Now more than ever, take a ‘StayCation’ and become a tourist in your own hometown.
WINTER SPORTS LOVERS PACKAGE
The Place: Bear Creek Mountain Resort
101 Doe Mountain Lane
Macungie, PA 18062
1-866-SKI-AT-BC
You’ll want to spend the entire day at Bear Creek Mountain Resort, a first class facility located on more than 330 acres in scenic Berks County, Pennsylvania. The resort features skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing winter activities and hiking. After a day on the slopes relax at the bar and restaurant, The Grille at Bear Creek or pamper yourself at the full service spa, The Spa at Bear Creek. Not ready to end the fun, head back to the Sovereign Center for a night of hockey.
OR
The Place: Body Zone Sports & Wellness Complex
3103 Papermill Rd
Wyomissing, PA 19610
610-376-2100
Ice skating is good old-fashion fun for the whole family. With two NHL-size ice rinks, Body Zone unquestionably has some of the finest facilities available for ice sports in Berks County and the surrounding area. Friends and family, young and old will enjoy ice skating at one of the centers many public skating sessions, complete with rental skates, disc jockey and light show. Grab a relaxing dinner and head into the Sovereign Center to cheer on our local ice hockey team.
The Place: Reading Royals Hockey
Sovereign Center
700 Penn Street
Reading, PA 19602
610-898-PUCK
Cold weather means hockey weather. Head indoors to watch Reading’s AA Ice Hockey team, the Reading Royals. A loyal fan base, plenty of promos and in-arena give-aways, plus great food make it a fun night for all.
Prices start at $15.00
Outdoor lovers staycation
The Place: French Creek State Park
Rt. 345 South of Birdsboro
Elverson, PA 19520-9523
610-582-9680
Start your StayCation by hiking through French Creek's 7,339 acres. Considered by some as the "Orienteering Capital of North America", French Creek has a self-guided course for use by visitors of all ages. For water lovers, French Creek offers swimming in the public pool or boating on the lakes. Bring your own boat (with registration) or rent one for a nominal fee. Maybe you would like to try your hand at "Frisbee golf". Two courses attract visitors of all ages. A StayCation at French Creek can last as long as you like; a few hours, a day, overnight, even longer because French Creek offers camping facilities. Do plan ahead if you want overnight accommodations.
Admission Rates: Free to the park, check website for other applicable fees like camping, swimming and boating.
The Place: Blue Marsh Lake
1268 Palisades Drive
Leesport, PA 19533
610-376-6337
Not enough time on the water? Make sure you bring your swimming suits and head to Blue March Lake. Blue Marsh Lake is open to the public with a large swimming area surrounded by thousands of acres of forest and woodlands. Also available to you are the showers, restrooms, and picnic areas with charcoal grills. Make a day of exploring the sixteen miles of hiking trails and the lake. Not ready to call it a day? Before heading home, make a stop at FirstEnergy Stadium to support your local baseball team!
Admission Rates: $3.00 per car
website
The Place: Reading Phillies
First Energy Stadium, Rt. 61 South
Reading, PA 19612
610-370-BALL
A perfect end to any StayCation in Greater Reading is a visit to our very own semi-professional baseball team, the Reading Phillies. Every home game is an event with giveaways, happy hours, dollar dog nights and the chance of post game fireworks!
Admission Rates: $8.00 General Admission tickets.
FUN AND GAMES - ALL STAYCATION LONG
The Place: Ozzy's Sports Center
5411 Pottsville Pike
Leesport, PA 19533 610-926-6162
Ozzy's Sports Center has every ride and game you could want, in one place. Ozzy's indoor fund includes rock climbing, roller skating, rope courses, a moon bounce and even an indoor mini-golf. Outdoor activities include go-carts, bumper boats and more! Don't get too tired, grab something to eat and move onto your next stop.
All day pass: over 48"-$20.00, under 48"-$15.00
The Place: Schell's 27 Hole Miniature Golf Course
4625 5th Street Hwy., Route 222
Temple, PA 19560
610-929-9660
27 holes of golf is fun for anyone. Challenge your family, friends or sweetheart to a high stake competition, day or night. Loser buys Schell's ice cream for all before heading to your next activity.
Admission Rates: Adults - $6.00, Children 6 and under: $4.75.
The Place: The Works @ Wyomissing
1109 Bern Road
Wyomissing, PA 19610
610-375-2700
Dining at The Works at Wyomissing offers a delicious and fun way to end your day. Children of all ages will enjoy the game room which offers over 150 games, from state-of-the-art simulators and arcade classics to challenging games of skill. The most talented gamesters are rewarded with tickets redeemable for enticing prizes. No coins are necessary with The Works "Play Card" system. Dinner and games, the perfect end to your fun filled StayCation - all on less than a tank of gas.
