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With cheesesteaks thicker than a Philadelphia accent and bridges rivaling the intricacies of an M.C. Escher print, Pennsylvania has an undeniable magnetism. From rolling farmlands and the quirky locals who wander those parts, the Keystone State refuses to be anything but unforgettable. Ultimately, Pennsylvania鈥檚 beautiful cities are great places to get acquainted with America鈥檚 past and present, considering the state's involvement in the American Revolution. For tourists looking to make the most of a trip to the Eastern United States, first-hand discoveries of Pennsylvania鈥檚 cities are a must for all.

Lancaster

Established in 1729, the historic city of Lancaster is widely known as a central hub of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country. With a modern population of just over 58,000 residents, Lancaster is also the home of one of America鈥檚 largest Amish communities. Located just 61 miles from Philadelphia, this historically fascinating place is full of great landmarks that are perfect for the history aficionado to discover. Explore such sites like America鈥檚 oldest running theatre, the Fulton Opera House (1852), President James Buchanan鈥檚 Wheatland Estate, the Lancaster Quilt Museum which celebrates the Amish tradition of quilt-making, or the always engaging Central Market (1889), where you can taste a whoopie pie鈥攁 local delicacy.

And with an assortment of great boutique stores and art galleries at Gallery Row, procuring a handcrafted Amish souvenir or an elegant piece of contemporary art for your collection is a breeze. Meanwhile, ambitious restaurants like Iron Hill and popular breweries like Lancaster Brewing Company await your palate, serving dishes and drinks reminiscent of Lancaster's German heritage.

Hershey

Renowned as the headquarters of the Hershey Chocolate Company, the town of Hershey was founded in 1903 specifically so that company employees could have close access to work. In the 120 years since its inception, the town has grown to a humble size of nearly 14,000 inhabitants, not all of whom work as chocolatiers! Of course, chocolate remains Hershey鈥檚 main attraction, and its tourist industry dominates the local economy. For the sweet-toothed visitor, stops at the wonderful theme park Hersheypark and Chocolate 海角社区 are surely not to be missed.

Here, interesting behind-the-scenes tours and great souvenir merchandise celebrate everything that is Hershey Chocolate. Meanwhile, at the alluring ZooAmerica, see a variety of wildlife in an outing perfect for the whole family. Indeed, when in Hershey, a fun and delicious experience will be had for all in this most unique Pennsylvania destination.

Allentown

With a population of 125,845 inhabitants, Allentown is the State鈥檚 third largest urban center after Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, respectively. Some 78 miles from New York City, Allentown was formally established in 1762 and is situated on the Lehigh River. A wonderful modern city with a great historical background, visitors will encounter a place where the past meets the present. Full of many 19th-century homes and landmarks, Allentown has an eclectic range of fascinating modern attractions. Stop by the Da Vinci Science Center, the Allentown Art Museum, or the historic Nineteenth Street Theater (1928). Meanwhile, at the stunning Lehigh Parkway, some 629 acres of greenery, creeks, and soothing nature make it a most relaxing locale for the solo or group traveler alike.

Scranton

Scranton was one of the most important industrial hubs for iron and coal production in America, and today, this city, founded in 1856, is home to just over 76,000 residents. Pennsylvania鈥檚 sixth largest city, this modern yet historic city, is a great blend of the past and present. Among the historic landmarks and attractions of note include the Lackawanna Coal Mine, the Steamtown National Historic Site, and the Electric City Trolley Museum, all highlighting Scranton鈥檚 historic development. Another noteworthy site is the Anthracite Heritage Museum, shedding light on the lives and experiences of early immigrants who worked in the mines and mills. The city also boasts several parks, with Nay Aug Park being the largest, housing the Everhart Museum and providing recreational opportunities with its waterfalls and walking trails. McDade Park, once a coal mine site, now stands as a testament to Scranton's commitment to environmental rejuvenation and green spaces. The University of Scranton, a prominent Jesuit institution, is a prestigious education center for the local community. In addition, growing financial, tech, and healthcare industries make the city a most lucrative and comfortable place to consider living in for young professionals, families, and retirees alike.

