It’s Summertime, Let’s Explore

Let’s explore!! My favorite thing to do…even though the OM thinks it’s boring! Who else loves to just take a random daytrip?? Do you have a local go to spot or do you like to find new things??

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Things Before you Go…

This year I decided to grab a few things to read during the SAH orders and I’m looking forward to putting them to good use….

1. Pennsylvania Off the Beaten Path

“Tired of the same old tourist traps? Whether you’re a visitor or a local looking for something different, let Pennsylvania Off the Beaten Path show you the Keystone State you never knew existed.

Discover extinct creepy crawlies at the Insectarium, the country’s largest bug museum. Put your car in neutral, take your foot off the brake, and feel the spooky effects of Gravity Hill. Head 150 feet underground to get an up-close look at the history of coal mining at Tour-Ed Mine.

So if you’ve “been there, done that” one too many times, get off the main road and venture Off the Beaten Path.”

2. National Park Passport, Classic Edition

This pocket-sized edition is great for getting those stamps and you can by inserts for when it’s full and aren’t done exploring, You can check out my series on the National Park Passport here

“This handy travelogue is highly functional, offering color-coded regional maps, need-to-know information about parks, an official NPS interpretive map, and plenty of space for cancellations and commemorative stamps from the annual series. The Passport Classic Edition is an ideal, economical, and portable way to preserve your fondest memories of America’s national parks.” 

3. Collectors Edition National Park Passport

A bigger more in-depth passport to the National Parks. The only drawback on this one is there are no options to add additional pages. But I am using it to put all of the collectable region stamps in. Don’t miss my series on the National Park Passport here

4. Waterfalls of Pennsylvania: A Guide to More Than 180 Falls in the Keystone State (Best Waterfalls by State)

Written by Jim Cheney, the author of the site Uncovering Pa

“Find Your Way to Pennsylvania’s Most Beautiful Waterfalls

Waterfalls create a feeling of serenity, a sense of restrained power. Their grandeur takes our breath away. Their gentle sounds complement periods of meditation. Let award-winning photographer and creator of Pennsylvania’s most read travel blog Jim Cheney guide you to more than 180 of the top-ranked waterfalls in the state. Your bucket list should include these gorgeous locales that decorate Pennsylvania’s landscape.

The waterfalls are organized geographically and ranked by beauty. Entries include all the information you need, like directions, distance, and hike difficulty, as well as details about each waterfall, such as height, width, and the best time of year to visit. Not-to-miss sights and nearby activities are also called out, so you can make the most of every outing. Plus, Jim’s incomparable photography makes this guidebook worthy of any coffee table.”

From the towering falls of the Poconos to the scenic gems of the Laurel Highlands and everywhere in between, experience them all with this wonderful guidebook. These natural wonders prove that the Keystone State is home to some of the most picturesque sites in America!

5. Rail Trails Pennsylvania

“Explore 72 of the best rail-trails and multiuse pathways across Pennsylvania

All across the country, unused railroad corridors have been converted into public multiuse trails. Here, the experts from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy present the best of these rail-trails, as well as other multiuse pathways, in Pennsylvania. Take a cultural journey along Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers Heritage Trail, or enjoy a speedy out-and-back on the Greene River Trail. Explore Harrisburg via the Capital Area Greenbelt, or experience the countryside along the Redbank Valley Trail.

You’ll appreciate the detailed maps for each trail, plus driving directions to trailheads. Quick, at-a-glance icons indicate which activities each trail can accommodate, from biking to fishing to snowmobiling. Best of all, the succinct descriptions are written by rail-trail experts, so you know it’s information that you can rely on! Whether you’re on feet, wheels, or skis, you’ll love the variety in this collection of multiuse trails―from beautiful waterways and scenic areas to the hustle and bustle of the states’ urban centers!”

6. Pennsylvania State Park Passport.

“This 135-page passport includes maps, a history of the state’s park and forest system, a brief description and most memorable feature of each state park and forest, and additional online resources. Participants can track their visits to our public lands by initialing their book or having it stamped at the park or forest office. The Pennsylvania Passport not only guides people to our state parks and forests, but it also breaks down interest areas and challenges users to complete each area to receive recognition for their accomplishments with a special metal “dog tag” for the theme. How many state parks and forests have you visited?  Fun Fact: You can have 3 parks stamped when you visit Kinzua Bridge State Park!” You can order one here

7. Explorer Padded Daypack

Just the perfect size to carry all of my info for the day, like maps, guidebooks and ofcourse my passport. Plus I couldn’t resist the Breast Cancer Edition bag.

• Three compartments, two extra side pockets, front easy access pocket.
• Padded shoulder strap with a chest strap to fasten the shoulder strap in place.
• Hydration Ready Capable of housing a 72 oz hydration bladder
• Plenty of pockets and compartments to keep everything organized
• Size: 17″ x 12.5″ 6.5″ Made from heavy-duty 600 D Polyester

Don’t forget…

Always remember to wear appropriate footwear and clothing, water and snacks, a compass, maps or gps and a flashlight/headlamp. I cannot express enough to make sure you let someone know where you are going and when they should expect you to be checking in with them.

Who’s ready to go explore?

I know I am passed ready lol. I will be starting to share with you some of my adventures on my daytrips away from the farm.

Where would you love to visit in Pennsylvania??

Drop me a comment below and tell me some places you have been, would like to go or places you’d like to recommend I “must see”

Please, pin us so we don’t get lost while we are out exploring Don’t miss our series on the National Park Passport here

Suggested Posts:

• Why You Absolutely need a National Park Passport

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