Game Card Rates: $10.00 card equals 55 credits
informative and fun StayCation
The Place: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
1700 Hawk Mountain Road
Kempton, PA 19529
610-756-6961
This StayCation is all about the views available to you in Greater Reading. Located along the Appalachian Trail, scenic Hawk Mountain Sanctuary offers an outstanding nature experience with its mountaintop vistas, hiking trails, and thrilling autumnal raptor migration. With a total of 2,600 acres, anyone can enjoy these trails rated from easy to challenging. You can spend an entire day at the sanctuary or take an early morning hike and then onto your next stop.
Regular Trail Fee: $5 Adults, $4 Seniors, $3 Children 6-12
Autumn Weekends (Sept-Nov) and National Holidays: $7. Adults and Seniors, $3 Children 6-12
website
The Place: Roadside America
I-78 Exit 23, P.O Box 2
Shartlesville, PA 19554
610-488-6241
Roadside America is the Greatest Indoor Miniature Village in the heart of beautiful Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Its an unforgettable panorama of life in rural United States. The exhbit spans more than two hundred years in time and lets you see, in exquisite miniature, how people lived and worked in pioneer days...through the years since then...right up to the present.
website
The Place: WK&S Railroad
42 Community Center Drive
Kempton, PA 19529
610-756-6469
Known as the "Hawk Mountain Line", the WK&S has been open since 1963. What could be better than a 45 minute train ride through beautiful scenic woods on a real locomotive? After your ride, you'll feel rested and ready to head south to your next destination!
Adults (12 and over): $8.00
Children (3 to 11): $4.00
website
The Place: Crystal Cave
963 Crystal Cave Road
Kutztown, PA 19530
610-683-6765
Crystal Cave is Pennsylvania's greatest underground wonder. The 45 minute tour through stalactites, stalagmites and stone formations is enhanced by indirect lighting as you travel 125 feet underground. After your tour of the cave, don't forget to pan through the soil to find beautiful gems to take home as a keepsake.
Admission Rates: Adults: (12 & over) $11.00
Children (4 - 11): $7.00
Group rates available
website
SMARTS AND ARTS PACKAGE
The Place: GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
201 Washington Street
Reading, PA 19601
610-374-4600
Dedicate an entire day to The GoggleWorks, Greater Reading’s own arts and cultural center! Spend the afternoon viewing an independent film in the theatre. Listen to musicians perform, marvel at glass blowing demonstrations, meet with artists and watch them work in their studios. Get involved; sign up for classes in pottery, ceramics, photography or jewelry making. Or try your form at yoga and belly dancing.
Admission Rates: Free
Theatre tickets: Adults: $8.00
Students: $5.00
website
The Place: Reading Public Museum and Planetarium
500 Museum Road
Reading, PA 19611
610-371-5850
Visit the Reading Public Museum and planetarium to take a ride back in time and then on to outer space. The Museum houses galleries and collections as well as events showcasing the discovery of art, science and civilizations. Visit the planetarium for a star or laser show. With specials on black holes, astronauts, and icy worlds plan on an informative trip.
Museum rates: Adults: $7.00
Students: $4.00
Planetarium Rates: Adults: $6.00
Students: $ 4.00
website
The Place: Historical Society of Berks County
940 Centre Avenue
Reading, PA 19601
610-375-4375
Still time for another stop? Head to the Historical Society of Berks County. The Society's 20,000 artifacts tell many stories about the development of Berks County. Three levels of museum exhibits interpret our colorful history from the Conestoga Wagon to the 1902 Duryea car to toys, crafts and fine arts, all related to our local history. An ideal ending to your historical travels; right here in your own hometown.
Admission Rates: Adults $4.00, Children $2.00
http://www.berkshistory.org/
If you're not ready to call it a day, catch a play at any one of these fine production companies. Check websites for seasonal plays, classic productions and original works by local playwrights. Theatre is alive in Greater Reading.
Reading Civic Theatre
PO Box 186 - 124 N. 10th Street,
Reading, PA 19603
610-375-7482 or 610-373-3311
website
Or
Reading Community Players
403 N. 11th Street
P.O. Box 13425
Reading, PA 19612-3425
610-375-9106
website
Take a Ride PACKAGE - by air, by train or by automobile
The Place: The Golden Age Air Museum371 Airport Road
Bethel, PA 19507
717-933-9566
Take your ride by air to learn about the golden age past. This museum offers a chance to explore the history of aviation. Learn how the early aviators flew, and what they flew. Museum displays include full size operational aircraft and automobiles, as well as displays of artifacts from the Golden Age of Flying. After your visit, grab some lunch before your next ride.
