Things to do in PA during early January for a solo traveler

Submitted by littlebossman91 t3_z3ne9e in Pennsylvania

Hi friends,

I’ll be flying into Philly on New Years for a few days to attend the Eagles-Saints game. Since I have a several days to spare, I was hoping to rent a car and drive around the state (if the roads are safe). I’m interested in a hike (was looking at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary) and will definitely try to visit State College as I was originally raised there in my early child hood. Are there any more things to do solo in central/eastern PA during early January? I currently reside in the Deep South so I will definitely have to get some more warm clothes/shoes before this trip lol.

Please let me know if you have any more recommendations! 3 days to use and I want to enjoy it! Thanks!

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theredbranch t1_ixmxhim wrote

Longwood Gardens would be my recommendation. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is great :)

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Bazurkmazurk t1_ixn8fsz wrote

I second Longwood gardens especially with the Christmas lights up. It’s a great was to spend a couple hours at night. Check out some cool spots in Philly for the day and drive to Longwood at night

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nardlz t1_ixo4hna wrote

Third Longwood gardens, but want to add that you may want to purchase tickets ahead of time!

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Bazurkmazurk t1_ixo4wrx wrote

It’s required to purchase ahead of time actually but the do sell out too so if this is what you do I would look to get tickets sooner rather than later

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nardlz t1_ixo50n1 wrote

Thanks for clarifying! That's what I meant but you said it better!

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SnooRevelations9889 t1_ixq5v76 wrote

I'll add, Longwood Christmas has a whole different look at night than during the day. If you go and you love it, a second visit with the sun up or down could be in order.

Also, Reading Terminal Market is a great place to eat, and maybe buy some treats to bring home from friends or family. It's generally so busy nobody is going to notice you are alone. It's nice and warm in winter, and big enough to walk around for an hour or so.

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ISwearImKarl t1_ixqjv83 wrote

If we're talking Christmas, go to the herrs factory to see the lights. I've gone almost every year for damn near my whole life, with the exception of a few times when I lived too far away.

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k2j2 t1_ixmvqas wrote

Your trip to central PA will really need to be dictated by the weather. If you live in the south and aren’t used to possibly driving in the snow, the trip up Seven Mountains to get to State College could be hair-raising.

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cutiecat565 t1_ixmu8dv wrote

You can visit Gettysburg, Lilitz, Jim Thorpe. Idk how much outdoor stuff you will want to do. It will be quite chilly.

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LittleLight85 t1_ixn5g3d wrote

How long is a few days, 3? State College is quite a drive from Philly, almost 4 hours so might plan to stay overnight at least. Not sure how many different places you’ll be able to go with that limited time. January is not really a recommended time for Hawk Mountain. You can enjoy the view but I don’t think you’ll see many hawks or eagles at that time.

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The_Clamer t1_ixow8w1 wrote

Flying into Philly on New years and no one is going to recommend the parade? Feel like that’s a must see depending on arrival time.

I frequently go to state college area from Philly as long as you have 12-18 hours from the time it stops snowing you should okay for driving to whatever you want to go to.

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RipTide275 t1_ixmzjxk wrote

If you ski or snowboard, you have a lot of options

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Allemaengel t1_ixnwbuc wrote

I grew up near Hawk Mountain and it's very scenic and educational regarding birds of prey.

Only thing is that this time of year you seem to see mainly vultures and crows cruising around,

I'd still recommend going though.

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calonmawr10 t1_ixon2et wrote

If you've never been to Philly before I highly recommend taking some time for our museums and history!!

John Heinz Wildlife Refuge is right by the airport and great for a nice winter walk. The Delaware Water Gap area of the Poconos is beautiful with lots of great nature and hiking, though would definitely have to be weather dependent. Could also drive over to Hershey and see chocolate world, then hike Pole Steeple 😊

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webauteur t1_ixneb8h wrote

I never hike in winter. You have to wear orange to avoid being shot by hunters. The forests of bare trees is just depressing.

If you are in the State College area, you might want to visit Bellefonte which has some interesting Victorian architecture (unless you visited that city as a child). State College has changed a lot over the years. It now has many more apartment blocks and condos. I think there is still some major construction projects going on. The Arboretum would be new to you, but it might be closed for the winter. This year I drove out to the Bellefonte area often, but mostly to go shopping at the Barnes & Noble book store which is near the Nittany Mall. The Nittany Mall is pretty dead now.

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CoastalSailing t1_ixosv3l wrote

You should try going up north. Hiking in the winter among ice snow and cliffs is sublime.

Plus no ticks

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the_dorf t1_ixohqyi wrote

That's only in state game lands and state parks/forests that allow certain seasons. There are a lot of hiking opportunities in places that do not allow hunting, especially in eastern PA (South Mountain preserve for example).

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ISwearImKarl t1_ixqjqtz wrote

If you get the chance, I'd suggest the statue of liberty prank. It's a miniature statue in the middle of the river(idk which river) along 322. Whenever I travel up north, I'll stop and take a look.

There's a lot of rumors about the statue, but the real story is it was a prank. Someone went around collecting venetian(iirc) blinds, and used them to sculpt the statue. Late at night they snuck it out and planted it in the middle of the river. It's been there ever since, and once had to be rebuilt I believe.

Aside from that, PA has a very beautiful scene of nature. A hike would be nice.

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No_Mission1856 t1_ixpa1yu wrote

Hawk mountain is great so is Pulpit Rock and the Pinnacle all short distance away in the Blue Mountains. Pulpit and Pinnacle are near Port Clinton not far from Hawk Mountain.

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Beautiful_Fee_655 t1_ixpljrt wrote

Pennsylvania Farm Show starts January 7th in Harrisburg.

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