Pennsylvania
Welcome to Pennsylvania
- a relatively rectangular state with two major cities, Philly and Pittsburgh, and a whole lot of country in between.
It takes about 5 hours to drive through this state (horizontally) but typically longer since you're guaranteed to hit traffic along the way. Luckily, PA also has one of the most expensive toll roads in the country so your wallet doesn't have to miss out in all the fun! But in all seriousness Pennsylvania is a great hiking state with cities and towns that bustle with life.
Fun facts:
- For one season in 1943, the state’s two NFL football teams, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers merged to form the team the “Steagles” due to the loss of many players in WWII.
- The Philadelphia Zoo is America’s first zoo. The zoo was founded in 1874 by Benjamin Franklin. Today they house more then 1,700 animals in their 42 acre zoo.
- Are you a fan of Ground Hogs Day? Well you can thank Pennsylvania! The tradition comes from Punxsutawney, PA and if you have no idea what Ground Hogs Day is, it’s all about a weather forecasting ground hog. On the day, if he comes out of his burrow and sees his shadow there will be six more weeks of winter. If not, then Spring is on its’ way! The tradition comes from early German settlers, who transitioned from using the traditional badger of their homeland to the more abundant Pennsylvania ground hog. The holiday took off in the 1800s where the groundhog was officially named Punxsutawney Phil. Today, there is still a huge celebration where Punxsutawney Phil brings over 20,000 visitors to see if he sees his shadow.