Williamsport

Founded in 1769, the city of Williamsport serves as the seat of Lycoming County and is home to a population of 27,754 residents. Located on a branch of the Susquehanna River, this former lumber center is now a financial hub that hosts the Lycoming College and the Community Arts Center, creating a perfect storm between fine art and intellectual pursuits. Visitors may take beautiful strolls through several of the town鈥檚 historic neighborhoods, such as Vallamont and Grampian Hills, where a number of 18th and 19th-century homes and landmarks like the Peter Herdic House still stand. Indeed, at the famed Millionaire鈥檚 Row Historic District, up to 263 buildings, including the Rowley House, are listed as being of historical importance. When you are done soaking in history, the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat awaits for a leisurely cruise. And with a climate that features hot summers and mild winters, spending time outdoors is always popular in Williamsport. From ice skating at outdoor rinks in the winter to hiking, biking, and jogging in the summer at places like the Susquehanna Riverwalk, being outside in this great Pennsylvania town is always a pleasant experience.

York

Named after the English city of the same name, Pennsylvania鈥檚 York is also known as the 鈥淲hite Rose City.鈥� Established in 1741 and a seat in York County, the city of York is only 52 miles from Baltimore, Maryland. Home to a population of just under 45,000 inhabitants, the city boasts mild winter and warm summer temperatures where a number of fascinating historic sites can be discovered. Visit the York Meetinghouse (1766), the Golden Plough Tavern (1741), or stroll through the town鈥檚 four historic districts. In addition, the annual York State Fair, founded in the 1760s, continues to fascinate the public with its ties to America鈥檚 colonial past. Indeed, for a most authentic historical time capsule that meets modern hospitality, York is a great place to include on anyone鈥檚 list of Pennsylvania cities.

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania鈥檚 largest city with a population of 1.6 million residents, Philadelphia is also one of the most significant and historically important places in the United States. Once serving as the nation鈥檚 capital, the 鈥淐ity of Brotherly Love鈥� is an absolute must-visit for tourists in the Eastern US. The site of several important places and events in America鈥檚 early history and some 67 National Historic Landmarks can be found in Philadelphia. Visit the stately Independence Hall and National Historical Park (where the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were debated, drafted, and signed), or view the Betsy Ross House, where the first American flag was sown. Of course, getting to know Founding Father Benjamin Franklin is a must when in Philly, and a stop at his eponymous museum in the Old City District comes complete with cobblestone streets and 18th-century townhouses. Naturally, the iconic and eternal Liberty Bell and its signature crack cannot be missed in this most extraordinary and symbolic American city.

Pittsburgh

Known as the 鈥淪teel City, the beautiful city of Pittsburgh is Pennsylvania鈥檚 second-largest, with a population of 302,971 residents. The seat of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, is situated at the confluence of the Monongahela, Ohio, and Allegheny Rivers and traces its history to the 1750s. Long known for its steel producing industry, Pittsburgh is also known by the moniker of the 鈥淐ity of Bridges鈥�, due to the nearly 450 bridges that can be found within the city鈥檚 borders. And with a thriving arts, sports, and higher learning community, Pittsburgh is truly one of the great modern American cities, where the past and present come together. From the campuses of the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon to regional offices of Microsoft, Google, and Apple, the 鈥淪teel City鈥� is an undoubted gem of Pennsylvania and America at large.

Harrisburg

Pennsylvania鈥檚 State capital, Harrisburg is a beautiful destination for all who visit the 鈥淜eystone State鈥�. The ninth largest urban center in the State and home to a population of just over 50,000 residents, Harrisburg is located on the Susquehanna River鈥檚 eastern bank and is some 107 miles from Philadelphia. An important historical center during the American Civil War, the city鈥檚 historic growth was spurred by the rapid industrial changes of the 19^th century, and it continued to be a major industrial hub into the 20^th century. Today, this modern city is a most comfortable place to visit and live in, and it has frequently been rated as one of the best places in America by various publications. And with a splendid variety of arts and cultural events like the Great American Outdoor Show, even just visiting Harrisburg will be sure to leave a most positive impression.

Pennsylvania is one of America鈥檚 most important and fascinating places to discover, where history and natural beauty come together. Indeed visiting the 鈥淜eystone State鈥檚鈥� wonderful cities is a great way to get acquainted with the history of the early United States and the stunning natural surroundings of the area. From the beloved streets of Philadelphia to the unique and charming Hershey, and the culturally rich town of Lancaster, these Pennsylvania cities are worthy destinations for any lover of America to discover and return to time and time again.