Other Sides of America: Pennsylvania and New Jersey Weekend Trips

Despite still being more spread out than most European countries, the northeast coast is the most condensed area of US.  With five major cities within a 450 mile stretch, there is a lot of life happening on and around the Atlantic coast.  Living in NYC is great, but to get a feel for the way most Americans live you need to take a trip out of the city.  Here are NY International’s summer recommendations for a weekend trip to some of Pennsylvania and New Jersey’s beautiful and historic places.  Every trip is under four hours and is accessible by car or public transportation.

Pennsylvania

Amish Country, Lancaster CountyLancaster County to many is famously known as "Amish Country." This is the most concentrated area in the world for Amish communities to live and farm. Lancaster is only about a 3-hour drive from NYC on the turnpike, but the rolling hills of farmland will feel like another world. The Amish are a protected religious community in America and they do not use any forms of electricity or modern conveniences like cars. Instead, they use gas-powered lights and appliances, and horse drawn carriages called buggies are used for transportation. Along Route 340, in Intercourse, PA, many quaint shops offer Amish made quilts, jams, pottery and information about the people. You can even try out a buggy ride for yourself, or dine at a family style restaurant serving typical Amish food. It’s the perfect place to experience a simpler side of life and breathe in some fresh country air. Bed and breakfasts dot the area, so you can easily make a weekend trip of it.Lancaster Country Tourism Site: http://www.padutchcountry.com/index.aspGettysburg National Park, GettysburgThough American history is young, it has a plethora of memorable events that contributed to creating the current nation. The battle of Gettysburg was an historic 3-day battle during the American Civil War.  Known as one of the bloodiest battles the nation has ever known, the battlefields remain open for walks and reflecting on America’s past. All of the fields are free to enter, and there is also a museum to help you learn more about what happened here. This year is an especially exciting time to go because it is the 150th anniversary of the battle. Many walking tours, bus tours, and war reenactments will be happening year round. Located a three-and-a-half hour drive from the city, Gettysburg is definitely an historic adventure any history buff would not want to miss. There is also plenty to see and do in the surrounding town. Visits to historic buildings, civil war trails, ghost tours, Indian Echo caverns, wineries, theaters and more can be found in the Gettysburg area.Gettysburg Tourism site: http://www.gettysburg.travel/New HopeAn hour and a half outside midtown Manhattan lies the quaint town of New Hope, Pennsylvania. Used during the 18th and 19th centuries as a ferry crossing, the town now is a popular spot for tourists with its independent art galleries and small shops. Visitors can have fun browsing the many types of shops selling handmade clothing, leather goods, antiques, used books, art galleries, and hand-made ice cream.New Hope lies between the scenic Delaware River and an historic towpath making it a relaxing place for a fun stroll and some people-watching. If you have children or adult train-lovers in your group, you may want to take a ride on the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad – a heritage railroad with working steam trains - which has a terminal stop in New Hope.New Hope Tourism Site: http://www.visitnewhope.com/PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia, the second most populous city on the East Coast and a place packed with US history is a mere two hours from central NYC. There’s plenty to do in Philadelphia no matter what type of activities strike your fancy.Visitors with children can enjoy the Philadelphia Zoo, which is America’s first zoo and home to over 1,500 animals. If you’re a fan of history, you’ll love visiting the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Liberty Bell, and the site of the first and second Continental Congresses. Art lovers can enjoy the Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the largest art museums in the country and famous for the massive staircase known as the "Rocky Steps" from the famous Rocky movies. For a day filled with world class art, visit the brand new Barnes Foundation and the Rodin Museum, which is dedicated to the works of Auguste Rodin and is the largest collection of his art outside Paris.While you’re there be sure to try out a Philly Cheese Steak, a local specialty. The locals are constantly arguing over where to find the best.Philadelphia Tourism Site: http://www.visitphilly.com/

New Jersey

PrincetonJust an hour and a half from midtown Manhattan is the scenic town of Princeton. Though it is best known for the university which was home to notable faculty members such as Albert Einstein and Woodrow Wilson, the town itself is a beautiful place to spend a relaxing afternoon.Founded in 1756, Princeton University campus is made up of buildings in a wide variety of architectural styles. While many of the buildings are private, visitors are free to wander the campus and view the beautiful buildings and sculptures. We especially recommend Princeton University Chapel as a gorgeous example of Gothic architecture. Its stained glass windows, stonework and wood carvings must be seen to be appreciated – visitors are welcomed inside provided no private services are being held.Just outside the university gates lies Nassau Street, the main street that runs through the town of Princeton. Along this street and its offshoots you will find many indoor and outdoor coffee shops and cafes, book stores, and boutiques - you’ll find it easy to spend an entire day here.For more information about Princeton, see their official tourism site:http://www.visitprinceton.org/Ocean GroveIf you enjoy small towns where you can take a leisurely stroll up and down the streets window shopping then Ocean Grove is for you. Founded in 1869 as a camp meeting site, this Victorian town is still filled with old houses, small independent shops and great views of the ocean which will change your idea of the “Jersey Shore.” Shops with antiques, hand-made goods and knick-knacks line Main Avenue along with cafes and restaurants with delicious cuisine. We especially recommend the milkshakes at Nagle’s Apothecary Cafe, a charming restaurant and ice cream shop inside a converted apothecary shop from the 1900s.The boardwalk which runs along the beach is a great place to go jogging or simply sit and watch the ocean. It’s worth noting that New Jersey beaches are almost all paid beaches – so be prepared for the $7 fee if you wish to swim between Memorial Day and Labor Day.Ocean Grove is also within walking distance of Asbury Park a town famous for its bars and music venues which have been the starting point in the careers of many musicians such as Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. This cute town is only an hour and fifteen minutes drive from midtown Manhattan down the Garden State Parkway.For more info about Ocean Grove, see their official tourism site: http://www.oceangrovenj.com/