every season for car shows, car auctions and automotive swap meets. The nearby Rolls-Royce Foundation's museum, William Grove Speedway and Quarter Acres Drag-O-Way provide additional engine and chrome action. Whether you ride in with an RV or roll up with a tent in the trunk, a number of campgrounds are in and within…
If you want to glean information about the borough of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, make your first stop the Wells Fargo Bank on West Main Street to gaze inside at a gigantic mural depicting the history of this small town that lies 28 miles outside Philadelphia. You'll see the 1894 Lansdale football team staring down at you, as well as an 1886 map of the berg, a postcard of the Tremont Hotel and a 1939 view of downtown. While Lansdale's historic past might hold interest for its residents, the city can hardly be called a vacation destination. The surrounding Brandywine Valley region,…
Marshalls Creek, Pennsylvania, is a small crossroads in the far northeast corner of the state. Nestled in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains, the unincorporated community attracts vacationing families from all across the Northeast. From shopping to outdoor recreation, there are plenty of things to keep visitors busy during their stay in Marshalls Creek.
Collegeville, Pennsylvania is a small borough in Montgomery County about 30 miles northwest of Philadelphia in the central Perkiomen Valley. Collegeville is the town center of the larger Collegeville region, which includes the nearby borough of Trappe. Apart from its own attractions and activities, Collegeville is conveniently close to regional points of interest that will appeal to children and teens.
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding area offer various activities for residents and visitors. Located about 160 miles west of Philadelphia in the south-central part of the state, Chambersburg serves as the Franklin County seat. First settled in 1730 and officially established as a borough in the early 19th century, the city played a role in the U.S. Civil War and contains several historical sites among other activities for individuals and families year-round.
Shamokin, which derives its name from the language of the Delaware Indians, means “Eel Creek.” Near present-day Shamokin, Native Americans occupied a village at the confluence of the two branches of the Susquehanna River. Today's town was laid out in 1835 and originally attracted settlers from a range of backgrounds, including English, Welsh, Irish, Italian, Polish, Lithuanian and German. Visitors to the community, which is found in Pennsylvania's Northumberland County, can view historic buildings, enjoy a day at a local park or participate in outdoor recreation.
Emergency Unemployment Compensation, or EUC, is additional unemployment compensation you may receive if you previously received regular Pennsylvania unemployment, have exhausted the number of weeks you can receive regular unemployment compensation and still do not have full-time employment. You may receive EUC if you are partially employed, but your benefits are reduced. EUC is offered in different tiers, each lasting a different number of weeks. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor recommends that you keep record of all EUC payments you receive so you can determine which tier you are on by the number of weeks you have received EUC.
When a creditor sues you and wins, you may face the possibility of that creditor taking your property, including your home, to satisfy the judgment debt. In general, a home is not exempt from judgments in Pennsylvania. If you need advice about the judgment and collections process and what may be exempt in Pennsylvania, you should consult an experienced attorney.
Warminster Township, Pennsylvania, celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2011, with residents and visitors enjoying the Warminster Tricentennial Day festival to mark the event. The Township also has many other attractions, ranging from the local zoo to sporting and recreational activities in the community parks.
Each state within the United States is responsible for developing and administering its own unemployment compensation program for individuals who are temporarily unemployed. In Pennsylvania, the Department of Labor and Industry, or DLI, runs the unemployment compensation program. In most cases, you are disqualified for benefits if you voluntarily quit your job; however, if you quit because your employer required you to perform unethical tasks you may be eligible for benefits.
Cynics point out that to get a $1 million loan from a bank, you need $1 million in your bank account. There is some hint of truth to that. A bank officer looks at a company's cash position, equipment and other assets. For a restaurant owner in Pennsylvania, a loan officer wants to know whether the restaurant has enough cash flow to pay its existing bills and potential debt payments.
The Japanese "onsen" are outdoor natural hot water springs baths. Traditional Japanese bath houses consist of communal soaking tubs; the customers can soak for relaxation or to treat minor health conditions such as sore muscles. Not all Japanese bath houses use water from natural hot springs; in fact, some onsen baths are indoors. If you can't make it to Japan, experience the Japanese bath house experience in and near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
With its industrial manufacturing roots, Scranton, Pennsylvania, may not seem like the most romantic place around. However, if you look just below the surface of this small, northeastern Pennsylvania city, you'll find plenty of things for couples to do. From cozy hotels, to lush, green parks, Scranton has something for just about every loving duo looking for a little romance.
Achieving and maintaining a successful restaurant in Pennsylvania requires quality food, superior operations and excellent service. However, before the restaurant can begin its operations, its owners must prepare and submit several pieces of documentation in order to meet Pennsylvania requirements.
In Pennsylvania, a notary public is an individual appointed to authenticate signatures on official documents. Notaries can also take sworn affidavits and depositions, certify copies and administer oaths. The Pennsylvania Department of State handles the appointment of notaries under guidelines established in the state's Notary Public Law of 1953 and Act 151 of 2002.
