Who said the only way to enjoy a vacation is to spend a small fortune on flights and a hotel? Sometimes, the best ways to relax and have fun are right in your backyard. Pennsylvania is full of nationally acclaimed craft breweries, mouthwatering local eats, and unique entertainment options that make it a perfect staycation destination. Whether you’re a beer lover, a foodie, someone looking to unwind, or any combination, here are some tips on how to plan the ultimate PA staycation.
Visit a Local Brewery
Pennsylvania is home to some of the best craft breweries in the country, with plenty of options offering unique experiences that cater to a wide variety of beer lovers. Depending on where you are in PA, here are a few of the most highly recommended spots:
• Philadelphia Area: Victory Brewing Company (Downingtown), Yards Brewing Co. (Philadelphia)
• Pittsburgh Area: Dancing Gnome Brewery (Sharpsburg), Brew Gentlemen (Braddock)
• Central PA: Troegs Independent Brewing (Hershey), Rusty Rail Brewing (Mifflinburg)
• Eastern PA: Weyerbacher Brewing (Easton), Funk Brewing (Emmaus)
If you’re looking to stay true to the meaning of a staycation, you can always pick up or order in a variety pack from a local brewery and set up a private beer tasting at home. Grab some tasting glasses, jot down notes on flavors, and rank your favorites to bring the taproom experience to your living room.
Indulge in PA’s Best Local Eats
A staycation is a time to indulge, a time to say goodbye to the boring weekday meal prep of chicken and rice. Luckily for you, Pennsylvania is home to some of the best comfort classics. Whether you feel like ordering in or eating out, you have plenty of options when it comes to enjoying some of the state’s most iconic dishes like:
• Philly Cheesesteak: Pat’s, Geno’s, or your favorite local spot
• Pittsburgh’s Primanti Bros. Sandwich: Fries inside the sandwich? Absolutely.
• PA Dutch Soft Pretzels & Whoopie Pies: A Lancaster County specialty
• Scrapple: Not for the faint of heart, but a true Pennsylvania staple
• Pierogies: A must-try in Pittsburgh’s Polish Hill neighborhood
If you feel like chefing it up in the kitchen, grab some local seasonal ingredients from a nearby farmers’ market to whip up a truly PA-inspired meal. Bonus points for pairing it with a local craft beer from your earlier brewery tour!
Bring the Entertainment Home
A staycation is all about relaxing and enjoying yourself, and what better way than on the sofa with your feet kicked up? For a real PA feel, load up a classic movie like Rocky or stream a season of ‘It’s Always Sunny’ for some laughs. If you want to unplug during your staycation, head out to the yard and fire up a backyard bonfire with friends, or dive into some friendly competition with classic board games.
For those who enjoy a little extra indulgence, Pennsylvania also offers a fully legal online gaming scene that can be enjoyed from anywhere in the state. Anyone over the age of 21 can unwind with any of the PA online casinos, where they can play everything from slots to live dealer blackjack without leaving home. Doesn’t matter if you’re playing for fun or trying your luck, it’s an easy way to bring a bit of Vegas-style thrill to your staycation.
Explore the Outdoors (Without Going Too Far)
For the more outdoorsy staycationers, Pennsylvania’s natural beauty is not to be slept on. Take a scenic drive through the Pocono Mountains, hike a trail in Ricketts Glen State Park, or have a picnic at Presque Isle along Lake Erie. If you’re near a river or lake, consider kayaking or paddleboarding for a little outdoor adventure in the warmer summer months.
For a more laid-back option, grab a blanket, pour yourself a local beer, and enjoy a sunset from your backyard or balcony. Sometimes, the simplest moments make the best memories.
Stay Local, Stay Inspired
A Pennsylvania staycation doesn’t have to mean sacrificing fun or adventure, it means getting creative with what’s already around you. With top-notch breweries, a never-ending list of iconic food joints, and plenty of entertainment options, you can turn a weekend at home into one you’ll never forget. So, leave your passport at home, grab a cold one, support local businesses, and enjoy everything the Keystone State has to offer.