Pennsylvania

Whether you're going to Pennsylvania for some Hershey's chocolate, or some famous Philly cheese steaks, you'll want to stop at a few famous attractions and hot-spots in this historic state. The 2nd state to ratify the Declaration of Independence and join the Union in fighting off the British, Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia especially, is rife with amazing historical sites and stories. Of course, Pennsylvania today offers a lot more for the modern visitor – shopping and museums and dynamite food are just a few of the great options for a vacation to Pennsylvania.

The original European Pennsylvania residents were Swedish and Dutch traders by the Delaware River valley. In 1664 possession of Pennsylvania moved to the English, and in 1681 it was granted to William Penn, for whom the state is named. A hot seat in the revolution, not every resident was for breaking from the English. However the liberal party soon became predominant and the Declaration of Independence was adopted in Philadelphia in 1776. Because of its key role in America's creation, Philadelphia was the seat of the Federal Government until 1800 (notwithstanding a one year gap) when it was moved to Washington D.C.

For a Philadelphia vacation in today's world, there are a number of must-see spots. Independence Hall, the place where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed, is a great starting point for a little American history. Nearby is the Liberty Bell Center where visitors can see the cracked Liberty Bell. From there, move on to the National Constitution Center, the most interactive history museum in America. Just two blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, it's totally devoted to the story of the American people. After that, stop at Elfreth's Alley, the oldest residential street in America built in 1702 and now a National Historic Landmark. Next up is Philadelphia's City Hall which was completed in 1901 after 30 years of construction. Finally on your historical tour stop at Todd House and White House to see some historic houses dating from the 18th century.

After the historic sites, visit the Philadelphia museums. The Please Touch Museum is a hands-on museum for kids and adults. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, on a hill at the end of Benjamin Franklin Parkway has works dating as far back as the Middle Ages. This museum is in the top 5 museums in the U.S.! Also outstanding is the National Museum of American Jewish History with intriguing exhibits from colonial times forward. For sculpture, visit the Rodin Museum which houses 124 great sculptures. Finally, the Penn Museum is a great spot for individuals interested in Archaeology and Anthropology.

For some other unique destinations, visit these gems: Eastern State Penitentiary, once the most expensive and famous prison in the world. Today it is crumbling but an awesome place to visit – including Al Capone's cell and Death Row. Masonic Temple in Philadelphia is across the street from City Hall and is full of beautiful architecture from all over the world. Morris Arboretum offers some pleasant walks with beautiful landscaping in the city.

If it's food you're looking for, try Philly's 9th street Italian Market, one of the oldest outdoor markets in the U.S. with over 100 years of history. There are a number of tours of Philadelphia, but one of the most exciting is probably the Philly On Tap tour which lets tourists taste Philly's refreshing specialty brew beers. For something outside of the box, visit Iron Chef Morimoto's restaurant Morimoto on Chestnut Street. For some Philadelphia seafood, visit Fish at Rittenhouse Square – voted #7 in "Best Restaurants" by Philly Magazine for 2011.

Of course Hershey, Pennsylvania is also a popular tourist destination. Outside of Harrisburg (the capital of Pennsylvania) Hershey, PA is commonly called "Chocolatetown, USA" and "The Sweetest Place on Earth." Tour the Hershey chocolate factory or visit Hersheypark and Hersheypark Stadium for sports attractions. Streets are named for Hershey products, and lots of fun tourist spots have popped up in this little city.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where the Battle of Gettysburg took place in the American Civil War, is another of Philadelphia's historic spots. The Battle of Gettysburg was the turning point of the Civil War, when, after 3 days of brutal fighting and over 90,000 casualties, the Confederate army retreated back to Virginia. Today visitors can see the Gettysburg National Military Park, the site of the historic battlefield and the cemetery and monuments from the war. Also nearby is the Gettysburg Museum of History which is free to the public and has over 4,000 artifacts on display. The museum covers more of American history than just the war, and some of their displays feature Abraham Lincoln's wallet, an autograph or a manuscript from each President, JFK's rocking chair, and more exciting parts of the American past. For museum focused more specifically on the Civil War, visit Shriver House Museum, an award winning museum in an old Gettysburg house.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, another of the state's great cities, is full of more exciting adventure. Scale Mount Washington in a cable car for a stunning view of the Pittsburgh skyline with Duquesne Incline. See a major league baseball game at PNC Park, rated by ESPN as the best major-league baseball stadium in the U.S.. Explore natural science with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, or see the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, 77 acres of pure fun! There's a lot to do in this populous city – Pittsburgh will have no trouble keeping any vacationer busy!

Whether you're traveling to Pittsburgh for the chocolate or for the history, Hotels.bz will see you through with a great list of budget hotels and luxury hotels with more in the middle, too!

For the best budget hotels try these gems:

Club Quarters in Philadelphia - Starting at $89 a night this hotel has great ratings, and is located in central Philadelphia! The hotel offers a restaurant and limited room service, plus a health club and fitness facility!
Econo Lodge Gettysburg - Starting at $75 a night, if you want a comfortable hotel at a good price in the heart of Gettysburg this is the place to stay. A complimentary breakfast and satellite TV, it's comfortable and economic.
Days Inn Pittsburgh - Starting at $56 a night this hotel is right near the airport. The hotel features an indoor pool and fitness facility, and is perfectly affordable.

For mid-range hotels try these great hotels:

Omni Hotel Independence Park - Starting at $139 a night this hotel is located right near all of Philadelphia's historic attractions. The hotel is a 4-star property and a great value, with a restaurant and 24 hour room service, an indoor pool and a sauna .
- Starting at $115 a night this cute inn is right in the heart of Gettysburg historical district. They even serve a cooked to order breakfast every day, on the house! A unique and fun bed and breakfast.
Radisson Pittsburgh Green Tree - Starting at $97 a night this great hotel is in the Pittsburgh business district. The hotel features a restaurant and poolside bar, an indoor pool and spa tub, and even a sauna!

If you're taking out all the stops, try these amazing luxury hotels with amenities to make you feel on top of the world:

Hotel Palomar Philadelphia - Starting at $219 a night this great hotel is in central Philadelphia. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and a fitness facility. It's a glamorous in-city hotel with amazing guest room amenities.
James Gettys Hotel - Starting at $185 a night this hotel is in downtown Gettysburg and near to lots of great attractions. The bed and breakfast features a restaurant and bar, and of course a complimentary breakfast. There are only 12 guestrooms here so book in advance!
Fairmont Pittsburgh - Starting at $199 a night this 4.5 star hotel is right next to PNC park and Heinz Field. The hotel has 2 restaurants, a health club, and a full-service health spa!