Things to Do in Reading

In real life, the Reading Railroad dates back to the 1820s and is credited with catapulting the development of the Reading region of Pennsylvania. The community's respect for its storied history is widely apparent in its points of interest and top-notch attractions—come and see for yourself!

Savory Adventures

One of Reading's most unique eateries is the Speckled Hen Cottage Pub & Alehouse on South 4th Street. Operating out of an authentic 18th-century log home, the pub is planted in the midst of Reading's urban setting. You can get a taste of traditional Old World dishes here, such as shepherd's pie and Scotch eggs, and you can wash them down with tasty craft brews. Another distinctive—and fun—place to dine in Reading is Jimmie Kramer's Peanut Bar and Restaurant, which your kids (and your inner child) will love! Its claim to fame for more than 70 years is its free peanuts, which diners are encouraged to toss on the floor with carefree abandon—after they’ve emptied the shells, of course! The peanuts you eat here go down easy with a wide variety of domestic and imported beers, lagers and ales; the Pennsylvania Dutch root beer is a tasty treat for the kids.

Winging it Through History

Let your passion for history take flight at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum. The museum celebrates aviation's development, from the first manned balloon flight in Philadelphia in the 1700s to the space age. Check out the museum's impressive collection of military and civil aircraft, which date back to 1928, and related artifacts.

Discover Reading's history at the Berks County Heritage Center complex. A good place to start your tour of the complex is the visitor information station, which is located at the Reeser Farm House, a stone structure built in the 1700s. Among the several properties managed by the Center are the Gruber Wagon Works, a National Historic Landmark; and the C. Howard Hiester Canal Center, a museum highlighting canal transportation history. Other highlights include Pennsylvania's longest covered bridge and Melcher's Grist Mill, which was built in 1888. The Center is open from May through October.

Cultural and Entertainment Hot Spots

The heart of Reading's artistic community is the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. Its four galleries are open daily, and its intimate 130-seat theater offers daily showings of classic and contemporary films. On the second Sunday of each month—except during July and August—GoggleWorks hosts an open house, during which visitors can enjoy demonstrations and a family-friendly workshop.

Only in Reading

When nighttime falls, watch for the glowing red lights atop Mount Penn. It's nothing supernatural, but it is definitely something unusual! It's Reading's seven-story Pagoda, which was built in 1906. If you’re feeling up to it, you can climb the 87 steps to the top for sweeping views of the area. The café is open on the weekends, and visitors can enjoy their treats and scenery from the porch. For a taste of history, take the family to the Tom Sturgis Pretzels store. The Sturgis clan has been making pretzels since 1897, and their continuing legacy is one of the reasons that Reading is called the “Pretzel Capital of the World”!

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