Re: Pennsylvania Trip 2009
Bassy, I am familiar with every single one of those places. I live in an area close to most of it. I would split the time and stay at a couple different places if you can.. Philadelphia is OK for one day. You can see independence hall and the liberty bell, and go to south street and enjoy the Italian market, all doable in a day.
The Amish country (Lancaster county) is very interesting. Just some of the town names are cool. Like bird in hand, blue ball, climax, and a few others. You will definitely see Amish in their buggy's and see them working the fields with horse teams. Lots of tourist traps in the area. Some great places to eat out there . "Yoders" is a good one.
The time share options you mentioned are bit more north of Lancaster county and Philly. White haven is a small mountain town. The Lehigh river runs just about right through it. They offer some whitewater rafting trips in the area. Right down the road is Hickory run state park. It is a real nice park with some good hiking trails. Other than that White haven is just an average mountain town. A few bars and good place to eat by the name of "Hannas ugly mug" You would be close to the Turnpike and Rt. 80.
Not real far from White Haven is Lake Harmony. It is a resort area and offers a lake for fishing and they do outside concerts in the summer, There are more shops and touristy things to do in that area. Lots of Vacation homes in there, and some nice places to eat. My Mom waitressed at the Split Rock lodge when she was just a kid. There are a couple ski slopes nearby that offer things to do in the summer.
Shawnee on the Big D is another resort area. Traffic can be a bear along that stretch of 209 in the summer. But there is lots of nice nature areas set aside along the Delaware river. The Delaware water gap national recreation area comes to mind. Bushkill is also in this general area. Again some parks and nice scenery along with Bushkill falls. Nice area.
Hawley is farther north along Rt.6 next to lake wallenpaupack. Most of the recreation in this area is geared toward the lake and boating. The lake is decent size but gets absolutely nuts on the weekends. You will find a scattering of antique shops and such around , but once you get away from the lake there aint much around.
I have spent plenty of time at all those places, after all it is my neck of the woods. I find all these areas very beautiful and have had some good times. It would be hard for me to choose because I really dont know exactly what you guys are looking to do. I think I would get bored at any of those places after a few days.
A day in Philly, a couple, maybe one two days in the Lancaster area and a few days up north would be a great vacation for you.
Good luck and if you have any questions I would be glad to try and help.
Oh and Atlantic city,, The place is a dump once you get away from the casino. I would not want to spend a week there. but thats just me.
