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Summer Travel Plans: Welcome To My Home[/heading]

I never miss the chance to indulge in a weekend getaway. Luckily for me, as a north central Pennsylvanian, I have plenty of public land to choose from: none of it lacks charm, character and a laundry list of things to see and do.

During a recent conversation with people from outside of the area, I mentioned that I’ve never had a permanent address outside of the PA Wilds region. That may seem to imply that my worldview is slightly narrow; however, I would boldly disagree. See, I’m of the age where I’m categorized in the typically unnamed generation of people who aren’t quite Millennials but aren’t exactly Generation X either. I tend to cringe when being categorized either way, but there’s one characteristic regarding Millennials that I do find myself nodding in agreement with and that’s the fact that they feel like the whole world is accessible to them. I get that.

Millennials have changed the travel industry. They travel more frequently than any other generation and tend to have very strong opinions regarding how they spend money, which makes travel a learning experience and produces a desire to “get something” out of the journey. As my passport can attest, I travel when the urge strikes, but I’ve never felt rushed because everything is just a plane ride away and I can get there any time. Members of prior generations aren’t interested in the spontaneous travel eschewed by newer generations, and it’s that Millennial mentality that will hopefully be a boon to PA Wilds regional tourism.

As much as I feel that the entire world is accessible, I am perfectly content with throwing a weekender bag in the car and spending time recharging in the same region where I live. There is so much to love about this area, whether you reside here or not, and despite the vast acreage and dichotomous terrain of the PA Wilds, the personality of the landscape still retains a permeable, palpable “wildness”.

As you plan your summer travels, I urge you to consider exploring the diverse attractions of the PA Wilds region. Find events and local happenings on the regional tourism site. Don’t be afraid to rub elbows with the locals at small community events. We’re all friendly!

If you’re lacking fresh air and sunshine, you may want to find yourself a site at one of the 29 state parks within the confines of the PA Wilds region. The parks also host programs all summer and through the fall, and event information can be found on the Pennsylvania State Parks website. I’ll be sharing my own exploration of each of the incredible state parks throughout the rest of the year.

No matter which corner of the region you “get something” from, you’re guaranteed to find yourself immersed in natural beauty, enjoying great food and local art, and leaving with a newfound appreciation for the place I’m so proud to continue to call home.