CITY SPOTLIGHT:

YOUR GUIDE TO READING, PENNSYLVANIA

sky view of Reading

Know Before You Go: About Reading

Planning a trip to Reading? Find out how to pack, how to get around and what to see once you get here.

If you think of central Pennsylvania at all, you probably imagine it to be Philadelphia, and, well, nothing else. Yet you’ll find some incredible sites and activities within a 70-mile radius of this City of Brotherly Love; northwest to Reading, for example. For more information about this fun-filled area, keep reading below!

Lots of Snow, Colorful Autumn Leaves

If you like lots of snow, Reading is the place for you. From the end of December through February, you may see 9 inches of the white stuff per month. It's not surprising that skiing at nearby Bear Creek Mountain is so popular. Winter temps average in the 30s. In summer, from late June through August, you'll find average temperatures in the mid-70s, with occasional leaps into the mid-80s. It rains a lot, sometimes over 4 inches monthly, from late spring through early fall. When the temperatures start to dip down, usually in October, it's time to check out the vibrant fall colors.

From Daniel Boone to Modern Aviation

Get a reminder of what life was like for America’s early settlers at the Daniel Boone Homestead, only 11 miles from town. Nolde Forest State Park is on the outskirts of Reading, and covers 625 acres of forest. The trails are especially scenic during the fall leaf peeping season. Love skiing? Bear Creek Mountain Resort in the Lehigh Valley is only 28 miles away. For some family fun, check out the Reading Public Museum and the adjacent Neag Planetarium. If you love planes, visit the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum. Its collection of aircrafts dates back to the early 1900s.

Manufacturing, Healthcare and Tourism

The top industries in Reading are manufacturing and health care. Industrial Metal Plating, specializing in aluminum and chrome plating, and Blatt Welding and Fabrication are two firms that are situated in town. Tourism, whether it's hotel accommodations, restaurants or retail shops, also plays a big part in the region's economy. Spend a night or two in Reading and you not only have an excellent base for exploring the area, you're also contributing to the local economy.

Two Airports, Cars and Buses

If you're flying, you could choose to land at the Philadelphia International Airport, about 72 miles away, or the Harrisburg International Airport, which is roughly 62 miles away. Getting around Reading, especially if you're visiting sites out of town, is easiest by car. If you prefer to bus it, Greyhound has a station on North 3rd Street. The closest Amtrak location is in Lancaster, 32 miles away. Take the train to Lancaster, and then take Greyhound into Reading. To get around town, hop on the BARTA public transit service.

Ready to travel? Find hotels in Reading.

Things to Do in Reading

Take in a show at a local theater, visit a museum, hike the Appalachian Trail, enjoy the view from the Pagoda area and more.