Pennsylvania Offers a Host Of 'You Will Only Find it Here' Opportunities This Summer

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Test the waters at a Pennsylvania beach, cool off with a scoop of garlic ice cream and cheer on the next generation of baseball greats as the State of Independence welcomes visitors to sample one-of-a-kind offerings this summer.

"This summer, we invite vacationers to take part in the unique experiences that only this state can offer," said Mickey Rowley, deputy secretary of tourism in the Department of Community and Economic Development. "For half of the U.S. population, Pennsylvania's diverse attractions are a short and affordable drive away. It is time to get in the car and explore a new corner of the commonwealth."

Step outside, grab a hot dog and enjoy an American pastime as Williamsport hosts the 63rd Little League World Series, Aug. 21-30. Enjoy the competition as 16 teams vie for the title of World Series champion. Come early and celebrate at the 5th annual Grand Slam Parade as coaches, players, and community groups march through the downtown among 30,000 spectators. For more information, visit www.littleleague.org.

Have a Caribbean experience in Pennsylvania as Philadelphia celebrates the Caribbean Festival at Penn's Landing Great Plaza, Aug. 23. Taste the flavors, hear the music and witness the traditions of the Caribbean Islands in this cultural bash leaving all attendees feeling the island breeze. For more information, visit www.delawareriverwaterfrontcorp.com.

Join Corvette enthusiasts from around the globe in Carlisle for the world's largest Corvette extravaganza and a weekend of entertainment and education at Corvettes at Carlisle, Aug. 28-30. Activities include the famous Corvette Race Reunion, the chance to test Corvette skills on the Autocross, a restoration gallery, kids' activities, and even the chance to win a 2009 Corvette. For more information, visit www.carsatcarlisle.com.

Smell the aroma of garlicky goodness as Shawnee Ski Area cooks up a celebration at the Pocono Garlic Festival, Sept. 5-6. Sample from more than 50 food vendors as maverick cooks and chefs display their art for all attendees. Test the unique cuisine like roasted garlic ice cream or garlic funnel cakes, each liberally laced with famous Pocono-grown garlic. Day-long musical entertainment and garlic-themed crafts offer more for attendees of this 15-year-old event. For more information, visit www.poconogarlic.com.

Learn the craft of making linen from the flax plant as the descendants of Ligonier Valley demonstrate their skill at the 101st Flax Scutching Festival in Stahlstown, Sept. 12-13. Homemade food and pastries, live family entertainment, crafts, wagon train rides and encampments is sure to provide entertainment during the second-oldest continuous flax scutching festival in the world. For more information, visit www.flaxscutching.org.

Take a summer vacation at Pennsylvania's only beach as Erie celebrates Discover Presque Isle, July 24-26. This three-day outdoor event in Presque Isle State Park with live music and various activities including sand sculpture contest, stone skipping, and windsurfing. Discover Presque Isle attracts more than 100,000 attendees each summer. For more information, visit www.visiteriepa.com.

Other upcoming events in Pennsylvania this summer include the Central PA 4th Fest in State College, July 4, www.4thfest.org and the Coal and Coke Heritage Music Festival in Uniontown, Sept. 19, www.coalandcokemusicfest.org.

The Pennsylvania Tourism Office, under the state Department of Community and Economic Development, is dedicated to fulfilling the needs and aspirations of travelers by presenting them with the information and resources they need to plan and enjoy the activities, attractions and destinations that are uniquely Pennsylvania. For more information go to visitPA.com or call (800) VISIT PA.

Editor's Note: For additional Pennsylvania tourism story ideas follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/patourismpr.

    CONTACT:  Michael Chapaloney
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