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Pennsylvania Ranked A Top State To Visit This Summer

A new poll is out from gambling.com ranking the best states to visit this summer, and Pennsylvania is ranked in the top 10. When states get ranked for things Pennsylvania…

Pennsylvania "Welcome's You" Sign
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A new poll is out from gambling.com ranking the best states to visit this summer, and Pennsylvania is ranked in the top 10. When states get ranked for things Pennsylvania usually gets shafted. It seems that things are changing for PA in the summer of 2023. The usual summer vacation spots, New Jersey, North Carolina, Maryland, South Carolina, Florida, are all in the top 20, but seeing Pennsylvania ranked above some of them is surprising.

Pennsylvania does have a lot going for it in terms of things to do in the summer, so it makes sense that it is ranked in the top 10. The landscape is gorgeous throughout the state. It has great spots to hike camp, fish, hunt. Rolling hills with small towns, lakes, trails and some great breweries to try. If you are a history buff then Old City Philadelphia is the place for you. Check out this article about a Philadelphia landmark that is a must see in the US.

The list was created by giving each state a score in 5 categories that were then combined to give a full "Summer Vacation Score". The categories were: room availability score, room affordability score, crime rate score, sunlight score and attractions score. The types of categories they are using to rank these states might be skewing this list a bit. I say that because Iowa, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky are not high on my list of summer vacation spots. The category scores are bringing these states into the top 10 when in actuality you don't have any plans on visiting them.

Here is the Top 10 Best States to Visit this Summer from Gambling.com

T-10. California

T-10. Pennsylvania

T-8. New Jersey

T-8. Iowa

7. Kentucky

6. Indiana

5. Ohio

4. Georgia

3. Illinois

2. Florida

1. Virginia


Pennsylvania: This is the No. 1 Attraction Not to Be Missed

Pennsylvania is a great travel destination, and that's true for people living outside the state or locals who want to explore their home state a little bit more. Now, one Pennsylvania attraction has been named the No. 1 attraction not to be missed in the state.

AttractionsofAmerica.com has put together a list of the top attractions in the state. Additionally, they point out some of the attractions, stating, "History buffs can't skip a trip to Philadelphia to see where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where our country truly began. There is no shortage of things to do in Pennsylvania to suit all tastes and interests. You can head to small artistic towns to explore culture, history, and natural landscapes or visit larger cities for sports, museums, and nightlife."

If you're wondering, before we get to No. 1, the runner-up for the best attraction not to be missed in Pennsylvania is the Gettysburg National Military Park. "Artifacts and more are available for viewing at the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center," AttractionsofAmerica.com states. "Escorted tours of the Battlefield are recommended on a bus, or in your car with a guide. There are many events in the park and the museum."

So, what's No. 1? Read on. It's a familiar spot. If you've never been there before, now is your chance. Find the full list here. Is there another spot you think should be No. 1?

Pennsylvania's No. 1 attraction not to be missed

AttractionsofAmerica.com ranks Hersheypark as the No. 1 attraction not to be missed in Pennsylvania. "Although we all associate the name Hershey with candy, Hersheypark is even sweeter," they state. "Enjoy more than a dozen roller coasters, 20 kids rides, 65 other rides, and enticing activities. Take home a bit of the exhilarating day with you from the retail emporium. See shows and concerts."

About Hersheypark

Hersheypark is the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania, according to their official website. "Hersheypark® was originally created by Milton S. Hershey as leisure grounds for employees of Hershey's Chocolate Factory," they state. "Today, our family amusement park in Central Pennsylvania, complete with 15 thrilling roller coasters & a larger-than-life water park, welcomes guests from around the world to experience Hersheypark Happy® all year long!"

Bonus

Hersheypark really offers attractions year-round, so if you can't make it there in the summer, there's something for you. They have
Spring Weekends, Summer Season, Hersheypark Halloween and Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. The latter offers "festive family fun at our seasonal event" and "more than 5 million twinkling lights from the top of a coaster, visit Santa and all 9 of his reindeer and more!"

Steve Vassalotti is co-host of “The Matt Cord Show with Steve Vassalotti” weekday mornings 6a-10a on 102.9 WMGK. He has been with the station since 2015. For WMGK he writes about inane nonsense that surrounds our daily lives, sports, food and other various topics. Steve writes about Philadelphia lifestyle content, the Philadelphia Eagles culture and trending topics.