Central Pennsylvania — the area between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, where not much lies to attract travelers other than Penn State University, Lancaster Amish country and secluded getaways. If your journeys do bring you to this area of the state, though, you can find plenty to indulge your luxury side if you just know where to look.
Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa boasts a history stretching back to 1806. A Historic Hotel of America, it’s a 2,200-acre resort with access to long-revered mineral springs. A luxury spa provides health and beauty treatments and a recent $120 million restoration promises only the utmost in rural retreat. The location can’t be beat, either, as it’s just two hours from D.C. and three from Philadelphia.
Looking for a different kind of spa? While it can’t offer mineral springs, The Spa at The Hotel Hershey does offer plenty of chocolate. The chocolate escape experience (starting at $385) includes a whipped cocoa bath, chocolate bean polish or chocolate sugar scrub, chocolate fondue wrap and cocoa massage. While you enjoy the sweet escape, the kids can head over to Hershey Park for a day of rollercoasters and other rides.
Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail
Wine-lovers may be surprised at the bevy of vineyards and wineries located throughout central Pennsylvania. The Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail features 16 different wineries and special events throughout the year. The Heartland Christmas celebration is a highlight, with guests receiving a gift of an elegant wreath to adorn with ornaments from each of the wineries on the trail.
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Plan a wine weekend in the region, and stop for the night in State College, where the historic Nittany Lion Inn boasts a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence. The inn also frequently hosts wine-centric events, including tastings and educational, luxury dinners with guest appearances from famed wineries from around the world.
Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts
If you’re not up for chasing wine around the region, plan your trip to the area around the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, the state’s premier art event, highly ranked and regarded around the country. Artists flock from far and wide to display their paintings, sculptures, photography and more, while musicians, thespians and other performers vie for a spot in the week-long entertainment line-up. There are plenty of kids’ activities during the festival as well, from kid-friendly performers to hands-on science experiments hosted by Penn State students to a makeshift water park.
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May 1, 2024Music Jams Await the Whole Family in Cajun Country, Louisiana
It’s always time for music in Louisiana’s Cajun Country and, in May, the place to be for family travelers is St. Landry’s Parish. Celebrate Mothers’ Day in Opelousas at Tucka James Music Fest, May 10–11, where 16 artists perform over two days. Friday is Country Takeover and Saturday stars the King of Swing, Tucka James.
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United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations / North America
May 1, 2024You Can Stay in a “Garfield” Suite at Motel 6
Is your family a fan of Garfield? If so, you won’t want to miss the new Garfield suite. In honor of the new Columbia Pictures/Alcon Entertainment animated film The Garfield Movie, premiering May 24, Motel 6 appointed Garfield as its first-ever Chief Pet Officer. Family travelers have the opportunity to dive into the world of pet-friendly travel through immersive experiences surrounding the new movie, including:
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May 1, 2024Experience Extravagance this Mother’s Day at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
If family travel is on the itinerary for Mother’s Day this year, consider Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa and its over-the-top Mother’s Day offering, for up to four people. No detail will be overlooked for mom this year.
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Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Destinations / North America
Apr 30, 2024Explore Waterfalls and Wildflowers in Tuolumne County, California
Tuolumne County, California, is an ideal place for family travelers to witness nature’s spring awakening.
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