HARRISBURG – Gov. Edward G. Rendell unveiled Pennsylvania’s new travel guide, saying the colorful, 238-page guide — complete with dynamic
photography, detailed maps and engaging story-telling — makes planning a memorable roadtrip easy and fun.
The 2007 travel guide features 2,400 accommodations and 1,300 attractions and is available free of charge through visitPA.com or by calling 800-VISITPA.
“Our new travel guide again offers unique insight into what to see and do in Pennsylvania,” Governor Rendell said. “There’s so much we love about our great state, and we want to share our favorite places with everyone.”
The cover shows a picture of the Pittsburgh skyline from West End-Elliot Overlook in West End Park. In the foreground, Pennsylvania native and artist Rod Tryon puts the finishing touches on a rendering of Pine Creek Gorge in Leonard Harrison State Park, which can be found nearly 225 miles away in the Pennsylvania Wilds region of the state.
“Visitors don’t have to imagine what a beautiful city Pittsburgh is — they can see it for themselves — right on the cover of the new travel guide,” said Joe McGrath, president & CEO of VisitPittsburgh. “From the guide’s enticing cover photograph of Pittsburgh and the intriguing chalk rendering of Pine Creek Gorge, to the helpful information found throughout, the guide is a wonderful tool for people traveling throughout Pennsylvania.”
In an effort to develop authentic, off-the-beaten-path content for visitors, the Pennsylvania Tourism Office has been tapping its residents for their recommendations. For example, “Where’s the best place for Mulberry Pancakes or to see an elk herd?” According to locals like Nelle Rounsaville, who lives near the Pine Creek Gorge, the answers are the Wellsboro Diner and the town of
Benezette, respectively.
The travel guide also continues to build on last year’s “passion roadtrips,” first-hand accounts by writers who explored their hobbies and interests — their passions — on themed roadtrips, such as transportation history in Central Pennsylvania and kayaking in Pennsylvania’s Middle Allegheny Water Trail. It complements “playlist” recommendations, blogs and podcasts on visitPA.com.
In the coming months, the new 2007 Pennsylvania Tourism and Transportation Map, produced by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, will also be available. It will include information about scenic byways, state parks and forests, historical sites as well as hunting and fishing.
The Pennsylvania Tourism Office, under the state Department of Community and Economic Development, is dedicated to fulfilling the needs and aspirations of travelers by presenting them with the information and resources they need to plan and enjoy the activities, attractions and destinations that are uniquely Pennsylvania.
For more information about Pennsylvania’s tourism industry, go to VisitPA.com, or call 800-VISIT PA.