Road Trip – Berks County, Reading, PA

A Jersey Girl headed to the Pennsylvania Suburbs to experience the Berks County parks and discover and explore everything these parks and local attractions have to offer. Sam gave us all the details you need to know when planning your trip to Berks County! 

First Stop: Red Bridge Park- 

• Located along the crisp Tulpehocken Creek 
• Endless opportunities for fly fishing 
• Trails for wheels or legs 
• Home of the Wertz’s Bridge, Pennsylvania’s largest single-span covered bridge! 
• Neighbors with Berks County Heritage Center! Offering tours May-October 
• Want to enjoy a meal in the shade? Their large pavilion area is perfect! 
• Get your exercise in at their badminton court 
• The park’s trails are a part of The Union Canal Trail.

Next on the journey: Stonecliffe Park- 

• Located along the one and only Schuylkill River 
• Skate and Bike park for local daredevils! 
• Training area perfect for an outdoor workout! 
• Paths for walking and biking along the river and under the train tracks 
• Roundabout route perfect for kiddos learning to bike ride! 
• A playground with a pavilion perfect for parents that love the shade
• Soccer fields for all aspiring to be Ronaldo 
• Trees made for climbing 

Quick Stop:Penn State Berks- 

• Near Red Bridge Park 
• Home to the Nittany Lion and funky murals great for photos!

Lunch Break: Say Cheese!– 

• Offers lunch and dinner with brunch on Sundays 
• Wednesday night is Jazz night with a live band 
• 10% Student discounts 
• Feeling fancy? Wine and Cheese shop right next door 
• Follow Them on Instagram to explore more!

History Pitstop: Reading Public Museum– 

• Here are some exhibits that are great for all ages! 
  • Animal Habitats 
  • European art 
  • American art 
  • Modern and Contemporary art 
  • North American Indian 
  • Latin American 
  • Ancient Civilization 
  • Pennsylvania German 
  • Arms & Armor
    • Includes different kinds of ancient weapons, suits, and samurai warrior armor. 
  • PA superstar Keith Haring pieces  
  • A planetarium with different star shows, including a Pink Floyd show. 
  • The Wyomissing Creek flows through the grounds of the museum, which adds to the beauty of the museum.
  • Follow them on Instagram

Viewpoint: Reading Pagoda- 

• Closed for renovations but still great to see 
• Outstanding views and the drive-up is filled with beauty and winding roads

Take me out to the ballgame: Reading Phillies- 

• Check their schedule to get tickets for your road trip! 
• A beautiful monument dedicated to Veterans is located outside of the stadium 
• A ceremonial flag is raised at each game to honor a specific Veteran.

Sweet Tooth: Plum Creek Farm Market & Creamery 

• Full menu with unlimited sweets and more! Super tasty ice cream 
• Endless cheeses, fruits, veggies, and baked goods at the Farms Market. The edible cookie dough is a fan favorite. 
• A parent’s dream: an outdoor seating area with a playground.
• Follow them on Instagram to see what treats you can get!

Dinner Time: Ganly’s Irish Pub–  

• Large selection of beer 
• Classic American food 
• Iconic Irish dishes 
• Minutes away from Blue Marsh Lake 
• Find them on Facebook

Last Stop: Blue Marsh Lake- 

• Ideal lake for fishing, boating, swimming 
• Get your steps in with beautiful hiking trails 
• Flawless spot for picnics 

History Lesson: The man-made lake was created in the 70s to prevent flood damage. When they flooded this area to make the lake, they left the houses, roads, and more intact, which led it to become a popular scuba diving area.