The first sizable group of Amish from Europe settled in Lancaster County, where they thrived. Today it’s the second largest group of Amish in the country. The largest group is in Holmes County, Ohio. There are also many Amish in Indiana and Iowa, but about 80% of the country’s Amish live in the combined states of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana.

Although Amish are found in other small communities in Pennsylvania, most people head to Lancaster County to see the Amish. Lancaster County was once a peaceful area with rolling hills, trees and rich red soil. Known as the “Garden Spot” of the nation, Lancaster County has been known for a peaceful tranquil place to raise a family. Today even though you will still see this, much of the farm ground has been turned into apartments, factories, and retail establishments.

Lancaster city is the oldest inland city in the United States, and is rich in history. Amish have been part of that history, and still thrive there today in many communities. Tourism is predominately focused on the history of the county, and the culture the Amish bring to the county. Much of the plain people’s lifestyle can be seen in the shops and stores. However, there is a whole different world in the cloak of being “plain”.

The Amish live in their own close knit communities. They follow their bishop and the Ordnung, which is the set of rules by which the Amish live and follow their strict beliefs in the Bible. People who are not familiar with the Amish may view the communities as living with rules of “don’t”; don’t do this, don’t do that. However from the Amish side of their beliefs, they see it as adhering to the strict rules of the Bible. They are literal believers of the Bible, which is the basis for their lifestyle. Scripture from the Bible such as “be in the world, but not part of it”, or “women are not to be adorned with jewelry” are the basis for the lifestyle you see today.

So when you visit the Pennsylvania Amish country, remember that there is a lot of history to see. And too, be respectful of their beliefs, just as they are of yours.

Pennsylvania Amish Country is a post from: Central PA Getaways

Do you have a Little League baseball player or two at home? If so, then you need to read this article. Quality Inn hotels have a well-deserved reputation as one of the most economical and homey hotel chains in the country. That

Take Me Out To The Ballgame: Quality Inn Sweepstakes is a post from: Central PA Getaways

Once in a while it would not hurt to spend the holidays away from home. Nearly 25 million Americans avoid the tedium by heading out come winter vacation time with many travel agencies as well as hotels and resorts on their heels eager to corner their business. The choices are numerous when it comes to potential winter holiday stops. A fun filled vacation is still possible even with limited finances through the affordable holiday packages most hotels and ski resorts as well as Caribbean cruises offer. Rock bottom rates can often be had at a number of cruise liners too.

To see white everywhere a trip to any of the ski lodges lining the area covering Stowe in Vermont to Lake Tahoe are excellent choices. Possibly the most renowned ski places are found somewhere in Colorado. Luminaries like spending winter surrounded by the over 3000 acres of land for skiing that Vail boasts of. There is snowmobiling along with bob or dog sledding for the family plus bobsledding and dog sledding not to mention sleigh rides as well as ice hockey and cross country ski tours. Telluride in Colorado is also becoming the alternative resort location for high end individuals.

Accommodations may include some fine hotels located in Beaver Creek with one hotel boasting of 300 rooms at an altitude of 8,100 feet and ski lifts outside its doors. Other fantastic Colorado ski resorts are located in Breckenridge, Keystone and Copper Mountain. The slopes providing a challenge to skiers include those of the Big Bear and Mammoth in the south and Lake Tahoe in the north of California.

Skiers do not have to pay huge resort prices to have some winter fun. There are inns close to popular cross country and downhill ski spots. Taos and Squaw Valleys along with Killington plus Aspen and Jackson Hole count among the exceptional locations.

Looking for destinations that kids will enjoy isn’t a problem. Some hotels in New York provide special menus such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as well as special recreational programs like scavenger hunts, cookie baking, kite flying and sand castle building. Travelers have loved spending the holidays at the Tennessee Blackberry Farm adjacent to the Smokey Mountains for nearly 80 years. This place features mountain sunrises, woodland trails, fireside gatherings and home furnishings that recall colonial times.

