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Reading is a historic city of about 95,000 people on the Schuylkill River in southeastern Pennsylvania, about 60 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Laid out in 1748 by the sons of William Penn, it became an industrial powerhouse of railroads, iron and textiles, and the Reading Railroad was immortalized on the Monopoly board.
The Reading Pagoda, a seven-story Japanese-style landmark built in 1908 on Mount Penn, glows over the city at night and offers sweeping views. Downtown along Penn Street has historic buildings, the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in a former goggle factory, and the Santander Arena for concerts and hockey. The Reading Public Museum has art, science and a planetarium in a classical building in the city's west end.
Each June the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum hosts one of the country's largest World War II reenactment weekends. Lake Ontelaunee and the trails of Mount Penn offer outdoor escapes, and Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with farm markets, pretzel bakeries and the Daniel Boone Homestead, surrounds the city.
Reading Public Museum is a large art and science museum with paintings, ancient Egyptian and classical artifacts, natural history displays and a planetarium. Its arboretum grounds are free to walk. Allow two to three hours, and check planetarium show times when you buy tickets.
Berks History Center, run by the Historical Society of Berks County, has exhibits on local history from Native American life to the Reading Railroad, plus a research library. It is a good place to learn about the area's Pennsylvania German heritage. Check the hours, as it is closed some days.
Mid-Atlantic Air Museum at Reading Regional Airport restores and displays historic aircraft, including World War II bombers and fighters and rare airliners. Volunteers often work on planes in the hangar. Ask staff about restoration projects, and check for special event days with open cockpits.
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts is a large arts center in a former safety goggle factory, with galleries, artist studios, a glassblowing studio, a film theater and classes. Visitors can watch artists at work. Admission to the galleries is free, and studios are most open on weekends.
Santander Performing Arts Center is a restored 1920s theater downtown that hosts touring Broadway shows, concerts, comedy and the Reading Symphony Orchestra. Its ornate interior is a draw on its own. Book ahead for popular shows, and park in the garages nearby on Penn Street.
The Reading Pagoda is a seven-story Japanese-style pagoda on Mount Penn, built in 1908 and lit up at night as a city symbol. Visitors can climb inside for wide views over Reading. The building has a small cafe and gift shop, but check opening times ahead since hours are limited.
The William Penn Memorial Fire Tower is a stone observation tower on Skyline Drive above Reading, built in 1939. Climbing the stairs gives some of the widest views of the city and Berks County. It is open seasonally on weekends, so plan your visit around a clear day for the best views.
Skyline Drive winds along the ridge of Mount Penn above Reading, linking the Pagoda and the William Penn fire tower. Pullouts give views across the city and valley, and trails lead into the woods. Drive it slowly, as the road is narrow and curvy, and visit at sunset for city lights.
Neversink Mountain Preserve is a large wooded preserve on the edge of Reading with trails past ruins of old resort hotels and a former mountain railway. Hikes range from easy to steep. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a trail map, and look for the views of the Schuylkill River from the ridge.
Berks County Heritage Center, just outside Reading, includes the Gruber Wagon Works, a restored 19th-century wagon factory, and the C. Howard Hiester Canal Center along the old Union Canal. Trails follow the canal and Tulpehocken Creek. Visit tours in season and walk the towpath after.
FirstEnergy Stadium is home to the Reading Fightin Phils, the Double-A team of the Philadelphia Phillies, and is known for its fun promotions and a pool beyond the outfield. Tickets are affordable and the atmosphere is lively. Arrive early to explore the food stands and family areas.
Downtown Reading centers on Penn Street and Penn Square, with historic buildings, the Santander Arena, the performing arts center and many Latin American restaurants. Look up at the old bank and hotel buildings as you walk. Try local Puerto Rican and Dominican food, and use the city garages for parking.
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Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania, United States
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