Dorney Park Announces First Brand New Roller Coaster In Area In Almost Twenty Years
Summer might be winding down, but we can look forward to Summer 2024. Dorney Park just announced the first brand-new roller coaster in the area in almost twenty years! That…
Summer might be winding down, but we can look forward to Summer 2024. Dorney Park just announced the first brand-new roller coaster in the area in almost twenty years! That is a pretty crazy fact when you think about it. There haven't been any new roller coasters in the area since 2005. Even crazier 2005 is almost 20 years ago.
"We took a lot of our leads, our inspiration, from the ruins in Bethlehem," said Dorney Park Public Relations Manager Ryan Eldredge. "It's going to look and feel more like a steel mill. As you get onto the ride, you're going to have all those dips and dives and inversions that will make you feel like you're on a car maneuvering your way through a steel mill."
Bethlehem Steel was a staple in the Lehigh Valley, so many people worked there, including family members of mine. The Bethlehem Steel Corporation was an American steelmaking company headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Until its closure in 2003, it was one of the world's largest steel-producing and shipbuilding companies. It's very sad because the Lehigh Valley was such a money-making machine with its steel, but like many American manufacturing companies, production shut down or moved overseas.
Billy Joel wrote his famous song "Allentown" about the steel factories as well.
So the graduations hang on the wall
But they never really helped us at all
No they never taught us what was real
Iron and coke, chromium steel
And we're waiting here in Allentown
But they've taken all the coal from the ground
And the union people crawled away
Dorney Park Announces First Brand New Roller Coaster:
The new roller coaster is called Iron Menace, and it is set to open in the spring of 2024. In case you aren't familiar with Dorney Park, it's located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, known as the Lehigh Valley, about 60 miles from Philadelphia. The new roller coaster will climb 160 feet, then a three-second pause at the top will allow you to look straight down. Then, the park says riders will go "beyond vertical," plummeting down a 95-degree drop. That's followed by twists and turns with speeds up to 64 miles per hour. Iron Menace will be the park's eighth roller coaster, the first new coaster since Hydra opened in 2005, and the largest since Steel Force opened in 1997.
10 Magical Pennsylvania Places to Visit
No matter the season, Pennsylvania is a fantastic place for travel. There's so much history in this great state. Of course, people come from all over the world to enjoy Pennsylvania's historical sites and attractions. But, even those living in Pennsylvania should take the time to enjoy a vacation at home and venture to an area that they've never been before. This state truly has some magical Pennsylvania places to visit this season, or any season.
Before I get into the list of the 10 magical Pennsylvania places to visit, I want to highlight one favorite spot. As a chocolate lover, I have to say that Hershey is one of the best tourist spots in the area. Hersey is known for its family-friendly attractions, but adults can enjoy what the area has to offer, too. I mean, who doesn't love chocolate?
If you're heading to Hersey, one must-visit spot is Hersheypark. This is a massive amusement park. It offers 121 acres of outdoor attractions, including full-sized coasters, mellow family rides and an exciting waterpark. The park offers more than a dozen coasters, giving thrill-seekers plenty of options. Other attractions include the Lazy River or seeing a show at the Hersheypark Stadium, GIANT Center and Hershey Theatre. Some of the recent shows that have traveled through Hersheypark over the past few years include Lady Gaga, Five Finger Death Punch and "The Book of Mormon," so a wide variety of entertainment options. Also, for adults vacationing in Hersheypark, beverage and beer carts are available in the park, as well as some restaurants to stop off and get a brew.
But, let's get into the rest of Pennsylvania. Read on for 10 magical Pennsylvania places to visit this season, or any season. Whether you live in the Keystone State or far from it, this list will give you some good ideas of vacation spots, if you want to be in the state. Have more travel destinations for the list? Reach out to me, and find other great Pennsylvania vacation picks here.
10 Magical Pennsylvania Places to Visit
Hickory Run State Park
Hickory Run State Park is about an hour and 40 minutes from Philadelphia and four and a half hours from Pittsburgh. It's a beautiful spot with two lakes, a boulder field and more than 40 miles of hiking trails. That's not to mention the gorgeous waterfalls.
Gettysburg
If you're looking for a tourist haven in Pennsylvania, look no further than Gettysburg. There's obviously so much history here. During the Halloween season, this is a great choice, because they offer a ghost tour. The tour is available year-round, but it's extra perfect around Halloween. Of course, visitors can tour the roughly 6,000-acre Gettysburg National Military Park and more.
Hershey
Hershey is often called "The Sweetest Place on Earth." Of course, it's the home of Hershey's Chocolate. Here, you'll find Hershey's Chocolate World, tour of the facility to watch how Hershey's chocolate and candy are made and more. I want some chocolate right now.
The Poconos
The Poconos offer a great adventure for anyone in the area. This mountain range is located in northeastern Pennsylvania. It features several state parks packed with waterfalls, forests, lakes and streams, so it's a truly magical place. It's also great for hiking, swimming, camping and horse riding.
Allegheny National Forest
Allegheny National Forest is actually Pennsylvania's only national forest. Anyone who loves the outdoors would likely take in this spot, with more than 500,000 acres of pure forest. The forest also has a reservoir for fishing, windsurfing and water skiing and more water fun. It's really the perfect, remote getaway.
Hyner View State Park
If you want social media-worthy images, then Hyner View State Park is for you. Stationed in north-central Pennsylvania, this quaint park overlooks the Susquehanna River and offers a gorgeous, complete view of the river and surrounding mountains. It's a choice spot for hang gliding, too.
Lake Wallenpaupack
If water is your thing, then try visiting Lake Wallenpaupack during the warm months. What's crazy is that this is actually a man-made lake. It's huge and one of the largest in the state, at about 5,700 acres. Some things to do there in the summer include water skiing, swimming, boating, kayaking and more. Oh, and don't forget camping, which is big around these parts.
Philadelphia
Be a tourist in your own town and visit Philadelphia this season. Philly is one of America's favorite tourist destinations. It offers the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and many other historical landmarks. Philadelphia also has an award-winning Zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo, and countless museums. There's lots to do in Philly no matter the season.
Pittsburgh
On the west side of the state, you'll find Pittsburgh, which offers lots of travel fun. While it might not be considered quite as big a travel destination and Philly, it's getting there. One big draw is the Andy Warhol Museum, which offers a huge collection of the late pop-art great's work. Oh, and if you're feeling daring, try the Duquesne Incline, which takes riders to the top of Mount Washington.
Leonard Harrison State Park
The Leonard Harrison State Park offers an incredible view of the PA Grand Canyon, often called the Pine Creek Gorge. What's extra special is that Leonard Harrison State Park offers a food truck concession during the summertime, so it's easy and fun to get some local grub while you're enjoying the nature.
