Pennsylvania, nicknamed the "Keystone State," has mountains for hiking and skiing, lakes for fishing and water sports, and acres of golf courses and resorts. However, it also has two large cities to explore, many historical towns and battlegrounds and a unique Pennsylvania Dutch community.

Pittsburgh
The triangular shape of downtown Pittsburgh is carved out by the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers converging to form the Ohio River. Life in Pittsburgh is based around its waterfront and it has been called the “City of Bridges,” and the “Steel City,” for its former steel manufacturing base. Pittsburgh is wonderfully diverse with five main districts that each offers something unique.

The downtown “Strip” district is an eclectic community known for its wholesale produce and seafood markets, restaurants and bars. A “must do” while in Pittsburgh is to taste the “Almost Famous Primanti Brothers Sandwich.” Primanti Brothers Restaurant has been a Pittsburgh institution since the 1930’s when Joe Primanti sold sandwiches to truckers and dockworkers from a little cart. There are many variations now, but the original consists of Italian bread, meat, eggs, provolone cheese, tomatoes and onions grilled and topped off with coleslaw and french fries on top of the sandwich.

Head over to Mullaney’s Harp and Fiddle Irish Pub to wash down the sandwich with a pint of Guinness and some Celtic music.

A fun night could include watching the Pittsburgh Penguins play hockey at Mellon Arena downtown, but if you want to sound like a local, call it “the igloo.”

The north side is where you can check out a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game at PNC Park or a Steelers football game at Heinz Field. Visit the historic deutschtown section that has been home to authentic German breweries since 1848. The Pennsylvania Brewing Company and Frank and Jerry’s Bier Haus are two that feature only Pennsylvania breweries on tap.

Andy Warhol grew up in Pittsburgh and was one of the most influential American artists of the 20th century. In 1994, the Andy Warhol Museum opened on the north side and it features an extensive collection of contemporary art and popular culture including his famous paintings of Campbell’s soup cans and Marilyn Monroe.

The West End is known as a business, arts and antiques district. Take the incline railway 400 feet up the Appalachian hills to the top of Mount Washington and enjoy the view of the city below you.

The East End is home to the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, as well as some very expensive neighborhoods.

The South side has become quite trendy with many art galleries, bars and restaurants to enjoy. Be sure to visit the Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History. Unearth fossils and witness prehistoric creatures being prepared for the exhibit, “Dinosaurs in their time.” In the Ancient Egypt exhibit, you can crawl through a replica tomb or use computers to learn about the Nile, pyramids and modern Egypt.

Philadelphia
Three-hundred miles east of Pittsburgh sits Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania. Founded by William Penn and fellow Quakers in the late 1600’s, it is called the “City of Brotherly Love.” Downtown Philly is referred to as “center city” and most places that you will want to visit are within walking distance of each other. Take the 90-minute tour of City Hall, the city’s highest structure until 1987, and note the 37-foot bronze statue of William Penn towering above.

Old City is the name for the area around Independence Hall, which has been called America’s most historic square mile. Visit the Assembly Room where the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights were written and signed. Then see Congress Hall where Presidential inaugurations were held for George Washington and John Adams. Arrive in the morning or buy your tickets online ahead of time.

Liberty Bell Center houses the actual Liberty Bell and has larger than life historic documents and graphic images that explore the facts and myths about the famous bell. Did you know that the Liberty Bell is twelve feet in circumference around the lip with a 44-pound clapper that cracked the bell on its first use in 1753?

In Old City you can also mail postcards home from Ben Franklin’s Post Office and stop by the Betsy Ross House. Learn about the first “Stars and Stripes,” life in the Continental Army and join in story time with Betsy.

Hungry? Try the City Tavern for Martha Washington’s turkey pot pie or Thomas Jefferson’s sweet potato biscuits.

Penn’s Landing is east of old City and nestled along the Delaware River. In warm weather you can enjoy open-air clubs and outdoor festivals and concerts. The view of the skyline and the Ben Franklin and Walt Whitman bridges makes it a favorite place to watch fireworks. The Independence Seaport Museum houses maritime history and you can tour an historic submarine and a sailing vessel. Take the ferry to the Adventure Aquarium and walk on the Battleship New Jersey.

In and around center city are Chinatown and the fashionable Rittenhouse Square, with its quiet, shaded streets and upscale cafes. Visit Reading Terminal Market, one of the country’s oldest public farmer’s markets. Try everything from traditional Pennsylvania Dutch fare to soul food to Philly Cheesesteaks.