New Year's Eve is a special time of year with celebrations ranging from from small elegant dinner parties to massive gatherings filling city squares. Pennsylvania is no exception; activities in the state can include spending a portion of the evening in an in-suite whirlpool tub for two or watching a fireworks display from the comfort of a state-of-the-art cruise ship on the Delaware River.
The town of Schwenksville is located in Montgomery County, which is a suburban county approximately 30 miles northwest of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. First settled in the 17th century, it expanded because of its proximity to major railroad lines that transported the town's grain, textiles and ice. For those interested in steam engines, there are several nearby locations that highlight these once-important additions of railroads throughout the East Coast.
The Gothic Theater (gothictheatre.com) is a music venue situated in Englewood, Colo., which is a suburb of Denver. The Gothic was originally built to show movies in the 1920s, when going out to movies was a big event. Although there have been many changes of ownership, the internal art deco features remain intact, making it a beautiful place to see a musician or hold a private event.
Coles, Pennsylvania is a small, quaint town nestled in the middle of Schuylkill County. Sitting at the feet of the Pocono Mountains, the Coles area offers a variety of resorts that fill every need from luxury to nature. Vacationing here, either by yourself or with friends and family, provides entertaining options from hiking to antiquing.
Six Flags over Texas (sixflags.com), an amusement park in Arlington, Texas, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2011 with the reopening of its roller coaster the Texas Giant. Originally opened in 1990, the roller coaster was closed in 2010 for renovations and reopened on April 22, 2011 as the New Texas Giant, with a world record first drop.
In Pennsylvania, Supplemental Security benefits help American citizens pay for their basic needs. The Social Security Administration also pays these benefits to children who have a disability or blindness. To qualify to receive Supplemental Security Income benefits, an individual must meet income requirements. If you live in a household with your family, their income also counts to determine your eligibility.
The Dragon Khan roller coaster was opened on May 2, 1995, in PortAventura park in Salou Catalonia, Spain. This coaster features a grand total of eight inversions. It was the world-record holder for the largest number of inversions on a single roller coaster until the Calossus, a 10-loop inversion roller coaster, was opened in 2002 in Thorpe Park, United Kingdom. The Dragon Khan is still in use, as of 2011, and remains one of the world's most interesting roller coasters.
The downtown area of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, sits at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers as they become the Ohio River. The wintertime New Year's celebration held annually and known as New Year's Eve First Night Pittsburgh is a celebration of music, food, parties and fireworks held against this scenic backdrop. Downtown hotels are convenient for this Pittsburgh annual celebration, and booking a room removes the worry about driving after celebrating by allowing celebrants to walk to festivities.
Though a tiny corner of the United States, the northeast is filled with hundreds of years worth of American history. With many cities and towns dating back to the colonial period, the Northeast contains some of America's oldest monuments as well as newer points of interest. Due to its small size, visiting monuments in the Northeast could be turned into a family road trip.
Rollers coasters have changed since the first roller coaster, which was a 50-degree slide down a lumber chute in seventeenth-centry Russian. Today, roller coasters have twists, turns and high elevations. The Raging Bull roller coaster at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, is one of the highest in the country and offers high-adrenalin experience during its two-minute ride.
West Brandywine is a township in eastern Pennsylvania, located in the heart of Chester County. This township and its neighboring cities are on the far western fringe of the greater Philadelphia area; downtown Philadelphia is about 45 to 60 minutes from West Brandywine. The growth of West Brandywine and its nearby cities were largely dependent on Brandywine Creek. The river runs through Chester County and companies used it to transport goods.
There are more than 3,000 spider species in the U.S., some are quite dangerous as spiders survive by hunting and using their venom to paralyze and kill their prey. Spiders often bite in self-defense. Fortunately, most spiders are too small to be of any danger to humans. There are many spider species in northwestern Pennsylvania, and a few pose significant danger. Learn about some of the types of spiders that inhabit this corner of the U.S. and how to recognize them.
The South Side of Pittsburgh is on the southern banks of the Monongahela River and home to some of the Three Rivers City's oldest buildings. Many of South Side's residences and public buildings date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. South Side also provides a vibrant nightlife and hipster shopping on East Carson Street. Children and adults also have opportunities for athletics and recreation via South Side's sports organizations and parks.
A bus tour is a great way to see points of interest in cities and towns within the United States and all over the world. Tour operators work in conjunction with well-trained guides who provide you insights and background information at every stop along the way. Another big advantage of a bus tour is that it's a "hands-free" way to travel -- you don't have to drive, fumble with maps or worry about getting lost. Just relax and enjoy the sights and scenery.
