Is PA depressing? (Pittsburgh, Erie, Lancaster: tech jobs, general contractor, income tax)

[cremebrulee]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl81

I'm amused that the first two "so many things to do" that you mention are not in Pennsylvania.

Erie. Pennsylvania borders on Lake Erie.

wull yeah, because PA is so centrally located....and close to so many other sites...
but I believe I did mention, PA activities as well...and, I do love the ocean, so of course that would be first and foremost...

and other festive events and things to do IN PA....

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Shawnee Village Resort located in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania in the Poconos

Pocono Mountains Official Site - Poconos Vacation & Visitors Information, Maps & Outdoor Activities, Hotel & Resorts, Conference & Convention Facilities

You want more stuff to do in PA?

Philadelphia Spirit Cruise & Luncheon

http://www.spiritofphiladelphia.com/ph/virtual_tour/virtual_index.jsp

Get Ready to Board the Philadelphia Spirit at 11:30 a.m. from Penn's Landing for a luncheon buffet. You will be entertained by a narrated tour of Philadelphia, and we're not done yet….it also includes entertainment! The performances change show to show, so there is no show written in stone…This would be a 2 hour cruise…that sets sail from Noon until 2 p.m. As we board we'll meet the captain of the ship, escorted to our table and served our salads. Thereafter, we will be invited to indulge in the Ships Grande Buffet which includes coffee, hot tea or ice tea.
Lunch At The King George Inn and Bristol Riverside Theater
Exciting New Revision of a Broadway Classics
King George Inn
In the stagecoach era of travel, the King George Inn was the patriarch of inns along the main route from New York to Philadelphia. In keeping with other royal inns throughout England, the King George II Inn provided hospitality, refreshments and friendly atmosphere for the traveler. During the 1800's, the King George II Inn catered to wealthy travelers drawn to Bristol, then a popular resort and spa, to bathe and drink from the nearby "Bristol Springs" which were known for their medicinal qualities

Then it's off to the Bristol Riverside Theater right next door to the King George Inn
After lunch we would walk to the Riverside Theater for a Musical show

Lunch at Lambertville Station & Ride The New Hope Ivy Land Railroad
This event would take us to the Lambertville's restored 19th century train station on the banks of the Delaware across the bridge from New Hope on the Jersey Side of the Delaware. This establishment is well known for its delicious home baked breads; including coconut bread, honey mustard dressing, and Ali-Tuna with Wasabi Puree

http://www.lambertvillestation.com/station.html (broken link)

Then it's off to Ride the New Hope Ivy Land Railroad

New Hope & Ivyland Railroad, New Hope, PA

This event would take us on board the New Hope Ivy Land Train
The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad is truly a unique means of entertainment. We will ride the rails in first class comfort while surrounded by the original mahogany and brass interior of one of our period passenger cars; The Railroad's period cars and exceptional service with complete on board bar and friendly professional staff will offer you and your guests the finest in hospitality.
And if we have time, we might get to walk around New Hope

Lunch at The City Tavern Then Off to The Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ
which is right across the river

The City Tavern Restaurant And Online Store, Philadelphia Pennsylvania

Lunch at the famous City Tavern Inn, served by a staff with 18 century fashions. A unique experience….this Tavern is 18th century all the way, showcasing Walter Staib, who is the owner and known as the Michelangelo of the Menu who made his American debut in 1967. In the past ten years he has successfully conceptualized and implemented more than 300 restaurants worldwide. For those of you who are watching the New HBO Series, John Adams…there are scenes shot in a replica of the City Tavern, with Adams and Franklin….Paul Revere, rode up to announce the closing of the port of Boston by the British government.
Mr. Staib's interest in history led him to research George Washington's recipe for "small beer," which became the basis for the Yards Brewery's contract brew for the City Tavern. The 1774 Beer is based on a recipe from Thomas Jefferson, also a home brewer at Monticello, with the help of a British brewer who visited him twice a year for that purpose. Walter Staib's cooking show can be seen on WFMZ-TV

http://www.adventureaquarium.com/index.cfm?sectionID=3,0,0,0

Experience Shark Rays, 350-pound Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Cownose Stingrays and a school of over 2,000 Blueback Herring…. RAINFOREST RENDEZVOUS You will be in a tropical rainforest where you can find the world's most exotic creatures. Visitors to this brand new, Mayan-inspired exhibit will be transported to this magical place and have the chance to meet some of its inhabitants including a chinchilla, a Short-tailed Opossum, diamondback terrapins, and much, more including cute, but fidgety Degu, a 6-foot long boa constrictor. The SHARK REALM - The moment you enter this 40-foot shark tunnel, you’ll feel eyes, following every move. Over 20 sharks and 850 animals live in our 550,000-gallon shark realm. So you can find yourself completely surrounded by some of the fiercest creatures in the ocean.

Lunch at the Brandywine Prime @ Chadd's Ford Inn & Tour Of Chaddsford Winery
Lunch at the Brandywine Prime 1 ½ miles from the Winery

http://www.brandywineprime.com/

When General George Washington’s fledgling American army faced the British at the Battle of the Brandywine in 1777, the Chadds Ford Inn (Brandywine Prime) was already 40 years old. During the past 30 years, the place saw almost as many ups and downs as the soldiers had seen, who tramped the surrounding hills and valleys.

Now the old homestead—the new Brandywine Prime Seafood & Chops—is hosting a winner. The hero this time is Dan Butler, one of Wilmington’s most successful chef-restaurateurs.

http://www.chaddsford.com/site/locations/chaddsford_winery.asp

Then off to the Chaddsford Winery…."Learn About Wines" We will learn the wine making and barrel aging cellars, taste the current vintage with cheese and crackers, browse the gift shop, and/or relax on the outdoor deck and grounds.

