About the blog
With views like the one above, who wouldn’t fall in love with Central PA?
Now, those of you that know me might be a little bit shocked by that statement. While I’ve lived here since I started college (in 2001) PA is just now growing on me. It has a small community charm that’s all its own, and there’s just no escaping now. I really like it. There I said it. I like PA. I’m still not ready to use the other big L word in this relationship, but I have a feeling through this blog I might be able to say it back eventually.
We’ve had a rocky relationship. I was so excited to get away from home in Maryland (only an hour away) and start anew at York College. It was the perfect campus. Perfect class sizes, perfect number of students (both small but not too small), and perfect landscaping with a charming fountain at the center of campus and a babbling brook that you could drive through! Just perfect, sigh. The only problem: none of my perfect friends from home were here to share it with me. And at first I had a hard time finding new perfect friends.
That soon turned around when I met my future husband and his friends. I started to feel like a fit in and began discovering more of this place that I now called home. While I enjoyed my new found independence, I missed my old home in Maryland. I started comparing PA to MD, and MD had the upper hand. But then internships which eventually led to a full-time job had me stuck in PA. PA! Psh! What does PA have? MD has my family and friends (except for my future hubby – he was still by my side in PA). But MD is America in miniature! It has everything; from the mountains to the ocean. I loved Maryland and I wanted to go home, but I was stuck in PA.
PA, sigh. What am I going to do here? I decided I would make the best of it. I started exploring places and was disappointed that I hadn’t discovered them while I was still in school. PA, as it turns out, has so much to offer! It has state parks out the wazoo! I love parks! You can go paddleboating in Lake Redman or canoeing in Gifford Pinchot or hiking at Rocky Ridge or let your pooch loose in the dog park at John Rudy, etc.! There is so much to do outdoors here. Even in the winter! You can tour Rocky Ridge’s Christmas lights, visit Santa’s Reindeer at Hershey Park, go snow-tubing at Heritage Hills or skiing at Roundtop! Ohhhh and the farms are BEAUTIFUL, well they might not smell all that great as you drive by, BUT the fresh produce they make is delicious and conveniently available at the many farmers markets.
Long story short, I am falling in love with Central PA. The only problem is I’ve found it hard to fully commit to the L word because I’ve found it hard to find out what there is to do here! So I thought I’d help others on their journey to fall in love with Central PA too. I’ll blog about my adventures/and(or) misadventures/general musings about the local culture and you can join in by telling me what to do and where to go next!
Oh and I just thought I’d note that the places I mention here aren’t paying me to do so. I think a non-partial view is always helpful in deciding on what I want to do, so I thought I’d help you all out. Though if someone wants to slip me a little something *ahem- sparkling wine- ahem*I won’t object.
Cute! In some states you legally have to disclose if you receive perks
Hope you get some! xoxo
Hi Steph – Didn’t see any other options for contact so thought I’d drop you a line via comments. Wanted to give a heads up about a National Get Outdoors Day event coming up at Pine Grove Furnace State Park (Gardners, PA) this coming Saturday, June 11. Events include a half marathon trail run & 5K, nature hikes, kayaking for beginners, and the South Mountain Speaker Series. More info here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/South-Mountain-Partnership/108518222524470#!/event.php?eid=216747868346010. Thanks!
Sounds like fun – thanks for the link! Hope to make it out there!
Hi Steph, I just came across your blog and I’m glad I did! I’m a transplant from Virginia and have been living in Gettysburg for two years. Despite that, I still feel like I have so much to discover about the area. I’m glad to find someone close in age to somewhat relate to, so often it feels like there is no one up here. I’m looking forward to reading through more of your posts.
PS. I read your post that mentioned hogmaw. When my MIL first made it, I was skeptical but I have since become a huge fan. We have it for Thanksgiving up here, and she buys it at a family owned butcher shop in East Berlin (I think, or somewhere around there). This is coming from someone who is extremely picky with food…sometimes I can’t even believe I like it. Just thought I’d share that.
Aw thank you! Yes pa dutchisms are a little different! I still haven’t tried hogmaw yet though- but I’m glad you enjoy it! Gettysburg is such a neat area but it can be hard to find people you relate to in any new place. I’m trying to get better about posting everything we do so hopefully I’ll get the chance to post more this week! Thanks for commenting!