Something Unique In Your Neck of the Woods

Montgomery County is a wonderful area of Pennsylvania, full of history and natural beauty. Montco is located just north of Philadelphia, and is a great mix of suburban neighborhoods and open farmland. Adjacent to Valley Forge National Historical Park, prominent historical sites are located throughout the area. Whether you are looking for rich American history, a walk with spectacular views of Perkiomen Creek, or a delicious craft beer, Montco has you covered.

Cumberland County is rich in our nation’s history. Right from the birth of our nation, this county has been at the forefront. Historic battles, a war college, a full-on army heritage center, this county has got it all! For those looking for something calmer, you’re covered too!

With many hiking trails, a museum dedicated especially to hiking (the only one in the whole country), and even a water trail, this county has got a little something for everybody. Let’s jump in!

Born of the dream, William Penn had to create a community that would be free from religious persecution -- Chester County came to be. Nearly 300 years beyond the beginning of this grand experiment, Chester County continues to thrive, consistently at the top of the list for best counties to call home across the entire United States. 

York County, quiet and peaceful, with a mild climate and rich soil farmed by the Pennsylvania Dutch for generations, is perhaps most well known for serving as the initial capital of the United States while the Continental Congress met there from 1777 to 1778. 

More recently, the county is famous for being home to both the York Barbell Company as well as the USA Weightlifting Hall of Fame. In this article, we will go over many exciting locations that really show why this county is seen as so buff!

Northampton County, Pennsylvania sits snug between Allentown and the Delaware River. With half of Bethlehem in its boundaries, along with county-seat Easton, this Lehigh Valley gem has quite a history.

Let’s take a closer look at Easton and Bethlehem. There are many other towns dotted through-out Northampton County, but you’d be amiss to overlook these two behemoths that account for a large portion of the population. 

When art and history come to mind, Pennsylvania is likely to be absent from your thoughts, unless you’re a historian or Pennsylvania native. However, those who are unaware of PA Dutch folk art are missing quite an elegant piece of American history. Many museums around the country feature various pieces of Dutch folk art. Furthermore, as you drive through Pennsylvania, you can still find famous Dutch folk art used on barns, storefronts, signs, and more!

Unless you know what to look for, you may miss a fascinating part of Pennsylvania as you drive through the state. There are three main things to know about PA Dutch folk art—fraktur, distelfink, and hex signs.

Did you know that Dauphin is the title given to the heir of the throne in France? This phrase started in use back in 1350! It’s changed a bit over time, but it stayed that way for almost 500 years.

Back in 1781, Louis Joseph Xavier François, wore that title. He was the son of Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI. Sadly, he died as a little boy in 1789 from tuberculosis. It was in 1785 that Harrisburg began using the name of Dauphin County to thank France after the war with Great Britain for American’s Independence.

Through the years, it’s had shifting names for short periods as people moved through the area. Today, the intact records show that the Dutch West India Company bought the land in 1633 and used the name Schuylkill River. It’s since stuck. It translates to many things, but “sheltered creek” follows the Dutch translation.

When people think of Lehigh County, it’s hard not to include the entire Lehigh Valley area into the mix. On the eastern side of Pennsylvania, Lehigh County calls Allentown its county seat. That is “the” Allentown that Billy Joel sang about.

What was the Temperance Movement? When did it take place? And what is a Temperance Fountain? We’ll look at how Pennsylvania experienced its own Temperance Movement and what it entailed. Keep reading to learn more.

Lebanon County offers plenty to see and do if you’re coming for a visit, but if you’ve never been here, the name may still ring familiar. Lebanon County is home to the popular Lebanon Bologna that you can find in delis nationwide. Is it bologna or salami? Maybe a little bit of both. Seltzer’s Lebanon Bologna is a staple in the Pennsylvania Dutch community, and its amazing flavor made it a favorite among deli meat lovers.

Whether you are looking to take a step back in time or enjoy a great local meal, Berks County has you covered. Located about an hour outside of Philadelphia, Berks County is the perfect destination to explore the history of the region. With several restored historical sites offering tours and demonstrations, it is easy to get lost in time. 

Named after the English county of Berkshire, Berks County rivals its namesake in natural beauty. There are ample trails and green spaces to explore. When you finish wandering through the natural world, Reading, the county seat, is a great destination for modern cultural events and delicious bites.