Lunch Aboard the Moshulu & Movie @ Tuttleman IMAX Theater

Moshulu Restaurant & Bar
Martin (Marty) Grims is a highly respected restaurateur in Pennsylvania & New Jersey. He launched his career at the top. As a member of the opening team of the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia in 1983, he applies that standard of quality in every restaurant he owns. A visionary who believes each restaurant and hotel should have its own character and personality; he takes pride in the Moshulu, which he re-opened in 2003, building the reputation for this grand ship as a highly respected restaurant and venue for private parties, social and corporate events.

Then It's Off to The Tuttleman IMAX Theater
"Dinosaurs Alive" or "Wild Ocean"
http://www2.fi.edu/theater/imax/dinosaurs.php

Using the latest computer animation technology, these awe-inspiring creatures are brought to life on the giant IMAX screen as they have never been seen before! The Tuttleman IMAX Theater is a Dome theatre that is truly unique in a number of ways. Unlike conventional dome theaters that are 180° encompassing, IMAX Dome screens are also tilted at 30 degrees. The special seating places the audience up in the dome completely involving them in the show. The dome is over 70 feet across and 4.5 stories tall. In addition, 20,000 watts of amplifier power and over 50 speakers will make you feel like you are part of the action.

Lancaster Amish Country For The Day
Lunch at the Shady Maple; know as the Behemoth of Buffets[/SIZE]
Authentic Amish Buggy Ride[/SIZE]
Tour Kitchen Kettle Village
You have to spend a few days in Lancaster County and visit all the Amish Tourist Sights, such as Sight and Sound Theater...amazing!!!
Arrive at The Awesome Shady Maple Smorgasbord for lunch. What an experience! Authentic PA Dutch Cookin You have not lived until you've experienced Shady Maple![/center]http://www.shady-maple.com/smorgasbord
Then, it's off to Kitchen Kettle Village, to AAA Buggy Rides for a beautiful 55 minute Buggy ride through the Amish countryside of Intercourse, PA and through a covered bridge.
http://www.aaabuggyrides.com/index_kk.htm
Then walk around Kitchen Kettle Village and Shop or Browse for 1 ½ hour. This is Lancaster County's World Famous canning kitchen, sample jams, and relishes made right before your eyes. Stroll down Pepper Lane and eat as you go…hand rolled fudge, homemade ice cream, hot pretzels, and freshly baked goods. Plus, shop, till you drop, or until the bus leaves
http://shop.kitchenkettle.com/?gclid=COXPm6Pcm5ICFQYZuwodmxw47Q

Now, if you would like more events in PA...I'd be happy to oblige
How bout the Shad Festival along the Delaware River
Tubbing down the River
How bout taking a ride out to Western PA to visit Falling Water
Celtic Festival
Bethlehem at Christmas Time
The Poconos, for so many activities....all 4 seasons
Visit Pa for an array of colors when the leaves change in Autumn
Visit all the Northern Counties...We call then God's Country...Potato City...Coudersport...virgin forests and streams, hunting, fishing

Or how bout Dorney Park?

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom - PA Amusement Park & Waterpark, over 100 rides and attractions

Want more?

[blcapdee]

Sure, there are nice parts of PA, as there are nice parts of every state in the US. But I have to agree with the statement that PA, as a whole, IS depressing. And no, I don't blame the weather. I live in New England and we have the same weather.

[weezy18]

Don't see anything for Clearfield County - nothing that a person who lives here and makes a little over min. wage can do - oh, use half or more of a paycheck for gas to get to these places. yes, we do have Curwensville Lake, Bilger's Rocks.

[cremebrulee]

Originally Posted by blcapdee

Sure, there are nice parts of PA, as there are nice parts of every state in the US. But I have to agree with the statement that PA, as a whole, IS depressing. And no, I don't blame the weather. I live in New England and we have the same weather.

I'm interested in why you believe PA is depressing compared to other states?

Creme

[Bwads31]

The negativity of this topic is depressing! I don't know how you can say a whole state, one as large as PA is depressing. Maybe some areas are depressing like Western PA are but I don't think the whole state is. I live in SE PA and I think most who live in this part of the state really like it. Unlike western PA the population is rising around here for a reason. There are alot of jobs and plenty to do. The weather is decent, certainly more sunny days than western PA.
So no I don't think PA is depressing maybe just parts of it.

[Ohiogirl81]

Originally Posted by Bwads31

I don't know how you can say a whole state, one as large as PA is depressing. Maybe some areas are depressing like Western PA are but I don't think the whole state is.

I don't know how you can say an entire half of one state as large as Pennsylvania is depressing.

[stan1977]

Originally Posted by SWB

ONLY $250/month to heat your two-story home? Try paying more along the lines of $500/month to heat a ranch-style home, like my parents do, and they live within walking distance of you!

??????????? Do they have the heat on 90.

[PhillyPhan]

in my mind, since i live in lancaster county, that area is not depressing at all, but having been to erie, pittsburgh and indiana and mckeesport, that area is completely depressing. however the majority of the eastern half of pennsylvania is awesome.

[PITTSTONIAN]

The people in NEPA are the most depressing part. They seem pi$$ed off most of the time. (at least when I'm visiting there). I think it's because they're taxed to death. I guess, the high heating bills, low paying jobs and cloudy weather makes it too difficult to be nice?

Not to mention they are extremly cliquish or is the word I'm looking for klanish.. as in KKK...?

[Bwads31]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl81

I don't know how you can say an entire half of one state as large as Pennsylvania is depressing.

What I am saying is 'maybe' western PA is depressing as many on here seem to think it is. What I was saying is that most people in the area that I live seem to like it in PA.