We made friends with a wonderful couple on a cruise a few years ago and have not been able to get together on another vacation since. So when we were invited to join them at their home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, it seemed like it would be a nice break. Though it ended up hotter than home, we found Lancaster to be a lovely and relaxing vacation spot. We flew into Philadelphia, which is not recommended – ... Read More

From the Q&A mailbox:
Question: Kim asks, We are considering a road trip from Detroit to Philadelphia for a summer vacation. We are a family of 4 with two boys ages 13 and 11. Is there enough to do in Philly for the kids aside from all of the history stuff? Any suggestions on where we could stop midpoint for a day or two to break up the trip? Thanks.
Answer: (from the AAA account manager for the area, Matt Lyle): Hi, Kim! Besides all the 'history stuff,' there is plenty for your family to do in Philadelphia. ... Read More

For a half-century the Three Rivers Art Festival has been entertaining Pittsburghers, who eagerly await its return to Point State Park from June 4-13. Attendees can take in the arts and crafts displays and enjoy the heavenly aromas wafting through the air, courtesy of the enormous number of food vendors hawking everything from cheesecake on a stick to gyros. ... Read More

Question: Megan asks, Do you have any tips for visiting and staying near Hersheypark in Pennsylvania?

Answer: Matt Lyle, AAA account manager, has been visiting Hershey for 13 years and says:
• When you get to town, roll down your windows… the town smells like chocolate.... Read More

  
I managed to fit a lot into a weekend in Philly, so with apologies to Bruce Springsteen for that headline, here's the rundown:

Our culinary adventures started, of course, with a cheesesteak at Cosmi's deli on South 8th Street. We walked into the store and I could sense immediately that this was the real deal.... Read More

It was a beautiful day in Philly. I was on a travel writing assignment and pounding the pavement in Center City looking for some lunch. At the corner of 13th and Sansom, my travel companion grabbed my arm and shouted “Look!”

I was a little puzzled as I scanned the four corners of the intersection. Then I saw it. A whimsical sign above a storefront said “Capogiro,” but it was the... Read More

There is something otherworldly about Gettysburg National Military Park in the early morning - the mist creeping across grassy swales and over split rail fences, softening the harsh outlines of cannon and monuments to heroes and fallen. Morning doesn’t do justice to what happened there. You need to see the battlefield in full daylight to really appreciate what it must have been like those first three days of July 1863.

The best advice I got before I visited the park was to make the new Visitors Center my first stop and to purchase a... Read More

Exploring Philadelphia’s Center City neighborhood on a travel writing assignment, I stumbled upon a cozy little pub on the corner of 16th and Spruce. It exuded friendliness, with an old-fashioned awning, inviting red door and patrons sitting at window tables happily nursing their drinks, watching the world go by. Monk’s Belgian Café and Beer Emporium beckoned, and I decided to take the bait. (Of course, it helped that Monk’s was listed in my... Read More

Question:  Pete asks:  We're planning a one-day trip from New Jersey to Lancaster, PA.  We would appreciate any tips and advice regarding places to visit, routes to take (particularly scenic back roads that can take us through some Amish towns) and places for authentic local Dutch cuisine.  Right now we're looking at an itinerary of small towns in PA: New Holland, Intercourse, Bird-in-Hand, Strasburg, Lampeter, Willow Street, and Lancaster.

Answer:  Amy Dickerman and Deb Pohner, travel planners at the AAA office in Lititz, Penn.... Read More

     Pittsburghers in the know head to the city’s South Side when they’re in the mood for some great bar food, a frosty pint of beer or a shopping expedition. Since I was in town for a travel writing assignment, it was my duty to investigate.

The hub of activity occurs on East Carson Street between two shopping complexes, The Shops at Station Square and Southside Works—indeed, those itching for a retail experience may not get too far past these two spending opportunities. Station Square, near the Smithfield... Read More