Road Trip from North Tonawanda, New York to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
North Tonawanda, NY - A memorable road trip taking a total of 238 miles and filled with beautiful and captivating sights of Pennsylvania and New York, as well as the midway point, the charming town of Tioga, PA. The journey from North Tonawanda, NY, to Harrisburg, PA, is one you will never forget. The trip is made up of scenic sites, delightful cultural experiences, and several adventure spots. Embarking on a car ride from the Erie Canal harbor town of North Tonawanda, NY, to the political heart of Pennsylvania, with its modern infrastructure, will give travelers a different experience of changing landscapes and interesting sites.
Top Five Things to do:
- Watkins Glen State Park
- Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
- Corning Museum Of Glass
- The Hershey Story Museum
- Amish Country
Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park, located at the center of Finger Lakes, is a world-renowned spot that offers one of the most splendid and magnificent sights in the region. Spanning across 800 acres and featuring 200 plus campsites and 19 waterfalls, Watkins Glen State Park provides jaw-dropping sights across its picturesque rock formations. This park is a favorite spot for nature enthusiasts and, with its beautiful landscapes, provides an escape from the bustle and hustle of the city.
Interesting Fact
Watkins Glen was voted the best state park in the nation in 2015 by the USA Today Readers' Choice Awards.
Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
Located in the Pine Creek Gorge, the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon offers a picturesque and mesmerizing view of the canyon walls. The panoramic view of the canyon walls is breathtaking and is a favorite spot for hikers and adventurers who seek relaxation and serenity in nature away from the monotony of urban life. The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon is the perfect spot for birdwatchers and anglers as it is home to a vast variety of trout and other indigenous species.
Interesting Fact
The local name for the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon is "The Pine Creek Gorge."
Corning Museum of Glass
The Corning Museum of Glass is a unique museum that showcases a tremendous collection of over 50,000 glass objects. The collection showcases the evolution of glass, from modern designs to antique glasses. Visitors will have an opportunity to learn and watch how glass is blown by attending the GlassLab sessions. With its breath-taking chandelier made from 2,000 individual pieces of glass that weighs 750 pounds, Corning Museum of Glass is an excellent spot for families, art lovers and anyone interested in seeing unique, hand-made glass objects.
Interesting Fact
The museum hosts an annual glass pumpkin patch where visitors can select pumpkins made of glass and attend glassblowing workshops.
The Hershey Story Museum
The Hershey Story Museum takes visitors through the life story of Milton Hershey, the founder of the famous Hershey chocolate company. The museum features interactive exhibits that offer a hands-on approach of learning the chocolate making process from bean to bar. The museum also has an extensive collection of chocolate wrappers and advertisements throughout the decades.
Interesting Fact
Milton Hershey was convinced to create his chocolate empire only after he saw a rare chocolate-making machine at the 1893 World Fair in Chicago.
Amish Country
The Amish countryside in Pennsylvania offers a unique and wonderful experience as the locals take visitors on a tour through the countryside. The trip showcases the lifestyle, culture, and values of the Amish community. Visitors have the opportunity to witness first-hand, traditional hand-crafted furniture making, clothes-making, and farm life. Visitors who have a passion for organic foods can visit local markets as the locals host farmers' markets, showcasing Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, and selling fresh produce.
Interesting Fact
The Amish do not utilize modern technology, and all tasks, including farming, are done by hand.
Conclusion
This was an amazing trip that was incredibly rich in experiences and adventure. The adventurer in you will appreciate the various routes and scenic sites, nature enthusiasts will appreciate the view of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, while art lovers and families will relish their time at Corning Museum of Glass and The Hershey Story Museum. Finally, a peek into the Amish way of life is a unique experience that will remain with you forever. In conclusion, for travelers taking this route, it is about a 4-hour drive, give or take, depending on road conditions and the chosen stops, but the journey will make it last a lifetime.