Gov. Josh Shapiro embarked on an ambitious week-long RV tour across Pennsylvania, promoting the state’s new tourism brand, “The Great American Getaway.” Over seven days, Shapiro and his family made around 50 stops across 14 counties to highlight the commonwealth’s rich history, vibrant small towns, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions.
Here’s where he went and what he got up to during each stop.
Day 1: Launch in Lackawanna County
Gov. Shapiro kicked off the tour in Lackawanna County, unveiling Pennsylvania’s new state tourism brand. He emphasized Pennsylvania’s status as a premier weekend getaway destination within close driving proximity to major East Coast hubs. The Governor’s economic strategy highlights tourism as a key component, generating $76 billion annually and supporting over 486,000 jobs. Various leaders in tourism and economic development praised the initiative, including representatives from VisitPA and the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association.
Day 2: Philadelphia’s Premier Attractions
The tour continued in Philadelphia, where Gov. Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis promoted the city as a top travel destination ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The visit included stops at historical landmarks such as the Rocky statue and Independence Hall, and highlighted local small businesses like those in the BOK Building and Cherry Street Pier. The day culminated in a Great American Happy Hour at Mural City Cellars, celebrating Pennsylvania’s vibrant tourism and hospitality sectors.
Day 3: Small Businesses and Baseball in Lancaster
Gov. Shapiro visited Bedford and Lancaster, where he announced nearly $7 million in funding for community improvement projects. In Lancaster, he threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Lancaster Stormers game, showcasing the state’s sports events. The first family also visited the Southern Market Food Hall and Decades, a retro arcade and bowling alley, highlighting family-friendly attractions.
Day 4: Outdoor Adventures in Pittsburgh
In Pittsburgh, the tour highlighted the city’s selection as the host of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Governor and his family enjoyed a bike ride in Ohiopyle State Park and visited local attractions, including the Pittsburgh Glass Center and the strip district. The day underscored Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation and cultural experiences.
Day 5: Exploring the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
Governor Shapiro’s tour took him to Clarion, Tioga, and Warren counties. The itinerary included a hike in the Allegheny National Forest, a visit to the Foxburg Country Club, and a tour of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon in Leonard Harrison State Park. The day emphasized the state’s natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Day 6: Poconos’ Premier Destinations
The Shapiro family explored the Poconos, visiting Lake Wallenpaupack, Camelback Resort, and Skirmish Paintball Fields. These stops highlighted the region’s appeal for family-friendly outdoor adventures, from scenic boat tours to thrilling zip lines and paintball games.
Day 7: A Charming End in Bucks County
The tour concluded in Bucks County at Peddler’s Village, a charming destination known for its colonial-style buildings and award-winning gardens. Gov. Shapiro and first lady Lori Shapiro enjoyed local treats at Mama Hawk’s Kitchen & Coffee and Sticky Situations, promoting the unique shopping and dining experiences available in Pennsylvania’s small towns.
Pennsylvania Tourism
Throughout the tour, Gov. Shapiro emphasized the importance of tourism to Pennsylvania’s economy, advocating for his proposed $18 million investment in the sector. With millions of people living within a four-hour drive, Pennsylvania stands poised to attract even more visitors to its diverse and vibrant attractions.
This comprehensive tour not only celebrated Pennsylvania’s new tourism brand but also highlighted the state’s commitment to supporting small businesses, promoting economic growth, and showcasing the commonwealth as a premier travel destination.
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This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The Keystone staff.
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