People pay Walt Disney World in Florida a visit lots of times each year too to make their vacation dreams come true. Marching toy soldiers, twinkling lights on towering Douglas firs, big parades and musical theme shows add a holiday sparkle. Families with sweet teeth will enjoy a visit to Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

America arguably has lots to offer in terms of travel places filled with both historic inclinations and local flair. For a Colonial American holiday, plan a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia where city fathers hold a 17th century Jamestown Settlement holiday celebration. A Nashville hotel holds a country Christmas each year and New Orleans does something in the spirit of France. Each time night comes new life is breathed into the city as Creole Queen gives jazz cruises and dinner establishments hold special rebellion eats. Cruising is another way to have a grand time on vacation. Reputable cruising companies offer a variety of holiday trip locations.

Winter vacations can also double up as shopping opportunities. Many of the key cities have fancy hotels carrying special rates so it is easy to shop around even if the stores are out of town. Certified moneybags get the lavish treatment in San Francisco.

Places to Travel and Stay In During the Holidays is a post from: Central PA Getaways

Owning an automobile is a great responsibility. There is always much work involved in the upkeep of a vehicle, whether you purchase a new or used model. Besides taking good care of your car on a daily basis, you need to take it into the mechanic periodically for regular tune-ups, wheel alignment, oil changes and more. Yet another responsibility that car owners face is purchasing automobile insurance. If you live in Pennsylvania, you can search online to obtain good deals on prices for your auto insurance Bethlehem Pennsylvania.

On average, new vehicles are much easier to maintain than older models as all the parts are new and function better. New vehicles will naturally cost much more than used cars, but you can keep the cost down by choosing a less expensive make and model. You can expect to pay much more for a luxury car manufactured by Mercedes Benz or Lexus than if you purchased a more conventional Ford or Toyota brand. Sports cars will cost much more than a small family car; SUVs will be more expensive than typical midsize vehicles. The type of car you choose plays a big part in the expense of monthly payments, insurance, gas mileage and more. Therefore, you should choose wisely.

By determining how you will use your vehicle, you can make a better choice on which car to buy. If you are a large family that loves to travel, you may want to invest in a larger vehicle such as a family van or SUV for this purpose. These vehicles offer large families greater comfort as they travel in addition to sufficient space to carry all their luggage. If your family is into hiking and camping, an SUV vehicle can drive easier on rugged terrain with its 4-wheel drive. Its durable metal construction also provides greater safety on the roads. Couples with one or two kids may prefer a midsize family car as it is big enough to accommodate their small family and much more economical on gas. The cost of auto insurance Bethlehem Pennsylvania for mid ize family cars will also be less expensive.

Singles may prefer a more compact vehicle geared toward driving to and from work and perhaps occasional trips outside the city. A frugal driver will be much more interested in economy and efficiency than a powerful engine and fancy design. The increase in popularity of compact vehicles is attributed to greater efficiency, high resale value and less expensive cost to run and maintain. You can purchase these in two-door or four-door designs and in all makes and models.

Different people have different tastes and needs when it comes to buying a vehicle. The automobile industry turns out hundreds of car makes and models each year to help fulfill individual’s personal preferences and needs. You will be happier choosing the exact vehicle type you want, the make and model you can afford and the car best suited to meet your need. Once you have made your choice, you can buy the best auto insurance Bethlehem Pennsylvania coverage to give you the protection you desire.

Tips For Buying The Vehicle Of Your Dreams Bethlehem Pennsylvania is a post from: Central PA Getaways

Created between 1968 and 1978 by the US Army Corps of Engineers to provide flood control for the Susquehanna Valley, hydroelectricity, and recreation, the narrow, zigzag-shaped, 28-mile-long lake, emulating the Raystown branch of the Juniata River which feeds it, covers 8,300 acres and offers 118 miles of woodland shores.

Occupying land first discovered by Native Americans, it sports a significant, once-exposed archaeological site designated Sheep Rock Shelter, a sizable, overhanging ledge near the present-day Susquehannock Campground originally used for tribe and animal protection.

