Pennsylvania is known as the keystone state for good reason. It was centrally located among the original 13 colonies and one of the most productive in terms of industry. Even today, it is still one of the top ten producers in the nation in terms of gross state product. It is also home to two of America’s greatest cities, Philadelphia to the east and Pittsburgh to the west. Must-see sights in Philadelphia include the Liberty Bell, the Franklin Institute, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Independence Hall. Witnessing a Philadelphia Flyers or Philadelphia Eagles game is also a must. In Pittsburgh, visitors can explore the Pittsburgh Zoo, catch a Pittsburgh Penguins hockey game, or watch the rugged Pittsburgh Steelers football team in action. In between the two cities lies Penn State, whose famed football team has the luxury of playing in the second largest stadium in the US, holding over 107,000 fans. Aside from history and sports, Pennsylvania also offers plenty of recreational activities, including lots of hunting and fishing. Or, visitors can take a scenic drive through Old Pennsylvania Dutch territory, located in the south central portion of the state, where they’ll find the Amish and Mennonites living their own unique and inspiring way of life. In the northeast are the Pocono Mountains, famed for their serene wooded beauty, fishing, golfing, and honeymooning. And, though a fact not widely known, Pennsylvania also has 51 miles of coastline along Lake Eerie, which is great news for fishers, swimmers, boaters, and sun seekers. Finally, for those wanting an adrenaline-boost, Pennsylvania can surely deliver with several exciting amusement parks, including Hershey Park, Idlewild Park, Lakemont Park, and Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. And don’t forget, Pennsylvania is also home to the famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil. I wonder what he’ll predict this year?

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