Crystal Cave
Crystal Cave
So much to do, so little time. With the abundance of exciting and unique experiences to be found right in our backyard, how do you know where to start? Start with our Berks County bucket list! We’ve compiled a list of local must-dos so you never have to have a dull moment.
A is for Antiques:
Renninger’s Antiques
Find fresh food, good deals and hidden treasures at Renninger’s Antique, Farmer’s and Flea Market in Kutztown. It’s more than a place to buy groceries; it’s a Berks County tradition!
B is for Baseball:
Reading Fightin Phils
Minor league, major fun. Enjoy a day at the ballpark and one of the top 100 stadium experiences in North America with the Reading Fightin Philsat FirstEnergy Stadium.
C is for Caves:
Crystal Cave
Venture into the depths of Pennsylvania’s greatest natural wonder at Crystal Cave. This underground curiosity in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country is educational and fun for the whole family.
D is for Duryea:
Duryea Hillclimb & Duryea Downhill
pahillclimb.orgduryeadownhill.com
What goes up must come down. Visit scenic Skyline Drive and watch drivers race up the most challenging track in the Northeast, or cheer on mountain bikers flying down the mountain in the East’s premier gravity event.
E is for Entertainment:
Santander Arena and Performing Arts Center
Want to go to a show? The Santander Arenaand Performing Arts Center’s full schedule oflive events, from music and magic to comedyand sports, is sure to entertain.
F is for Fishing:
Blue Marsh Lake
Drop a line in Berks County’s largest lake!Blue Marsh Lake boasts 1,147 acres of waterand 3 boat launches, and it is known for the quality and size of its bass.
G is for Gallery:
GoggleWorks Center forthe Arts
Browse quality contemporary art and crafts from local artisans in the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, or create your own masterpiece in one of their dozens of classes and workshops. There's even a summer camp opportunity for kids!
H is for Hamburger:
Taste of Hamburg-er Festival
An entire town dedicated to the best burger you’ve ever had? Don’t miss the entertainment, activities, vendors, and (most importantly) burgers at this famous annual food fest in Hamburg.
I is for Ice Cream:
Scoupe de Ville
@ScoupeDeVilleIceCreamParlor on Facebook
Do the twist (and eat it too!) at this 50s-inspired ice cream parlor. Sample a sundae, enjoy an old-fashioned malted milkshake, or choose from dozens of flavors for the perfect sweet treat.
J is for Jazz
Jazz Fest
Join more than 40,000 fellow jazz lovers for the musical event of the year! This 10-day festival features more than 50 concerts and dozens more non-ticketed events throughout Reading and Berks.
K is for Kids:
The Works, Ballocity, Slick Willy’s & Xtreme Air
Jump, climb, race and play your way through the area’s largest indoor entertainment facility. The Works has more than 3 acres of activities for channeling your inner child while having fun with your family.
L is for Lights:
Koziar’s Christmas Village
Take a drive through the countryside and find yourself in a dazzling valley lit by more than a million Christmas lights in the area’s most festive village.
M is for Microbrew:
Oakbrook Brewing
@OakbrookBrew on Facebook
Douse your thirst with a classic ale brewed in Reading’s historic Oakbrook Fire Station. Oakbrook Brewing Company boasts great beer, good food and an unpretentious and comfortable neighborhood atmosphere.
N is for Nature:
Nolde Forest
Get a breath of fresh air with a hike through Nolde Forest’s 665 acres of woodlands. Strike out on your own or join aneducational tour!
O is for Oktoberfest:
Oktoberfest
Why travel to Germany when you can visit one of the top five Oktoberfests in the world right here? Channel your inner Pennsylvania Dutchman over 5 days of celebrations at the Reading Liederkranz. Prost!
P is for Pagoda:
The Pagoda
There’s nothing like the view from thetop! Visit the historic landmark that has served as a beacon for Reading formore than a century.
Q is for Queen:
Reading Royals
The Kelly Cup is a fitting chalice for this hometown team. The Reading Royals, a Philadelphia Flyers affiliate, have earned their kingly status with 12 playoff visits in 16 years.
R is for Railroad:
Colebrookdale Railroad
Journey into the Secret Valley on a Civil War-era rail line. A total 8.6 miles of iron rails that once connected the country’s oldest iron-making sites can now connect you to the beauty of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
S is for Spicy:
Chile Pepper Festival
Test your taste buds at the annual Chile Pepper Festival in Bowers. Enter the pepper-eating contest or sample from dozens of vendors all vying to be the hottest dish in town.
T is for Twist:
Tom Sturgis Pretzels
Tour, twist and taste the result of generations of tradition with America’s first pretzel-baking family. With salty, sweet and savory options, there’s a twistfor everyone.
U is for Unique:
Unique Pretzels
Reading hasn’t been dubbed Pretzel City for nothing! Unique’s splits are just that,a unique twist on a classicfavorite. Get this crunchy original fresh-baked or dipped in chocolate.
V is for Vino:
Berks County Wine Trail
Who needs Napa when Berks County’s fertile farmlands produce vintages for all palates? Follow the trail to tour 9 diverse wineries on your own or for a collaborative event.
W is for West Reading:
West Reading Shopping and Dining
There are plenty of ways to spend your days and nights in West Reading. Explore local restaurants, stores and the farmers market before hitting the avenue for a full schedule of events!
X is for Hex:
Pennsylvania Dutch Hex Sign Tour
Travel along the Hex Highway on a self-guided tour of the area’s distinct folk art history. Hex signs, or barn stars, accent the countryside with pops of color to turn ordinary barns into art.
Y is for Yelling “Fore!”:
Reading Country Club
Play 18 on a course designed by the Father of American Golf, Alexander Findlay. This true shot-makers course has been challenging golfers for nearly 100 years and is open to the public.
Z is for Zoom:
Maple GroveRaceway
Family fun a quarter-mile at a time. Maple Grove’s track hosts not only drag racing, but also specialized events — from nostalgia racing to street bikes — to offer something for all automotive interests.