If you want to engage in a Philly cheesesteak taste test, travel to south Philly, known for its rich Italian history and great dining. On the south corner of Passyunk Avenue is “Pat’s King of Steaks,” its one and only location since Pat Olivieri opened his restaurant in 1930. The original cheesesteak has coarsely chopped beef topped with gooey cheez wiz and onions. “Geno’s Steaks” is on the north corner across from Pat’s. Both places are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and there is always a line. To avoid problems, practice ordering ahead of time, like “one wiz, with” would get you one cheesesteak with cheez-wiz and fried onions.

Next, enjoy a tree-lined walk down the Avenue of the Arts with its many fine museums, including The Philadelphia Museum of Art which houses a vast collection of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts. Do your best Rocky impression by running up the famous art museum steps and pose for a picture next to the larger than life bronze Rocky statue.

West Philadelphia is across the Schuylkill River and home to the University of Pennsylvania and six other major colleges. The famed Boathouse Row is a vision at night with its ten Victorian boathouses lit like ginger bread houses and reflecting onto the river before them.

Professional sports in Philadelphia include the Phillies, 2008 World Series Champions, the Eagles, the Flyers and the Sixers.

Family Amusement Parks
When it comes to family travel, Pennsylvania is very appealing with 12 amusement parks, 6 water parks and 11 zoos across the state. One unique destination is Hershey Park in south central PA. The entire town smells like chocolate because the world famous candy bars are manufactured here. Watch the 3-D show and take the Great American Chocolate Tour Ride through the factory to learn how cocoa beans are transformed into Hershey bars, kisses and chocolate syrup. Dare yourself to ride one of 11 roller coasters or water rides and visit the 11-acre Zoo America. Make time to try the Hershey’s ice cream, truffles or a chocolate martini at Hotel Hershey.

Another one-of-a-kind stop is Sesame Place, located 30 minutes north of Philadelphia. Your little ones will be thrilled to see the re-creation of the classic TV show set complete with all of their favorite characters. Be sure to experience the Rock Around the Block Parade and Elmo’s World. Coming in the spring is the Count’s Splash Castle, an interactive water playground.

Kennywood is 10 miles south of Pittsburgh and was ranked second to Cedar Point as America’s favorite park. There are three old wooden coasters and plenty of new ones including the 251’ high “Pitfall.” Kennywood is also famous for its fresh cut French fries at the Potato Patch Stand and of their homemade fudge.

Dorney Park in Allentown gets rave reviews for its great coasters ranging from a 1923 wood coaster to a brand new floorless version.

Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster is fun for the 12 and under set. Children will enjoy interactive water play, Duke the purple dragon and story time with the Princess.

The Poconos
The Pocono Mountains in northeastern PA are known for their scenic beauty, historical towns and luxurious resorts. Couples have been honeymooning there for decades and enjoying champagne glass whirlpool baths and top of the line entertainment.

Bushkill Falls has been called the Niagara of Pennsylvania due to its eight different waterfalls with 100’ drops. There are also over 150 sparkling lakes nestled among the forests with a network of trails and bridges. Water sports, fishing and hiking are popular activities all spring and summer with the leaves bursting with brilliant colors in the fall. The Lehigh River is a great introduction to white water rafting and winter skiing is popular at Big Boulder and Camelback.

A trip to the Pocono Raceway for stock car racing is a great experience. You can even take your turn driving or riding on the longest straightaways at this NASCAR sanctioned super speedway.

Pennsylvania Dutch Country
Ride in an Amish horse and buggy on country roads and through covered bridges as you experience the peaceful, slower lifestyle of the Pennsylvania Dutch in south central PA. Visit an Amish farm and learn about the blacksmith’s trade, the one room schoolhouse and operating a smokehouse. Food specialties include molasses shoo fly pie and whoopee pies which are sometimes called “Gobs.” The Amish style root beer, cheeses, jams and jellies are also worth trying.

Places of interest include the People’s Place quilt Museum, the National Toy Train Museum built like a historic train station and the National Watch and Clock Museum with over 12,000 items. Take a free tour and learn how to twist a pretzel at the Intercourse Pretzel Factory.

Gettysburg 
More than 51,000 men died in three days in the town of Gettysburg in 1863 during one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Today, much of Gettysburg has been restored to resemble an 1860’s town with residents dressed in period costumes. Watch the informative movie at the visitors’ center before viewing the battlefield, military park and cemetery. You can even travel around the battlefield on horseback for a more authentic perspective. See where Abraham Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of Soldiers National Cemetery and learn why it is one of the most quoted speeches in US history.

For a little extra excitement, take a candlelight ghost walk tour and actually go into the attics and basements of some of the Civil War era homes.

Broaden your horizons by experiencing the sights, sounds and tastes of Pennsylvania’s mountains, valleys, parks and cities. Not only will you have fun, you’ll learn a lot along the way!

Colleen D’Angelo is a contributing writer for CityScene.