Admission Rates: Adults: $5.00
Children: $3.00
website
The Place: Reading Railroad Heritage Museum
500 South Third Street
Hamburg, PA 19526
610-562-5513
Take a short ride to your next stop, Reading Railroad Heritage Museum. Visitors can see exclusive video showcasing the Reading Railroad, plus view exhibits about the influence of the Reading Railroad on society, business, technology, and the environment. Visit and see why everyone wants to learn about the heritage of one of the most influential railroads in the history of the eastern United States.
Admission Rates: Adults: $5.00
Children: $3.00
website
The Place: Mid Atlantic Air Museum
11 Museum Dr.
Reading, PA 19605
610-372-7333
Haven't had enough of flying machines? Make your next stop the Mid Atlantic Air Museum. This museum highlights the Mid Atlantic's contribution to flight as well as the general history of aviation, including military aviation. You'll find something for everyone at this museum. Take a tour and walk through the exhibit building, hangar and go out on to the museum ranp. The Mid Atlantic Air Museum annually hosts a WWII Weekend on the first weekend in June.
Tour Rates: Adults: $6.00
Children: $3.00
website
The Place: Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles
85 S. Walnut Street
Boyertown, PA 19512
610-367-2090
Nearby Boyertown holds your final stop, with the Museum of Historic Vehicles. Learn about and view the various vehicle exhibits. Discover rare and handsome vehicles you have never seen before and won't find anywhere else. The museum has scheduled programs and events as well as research facilities, videos and publications to enjoy.
Admission Rates: Adults: $6.00
Students: $4.00
website
Greater reading HISTORIC spots staycation
The Place: Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
2 Mark Bird Lane
Elverson, PA 19520
610-582-8773
Start an historic StayCation by visiting the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. Hopewell spans two centuries; and presently stands as an example of America's development during the industrial revolution. Explore the museum which provides exhibits and audio-visual programs, including an 11 minute theater program giving a history of the Hopewell Furnace Community. Get the chance to experience living history programs and demonstrations that show the work and lifestyles of the residents of Hopewell. Stay the entire day or move on to your next stop.
Admission Rates: $4.00
website
The Place: Daniel Boone Homestead
400 Daniel Boone Road
Birdsboro, PA 19508
610-582-4900
Historic and legendary, Daniel Boone embodies the cherished American characteristics of rugged individual and adventurer. You'll be able to sort through fact and fiction as you tour the historic site which includes the Boone House, 18th century structures, a lake, picnic areas, and recreational facilities. The Daniel Boone Homestead offers a variety of walking/hiking possibilities as well. The local Amity Lions Club has provided a ¼ mile sensory trail for the visually impaired.
Adults $4.00
Students ages 6-17 yrs. $2.00
Large groups (20 or more) should call ahead to schedule a tour time.
website
The Place: Conrad Weiser Homestead
28 Weiser Lane
Womelsdorf, PA 19567
610-589-2934
Your last stop (but certainly not least) of the day is at the Conrad Weiser Homestead. Conrad Weiser was an 18th century German immigrant who served as an Indian interpreter and helped coordinate Pennsylvania's Indian policy. The homestead includes period buildings and a new orientation exhibit. Nestled on a 26-acre Olmsted-designed landscaped park, Conrad Weiser Homestead is the perfect place to wind down and end this StayCation.
Admission Rates: Adults $3.00
Children: $2.00
GET TO KNOW YOUR HERITAGE staycation
The Place: Berks County Heritage Center Home of Gruber Wagon Works and C. Howard Hiester Canal Center
2201 Tulpehocken Road
Wyomissing, PA 19610
610-374-8839
The Berks County Heritage Center is a historical complex honoring important eras of our local transportation and manufacturing history. Start learning about our Berks County heritage by taking a tour through landmarks of our local history; including the Gruber Wagon Works and the C. Howard Hiester Canal Center
Tour Rates: Adults: $8.00 (both tours)
Children: $5.00 (both tours)
website
The Place: Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center
22 Luckenbill Road
Kutztown, PA 19530
610-683-1589
The Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center focuses on the preservation of PA Dutch history, folklore, and traditions. It is part of Kutztown University's educational and cultural program. The Center is located on a 30 acre 19th century farm consisting of a barn and smaller buildings (which have been authentically restored) a one-room schoolhouse from around 1870 and the library, which contains genealogical, historical and cultural information. Check the center's website for activities and demonstrations.
website
The Place: Central PA African-American Museum
Old Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
119 N. Tenth Street
Reading, PA 19601
610-371-8713
You'll be fascinated by what you see at the Central PA African American Museum. The museum is housed in the Old Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest African American owned, church building in Reading and Berks County. Additionally, this museum was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Take a guided tour through the museum's exhibits and art and travel through "the pit," where runaway slaves hid. Realize how far we've come as you get a close-up look at our history.
