Spanning the City of Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania’s Americana Region is a place where arts and culture meet the beauty of Pennsylvania’s farm country. Marvel at birds of prey at a raptor sanctuary. Tour one of the largest art campuses in the United States. Or, experience the magic of a one-of-a-kind Christmas village.
Whether you’re staying for the weekend or just passing through, check out these ten can’t-miss experiences in this picturesque region of Pennsylvania.
1. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Take a walk on the wild side at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County. Home to more than 2,500 acres of protected forests, this sanctuary is the first-ever refuge for birds of prey, such as eagles, hawks and vultures. In the fall, flock to Hawk Mountain for the annual raptor migration along the Appalachian Flyway. Love hiking? Over eight miles of trails, including a wheelchair-accessible trail, lead to breathtaking views from the scenic overlooks and lookouts – especially when fall colors peak in early November. On weekends, visit with hawks and owls up close via scheduled bird encounters, learn how to identify raptors in the sky, and discover how the sanctuary tracks these magnificent birds.
2. Mid-Atlantic Air Museum
Aviation history takes flight at Reading’s Mid-Atlantic Air Museum. Here, you’ll learn about the manufacturers, pioneers, innovators and residential heroes that contributed to the mid-Atlantic aviation industry. Be sure to visit the first full weekend in June for the museum’s annual World War II Weekend. The largest event of its kind, this blast from the past will transport you to the 1940s via costumed living history re-enactors, thrilling battles and skirmishes, live artillery demonstrations and the Gathering of the Warbirds – a chance to see vintage World War II aircraft take to the skies. Even better, you can ride in some of these amazing planes! Tour the ruins of a French Village, explore the American homefront on Main Street and discover what life was like for the troops in the field. The event also features live 1940s radio show performances, the nation’s largest militaria flea market, and swing dancing nights where you can show off your moves on the dance floor.
3. Goggleworks Center for the Arts
Located in the former Willson Safety Goggle Factory, Goggleworks Center for the Arts is the largest art museum of its kind in the country, spanning 145,000 square feet. Wander through galleries featuring ceramics, blown glass, woodworking and metalsmithing. Check out rotating exhibitions highlighting pieces from local artists, or head upstairs to the artist studios for a sneak peek of works in progress. Throughout the year, the center hosts a variety of fun events, such as Pumpkin Palooza, the Handcrafted Holiday Market and Spring Iron Pour. In October, art enthusiasts and collectors gather for the IX Art Show of Imaginative Realism, which features over 90 artists showcasing their work and impromptu art demonstrations. And for film lovers? It’s lights, camera, and action when the Goggleworks’ Boscov Theatre rolls out the red carpet for the ReadingFilmFest.
4. The Pagoda
A pagoda in Pennsylvania? Absolutely. Perched atop Mount Penn, this striking red Pagoda has overlooked Reading for over 100 years. Built to cover the hole made from a stone quarry, the Pagoda was originally intended to be a luxury resort. Today, it’s currently closed for renovations, but you can enjoy panoramic city views from its balcony from dawn until dusk. Stick around after dark to see the structure light up in a twinkle of red LED lights.
5. Colebrookdale Railroad
All aboard! It’s time to check out one of the most popular attractions in Pennsylvania’s Americana Region – the Colebrookdale Railroad in Boyertown. Offering a variety of fun-filled themed excursions, this railroad is home to a beautifully restored Edwardian-era train that travels from Boyertown Station to Pine Forge. On the Secret Valley Expedition, enjoy a delicious multi-course meal with scenic views of Secret Valley. Love ice cream? Make sweet memories on Sundays aboard the Ice Cream Sundae Run. Celebrate Oktoberfest on the Brats and Beers Train, or enjoy mimosas and pastries on the brunch train. In the fall, the Dark Arts Express offers a spooky good time, and kids (and adults) can enjoy a dose of holiday magic riding Santa’s Polar Bear Express from November to December.
6. Koziar’s Christmas Village
There’s no better way to get into the spirit of the season than a trip to Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville. Lighting up the valley with more than a million twinkling lights since 1948, this holiday experience attracts thousands of visitors worldwide. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and a cookie from the Old-Fashioned Bakery Shop and enjoy a self-guided tour through the village. Stop by Santa’s Post Office, check out the spectacular manger scene and snap photos of glass buildings decorated in various holiday colors. Marvel at the displays, such as Christmas Beneath the Sea and Christmas in Other Lands, and of course, no trip is complete without a visit to Santa’s Headquarters. Round out your trip at a crowd-favorite – the sprawling indoor train attraction.
Koziar’s opens on the first Saturday in November.
7. Barn Star Art Tour
Take a one-of-a-kind road trip through northern Berks County, seeking out unique folk art on this Barn Star Art Tour. Highlighting barn stars and hex signs, a unique type of Dutch folk art depicting colorful stars, this self-guided tour weaves through Pennsylvania’s farm country, beginning and ending in Kutztown. From six-pointed stars depicting good luck to the eight-pointed star representing the sun and fertility, these works of art are painted on covered bridges and farms, a tradition that dates to the mid-1700s. For more insight into the world of the Pennsylvania Dutch, visit the German Cultural Heritage Museum. Or, in early July, attend the annual Kutztown Folk Festival – a celebration of PA Dutch folklife with demonstrations and more.
This tour will soon be an experience passport, available through SMS, like its companion tour, the Berks County Bridge Tour.
8. BrewHaHa Trail
Hazy IPAs. Dark Ales. Fruity Sours. If you’re seeking the best craft breweries and wineries in Pennsylvania’s Americana Region, hit the BrewHaHa Trail. Featuring nine stops, this trail will have you sipping and savoring a wealth of specialty brews and fine wines throughout Reading and Berks County. Sip on a Ravvy cider with notes of apple pulp at Chatty Monks Brewing Company. Throw back a pint at Saucony Creek Franklin Station Brewpub. Or, sample a Bass Ale at Jimmie Kramer’s Peanut Bar– one of the oldest bars in Reading.
Download the free mobile passport and collect points for each visit to redeem prizes!
9. Outdoor Adventures & Mountain Biking
Gorgeous parks. Breathtaking green spaces. Thrilling biking trails. When it comes to outdoor adventures, Pennsylvania’s Americana Region is where it’s at. Love mountain biking? The Greater Reading Trails System is home to over 200 miles (and growing) of interconnected trails that cater to all skill levels. From off-road excursions to peaceful scenic rides on the Blue Marsh Lake Trail, you can experience the best of the region’s natural beauty by bike. Beyond the trails, French Creek State Park is perfect for a camping weekend in the lush forests of the Schuylkill Highlands, while Blue Marsh Lake is an angler’s dream with its bounty of bass, walleye and rainbow trout. And if you love paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking, check out the Schuykill Water Trail.
10. Oktoberfest
If visiting in the fall, you must attend the Reading Liederkranz Oktoberfest celebration – voted the best Oktoberfest in the USA by USAToday in 2015 and 2017. Attracting over 15,000 visitors each year, this fun event serves up a wealth of German beers to sample, authentic German food (brats, anyone?), and incredible live music performances from the RLK singers.
Fun fact: This Oktoberfest is so true to its German origins it ranked 4th behind Munich, Germany, on Business Insider’s Nine Best Oktoberfests in the World in 2012.
