Plan on Pennsylvania for Family Fun and Learning (continued)

17) Oil Region National Heritage Area – In August 1859, Edwin Drake drilled the first oil well in the world near Titusville in northwestern Pennsylvania. To learn about the birth of the modern petroleum industry, visit the Drake Well site to see working oilfield exhibits, then wander through nearby Oil Creek State Park (where oil used to be skimmed from creek waters and sold for $16/gallon.) The Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad tourist train makes daily runs through the valley, with stops in key oil towns.

18) Lancaster County and the Amish – It’s somewhat difficult to have an authentic cultural experience with the “Pennsylvania Dutch” (actually of Deutsche, or German ancestry) since many in the Amish community prefer to keep to themselves and aren’t interested in being a tourist attraction for the “English,” or anyone who isn’t Amish. Still, with some sensitivity for their beliefs, children can learn about their plain and simple life. Visit the Lancaster Central Market, especially on Tuesdays, or the Green Dragon Farmer’s Market in Ephrata on Fridays to participate with the Amish in produce shopping and finding the best fresh shoofly pie. Travel the backroads to see Amish buggies and farms, but remember that they do not like to be photographed. Some Amish farms do take in overnight visitors for a real immersion experience; check with the county CVB for names.