Tour Rates: Adults: $3.00
Children: $1.50
website
The Place: The Pagoda
98 Duryea Drive
Reading, PA 19604
610-655-2584
Have you ever wondered why a red and gold pagoda is located on top of Mount Penn? Take a short ride to the Pagoda and discover the history of the building that has become our best-known landmark. The Pagoda recently celebrated its 100th birthday and has undergone extensive renovations. Soon, the Pagoda will be seen on the silver screen as the backdrop for famed filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan's newest movie, The Last Airbender, due to be released in summer 2010.
website
SPORTS LOVERS STAYCATION
The Place: Public Golf Courses of Greater Reading
website
Start off your StayCation by setting a tee-time for you and your friends at one of our many member golf courses. For more information about the 15 public golf courses Berks County has to choose from, go to www.readingberkspa.com.
Golf Courses located all over Berks County
Rates: Vary by Course
The Place: Maple Grove Raceway
30 Stauffer Park Lane
Mohnton, PA 19540
610-856-7200
Playing golf can be tiring. Time to kick back and watch someone else do the driving. Head to Maple Grove Raceway. Centered around a quarter-mile straight racetrack, Maple Grove features NHRA Drag Racing plus many specialized events throughout the season; every weekend. Maple Grove has something to offer for almost every type of automobile interest; and just the thing to end your StayCation.
Admission rates: Friday nights: $15.00
Weeknights: $15.00
Special Events: Varies depending on dates and event
OR
The Place: Reading Phillies
FirstEnergy Stadium
Route 61 South
Reading, PA 19612
610-370-BALL
A perfect end to any StayCation or any night in Greater Reading is a visit to our very own semi-professional baseball team, the Reading Phillies. Every home game is an event with giveaways, happy hours, dollar dog nights and the chance of post game fireworks!
Admission Rates: $8.00 General Admission Tickets
'Go green' staycation
The Place: Rodale Institute and BookStore
611 Siegfriedale Road
Kutztown, PA 19530
610-683-1400
Learn about "going green" on this StayCation. The Rodale Institute is located on a 333-acre organic certified farm in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, devoted to research, education and certified organic production. The production and demonstration areas offer visitors an opportunity to learn how agriculture can either contribute to environmental problems or be a significant solution in solving global warming. Learning never stops, even on vacation. Sign up for classes and demonstrations offered just for you. After your day at Rodale, keep things green and head to your next stop.
Admission Rates: Sefl-guided tour: FREE Guided 60 minute tour: Adults: $12.00 Students: $6.00
website
The Place: Blue Marsh Lake
1268 Palisades Drive
Leesport, PA 19533
610-376-6337
100's of acres of forest and woodlands offer recreation and sanctuary to you at Greater Reading's man-made Blue Marsh Lake. Bring along bikes or hike through the sixteen miles of trails. Blue Marsh Lake's large swimming area is also open to the public. Facilities include showers, restrooms, and picnic areas with charcoal grills. Stay the day or grab some grub and move on. Admission Rates: $3.00 per car
website
The Place: Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center
2910 New Holland Road
Reading, PA 19607
610-796-3699
Can't get enough of the great outdoors? End your day at beautiful Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center. Nolde includes more than 665 acres of woodlands and plantations. An Arrangement of trails makes the center's streams, ponds and diverse habitats accessible to both students and casual visitors. The Center is dedicated to helping people develop a sound environmental ethic. Who says you can't have fun while you learn? Check Nolde's website for classes and events.
Admission Rates: FREE
website
RAINY DAY IDEAS
So you scheduled your vacation well ahead of time, got all the chores done, and made a plan for a StayCation. The weather is calling for downpours. Here at the GRCVB we already thought ahead to save your StayCation.The Place: Fantasy Skating Center
500 George St
Reading, PA 19605
610-929-3147
Perfect for a complete night of fun. The Fantasy Skating Center offers public skating nights with music and lots of different activities. Classes are offered at an inexpensive rate. Parents, relax, you can stay and watch your children for free. If you have the time, stay and watch the competitive skating; always a treat!
Distance from Reading: 3 miles/7 minutes
Gas: $0.53
Admission: ranges from $1.00-$4.00
Rentals: ranges from $1.00-$2.00
website
The Place: Reading Movies 11 & IMAX
30 N. 2nd Street
Reading, PA 19601
610-374-6195
It may be wet outside but who cares. Plan to stay indoors at Reading Movies 11 & IMAX. With huge wall to wall curved screens, stadium seating, HPS 4000 sound system with DOLBY digital, online ticketing, free 3 hour parking, daily matinees and 3D digital projection on select screens, a few rain drops is starting to sound good. Grab some popcorn and enjoy the season’s newest releases. Afterwards, choose from an array of great downtown restaurants for after movie snacks before heading home.
website
**All attractions listed must be phoned ahead for hours
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2525 N. 12th Street, Suite 101, Reading, PA 19605 • 610.375.4085 or 800.443.6610
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