Excavating the site before the reservoir was expanded during the 1960s, researchers from Juniata College and Pennsylvania State University unearthed a 6,000-year-old skull and bones from a Native American woman, along with knives, pottery, and spearheads.

The rolled earth-and-rock dam which created the lake, with a 1,550-foot base width, a 24-foot top width, a 1,700-foot length, and a 225-foot height, created what could be considered Pennsylvania’s “crown jewel,” enabling Allegheny Electric Cooperative’s powerhouse to provide hydroelectricity to 8,500 homes and Huntingdon County to establish tourism as its second-largest industry after agriculture with more than two million annual visitors.

Although it has considerably evolved since its inauspicious beginnings as a collection of cottages for boaters, the area’s shores and hills, because of US Army Corps of Engineers regulations restricting development, still sport their natural guise, wearing coats of thick trees and retaining the indigenous wildlife which depends upon them.

A Mecca for nature-lovers and sports enthusiasts today, it offers an array of leisure activities for both day and extended-stay visits, prerequisite to whose understanding and enjoyment is a look inside the Visitor Center perched on a ridge and affording pristine views of the azure lake it represents.

Dispensing information, directions, and brochures, it offers a glimpse of conditions 6,000 years ago through its interactive, paleontology exhibits, as well as interpretation through displays entitled “Building and Operating a Dam,” “Raystown Bygone Days,” and “Generating Electricity.”

Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau and US Army Corps of Engineers Ranger and Reserve Staff offices are located on its lower level.  Audiovisual presentations are given in its multi-purpose room and a gift shop sells drinks, snacks, books, and souvenirs just beyond the entrance.

Lake- and surrounding wilderness-related activities are numerous.

Swimming, for example, can be enjoyed at one of two Corps-managed beaches located within the Seven Points Recreation Area.  The first, the appropriately named Seven Points Beach near lake mile marker 9 on its west side, is subdivided into a 200-by-600 foot buoyed area with a concrete bottom and a 100-by-150 foot one with a sand base primarily used by children.  Its facilities include a shower and changing house, picnic tables, playground equipment, and the Lighthouse food concession.  The Oak Picnic Shelter is located on a peninsula across from the beach.

The second swimming facility, Tatman Run Beach, is located on the lake’s southern end and features a 200-by-700 foot buoyed area, along with a change house, a playground, picnic tables, grills, and a boat launch.

Boating itself can be done at any of seven Corps-managed launches—Snyder’s Run, Aitch, James Creek, Tatman Run, Shy Beaver, Weaver Falls, and Seven Points—the latter of which, bordered by the Tuscey Mountain ridges and located off of Bay Drive, offers a paved, three-lane, 40-foot-wide boat launch with capacity for 119 trailered vehicles and a modular courtesy floating dock.  There is neither a limitation on boat size nor horsepower on the lake, but there are no-wake zones to preclude disturbances of wildlife viewing and fishing.

Fishing itself can be accomplished at a variety of areas, including from rocky points, shallow bays, coves, and right in the middle of the lake from a boat, and might yield smallmouth, largemouth, or striped bass, muskie, walleye, crappie, stripers, perch, carp, brown trout, lake trout, or Atlantic salmon.

More than 700 campsites, ranging from primitive-tent to full-facility hookup types, blanket the area.  Six Army Corps facilities include Seven Points, Nancy’s Camp, Susquehannock, Group Camp, Lake Raystown Resort, and Branch Camp.

Hiking can be pursued on four established trails: the Hillside Native and Old Logger’s trails, both at Seven Points; the Riverside Nature Trail below the dam for wildlife viewing; and the 30-mile-long Terrace Mountain Trail.

Aside from recreation and waterfowl areas, Raystown Lake offers unrestricted hunting for rabbit, squirrel, grouse, beaver, pheasant, raccoon, turkey, and whitetail deer.

Several nests offer bald eagle viewing opportunities.

Most of Raystown Lake’s facilities are concentrated in two areas.

