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Pennsylvania Has One of America’s Best Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences

How many times have you heard the term “once-in-a-lifetime experience?” Probably many times. You usually hear this term when it comes to amazing events or vacation destinations. For example, you…

Map of Pennsylvania

Map of Pennsylvania

Getty Images/BonneChance

How many times have you heard the term "once-in-a-lifetime experience?" Probably many times. You usually hear this term when it comes to amazing events or vacation destinations. For example, you might hear it in an advertisement for a paradise getaway, claiming this is your chance to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Well, what's cool is that you don't have to go far to experience such fun. That's because Pennsylvania has one of America's best once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Cheapoticketing.com has put together a list of America's best "once-in-a-lifetime" experiences in sports. They ranked a whopping 180 experiences. "What's the ultimate sports experience on every fan's bucket list? CheapoTicketing.com sought to find that out," they write. "We surveyed 3,000 sports fans to ask them which U.S. sports team they would most like to watch live at least once in their lifetimes." They released a special infographic with those top picks.

Before we get to Pennsylvania, let's look at the top once-in-a-lifetime experiences. No. 1 is going to a Boston Red Sox game. Who would have thought? "The Boston Red Sox, with their rich history and iconic Fenway Park, represent much more than just a baseball team," Cheapoticketing.com writes. No. 2 is going to a Green Bay Packers game. "Nestled in the small town of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Lambeau Field stands as a beacon of football purity," they write.

Pennsylvania Has One of America's Best Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences

So, what's the America's best once-in-a-lifetime experience in Pennsylvania? It's going to a Philadelphia Phillies game. That totally makes sense. I would have put going to an Eagles game higher, but it's not on the list. Going to a Steelers game is No. 14. Urgh. Also, seeing the Philadelphia Flyers is No. 23. Going to a Pittsburgh Penguins is No. 77. Find the full list of America's best once-in-a-lifetime experiences via CheapoTicketing.com here.

No matter the season, Pennsylvania is a fantastic place for travel. There's so much history in this great state. Of course, people come from all over the world to enjoy Pennsylvania's historical sites and attractions. But, even those living in Pennsylvania should take the time to enjoy a vacation at home and venture to an area that they've never been before. This state truly has some magical Pennsylvania places to visit this season, or any season.

Before I get into the list of the 10 magical Pennsylvania places to visit, I want to highlight one favorite spot. As a chocolate lover, I have to say that Hershey is one of the best tourist spots in the area. Hersey is known for its family-friendly attractions, but adults can enjoy what the area has to offer, too. I mean, who doesn't love chocolate?

If you're heading to Hersey, one must-visit spot is Hersheypark. This is a massive amusement park. It offers 121 acres of outdoor attractions, including full-sized coasters, mellow family rides and an exciting waterpark. The park offers more than a dozen coasters, giving thrill-seekers plenty of options. Other attractions include the Lazy River or seeing a show at the Hersheypark Stadium, GIANT Center and Hershey Theatre. Some of the recent shows that have traveled through Hersheypark over the past few years include Lady Gaga, Five Finger Death Punch and "The Book of Mormon," so a wide variety of entertainment options. Also, for adults vacationing in Hersheypark, beverage and beer carts are available in the park, as well as some restaurants to stop off and get a brew.

But, let's get into the rest of Pennsylvania. Read on for 10 magical Pennsylvania places to visit this season, or any season. Whether you live in the Keystone State or far from it, this list will give you some good ideas of vacation spots, if you want to be in the state. Have more travel destinations for the list? Reach out to me, and find other great Pennsylvania vacation picks here.

10 Magical Pennsylvania Places to Visit

Hickory Run State Park

Hickory Run State Park is about an hour and 40 minutes from Philadelphia and four and a half hours from Pittsburgh. It's a beautiful spot with two lakes, a boulder field and more than 40 miles of hiking trails. That's not to mention the gorgeous waterfalls.

Gettysburg

If you're looking for a tourist haven in Pennsylvania, look no further than Gettysburg. There's obviously so much history here. During the Halloween season, this is a great choice, because they offer a ghost tour. The tour is available year-round, but it's extra perfect around Halloween. Of course, visitors can tour the roughly 6,000-acre Gettysburg National Military Park and more.

Hershey

Hershey is often called "The Sweetest Place on Earth." Of course, it's the home of Hershey's Chocolate. Here, you'll find Hershey's Chocolate World, tour of the facility to watch how Hershey's chocolate and candy are made and more. I want some chocolate right now.

The Poconos

The Poconos offer a great adventure for anyone in the area. This mountain range is located in northeastern Pennsylvania. It features several state parks packed with waterfalls, forests, lakes and streams, so it's a truly magical place. It's also great for hiking, swimming, camping and horse riding.

Allegheny National Forest

Allegheny National Forest is actually Pennsylvania's only national forest. Anyone who loves the outdoors would likely take in this spot, with more than 500,000 acres of pure forest. The forest also has a reservoir for fishing, windsurfing and water skiing and more water fun. It's really the perfect, remote getaway.

Hyner View State Park

If you want social media-worthy images, then Hyner View State Park is for you. Stationed in north-central Pennsylvania, this quaint park overlooks the Susquehanna River and offers a gorgeous, complete view of the river and surrounding mountains. It's a choice spot for hang gliding, too.

Lake Wallenpaupack

If water is your thing, then try visiting Lake Wallenpaupack during the warm months. What's crazy is that this is actually a man-made lake. It's huge and one of the largest in the state, at about 5,700 acres. Some things to do there in the summer include water skiing, swimming, boating, kayaking and more. Oh, and don't forget camping, which is big around these parts.

