(This article by Colorado-based author Judy Christie originally appeared in the June 2023 issue of Military Officer, a magazine available to all MOAA Premium and Life members. Learn more about the magazine here; learn more about joining MOAA here.)
After World War II, surplus aircraft engines were sometimes used in race cars, and you can learn about those and more at the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing in York Springs, with 90 cars and motorcycles and 60 racing engines.
“If you’re a gearhead, there’s a lot to see,” said former Staff Sgt. Lynn Paxton, ANG, an auto racer. “There’s always something new.”
Paxton, who helped start the museum in the early 1980s, is an expert on everything from stock cars to sprint cars. The museum is free, but hours vary by season. Afterward, attend a race at nearby Williams Grove Speedway, which began in 1939 and is one of the top weekly sprint car tracks in the country.
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Streets Paved With Chocolate
Choosing a chocolate shop can be as enjoyable as picking a piece of candy from an assortment. While Hershey’s Chocolate World is most famous, don’t bypass chocolatiers such as Wilbur Chocolate Store in Lititz, where you can find beloved “Wilbur Buds” and get a glimpse of the history of the confectionary industry. Or stop in at Romolo Chocolates in Erie, a destination that includes a chocolate shop, gift market, and cocoa café with an outdoor patio for pretty summer days. Try the hand-rolled truffles at Speckled Hen Chocolate Company in Saxonburg.
Then there’s Daffin’s Candies, whose Sharon location was started when its owner returned from serving in the European Theater in World War II and is home to Chocolate Kingdom, with large characters made of chocolate.
Family Fun
If you’re looking for something for the entire family, Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg is a must-stop. With more than 60 rides, including a wooden roller coaster that’s considered one of the best in the world, a swimming pool, a miniature golf course, several museums, a bald eagle habitat, an abundance of dining options, and on-site campgrounds, the park offers something for everyone. The best part: Admission and parking are free.
Riddle Village
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Visit a Submarine
Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh is full of engaging exhibits, including the USS Requin (SS-481) submarine.
Visitors learn about how its crew of 80 men served on their long deployments, putting their skills to the test on the submarine’s defense and scientific missions, some of which are still classified, during the Cold War. The USS Requin Gateway at the science center provides a way to explore the vessel for those unable to go below deck.
Head Outdoors
From hiking to fishing and hang gliding to snowmobiling, recreational opportunities abound in state parks and forests. Mountain biking is available for all ages. Roads, tracks, and trails vary from smooth to technical, so bikers of all abilities can find something that matches their skill level.
The state has nearly 4,000 miles of trails open for mountain biking, including close to 450 miles within 11 state forests specifically designated and maintained for mountain biking.
Historical Highlight: For military history buffs, the Pennsylvania Military Museum contains intriguing artifacts from teacups to tanks and exhibits centered around tactics, small arms, sea power, air power, and logistics. Located in Boalsburg, near Penn State University, the museum is free to active duty servicemembers and dependents with valid IDs. Veterans get discounted admission.
More to Explore
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