The first of these, Seven Points Marina, is located at its northern end.  Initially offering only a handful of boat rentals, it developed into Pennsylvania’s largest facility, with a shop, restaurant, a 35-strong rental fleet, and 946 slips.

Its Memories at the Lake restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining, while its Oar House store sells clothing, supplies, souvenirs, ice, bait, and tackle.

Its rental fleet includes seven 16-foot, ten-hp, four-person aluminum skiffs for sightseeing and fishing; nine 90-hp, eight-person pontoon boats; and 19 houseboats.  The latter, rentable during either Monday-to-Friday or Friday-to-Monday intervals, vary in size and accommodation, including those which sleep four, six, eight, or ten with cabin-style bunk beds, full bedrooms, sliding boards, and hot tubs.

Public excursions are offered on the marina’s own “Princess” houseboat.  Accommodating 125 on both lower-enclosed and upper-open decks configured with tables and a buffet, the aluminum-hulled, 75-foot-long vessel, propelled by 440 horsepower, takes sightseers on 90-mnute trips with appropriate commentary, tracing the lake’s red cedar tree-lined shore, exploring its islands and coves, and examining the Sheep Rock archeological site with its red shale, diagonal-patterned face.  Although it is mostly submerged, its upper portion, depicting its latest layers, is still visible.

Other cruises include the two-hour one to the dam, fall foliage trips, holiday and seasonal excursions with fireworks, and those with theme buffets, such as seafood, Italian, and surf-and-turf.

The second major concentration of facilities is the Lake Raystown Resort, Lodge, and Conference Center.

Located on 400 acres of waterfront property, the family-owned resort, having evolved from a small Army Corps campground, opened in 1984, and today offers a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, boat rentals, and related activities.

Of the former, its lodge offers 50 rooms and two suites.  Its rustic, one-room, original Army Corps cabins, constructed of native hemlock logs, sleep six and are the closest to the lake, while newer ones feature pine and maple wood.  The Oak Park cottages accommodate up to seven, or one more than the beachfront bungalows, while an equal number can reside in the two-bedroom villas nestled in the woods on their own peninsula.  The resort’s 221 campsites, offering water, electric, and cable hookups, accept tents, pop-ups, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motor homes.

Dining venues include the Marina Café, Bistro Express, and three convenience stores: the Trading Post, the Marina Store, and the General Store.

The full-service, 650-slip seasonal marina offers canoes, Jon fishing boats, pontoon boats, and houseboats for rent, the latter of which, measuring 60-by-16 feet, sleep up to ten, and sport swim and upper sun decks, waterslides, barbecue grills, four bedrooms, two full baths, a galley/kitchen, a dining room, a living room, and air conditioning.

The Lake Raystown Resort offers its own, 90-minute public sightseeing cruise on the “Proud Mary Showboat,” along with other dinner, full-bar, and sunset excursions.

House Afloat on Pennsylvania’s Raystown Lake is a post from: Central PA Getaways

If you are a business owner with a website, itâ??s time you considered a smart phone application that drives business and communicate with customers. Why? Take a look at these compelling statistics. Morgan Stanley Research has recently estimated that the sale of smart phones will outpace the sale of PCs in 2012, and Gartner estimates that more than 500 million smart phones will be sold in 2012. People are using their phones not only for calls, but also to access their email, the internet, and communicate by text and even video. As a company focused on website design in Pennsylvania, we see evidence of small and medium sized business owners recognizing this trend and asking us to design smart phone applications for their products and services.

We have been asked to design business smart phone applications to accomplish the following:

Reminders for healthcareNotices of expirationLocating items at storesPrice comparisonsPay for purchases by phoneCheck online and in-store availabilitySign up for price alerts and promotionsOpt-in text coupons

Many people this holiday season are using their smart phone to find holiday deals, receive price updates and see what others who bought products have to say. Other shoppers post sales and their shopping experiences on Facebook and Twitter, and shoppers can use their smart phones to try to get the best deal or the shortest line.

Smart phone applications can use a camera to capture the bar code of a product and deliver coupons or other information. Some applications can interface with Google results show weather, parking and other nearby services based on location.

