Pennsylvania, a north eastern state lies between Ohio on its western border with West Virginia to its southwest. Maryland completes the southern border as it gives way to New Jersey to the east. New York almost completes the neighbourly embrace on the north but for a small section of a northwest water border with Canada in Lake Erie. The capital of Pennsylvania is Harrisburg.

Pennsylvania is a state born from a land charter granted to William Penn by Charles II of England in 1681. Some of its most famous notaries are the actor Kevin Bacon, the comic Bill Cosby and the wisecracking W.C. Fields. It was also home to the only president to come from Pennsylvania and lifelong bachelor James Buchanan the 15th president. Its most populous cities are Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Erie.

Pittsburgh lies near the Ohio border and it is the birthplace of the famous artist Andy Warhol where the museum that bears his name hosts over four thousand of his contemporary creations. There is also a museum dedicated to this western part of Pennsylvania, it houses over 250 years of history here at the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Centre. There are also Carnegie museums here too including the Carnegie Science Centre and the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

Philadelphia lies on the other side of the state near the border of New Jersey. It is home to the famous Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell that is prominently displayed in the Independence National Historical Park. This is the bell used to mark important historic events, such as the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Its chimes were last heard in 1846 when it commemorated George Washington's birthday. Philadelphia is also home to the first Zoo hosted in the United States which was opened in 1874.

The international airports in Pennsylvania are located in or near the main cities featured. Lehigh International is located near Allentown which hosts an amusement park called Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. It has eight roller coasters to inspire the adrenalin and many other rides designed for family and children. Added to this it has one of the largest water parks with over twenty water slides, three aquatic playlands for children, and many others.

Erie being on the lake with Canada has naturally plenty of water attraction too. Presque Isle State Park has several beaches that are very popular in the summer months from June through to August with temperatures that average around 20C. It also has many hiking trails, seasonal events and a wildlife area that attracts many bird species. It is also a great place for fishing with perch, bass and pike as well as many other fish that frequent here.

The self catering vacation rental accommodation can range considerably from the rustic log cabins located in or around the Alleghany National Forest located in the northwest of Pennsylvania to lakeside beach rentals on the waterfront of Erie. There are also townhouses, condos and apartments available in the major towns and cities.

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