Gettysburg Soldier
Philadelphia City Hall

Summer in Philadelphia where visitors flock to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Franklin Square, a few of the city's favorite attractions. Called the Cradle of Liberty, Philadelphia is ideal to explore and discover US history. Greater Philadelphia includes Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. World-class events like the debut of the Cleopatra exhibit at The Franklin Institute or Liberty 360, the new indoor 3-D show at the Philadelphia center, will keep any visitor busy. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of two US stops for Late Renoir – art lovers put this on your summer schedule, it will close on Labor Day.

The 49th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival, sponsored by the Philadelphia Folksong Society, is August 20th through the 22nd, 2010. The Festival, just east of Philadelphia, is a summer highlight for music fans. The three day schedule is packed with talented performers like Taj Mahal, Jeff Tweedy, Richard Thompson and vocal group Sonos. Host Gene Shay, called the Godfather of Philadelphia folk music, returns for his 49th consecutive year to emcee the festival. A Canadian stage showcasing Canada's best up and coming artists will be featured as well.

The Old Pool Farm near Schwenksville, is home to the Philadelphia Folk Festival. It is an ideal summer event for families, with a variety of activities and entertainment specifically geared for kids. The Best Western Pottstown Inn, less than 10 miles away is an ideal alternative to festival camping. Amenities include a complimentary continental breakfast and an outdoor pool, which the kids will love. You will appreciate a clean and comfortable place to rest and with affordable rates you can't go wrong.

June through early September is summer season at Valley Forge outside of Philadelphia. A fantastic National Historic Park with options for self led or guided tours. Kids can join the Junior Ranger guided walks each day, or even enlist into the Continental Army in special afternoon activities. See the original stone headquarters of General George Washington, hear the dramatic stories of the revolution told by professional storytellers and get a glimpse into the past browsing the reconstructed living quarters and encampment. This is a terrific addition to a vacation or makes a great destination for a short getaway.

Best Western The Inn at King of Prussia is ideal for travelers to Valley Forge and King of Prussia. Start the morning with a complimentary continental breakfast and return to enjoy the outdoor swimming pool before the sun goes down. The kids will love the pool and Mom will love the convenient location close to the King of Prussia Mall. With affordable rates, this is a great choice for your summer vacation.

Covered Bridge
Central Pennsylvania

Central Pennsylvania is home to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's state capital and center of government. Harrisburg also serves as a cultural and arts center for the region. From the relaxed pace of the Susquehanna River Valley or the Allegheny Mountains to the south where visitors can fish, hike and bike. Enjoy the amazing scenery and outdoor adventures of the Pennsylvania wilds in north central Pennsylvania where outdoor enthusiasts can bike the Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania's grand canyon. Pennsylvania Dutch country offers a glimpse of a simpler life, with quaint Amish communities or the excitement of Hershey Park's eleven roller coasters and other amusement rides. Central Pennsylvania has sights and fun for visitors of all ages.

Central Pennsylvania hosts 4thFest, an all volunteer fourth of July celebration. The 2010 4thFest themed a Star Spangled Spectacular, promises to be better than ever. Events begin with the morning 4K race. This ninth annual race is held on the Penn State campus. Prizes will be awarded in eight different age groups for top male and female runners. Both runners and walkers are encouraged to participate.

Events continue through the afternoon and evening with three stages featuring live entertainment, a midway carnival, exhibitions and even free hot dogs, chips and cake. The fireworks show is rated one of the top three in the country begins after dark, followed by a street dance. Enjoy a traditional fourth of July with a full day of fun and entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display.

The Best Western Nittany Inn Milroy, the Best Western University Park Inn & Suites in State College and the Best Western Lock Haven are convenient locations for lodging in the State College area. All three are pet-friendly, so no need to leave the family dog at home alone.

Home Made Days in Williamsport is a terrific weekend to browse one of the largest arts and crafts shows in Pennsylvania. July 9th and 10th, you can enjoy Susquehanna State Park, see the best local and regional crafts and even ride the Hiawatha Riverboat. Convenient and affordable, the Best Western Williamsport Inn is ideal for a weekend getaway. Enjoy Home Made Days and stay a few nights longer to explore the historic downtown area and enjoy some time outdoors.

Runners, set your target for the LATA Sprint Triathlon in Lewisburg on August 21st. Families can make it a weekend with the LARA Kids Triathlon on August 20th for youth ages 7 to 14. The kids event is geared to introduce children to the sport of triathlons in a relaxed and positive way. The kids event is non-competitive. The sprint triathlon is a shorter triathlon featuring a 300 yd pool swim, 15 mile bike and 3.1 mile run. The Lewisburg Best Western country Cupboard Inn makes a great home away from home. Have a great nights sleep, wake up to a complimentary continental breakfast, and relax after the race at the pool.

Celebrate the end of summer on Labor Day Weekend at Kipona in Harrisburg. The 2010 event is September 4th through the 6th and includes the 13th Annual Native American Pow Wow and the 31st Annual Giant Pennsylvania State Chili Cook-Off. Kipona is one of Pennsylvania's largest festivals featuring arts, fun and entertainment. With over 150 artisans and over 100 scheduled performances, Kipona is a full weekend of entertainment. With five Best Western Hotels near Harrisburg there are great lodging options in the area.

Downtown Pittsburgh

Western Pennsylvania includes the Laurel Highland area and the Pennsylvania Great Lakes Region. Pittsburgh is the cultural and urban center of Pennsylvania's western region. Known as Steel Town or the Steel City, Pittsburgh has diversified it's economic base with healthcare, technology, financial and education industries. The city is famous for the multiple super bowl winning Pittsburgh Steelers, the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania is full of action, adventure and fun this summer. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy fishing, whitewater rafting and kayaking the Youghiogheny River. Biking and hiking along the Great Allegheny Passage are popular outdoor activities. It is summer and time to enjoy the sites of Western Pennsylvania.

Southwestern Pennsylvania is the site of several of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright's most well known structural masterpieces. Fallingwater integrates Wright's modern sensibilities into the beautiful natural Pennsylvania landscape. Fallingwater hosts lectures throughout the summer for Wright fans, artists and architecture aficionados. The Best Western Garden Inn in Bentleyville is less than an hour from Fallingwater. The Garden Inn is convenient for tours of Fallingwater, outlet shopping and the Meadows Racetrack.

The largest fair in Western Pennsylvania takes place just north of Pittsburgh in Butler. The 2010 Big Butler Fair is July 2nd through the 10th, and is a terrific fourth of July getaway. Enjoy the action of the school bus demolition derby, big rig pulling contests, motorcycle night and the dock dog jumping and diving. The Earthquakers will perform at a free premier concert kicking off the fair. Bring the entire family to enjoy all the typical fair exhibitions and competitions along with the spectacular fourth of July Fireworks show. The Best Western Grove City Inn in Grove City and the Best Western Parkway Center Inn in Pittsburgh are withing a half hour drive of Butler. These convenient Best Western Hotels are also conveniently located near Pennsylvania Amish country and prime outlet mall shopping.

August brings the 2010 Regatta at Lake Arthur near Prospect. The Best Western Grove City and the Best Western Parkway Inn are also convenient to Lake Arthur. Sailing enthusiasts and fans can enjoy a great summer weekend of activities on the water, on the shore and in the air. Come out to the north shore of Moraine State Park on August 7th & 8th for a full weekend of fun. Kids can enjoy fishing or canoe rides, there will be music and dancing along with the sailing. A great family outdoor outing for summer.