From a website design in Pennsylvania perspective, these mobile smart phone applications present a considerable technical challenge because phones come in many different forms and run different technologies. Screen sizes and keyboards are not standard, and some phones have different touch screen technologies as well. So it makes sense from a website design in Pennsylvania perspective to look at the economies of scale and approach the smart phone application problem on a device specific framework, tailoring applications to individual devices.

In August, the Nielsen ratings for US smart phone use show that (blackberry) RIM is on top, followed by the iPhone and Android. But when only recent purchasers are compared, the order of the top 3 changes to Android, iPhone and RIM. Therefore designing applications that work for these three technologies seems to make the most sense for smart phone application website design in Pennsylvania.

Website Design in Pennsylvania Should Now Include Smart Phone Applications is a post from: Central PA Getaways

A house is one of the most vital necessities in life. Every person should have a roof above his head in order to live comfortably and decently. Finding a good shelter that is convenient and safe is a must and should be done in the most efficient manner possible.

In finding a good place to live in, there are a few things one must have in mind. Accordingly, the following are some factors one should take into consideration when deciding to buy a house.

Look for a Place to Suit Your Lifestyle

The place where you intend to buy a house must fit your way of life. If you like quiet streets, outdoor activities, barbeque during weekends and be closer to nature, look for a house in the rural areas. Attracted to the sand and the sun? Look for a property near the beach. Do you like the nightlife? Try looking for a house in the city or in the suburbs.

In line with this, Pennsylvania is a good place to start finding a place to live in. The winter is not that cold and the climate is very humid during summer. The rural areas have relatively low crime rates and the urban cities are highly-diverse. Here, one can live and work in the city at the same time manages a getaway to the tranquility of the rural areas in a manner of minutes. It is a safe and convenient place to start a family. In view of that, http://www.toppennsylvaniafsbo.com/ provides for an extensive property listing in Pennsylvania. It provides complete information on available houses for sale in every corner of the Keystone State.

Determine How Much to Spend in Buying a House

One of the first and foremost considerations in buying a house is the amount of money you’re willing to spend. The budget for the new house should include not only the price of the house, but also the cost of renovation, including labor and construction materials. It is advisable to look for a house, which needs few repairs or remodeling to reduce your expenditures. The year it was constructed and the reason the former owners of the house decided to sell it must also be known. The former owners might have left due to hazards to safety due to the age of the house. Consider also the amount of taxes that should be paid regarding the property.

Choose the Convenient Size of the House

The house selected must have enough space for the whole family. The rooms must have a definite purpose and has a good lay out to meet the needs and the size of the family. If living alone, it must have adequate space without sacrificing the functionality of every corner of the house.

Ensure the Safety and Security of the House

Check for the latest available data regarding frequency of earthquakes, floods, cyclones and other calamities in the area. Look at the most recent crime rate data, especially incidences of violence, drug trades and burglary in the neighborhood. This is to ensure that the neighborhood is safe and secure to live in.

Also, ensure no part of the house has termites or other pest that will endanger the health and safety of the people that will live in the house. It will also be helpful to consider the availability of an insurance company that will insure, at an affordable fee, the house intended to purchase.

Ascertain Adequacy of Water and Electricity Supply

The house must have sufficient and constant supply of water and electricity. These are basic necessities and should not be a problem when you move in.

Consider Proximity to Schools, Workplace, Stores, etc.

The house selected must be a near as possible to schools, workplace, store, hospitals or at least clinics, stores, parks, and other important places in the neighborhood. There must also be available transportation. If owning a vehicle, the roads must be in good condition to lessen travel time from one place to another. This will reduce daily expenditures at the same time providing convenience for the whole family.

Determine the Overall “Feel” of the House

Last, but not the least, is to ask yourself if you feel positive about the house you intend to buy. Can you imagine yourself living in the house? If married with children or just starting a family, can you see your family living comfortably in the house? Do you feel safe in the neighborhood?