Williamsburg's Busch Gardens (buschgardens.com) is a European-themed amusement park with 100 acres of entertainment and adventure. The park features over 50 rides and attractions, including water rides, simulators and roller coasters. Visitors to Busch Gardens can also enjoy a variety of live stage shows and a range of dining and shopping experiences. Busch Gardens is located just three miles east of Williamsburg and 50 miles east of Richmond. General admission to the park is $63.99, at the time of publication.
The 16th century is often referred to as the Age of Exploration. Following Christopher Columbus' initial voyage in 1492, Europeans set out to explore the world. During the period, cartography, the science of map making, benefited from advances in mathematics and technology. Throughout the 16th century, Dutch cartographers produced the most advanced and reliable maps. They did not have access to modern devices such as global positioning satellites, which provide an extraordinary degree of accuracy.
Travel for you and your family can easily combine pleasure with learning about America's history. Few experiences can match the feeling of walking in the steps of our ancestors as they settled this country and fought for freedom. A little planning, a good pair of walking shoes and a map may be all you need; you can spend a single day or a week or more retracing history.
The Pocono region features scenic areas such as Mount Pocono, Big Pocono State Park and Pennsylvania State Game Lands. Located amongst the natural wonders of the state, the Poconos are an ideal vacation spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Even though the Poconos are not located near a major metropolitan area, travelers have their choice of several municipal and international airports when flying to this destination.
Pennsylvania offers visitors attractions that include the colonial history embodied in Philadelphia, the culture of the Amish in Pennsylvania Dutch country, the beauties of nature in the Pocono Mountains and abundant opportunities for outdoor pursuits throughout the state, from hiking to hunting and fishing.
Pennsylvania issues new teachers a level I teaching certificate. These expire in six years and cannot be renewed. When a level I certification is nearing expiration, you should apply for a level II teaching certificate. The cost is $100, payable in money order only. Complete the necessary forms, obtain official transcripts from your college, if applicable, and an official copy of the in-service hours you have completed, if applicable. You must also send in a copy of your current teaching certificate with your application and payment.
Pennsylvania is the home of Philadelphia, the "City of Brotherly Love," and Pittsburgh, the "Steel of City." The state boasts the Liberty Bell, the Amish, lots of great museums and beautiful farmland. But with all there is to see, there can often be travel issues you'll need to take into consideration. You can enjoy the sights the state has on offer with information on travel conditions in Pennsylvania.
The New Jersey Turnpike isn't just a backdrop in the opening sequence of the popular cable television show "The Sopranos." It was the first toll road in the state and third to exist in the nation when it was open to public traffic in 1951. The New Jersey Turnpike was built in two years and stretches about 150 miles across the length of the state. You can calculate tolls in preparation for a trip on its website.
With seven ski and snowboarding resorts and fairly gentle terrain, Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains are a great place to learn to snowboard. Packages that include a lesson, lift ticket and board rental can cost more than a hundred dollars at some Poconos resorts, but other resorts offer the same deals for between $50 and $75. All prices are for 2011.
The Poconos in Pennsylvania has become the indoor water park leader on the East Coast. The area currently houses three different indoor water parks to choose from, and has several more in the planning stages. Indoor water parks allow guests to enjoy the rides regardless of the weather outside, especially in areas with colder winters like the Poconos.
Deer have been an important animal in Pennsylvania for hundreds of years. In the past, they served as game animal for Native Americans who ate their meat and used their hides for clothing. When Europeans settled in Pennsylvania, deer continued to provide meat and clothing for Pennsylvanians. That holds true even in modern times. Now, deer also play a part in wildlife observation in Pennsylvania, though there are only two species of deer in the entire state.
Bryn Mawr, Pennyslvania, is a suburb just west of Philadelphia. The town is most often associated with historic Bryn Mawr College. Bryn Mawr, which means "great hill" in Welsh, is part of the Township of Lower Merrion in Montgomery County. Bryn Mawr is located centrally along the Pennsylvania Main Line, a railway line that originally connected Lancaster and Philadelphia.
The Poconos, which is located in Pennsylvania, is a potential family vacation location. There are a wide range of options for families who are looking at a getaway such as hotels, campgrounds and cottages to meet any budget. Not only does the Poconos have several accommodation options, but it also has children's activities available to meet the needs of the whole family.
The Pocono Mountains are located in northeastern Pennsylvania within a two-hour drive of Philadelphia and New York City, making the Poconos the closest slopes to both cities. Although skiing is a major draw, this beautiful mountain region offers visitors winter activities ranging from snowboarding and snow tubing to ice-skating, ice fishing and even dog sledding. One hundred percent snowmaking ensures that you'll have fresh powder even when snow isn't in the forecast.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the eastern region of the state, is home to many historic buildings dating back to the 18th-century colonial period. The city also boasts Victorian-style homes built in the mid- to late-19th century during the reign of England's Queen Victoria. Most of Philadelphia's Victorian homes are in center city or in northern neighborhoods, including Germantown and Chestnut Hill. Some of these homes are open to the public.