Pennsylvania is home for most of us. Some have spent our entire lives here. Others have left and returned while still others have moved here, only to discover all that our beautiful state has to offer. It’s probably fair to say that most of us travel away every now and then, excited to explore new places. Still, there’s nothing that compares to seeing that sign “Welcome to Pennsylvania” after we’ve returned from our travels.
Did you know that Pennsylvania has 37 welcome signs dotted throughout the state? No matter where you cross the state border, you’re likely to find one of these cheerful signs.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
The welcome sign has certainly evolved over the years – from the basic Welcome to Pennsylvania to the Smile: You’re In Pennsylvania. Today’s sign, however, gives a hint to the one-of-a-kind experience that awaits in the commonwealth.
Flickr/Ian Peters
Welcome To Pennsylvania: Pursue Your Happiness greets all those who cross the border into our beloved state, where tradition is pretty much a way of life. (If you don’t live here, you’ll quickly pick up on a whole bunch of our traditions.)
Flickr/Elvert Barnes
We shop at mud sales, have off the Monday after Thanksgiving for the first day of hunting season, and celebrate marriage, at least in the western part of the state, with the famous Cookie Table.
Flickr/formulanone
We’re all about good food too, whether you’re craving a classic Philly cheesesteak, or you want some of the best pierogis on this side of the Atlantic. And…snacks? We’re the snack capital of the U.S.
Flickr/Bobby Hiddy
Pursue your happiness in Pennsylvania by visiting one of its world class museums; root for one of the NFL, MLB, or NBA teams; and marvel at its stunning natural beauty at one of its 121 state parks.
Flickr/mcfst3
You’ll probably notice that gas prices are higher than wherever you’ve visited most recently. Welcome to Pennsylvania, where our gas tax is higher than even California’s.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
Don’t let that deter you, though, because some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet live in Pennsylvania. Next time you return and see that Welcome to Pennsylvania sign, you’re sure to feel that rush of being home again, too.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
Where are your favorite Welcome to Pennsylvania road signs? When you’re crossing the border back into Pennsylvania, what’s the one sure sign that you’ve returned home? Let us know in the comments! Ready to explore more of Pennsylvania? Plan a visit to the Switzerland of Pennsylvania: Jim Thorpe.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
Flickr/Ian Peters
Flickr/Elvert Barnes
Flickr/formulanone
Flickr/Bobby Hiddy
Flickr/mcfst3
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