These are some of the basic things a prospective buyer of a house must have in mind in choosing the right house to purchase. Affordability, safety and convenience are the keys to make your new house a home.

Things To Consider In Buying A House In Pennsylvania is a post from: Central PA Getaways

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in 2009, “on average in Pennsylvania:
Each day 332 reportable traffic crashes occurred (about 14 crashes every hour).
Each day 3 persons were killed in reportable traffic crashes (one death every 7 hours).
Each day 239 persons were injured in reportable crashes (about 10 injuries every hour).

Based on Pennsylvania’s 2009 population (12,604,767 people):
1 out of every 44 people was involved in a reportable traffic crash.
1 out of every 10,036 people was killed in a reportable traffic crash.
1 out of every 145 people was injured in a reportable traffic crash.”

Last year in Pennsylvania, 53% or 64,184 crashes involved multiple vehicles.Whenever multiple cars are involved in accidents, injury and fatality statistics rise. Accident victims can also expect paperwork and hassle with insurance companies.

If you or someone you know has become involved in a multi-vehicular accident involving cars, trucks, busses or motorcycles, you owe it to yourself to seek out and consult with an experience and qualified accident attorney in Pennsylvania who can help you establish fault /liability of the various vehicle operators in your case. Establishing the comparative negligence of each driver in a motor vehicle accident case is a crucial step before injuries or damages can even be presented to the insurance company. To prove liability, an investigation will have to perform which includes the taking of witness statements, and statements of the drivers. Scene investigation has to be done including photographs of the roadway involved from all angles, and of the vehicles involved. The investigation can and should be done relatively quickly before evidence disappears and while witnesses have a clear remembrance of what happened. Skid marks don’t stay on the roadway forever, and vehicles eventually get repaired.There is no need to be simply a Pennsylvania statistic. Rather, do something to protect your rights, and to get compensated for your injuries

A Perspective on Multi-Vehicle Accidents from an Accident Attorney in Pennsylvania is a post from: Central PA Getaways

Knowing how much I enjoy camping now in my adult life, I look back on my childhood and realize just how fortunate I was to have a father who loved to go camping.

It was his values that he instilled into me as a young child to enjoy what the great outdoors has to offer. The outdoors and camping in particular, helps bring you closer to nature and the serenity of life that you just can not get anywhere else, through any other vacation.

Camping is a great way for childhood sons and daughters to bond with their mothers and fathers. Camping is a vacation by which everyone must pitch in and help in order to make living outdoors as comfortable as possible.

Camping also allows parents to teach their children a variety of skills that lead up to teaching how to be more responsible or responsive with their surroundings. For example, going over the camping list before you leave, setting up the tents when your get there and teaching how to leave a campground better than you found it are all great ways to teach kids about teamwork and responsibility.

Beyond all the family values that you can teach and learn while camping, there is another great benefit to this wonderful style of vacation. No it’s not the clean air, although it could be, no it’s not the smell of bacon and eggs cooking over an open fire as the sun rises on a crisp autumn day, although that is a wonderful thought as well. No it is the fact that a camping vacation weekend is cheap and affordable.

Regardless of the state that you live in, you more than likely have a start park or private campground within reasonable driving distances from your home. Here in New Jersey, I am within fifteen minutes to a variety of state parks and private campgrounds, but it is the state parks where you will really save some money.

That does not mean private campgrounds are not as good, but state parks are cheaper on a per night basis. With state parks you more than likely will not get any of the amenities that you would with a private campground, but remember camping can be a vacation about bonding as opposed to video games and swimming pools.

On average in our area a state park will run about twenty-five dollars per night for a site. Most sites will accommodate up to three tents, or six people and no more than two vehicles parked at the site. I know in Pennsylvania the rules are different for state parks. There you are only allowed one vehicle parked on a site and maximum two tents and six people.

Call ahead to the park you plan to camp at and double check as to their rules and regulations if you are going with a bigger crowd.

