Want to ensure your out-of-town guests return for another visit? Skip the slideshow of your latest cruise and instead plan a tourist to-do list that highlights the best of Berks. “We are like a big city in a small place,” says Crystal Seitz, president of the Greater Reading Convention & Visitors Bureau. “You can visit Greater Reading and experience all types of special things in just a few days.”
To help get you started, here’s a road map of the area’s Top 10 Must-See Spots.
Pagoda
With a red-hot glow that lights up the nighttime sky, the Pagoda is among Berks County’s most iconic symbols. Built in the early 1900s and recently restored to its original breathtaking beauty, it provides a picture-perfect view of the city below. Even Hollywood has noticed this superstar tourist spot, which was featured on The Last Airbender's movie poster. Readingpagoda.com
Berks County wineries
Berks is known for having some of the tastiest pretzels and beer this side of the Schuylkill River, but renowned wineries also dot the area’s countryside. Drink up at local faves Blair Vineyards, Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Long Trout Winery and Manatawny Creek Winery. Berkscountywinetrail.com
Reading Fightin Phils
Welcome to Baseballtown, where from April through September, fans flock to cheer for the home team–the newly renamed Reading Fightin Phils. Including watching Screwball run across the field, eating lip-smacking stadium food and vying for freebies flung into the crowd, your day at the ballpark will be a guaranteed home run. Readingphillies.com
VF Outlet Center
Whether looking for a suitcase or a stylish outfit, savvy shoppers know VF Outlet Center is the best place to score deals. The outlet mall opened in 1970 on the site of a former knitting mill and is now a premiere discount destination, boasting dozens of brand-name stores that make customers scream, “ka-ching, baby!” VFoutletcenter.com
Main Street USA
Want a more unique shopping experience? Visit one of Berks’ quintessential main streets in areas such as West Reading and Oley Township, where boutiques, eateries and a variety of small businesses create a homespun marketplace that offers everything you’ll ever desire–from cupcakes and cheese to hardcover classics and handmade, one-of-a-kind crafts.
Lovewestreading.org; Keepinitkutztown.com; Hamburgpa.org; Boyertownpa.org
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Feel like you’re flying high at Hawk Mountain. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the winged creatures that soar around this 2,600-acre reserve, which is the oldest bird sanctuary in the world and ranked as Audubon Magazine’s #1 Hawk Watch in the country. The spectacular landscapes give new meaning to the great outdoors. Hawkmountain.org
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
Housed in the former Willson Safety Goggle Factory, the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts has become one of the area’s brightest gems since opening in 2005. With artist studios, ever-changing gallery exhibits, a movie theater, a café and enriching classes–including ceramics, belly dancing and glass blowing–the center will bring out your inner creativity. Goggleworks.org
Reading Public Museum
Whether you prefer idyllic Normal Rockwell paintings or off-beat exhibits featuring LEGOs, the Reading Public Museum (and nearby Neag Planetarium) provide an afternoon of hands-on fun. Following record attendance in 2012, the museum is celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2013 and staking its claim as the area’s go-to spot for family entertainment and culture. Readingpublicmuseum.org
Pleasantville Covered Bridge
For a break from the hustle and bustle of other tourist spots, visit the Pleasantville Covered Bridge in Oley. You’ll feel peaceful and relaxed after watching sunlight pour through the bridge’s wooden beams, marveling at its intricate architecture and listening to the gentle gurgle of the river flowing below.
Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center
Never heard of hex signs, fasnachts or distlefinks? Learn all about PA Dutch lore and lingo at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Museum at Kutztown University. Part education and part entertainment, the museum’s comprehensive and fascinating collection includes more than 10,000 turn-of-the-century artifacts that will make you grateful for modern-day appliances. Kutztown.edu/community/pgchc/index1.htm
Kristin’s Best in Berks Spots
As Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz says, “There’s no place like home.” I’m a Berks native, born and raised in Reading. But give me 24 hours to spend criss-crossing the county, and these are some of the hot spots
I would add to my itinerary.
MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY
for an adrenaline rush | maplegroveraceway.com
TOMCAT CAFÉ
in Sinking Spring for a down-home breakfast and great conversation | tomcatcafe.com
PEANUT BAR
in Reading for a plate of wings, with a side of Reading history | peanutbar.com
BRIDGE INN
in Oley for a palate-pleasing martini | bridgeinnpleasantville.com
GO FISH! SEAFOOD
for a sushi roll, or two | gofishseafood.com
KNIGHT’S PUB AT STOKESAY CASTLE
for a hot brunch at a cool new spot | theknightspub.com
FAIRGROUNDS FARMER’S MARKET
for a bagful of homemade sweet treats | 610.929.3429
CITY PARK BANDSHELL
for a Diana Ross-inspired moment on stage
CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA AFRICAN-AMERICAN MUSEUM
for a different perspective of the area’s culture and history | cpaam.net
ART MURALS THROUGHOUT READING
for a treasure hunt of hidden artistic gems
HISTORIC CENTRE PARK DISTRICT
for a quiet walk in a pristine neighborhood | centrepark.org
SOVEREIGN CENTER
for an entertaining nighttime event | sovereigncenter.com
WINEDOWN CAFÉ & WINE BAR
for a relaxing nightcap | winedowncafe.net
