ADAM REGER 2020-01-07 05:17:32
Fill up the tank and hit the road. From history to architecture to scenic coastlines, Pennsylvania’s road trips are worth the drive. NATIONAL ROAD SCENIC BYWAY Looking to travel a piece of history? Also known as the Historic National Road, this scenic route dates back to the trails Native Americans blazed for George Washington and General Braddock. Explore that time at Fort Necessity National Battlefield in Farmington with a reconstructed fort and interactive exhibits that bring the French and Indian War to life. Brownsville’s Northside Historic District features 188 buildings in architectural styles as varied as Greek Revival and American Craftsman, harkening back to Brownsville’s history as a thriving cultural center on the Monongahela River. And don’t miss Brownsville’s Nemacolin Castle, built around a British trading post. The castle offers a blend of historical eras, gorgeous furnishings, special Christmas experiences, and ghost tours for spook seekers. VIADUCT VALLEY WAY For railroad buffs and architecture enthusiasts, the Viaduct Valley Way tour is a must-see. At 2,375 feet long, the Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct in Nicholson was the largest concrete structure in the world upon completion in 1915. It’s still a marvel, and you can still catch trains chugging along its grand arches today. And it’s hard to beat the Starrucca Viaduct near Lanesboro for beauty or longevity. Completed in 1848, the viaduct with its 17 graceful arches spans the wide Starrucca Creek valley and is still in use today. For a dose of culture and history on a smaller scale, stop into the Susquehanna County Historical Museum in Montrose for everything from Native American artifacts and Civil War weaponry to a dress trimmed in human hair and wooden canes carved by local artisans. Admission is free. GREAT LAKES SEAWAY TRAIL THE 1754 BATTLE OF FORT NECESSITY WAS AT THE START OF THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. Savor cool breezes and stunning views along the Great Lakes Seaway Trail. At the Erie Maritime Museum, immerse yourself in the War of 1812 and the Battle of Lake Erie. Then step onto the deck of the U.S. Brig Niagara, a replica wooden-hulled sailing ship that served in that battle. For an incredible view, climb to the top of the Presque Isle Lighthouse in Erie, completed in 1873. Then tour the home used by lighthouse keepers and their families until 1944. On the bluffs overlooking the lake, tour the grounds of the 1867 Erie Land Lighthouse, a picturesque 48-foot-tall structure built from conical sandstone and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For a complete list of Pennsylvania byways, go to visitPA.com/scenic-byways.
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