Destination dupes: Places in PA that are just as cool as their famous counterparts
Save on the cost of a trip around the world to a famous attraction by visiting somewhat similar destinations right here in Pennsylvania.
There are some global vacation destinations that regularly appear on travelers’ bucket lists — the Grand Canyon, the Swiss Alps, Germany at Christmastime … the list goes on! While we don’t want to discourage you from booking a trip around the world, we also know that visiting all of the world’s popular tourist destinations can be a bit … pricy. Not to mention crowded! Pennsylvania, however, is a beautiful state full of hidden and not-so-hidden gems that might inspire your travels.
In fact, some of Pennsylvania’s best places to visit are not so different from other attractions around the world. Perhaps we could call them destination dupes (duplicates). We’ve put together a list of some of these dupes you might want to explore in Pa. the next time wanderlust hits you!
Pa. Grand Canyon – Wellsboro
The Pine Creek Gorge in the north-central part of the commonwealth, affectionately known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, is a giant crevasse carved into the Allegheny Plateau with Pine Creek flowing between. While the gorge is certainly not as large as the actual Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Pa. Grand Canyon stretches for 50 miles and in some parts stands as tall as 1,000 feet.
If you’re looking for stunning vistas without stressing out your Visa, you might want to head to the Pa. Grand Canyon! Visitors to the gorge often enjoy kayaking the waters of Pine Creek or cycling the Pine Creek Rail Trail, a path that extends the entire length of the Pa. Grand Canyon, and then some.
Fairmount Park – Philadelphia
Though New York’s Central Park is a household name, Fairmount Park in Philadelphia may actually be the most spectacular urban park in the country. At more than 2,000 acres compared to Central Park’s 843 acres, Fairmount Park is a huge green space in the city. The park is divided into two sections — East Fairmount Park and West Fairmount Park — separated by the waters of the Schuylkill River.
The park was actually designed by the same pair — the Olmstead Brothers — that were behind Central Park. And like Central Park, it’s home to a plethora of trails as well as a zoo. Take a picnic to the park’s Belmont Plateau and enjoy one of the best views of the Philly skyline.
Jim Thorpe
As a small Pennsylvania town, Jim Thorpe is clearly not in Switzerland, but the town — which is carved into the mountains — does give off a distinctly Swiss feel. Perhaps it has something to do with the lovely architecture of Jim Thorpe’s quaint downtown. In addition, the northeastern Pa. town is part of the southern Pocono Mountains and therefore offers many of the same attractions one may find in a Swiss mountain town — comforting food and drink, cozy lodging, and countless opportunities for outdoor recreation from hiking to skiing.
Christkindlmarkt (German Christmas Market) – Bethlehem
Bethlehem — nicknamed the Christmas City — is known for its extravagant Christmas celebrations, and its Christmas market is no exception. The Lehigh County city’s Christkindlmarkt is modeled after the holiday markets of Germany, where patrons wander the outdoor stalls while hugging warm mugs of glühwein (mulled wine). These markets are a fixture of Germany and have been a European tradition for hundreds of years, with the first dating all the way back to the late Middle Ages.
At Bethlehem’s market, more than 100 vendors sell their wares, often handmade or imported directly from Germany. If you can’t make your way across the pond this Christmas, you can at least make your way to eastern Pa. to bask in the German Christmas spirit! Bethlehem’s Christkindlmarkt also features live music, lots of food and drink vendors, and events like live ice carving.
North Versailles
Located just outside of Pittsburgh, a small suburb shares its name with a grand palace of French kings. But is that all that the majestic Versailles in France and Western Pennsylvania’s North Versailles — that’s pronounced “ver-sails” — share? Yes, actually. We’re just kidding about this one.
Columcille Megalith Park – Bangor
Columcille Megalith Park in Northampton County is much larger than the ancient Stonehenge monument and is not actually meant to be a replica of Stonehenge. But the megaliths (huge, rough stones) are reminiscent of the prehistoric rocky attraction located in England, as well as the megaliths that can be found on islands off the coast of Scotland. Indeed, Columcille’s founders were influenced by the tranquility of the island of Iona with its long Celtic history and large megaliths.
Today, the park has nearly 100 megaliths spread across more than 20 acres of parkland. Visitors can stroll through the park’s trails to get a sense of the Celtic spirituality that the park is meant to inspire. The park often hosts guided walking tours as well as events connected to Celtic holidays.
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