As you can see a weekend trip to go camping (not including your food and supplies cost) will run about fifty-dollars. If you stay in cabins or are bringing an RV it may cost you more but not by much. Even after you figure in all of your supplies that you need, it is still cheaper than staying at a hotel somewhere, and with a hotel you are not going to the closeness with your family that you would get when you go camping.

Camping Offers a Low Cost Way to Enjoy a Weekend Getaway is a post from: Central PA Getaways

It is all too common today for Americans to enjoy annual holidays without truly appreciating the significance of these holidays. We enjoy these days off from work, but do we truly pay homage to those who have made these days possible? It is important that the significance of these holidays always be remembered. To aid in this effort, below is a list of the major American holidays and a description of their significance.

What is Armed Forces Day?

It is observed annually on the third Saturday of May. It is a day to honor the men and women who serve in the United States’ military.

What is Columbus Day?

It is observed on the second Monday of October. Columbus Day celebrates the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas on October 12, 1492. This is a controversial holiday because Columbus’ arrival prompted European settlement which would eventually lead to the cultural demise of the Native Americans.

What is Election Day?

Election Day is observed on the Tuesday after the first Monday of November. Public officials such as state representatives and the president are elected on Election Day.

What is Father’s Day?

Father’s Day is observed on the third Sunday of June. It is a celebration of fathers and their contributions to their families and children.

What is Flag Day?

Flag Day is observed on June 14. Flag Day celebrates the adoption of the United States flag.

What is Fourth of July?

Fourth of July is observed on July 4 and is the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Fourth of July celebrations include patriotic displays, parties, and fireworks.

What is Groundhog Day?

It is observed on February 2 in both the United States and Canada. Traditionally, if a groundhog emerges from its hole on Groundhog Day, then winter will soon end. If, however, a groundhog retreats back into its hole on Groundhog Day, then winter will continue for another six weeks. The largest Groundhog Day celebration takes place each year in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

What is Halloween?

Halloween is observed on October 31 and is typically celebrated by horror movies, costume parties, trick-or-treating, and pumpkin carving.

What is Labor Day?

Labor Day is observed on the first Monday of September, and it celebrates the contribution of workers to the United States economy. Labor Day serves as a day of rest and signals the end of the summer season.

What is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras, also known as Shrove Tuesday of Fat Tuesday, serves as a celebration before the long fast of Lent, which begins the following day. The largest Mardi Gras celebration occurs in New Orleans, Louisiana, where street masquerades are common.

What is Martin Luther King Day?

Martin Luther King Day is observed on the third Monday of January and celebrates the anniversary of Martin Luther King’s birthday. Martin Luther King was a prominent civil right leader known for his contributions to racial equality in the United States.

What is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It memorializes all men and women who have died while serving in the United States military. Memorial Day also signals the start of the summer season.

What is Mother’s Day?

Mother’s Day is observed on the second Sunday of May and celebrates mothers and the important role they serve. It is common for children to buy gifts, flowers, and cards for their mothers on Mother’s Day.

What is Presidents’ Day?

Presidents’ Day, observed on February 22, marks the birthday of George Washington, the first President of the United States. Washington was born on February 22, 1796. Today, Presidents’ Day is used as an occasion to honor all former presidents of the United States.

What is St. Patrick’s Day?

Saint Patrick’s Day is observed on March 17, and it is a remembrance of Ireland’s Saint Patrick. Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated with green clothing, parties, and large pub events.

What is Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is observed on the fourth Thursday of November. It is an occasion to give thanks for family and friends and is characterized by large gatherings where turkey is consumed. Thanksgiving originated in 1621 when the Pilgrims and Native Americans held a joint celebration and feast.

What is Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day is observed on February 14 and is an occasion to celebrate love with a partner. Many people celebrate their love on Valentine’s Day by sending cards and flowers and arranging romantic evening plans with their partner.

What is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day is observed on November 11, the anniversary of the end of World War I. Veterans Day serves to honor all men and women who have served in the military of the United States.

*all holiday information from www.day-finder.com

Significance of American Holidays is a post from: Central PA Getaways