Pennsylvania’s Must-See Attractions Aren’t Tourist Traps

I’ve been spending more and more time in the Keystone State, and every time I visit, I’m amazed by just how much there is to see, do, and eat. I haven’t even begun scratching the surface of the spots I want to explore here, but I’ve had some big surprises. When traveling, I often try to stay off the beaten path and avoid what I think of as tourist traps, but that might not be the best approach to take in Pennsylvania!

Time and time again, I’ve been surprised by the fact that those so-called “tourist traps” are actually some of the best must-see attractions in Pennsylvania. From one of the most famous museums in the world, to a food hall that’s definitely not serving up overpriced tourist food, to a suburban mall that’s hiding one of the biggest surprises in the region, these aren’t just places I’ll be revisiting; they’re places I’m going to be telling my friends to visit too.

1. The Franklin Institute (Philadelphia)

This historic science museum has been a popular spot for field trips for the better part of a century, but in recent years, it’s gotten flak for being overpriced and filled with tourists whenever you go. But the last time I visited the Franklin Institute, I found myself feeling just like I did when I went here for the first time as a kid. There’s nothing like the giant heart sculpture that allows the young and young at heart to explore the human circulatory system from the inside.

2. The BBQ Barn (Lancaster)

There are a few things I’ll always be skeptical of, and a restaurant that requires me to eat outside is one of them! Add in the fact that this restaurant is found between a Target and an Amish farm museum, and The BBQ Barn wasn’t giving off fine dining. But this seasonal Amish Country shack blew me away; the pulled pork sandwich was one of the sweetest and most tender versions of this dish I’ve ever had, and the price is right for a combo meal that includes roasted potatoes and a homemade whoopie pie.

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3. Lehigh Valley Mall (Whitehall Township)

On my way to Knoebels last year, I wasn’t even planning to visit this sprawling suburban mall until I needed to make a quick shopping stop. One of the biggest malls in Pennsylvania (but nowhere near as big as King of Prussia), it’s well-maintained and has a good variety of shopping options. However, the reason it’s a must-visit is thanks to Dunderbak’s, a deliberately old-school German restaurant on the lower floor near Macy’s. This old-world deli has a lot of specials I would never expect to find at a mall.

4. Hershey’s Chocolate World (Hershey)

Hersheypark is one of Pennsylvania’s crown jewels, of course. The massive candy-themed coaster park is a destination for enthusiasts worldwide. However, I was always a little skeptical of its neighbor, the free-admission Hershey’s Chocolate World. It seemed like an elaborate way to sell candy until I saw that it had a free-to-ride educational dark ride through the chocolate-making process. This charming attraction reminded me of old-school EPCOT Center, and you can just walk in and ride.

Pennsylvania’s Must-See Attractions Aren’t Tourist Traps

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