Now more than ever, take a ‘StayCation’ and become a tourist in your own hometown.

Outdoors Lovers PACKAGE

The Place: French Creek State Park
“Set amidst the old, quaint and picturesque farmland of southeast Pennsylvania, French Creek offers two lakes--Hopewell and Scotts Run, extensive forests and almost 40 miles of hiking trails.”

Start your vacation 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. The objective is to locate markers throughout the park with the aid of a map, and if you like, a compass. For water lovers, French Creek provides a number of ways to enjoy their facilities. Swim in the public pool or go boating on the lakes. Bring your own boat (with registration) or rent one for a nominal fee. Plan ahead and pack some goodies for a picnic lunch on the water with the family. Two courses of ‘Frisbee golf’ attract visitors of all ages, providing scorecards and maps for a game of fun. Finish your busy day off at a local restaurant and bunk down at a campsite or hotel of your choice!
Distance from Reading: 17 miles/28 minutes
Gas: $2.81
Admission Rates: Free
Boat Rental: $15.00
website

The Place: Blue Marsh Lake
Not enough time on the water? Make sure you bring your swimming suits and head to Blue Marsh 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 showers, restrooms, and picnic areas with charcoal grills. Make a day of exploring the sixteen miles of hiking trails and the lake. Before you head back to reality, support your local baseball team!
Distance from Reading: 8 miles/14 minutes
Gas: $1.32
Admission Rates: $3.00 per car
website

The Place: Reading Phillies, First Energy Stadium
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!
Distance from Reading: 2 miles/5 minutes
Gas: $0.33
Admission Rates: $7.00 General admission tickets
website

Informative and Fun PACKAGE

The Place: Hawk Mountain
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. An early morning hike is perfect before lunch and then onto your next stop.
Distance from Reading: 25 miles/35 minutes
Gas: $4.14
Admission Rates: $4.00
website

The Place: WK&S Railroad
Known as the "Hawk Mountain Line", the WK&S has been open since 1963. Take a 45 minute train ride through beautiful, scenic woods on a real locomotive. Decide on a local restaurant and hotel of your choice before tomorrow!
Distance From Reading: 15 miles/26 minutes
Gas: $2.48
Adult Train Rates: $8.00
Child Rates: $4.00
website

The Place: Crystal Cave
Crystal Cave is Pennsylvania’s greatest underground wonder. The 45 minute tour through stalactites, stalagmites and pillar and drop stone formations is enhanced by indirect lighting while you travel 125 feet underground. After your tour of the cave, don’t forget to pan through soil to find beautiful gems to take home as a keepsake! Finish off this trip with Crystal Cave’s own miniature golf course, using historic remnants for obstacles!
Distance from Reading: 18 miles/29 minutes
Gas: $2.98
Admission Rates: Adults: $11.00
Children over four: $4.00
Gems: $4.00
Miniature Golf: $4.00
website

SMARTS AND ARTS PACKAGE

The Place: GoggleWorks, Center of the Arts
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. Get dinner and a hotel of your choice before tomorrow’s ride to the past.
Distance from Reading: 2 miles/6 minutes
Gas: $0.33
Admission Rates: Free
Theatre tickets: Adults: $8.00
Students: $5.00
Class sign-ups: Vary depending on class
website

The Place: Reading Public Museum and Planetarium
Take a ride back in time and the perfect starting place is at the Reading Public Museum and Planetarium. 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 in black holes, astronauts, and icy worlds plan on an informative trip.
Distance from Reading: 3 miles/7 minutes
Gas: $0.50
Museum rates: Adults: $7.00
Students: $4.00
Planetarium Rates: Adults: $6.00
Students: $ 4.00
website

The Place: Roadside America
Take your final ride to Roadside America. A beautiful series of towns with building styles dated from pioneer days until the present. Many of the buildings and structures are modeled after the actual structures that once stood, such as the Paul Revere Tavern in Boston, MA; Lookout Tower in the Tennessee Mountains; and the Original Henry Ford Shop in Dearborn, MI. Railroads and automobiles run through the exhibit, as well as a series of waterways. Roadside America is a wonder for both children and adults, and a perfect way to end your StayCation so close to home.
Distance from Reading: 18 miles/30 minutes
Gas: $2.98
Admission Rates: $6.00 Adult
$3.00 Child (Under 11)
website

Historic HIGHLIGHTS PACKAGE

The Place: Conrad Weiser Homestead
Start off your tour of historic spots in Greater Reading with 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 starting point of this StayCation.
Distance from Reading: 13 miles/23 minutes
Gas: $2.17
Admission Rates: Adults: $3.00
Children: $2.00
website

