NYC to Penn - where to go?
 

We are going to NYC over the 4th of July, have a 14 yr old son, want to drive to PA for about 3-4 days. Can anyone recommend a part of PA in driving distance that has nature and tourist activities?

<BR><BR>The National Park at Valley Forge is very nice and just a few hours from NYC. Deer by the dozens everywhere, and a great history lesson for your son.

I'm sure your son would enjoy Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom just outside Allentown PA. It is a large amusement park/water park.

How about South Central PA? Start with the Amish country in Lancanster County for a day, Hershey Park, the Harley-Davidson factory Tour in York and then Gettysburg is just an hour west. It is beautiful country and lots of diverse activities.<BR><BR>

You could come up to Bucks county. Only about a 30 minute drive from Philly on 1-95.North. Washington Crossing State Park,drive on up to New Hope. Historical, and will be busy as it always is, ride a train through the country side, take a boat ride on the <BR>delaware, have lunch at an outdoors cafe, many shops, scenic.

The Delaware Water Gap Nat'l Recreation Area is a straigh shot on I-80, half in NJ and half in PA. Lots of great hiking, and its close to East Stroudsburg and the Marshall's Creek Flea Market. If you make the trip, do yourself a favor and stop at nearby Hot Dog Johnny's on rt. 46, Buttzville, NJ.

If you go to the Allentown area, check to see if there's bicycle races at the Lehigh Velodrome, at Trexlerville (?) near Kutztownb (US Rt 222). Much more exciting than NASCAR and quieter/cleaner too. Arrive early and you might be able to take a few laps yourselves on the track.