Ever find yourself in a rut of knowing precisely what to do each weekend? Pennsylvania offers a pleasant departure with its blend of natural scenery, history, and craft beer that’ll turn your ordinary weekend into an adventure you’ll be regaling friends with for years to come. You need not create master itineraries to have a blast, just the willingness to find out what’s in your area and a palate for quality local brew.
Trails and Ales: Pennsylvania’s Natural Beauty
Pennsylvania geography provides the perfect environment for the convergence of outdoor exploration and a craft beer experience. The trails at the Laurel Highlands have over 70 miles of scenic walking trails on which you’ll discover breathtaking views that perfectly complement the robust flavors available at adjacent Fury Brewing. Their hoppy IPA is different-tasting after you’ve completed a challenging trail.
But don’t just stop there. The Delaware Water Gap region combines kayaking with microbreweries like ShawneeCraft, where you get to sample riverside-spurred ales made with locally grown ingredients. Combining physical activity with craft beverages is what locals call the “earned sip”, that initial great sip after exposing yourself to nature.
Historical Haunts and Hoppy Havens
Pennsylvania’s history goes beyond the Liberty Bell. In Gettysburg, follow the sacred battlefields before coming back to Appalachian Brewing Company, a 100-year-old building with its own share of history. The contrast between historical contemplation and contemporary brewing innovation yields a distinctly Gettysburg experience.
Lancaster County provides a new twist with Amish heritage sites augmented by unplanned craft brewery stops. Who would imagine that a hotbed of conservative values would offer ground for cutting-edge breweries like St. Boniface, where traditional brewing techniques meet contemporary taste? This tension between preserving and innovating best represents Pennsylvania’s unique personality.
Modern Entertainment: From Digital Diversions to Drinking Destinations
While Pennsylvania honors its heritage, it embraces modern entertainment with equal enthusiasm. Philadelphia’s Barcade mixes retro arcade games with craft beers for old-fashioned, but state-of-the-art, experiences. But the entertainment culture extends beyond physical venues.
Many tourists now incorporate virtual entertainment in their weekend activities, especially during Pennsylvania’s erratic climate seasons. Online gaming has advanced significantly, with websites more and more offering cryptocurrency for payments. Many people feel like incorporating this new method into their entertainment programs. For these types of leisure time experiences, a list of platforms offers secure options for crypto transactions.
The push for digital convenience has not removed direct experiences, though. Breweries like Victory have responded by creating engaging taproom experiences with gaming elements, blending the physical and digital worlds around great craft beer.
Events and Brews Throughout the Year
Pennsylvania’s seasons dramatically affect weekend possibilities. Autumn brings in harvest festivals accompanied by the perfect pairing of pumpkin ales and Oktoberfest celebrations. Winter focuses on holiday festivals in city locales like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, as warming stouts and porters from Southern Tier and Troegs complement the holiday atmosphere.
Spring comes to life with flower festivals and outdoor concerts where wheat beers and session IPAs by Weyerbacher and Yards complement the season of rebirth. Summer culminates with nearly 45% of the breweries releasing seasonal specialties that capture summer flavors.
Planning Your Perfect PA Weekend
Designing your dream Pennsylvania weekend is about finding a balance between spontaneity and utilitarian planning. The majority of breweries close somewhere between 10-11 PM, so organize your day based on finishing up at your planned imbibing location. Accommodation proximity counts, roughly 35% of Pennsylvania breweries now have an agreement with nearby B&Bs to provide package rates.
Transportation is also crucial. Brew Hop and similar companies offer special brewery tours with assigned drivers, minimizing safety concerns. And if you have more than one destination to visit, the Craft Beer Trail App will optimize your route and monitor your favorites.
Ready to rock your weekends? Pennsylvania’s hidden surprises and craft landmarks are waiting to be found by you. Need to hike a mountain before tasting IPAs, or shop electronic fun between brew visits? Either way, you’ll find Pennsylvania weekends to perfectly blend adventure with relaxation. What are you waiting for? Your weekend to reminisce is closer than you know.