The Place: The Pagoda
Do you live in Berks County and wonder why a red and gold oriental pagoda is located on top of Mount Penn? Quarry owner, William Abbot Witman, decided to stop quarrying and instead construct something inspirational for the mountain. The 72 foot, seven story landmark was completed in 1908, and sold to Jonathon Mould in 1910. Mould then sold it to the City of Reading for one dollar. Today, the Pagoda remains a landmark as it celebrates its 100th birthday. Take a short ride to visit the café and gift shop, and climb the 87 steps to the top for the beautiful view of Reading and beyond. Grab some dinner and pick your choice of an overnight accommodation.
Distance from Reading: 2 miles/4 minutes
Gas: $0.33
Rates: Free Admission
website

The Place: Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Start another 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.
Distance from Reading: 16 miles/27 minutes
Gas: $2.67
Admission Rates: $4.00
website

The Place: Historical Society and Museum of Berks County
Your final historical spot is Reading’s Historical Society and Museum. The Society's 20,000 artifacts tell many stories behind the development of Berks County. Three levels of museum exhibits interpret our colorful history from the Conestoga wagon to the 1902 Duryea to toys, crafts and fine arts, all related to our social history. An ideal ending to your historical travels; right here in your own hometown.
Distance from Reading: 2 miles/3 minutes
Gas: $0.33
Admission Rates: Adults: $4.00
Children: $2.00
website

Sports Lovers PACKAGE

The Place: Reading Country Club
Start off your StayCation by setting a tee-time for you and your friends. After a casual game of golf, enjoy a relaxing lunch at the club’s restaurant. Feeling refreshed? Finish your day at a game any sports lover will enjoy. For more information about the 13 golf courses Berks County to has to choose from, go to www.readingberkspa.com.
Distance from Reading: 7 miles/10 minutes
Golf Courses located all over Berks County
Gas: $1.17
Rates: Weekday: $28.00 Green fee
Weekend: $43.00 Green fee
website

The Place: Reading Phillies, First Energy Stadium
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!
Distance from Reading: 2 miles/5 minutes
Gas: $0.33
Admission Rates: $7.00 General admission tickets
website

The Place: Maple Grove Raceway
Take a Ride – a 330 mile per hour ride. Maple Grove Raceway is centered around a quarter-mile straight racetrack which 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.
Distance from Reading: 10 miles/22 minutes
Gas: $1.67
Admission rates: Friday nights: $15.00
Weeknights: $15.00
Special Events: Varies depending on dates
website

The Manly Man PACKAGE

The Place: Wing Pointe Hunting Grounds Sports Clays
Plan on spending an entire day at Wing Pointe. Wing Pointe was developed by sport shooting experts in order to accommodate every level of hunting. This StayCation is a sport shooting enthusiast’s dream. While at Wing Pointe take advantage of their pavilion and grill; you can even spend the night. Rest well as you contemplate your next StayCation destination.
Distance from Reading: 16 miles/25 minutes
Gas: $2.67
Rates: Skeet 25 Targets: $5.00
Sporting Clay 50 targets: $20.00
website

The Place: Stoudt’s Brewing Company
Visit and learn as you see the history of a brewery starting with limited distribution, to a packaging regional microbrewery with distribution in 10 different states, producing over 10,000 barrels a year. Take a 45 minute tour and see how Pennsylvania’s first microbrewery brews their award winning, hand crafted lagers and ales.
Distance from Reading: 13 miles/18 minutes
Gas: $2.17
Rates: Tour is free
Weekend tours
website

The Place: Cabela’s
Any outdoor lovers dream, you could spend hours in this store. Cabela’s is the largest retailer, mail order and internet outdoor outfitter in the world; and it’s right in your backyard. Cabela’s quality goods, awesome wildlife and fish displays, food and novelty items are all housed under one roof. Take as long as you need at Cabela’s. You won’t want to miss a thing before ending your StayCation.
Distance from Reading: 18 miles/27 minutes
Gas: $3.00
Rates: Vary
website

Rainy Day package inserts

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
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: Laser Quest, Wyomissing, PA
Laser Quest combines the games of tag with hide and seek giving it quite a twist. The game is played in a large, multi-level area including specialty lighting, swirling fog and heart-pounding music. You can play as teams or individuals. See who can get the most points!
Distance from Reading: 2 miles/5 minutes
Gas: $0.35
Rates: One game - $7.50
website