Gettysburg Soldier
Philadelphia City Hall

Philadelphia, the centerpiece of United States independence, home of the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Valley Forge, all treasured icons of US History. With deep historical roots Philadelphia it served as one of the temporary capitals of the country during the revolutionary war, and even as the US Capital while Washington DC was under development.

Philly cheesesteak sandwiches are copied across the nation, but never the same as having one in Philadelphia. Much to everyone's benefit, the origins of the cheesesteak continue to be debated today. Two of the original restaurants, Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks, are located across from each other and continue serving today. Question is: Do you want cheese whiz or provolone, and which one makes it the original?

Philadelphia is well known for its sports teams. The Phillies come out of spring training for regular season games beginning in April. The spectacular Citizens Bank Ballpark is the Phillies home field, featuring features that make for a fun-filled family outing. With the Philadelphia Eagles on break, the Philadelphia Flyers hockey season continues through April. St Paddy's Day packages are on sale now, with a choice of games, choose your match for a great night out.

The Wachovia Center home court for the Philadelphia 76ers. Named for the year the Declaration of Independence was signed, the team is a city favorite. Act now, the regular season ends in April. Catch your favorite rivalry before the season is over. Professional sports are not the only games in town. The Philadelphia University's basketball coach, Herb Magee, broke the NCAA coaching record this season, surpassing Bobby Knight's record for most wins.

Lancaster, just west of Philadelphia, is the heart of well know Pennsylvania Dutch country is worth a visit. This time of year, mud sales are in season. A mud sale is specific to Lancaster County means a great sale in the early spring, and are often great places to find bargains on local antiques and memorabilia. March has mud sales scheduled for Bart Township, Gordonville, Airville, Penryn and Gap, lots of treasure hunting to be had. The mud sales continue through the spring and a few in summer.

Travelers Tip: Lancaster County is offering an incentive through March 31st, for visitors who book a two night stay. Receive a $50 gift certificate when you check in, the gift card can be used at local restaurants and shops on your visit. There are three Best Western Hotels in the area, look for them when you book your trip.

Best Western Hotels in and around Philadelphia make traveling convenient and easy. Plan your night on the town, a weekend getaway, or a nice vacation, Best Western Hotels are ready. With convenient locations and affordable rates, you will be happy.

Covered Bridge
Central Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, the Capital of Pennsylvania, is a delightful city set on the banks of the Susquehanna River. Over history it has played important roles in the westward migration, the civil war, and the industrial revolution. Today it is an important cultural and arts hub for central Pennsylvania. 2010 is Harrisburg's 150th anniversary.

Sesquicentennial celebration events and festivities are scheduled through the year. Founders Day is planned for June, with a variety of activities for all ages.

Runners are serious in the area and have lots to keep them training. From easy to ridiculously challenging, there are event for everyone. March brings the Geisinger Humdinger, the first in the River Towns Race Series for 2010. This challenging race is 7.1 miles designed to test endurance. Rain, snow or shine, the race goes on, rain or snow just means the race is more exciting!

April brings some easier and more moderate running options. The Robbins Run features a 5K and 10K run on level ground with a few small hills. The trail is mostly off road and there is a kids run for the youngsters. The Tour de Tykes is a cross country mountain bike race. Distance varies by class from 5 miles for juniors up to 19 miles for the elite riders. This is a point to point race through some beautiful country and well worth the challenge.

Extreme runners wait for May when the ridiculous events begin. The Riverstown Marathon and Half Marathon begins the month starting and finishing in Danville. The good news, for non-participants is this is the official start of the Danville Spring Fling. This is a fun, free, family event which requires strolling among vendors offering local arts, crafts and food, now this an event.

Later in May bicycle riders beware, the Mon-Tour Seventy Five Mile race in on the schedule. A grueling race designed to travel just about every hill in the area. There will be a full weekend of fun and activities, no need to leave anyone back home.

Williamsport is the birthplace of Little League Baseball and home of the Little League World Series. Billtown hosts the world series in August. Spring is busy with graduation ceremonies for Lycoming College, Pennsylvanis College of Technology and Bucknell University. Plan for some fun in June at the Billtown Blues Festival, which permits food and beverage to draw family picnics. The Annual Juneteenth Celebration will be a full schedule of performances, bands, dancers, along with kids activities, a carnival and petting zoo.

Best Western Hotels in Central Pennsylvania are ready wherever you choose to go. With convenient locations and affordable prices, Best Western Hotels will make your travels simple and easy. Look for Best Western for your weekend getaway, a night away, or family vacation.

Downtown Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh anchors western Pennsylvania, site of the Golden Triangleat the confluence of the Ohio, Monongahela and Allegheny rivers. A beautiful city surrounded by the rivers and lush hill, visitors are also in store for the excitement of a cosmopolitan world class city.

Famous for athletics, Pittsburgh is home to the Steelers, Pirates, Penguins and University of Pittsburgh Panthers. With the Steelers resting for the winter, its time for baseball. The Pirates will be returning from spring training to start the regular season games in April . Home games are played at PNC Park, one of the best ballparks in the country. Book tickets now for the family, and head out to classic PNC Park for a game.

The 2009 Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins, near the end of the season, are playing their last season at the beloved "Igloo" as they will move to a new arena next season. Move quick, regular season goes into early April.

Tired of spectating and want to get moving? Western Pennsylvania comes alive with activity in the spring. Festivals, events and activities for every age and taste abound.

Pennsylvania has been called the snack food capital of the world, thankfully it may be true because travelers need to keep energy levels up to see and do everything. The 11th Annual Pittsburgh Arts and Crafts Spring Fever Festival is held late March and features in addition to 159 booths of high quality arts and crafts - prepackaged food! The fair will be held at the new Monroeville Convention Center.

Runners take your mark the end of March at the 26th Annual Cook Forest Half Marathon and 5K. Held at Cook Forest State Park, this is a local benefit and will be a great time. River Racers head to Moshannon for the 43rd Red Moshannon Down River Race, also the end of March. This exciting event is held on a remote 7.5 miles section of the river and includes some moderate rapids. With 2010's heavy winter, there will be high water, increasing the courses difficulty.

The 2010 Ridgway Triathlon will be held late April for multi-sport race fans. The race order of events is a 5 mile run, 15 mile bike ride and 9 mile canoe. There are multiple divisions, including teams, and special awards. A Kayak division is offered for Ironmen and Ironwomen divisions. See you on the steps of the Court House in Ridgway for the start.

Best Western Hotels in Pennsylvania are convenient for travelers throughout Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania. You will find locations close to major travel routes and cities you want to visit. With affordable rates, Best Western Hotels are your choice for easy and efficient travel.