When vacationers choose to visit Pennsylvania, they probably think of checking out its most famous sites, such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia or the battlefield memorials at Gettysburg National Military Park and Valley Forge National Historical Park.
Depending on the time of year, you can catch a Pittsburgh Pirates MLB game at PNC Park or a Philadelphia Eagles football contest at Lincoln Financial Field. The Keystone State also offers a collection of cultural venues, from theater to music and art—all that you want in a vacation.
Locum tenens opportunities are plentiful for clinicians in an array of specialties—from emergency medicine and neurology to medical oncology and psychiatry—throughout Pennsylvania.
As a locum tenens provider, however, you’re in a unique position to really experience the environment and not just cram in a bunch of tourist destinations. For example, an assignment in Pennsylvania offers you the opportunity to learn about the state in-depth, from the industries that drive the economy to its natural and beloved local treasures.
Factory Tours
Since the Colonial days, Pennsylvania has been a major manufacturing hub, most notably for iron and steel, but arts and crafts, textiles, and furniture, too. That tradition holds firm today in several cities, and you are invited to go behind the scenes.
Baseball fans can appreciate the quality craftsmanship that goes into each custom, handmade BWP bat, which entails a seven-step process. Take home a personalized laser-engraved bat as a souvenir.
C.F. Martin & Co./Martin Guitar in Nazareth
If you’re a musician or a music fan, set aside an afternoon to tour the company that’s been manufacturing guitars for 175 years. You’ll witness the rough lumber transform into an elegant acoustic instrument. Then, stop at the Martin Guitar Museum, featuring a gallery of its famous customers.
Susquehanna Glass Factory in Columbia
This is where old-world artisanship meets high-tech applications. Skilled artists use hand-cutting, sand-etching, laser-etching, and even color screening to apply details, from the most basic to highly intricate, onto glass as well as metal, wood, acrylic, and leather items.
Railroads
While the most famous steelers in the state these days wear gold-and-black jerseys, it was names like Carnegie Steel Company, U.S. Steel Corp., and Bethlehem Steel that constructed an influential chapter in Pennsylvania’s history, partially for supplying materials to build the nation’s railroads and locomotives. So it’s no wonder that modern Pennsylvanians are proud to show off their train traditions.
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg
Check out exhibits that reveal the world of railroads, including artwork and photography inspired by the rails, demonstrations of upscale dining, and depictions of the critical role trains played during the Civil War.
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe
If you’d rather be a passenger than an observer, climb aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. The 16-mile trek takes you deep into the state park, past steep cliffs and mountains, and through dense woods.
Johnstown Inclined Plane in Johnstown
Designed and built in 1889, this vertical lift was intended to provide residents a means out of town in the event of a flood, which is exactly how it was used in 1936 and again in 1977. Nowadays, visitors can experience the steepest vehicular incline in the world.
Road Trips
Point the car in any direction and you’re bound to find an enjoyable road adventure in Pennsylvania. If you prefer to follow a mapped-out route, then sign up for one of these road tours.
Keystone Country: Dutch Country Roads
Three days/three nights
This trip is based on agritourism, which brings you closer to foods’ origins. The exploration covers multiple farming practices, from the traditional Amish methods up to state-of-the-art technology. Of course, be sure to sample the fresh food along the way.
Trails Mix: Laurel Highlands
Two days/two nights
For hikers, there are a variety of trails available in this tour. For those looking for an escape and pampering, make an appointment at a spa or wellness center. Couples may want to book a room at a romantic B&B, inn, or cottage. Whatever your reason for taking this excursion, you must tour the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater house, one of three in the area designed by the famous architect.
If you think we forgot a Pennsylvania must-see, let us know with a comment below.