Philadelphia

Be a tourist in your own town and visit Philadelphia this season. Philly is one of America's favorite tourist destinations. It offers the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and many other historical landmarks. Philadelphia also has an award-winning Zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo, and countless museums. There's lots to do in Philly no matter the season.

Pittsburgh

On the west side of the state, you'll find Pittsburgh, which offers lots of travel fun. While it might not be considered quite as big a travel destination and Philly, it's getting there. One big draw is the Andy Warhol Museum, which offers a huge collection of the late pop-art great's work. Oh, and if you're feeling daring, try the Duquesne Incline, which takes riders to the top of Mount Washington.

Leonard Harrison State Park

The Leonard Harrison State Park offers an incredible view of the PA Grand Canyon, often called the Pine Creek Gorge. What's extra special is that Leonard Harrison State Park offers a food truck concession during the summertime, so it's easy and fun to get some local grub while you're enjoying the nature.

10 Magical Pennsylvania Places to Visit

No matter the season, Pennsylvania is a fantastic place for travel. There's so much history in this great state. Of course, people come from all over the world to enjoy Pennsylvania's historical sites and attractions. But, even those living in Pennsylvania should take the time to enjoy a vacation at home and venture to an area that they've never been before. This state truly has some magical Pennsylvania places to visit this season, or any season.

Before I get into the list of the 10 magical Pennsylvania places to visit, I want to highlight one favorite spot. As a chocolate lover, I have to say that Hershey is one of the best tourist spots in the area. Hersey is known for its family-friendly attractions, but adults can enjoy what the area has to offer, too. I mean, who doesn't love chocolate?

If you're heading to Hersey, one must-visit spot is Hersheypark. This is a massive amusement park. It offers 121 acres of outdoor attractions, including full-sized coasters, mellow family rides and an exciting waterpark. The park offers more than a dozen coasters, giving thrill-seekers plenty of options. Other attractions include the Lazy River or seeing a show at the Hersheypark Stadium, GIANT Center and Hershey Theatre. Some of the recent shows that have traveled through Hersheypark over the past few years include Lady Gaga, Five Finger Death Punch and "The Book of Mormon," so a wide variety of entertainment options. Also, for adults vacationing in Hersheypark, beverage and beer carts are available in the park, as well as some restaurants to stop off and get a brew.

But, let's get into the rest of Pennsylvania. Read on for 10 magical Pennsylvania places to visit this season, or any season. Whether you live in the Keystone State or far from it, this list will give you some good ideas of vacation spots, if you want to be in the state. Have more travel destinations for the list? Reach out to me, and find other great Pennsylvania vacation picks here.

10 Magical Pennsylvania Places to Visit

Hickory Run State Park

Hickory Run State Park is about an hour and 40 minutes from Philadelphia and four and a half hours from Pittsburgh. It's a beautiful spot with two lakes, a boulder field and more than 40 miles of hiking trails. That's not to mention the gorgeous waterfalls.

Gettysburg

If you're looking for a tourist haven in Pennsylvania, look no further than Gettysburg. There's obviously so much history here. During the Halloween season, this is a great choice, because they offer a ghost tour. The tour is available year-round, but it's extra perfect around Halloween. Of course, visitors can tour the roughly 6,000-acre Gettysburg National Military Park and more.

Hershey

Hershey is often called "The Sweetest Place on Earth." Of course, it's the home of Hershey's Chocolate. Here, you'll find Hershey's Chocolate World, tour of the facility to watch how Hershey's chocolate and candy are made and more. I want some chocolate right now.

The Poconos

The Poconos offer a great adventure for anyone in the area. This mountain range is located in northeastern Pennsylvania. It features several state parks packed with waterfalls, forests, lakes and streams, so it's a truly magical place. It's also great for hiking, swimming, camping and horse riding.

Allegheny National Forest

Allegheny National Forest is actually Pennsylvania's only national forest. Anyone who loves the outdoors would likely take in this spot, with more than 500,000 acres of pure forest. The forest also has a reservoir for fishing, windsurfing and water skiing and more water fun. It's really the perfect, remote getaway.

Hyner View State Park

If you want social media-worthy images, then Hyner View State Park is for you. Stationed in north-central Pennsylvania, this quaint park overlooks the Susquehanna River and offers a gorgeous, complete view of the river and surrounding mountains. It's a choice spot for hang gliding, too.

Lake Wallenpaupack

If water is your thing, then try visiting Lake Wallenpaupack during the warm months. What's crazy is that this is actually a man-made lake. It's huge and one of the largest in the state, at about 5,700 acres. Some things to do there in the summer include water skiing, swimming, boating, kayaking and more. Oh, and don't forget camping, which is big around these parts.

Philadelphia

Be a tourist in your own town and visit Philadelphia this season. Philly is one of America's favorite tourist destinations. It offers the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and many other historical landmarks. Philadelphia also has an award-winning Zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo, and countless museums. There's lots to do in Philly no matter the season.

Pittsburgh

On the west side of the state, you'll find Pittsburgh, which offers lots of travel fun. While it might not be considered quite as big a travel destination and Philly, it's getting there. One big draw is the Andy Warhol Museum, which offers a huge collection of the late pop-art great's work. Oh, and if you're feeling daring, try the Duquesne Incline, which takes riders to the top of Mount Washington.

Leonard Harrison State Park

The Leonard Harrison State Park offers an incredible view of the PA Grand Canyon, often called the Pine Creek Gorge. What's extra special is that Leonard Harrison State Park offers a food truck concession during the summertime, so it's easy and fun to get some local grub while you're enjoying the nature.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.